Ohio State Representative Jarrod Martin (R-Beavercreek) was joined by his fellow caucus members in signing and delivering letters to U.S. Senators George V. Voinovich and Sherrod Brown, regarding deep concern of the cap and trade and other impairing regulations.
“I fully support efforts to make the United States more energy independent and to protect the environment. However, it is doubtful these proposals would have any impact and would punish Ohio consumers with increased energy costs,” Martin said. “Our economy continues to struggle. We will not be helping anyone by putting into place policies that would drive more businesses out of Ohio and increase energy costs for every consumer.”
In the letters, House Republicans outlined growing concerns of the economic consequences of legislative or administrative efforts to implement cap and trade policies or to regulate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as pollutants. Moreover, concerns in the letter also expressed that Ohio is so reliant on these energy producers that these increased costs are really another tax in disguise that will impact all Ohioans. The implementation of these policies would be extremely damaging to Ohio’s long-term success and budget sustainability.
House Republicans hope to encourage Senators Voinovich and Brown to oppose cap and trade and other proposed greenhouse gas regulations and assert that as the state budget continues to face ongoing revenue shortfalls, establishing new taxes on traditional energy sources as a way to subsidize will lead to a steeper economic downfall.
To read the letter, go here.