11-24-09

This is from Jeff Merkley, US Senator for Oregon

As they don't allow a direct e-mail, I don't have my letter to him but you can figure out what was said pretty easy.

A typical canned response ignoring the realities of the bill he talks about meaning, higher taxes for everybody.

Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns about proposals to break America's dependence on foreign oil and other polluting energy sources.  It is an honor to serve as your Senator, and I appreciate hearing from you. 

I believe that changing how America uses energy is one of the most important issues our nation will face in my lifetime.To reduce our dependence on oil, and strengthen America's energy independence, I believe we must invest in more effective energy policies, including developing clean American energy sources by investing in energy efficiency, setting higher gas mileage standards, encouraging the development of electric vehicles, and promoting renewable energy such as wind and solar.  These approaches create jobs and build our economy here at home, rather than sending billions of dollars abroad.  I understand, however, concerns that constituents have raised about particular approaches to combat global warming. I am especially cognizant of concerns regarding the possibility that such legislation would increase energy costs for consumers and businesses.

Any approach to addressing climate change should be designed to protect working families and small businesses from bearing disproportionate cost impacts, and to maximize job creation and other benefits. I believe that a comprehensive clean energy jobs plan, which invests in clean energy strategies, can be enacted in a manner that limits costs while directly reducing pollution. Some measures, such as energy efficiency renovations for homes and businesses, can actually reduce energy costs because consumers use less energy even as rates increase. Similarly, more fuel-efficient vehicles save consumers money because they need less gas even as gas prices rise. 

By moving quickly to build a clean energy economy and address climate change, we can also create thousands of jobs for Oregonians and create business opportunities for companies in Oregon and across the U.S. that establish leadership in meeting clean energy needs. Oregon companies are already leaders in energy efficiency strategies, as well as solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass energy.  With the help of strong renewable energy policies at the state level, these companies have been able to grow and create jobs.

As you may know, Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) recently introduced the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act (S. 1733), which passed the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee with my support on November 5, 2009. This legislation will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, making our nation stronger, create jobs across the country in the clean energy sector, and, by promoting energy conservation, free families and businesses from the rising costs of fossil fuels on which we are now dependent.  Please know that as we move forward in this process, I will keep your concerns in mind.

Thank you, again, for sharing your thoughts with me. I hope you will continue to keep me informed about the issues that matter most to you.

Jeff Merkley
United States Senate