Congressman Childers’ Statement on Energy Vote

June 26, 2009

Washington, DC – Congressman Travis Childers (D-MS) released the following statement regarding his vote against the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (H.R. 2454), which passed in the House by a vote of 219-212:

"Like many of my colleagues, I strongly support increasing American energy independence and protecting our environment through conservation and the use of clean and renewable energy sources. Our national security and global future depend on the creation of a comprehensive energy policy. During my first few months in Congress, I even outlined a six-point plan to reduce our nation’s reliance on foreign oil and promote the use of alternative energy sources.

"While I commend the Administration’s and House leadership’s commitment to legislation intended to promote conservation and energy independence, I could not in good conscience vote for a bill that could significantly raise costs for hard working American families and producers – specifically the agriculture industry – during today’s difficult economic times.

"For American agriculture and American families, higher energy costs could considerably outweigh potential benefits. These costs will be passed on to agriculture’s production inputs, and businesses will pass on the cost of emission allowances to consumers, creating a ripple effect that makes total costs and potential benefits impossible to measure. Having no way of knowing the ultimate cost for both families and industries, I felt it was irresponsible to vote for this bill.

"Additionally, the bill will likely have a disproportionate effect on energy consumers in the South. It is a well-known fact that Southern energy suppliers have fewer opportunities than their counterparts in other regions to develop alternative sources, which puts them on an unlevel playing field and creates higher bills for Southern families.

"This being said, I applaud House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson for his tireless work to incorporate provisions in the bill that are critical to the American agriculture and forestry industries. I supported his amendments, which give the U.S. Department of Agriculture appropriate authority in a cap-and-trade program, among other important provisions. However, for the reasons outlined above, I could not vote for the bill as a whole.

"I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come up with an effective comprehensive energy policy, as well as my colleagues throughout Mississippi to ensure our state works to further develop clean and renewable energy sources that reduce costs for hard working families."