House Republicans Ready To Fight Waxman-Markey Bill

The American Clean Energy and Security Act, an expansive piece of climate change legislation backed by Reps. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Edward Markey (D-Mass.), faces an uphill battle at the hands of House Republicans.

“The proponents of this legislation...have maybe 190 votes. That falls way short of the necessary 218,” said House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) during a press conference Wednesday. “The American people are growing very weary...of the cost and consequences of the democratic agenda in the House.”

House Republicans warned that the bill could eliminate jobs by threatening coal production and pose huge costs.

“This is the largest national energy tax this nation is going to see,” said Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio). “Some people want to call it cap-and-trade but this is cap-and-tax.”

Rep. Latta's prescription for energy independence

"I think if Congress would come in here and finish the deal on this thing and say we can drill both onshore and offshore, [...] I think you'd see a collapse of oil prices," said Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio) in an exclusive interview with Talk Radio News. Latta discussed issues relating to America's increased energy prices, and what he feels would be the best course of action.

"It's not just about oil, we need to have a strategic plan for nuclear, for clean coal technology. It's not just saying we're going to drill", he continued. "We need an across-the-board [...] debate on the total energy policy in this nation". When asked about the role renewable sources of energy should play in US energy policy, Latta said all of the options need to work together. He goes on to say that each individual option, including renewables, may not produce enough energy to meet the base-load needs of the United States. However, together he feels they can help substantially reduce the amount of oil the US is forced to import from other nations.

Today on the floor of the House of Representatives, Latta stated that he believes it could take years for a solution to have a big impact on our dependence on foreign oil. In light of this comment, when asked what he would say to the families and businesses in America struggling because of energy prices, Latta said he would tell them that they could expect energy commodity prices to drop as soon as comprehensive energy policy is passed. He also believes that as soon as Congress begins to say that it plans to take steps to solve America's energy dependence, we can expect to see energy prices decline.

Rep. Kline longs for the Democrats

"I wish the Democrats were here", said Rep. John Kline during a speech today on the floor of the House of Representatives, in which he expressed his desire for the Democrats to return to Congress for a vote on energy legislation. He and other Republican members of the House continued their call for Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to call an emergency session of Congress.

Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) agreed with Kline, though also pointing out that any new endeavors to procure new energy can take a considerable amount of time. However, he remained confident that the United States could see a substantial change in oil prices in less than ten years. He compared the quest for new sources of energy to the lengthy construction time of the United States Capitol.

Last night on CNN Speaker Pelosi said she was open to a vote on energy legislation containing offshore drilling. However, some Republican speakers expressed concern that Speaker Pelosi would not follow through on her commitment.

Republicans up in the air over oil production

House Republicans held a press conference to discuss their trip to Alaska and Colorado on the American Energy Tour. House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) noted that oil production in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska has declined, chastising Democrats for standing in the way of Congressional progress on energy issues. According to Boehner, Republicans embrace a holistic energy strategy that includes drilling, conservation, and increasing the development of oil alternatives.

Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio) noted the importance of Alaska’s infrastructure, saying 17 percent of the continental United States' oil travels through Alaskan pipelines. When questioned on short term oil production increases, Boehner cited a report that says new drilling could begin in Alaska in as little as six months. After flying over the region, Boehner stated there there is little topographical difference between the National Petroluem Reserve - Alaska (NPR-A,) where drilling currently takes place, and the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR.) He then questioned Democrats’ support for drilling in the NPR-A, contrasting this support with adamant Democratic opposition to drilling for oil in ANWR.

Boehner added that drilling leaves few environmental footprints, noting technological advances that have made oil production more efficient. In her statement, Rep. Mary Fallin (R-Okla.) said wildlife and drilling can co-exist, recalling the presence of caribou along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System and warnings of aggressive polar bears in the region.

Americans can’t afford democrats’ waiting-game

As national gas prices continue to increase, House Republicans held a news conference in response to the lack of a sufficient energy bill on the Hill. After having spent a week in their districts talking to constituents, speakers returned to Washington calling for legislation that would increase the domestic production of oil.

The importance of oil in the American economy was emphasized by Rep. John Carter (R-Texas). Carter said that an increase in gas prices will lead to an increase in production costs of all goods, an increase that would further stretch the wallets of the American consumer. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-Colo.) added that gas prices are preventing middle class Americans from making an income and that continued high prices may cause many to experience severe financial struggles.

Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio) discussed the effect of high fuel costs in his district and stated that a comprehensive energy plan must be developed for the United States. Latta said that it is crucial that Congress form a strategy soon, saying that otherwise one will not be developed. Latta also said that waiting to react on the issue of high gas prices is “a luxury we cannot afford” and that drilling in the ANWR would benefit the United States.

Republican Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.) expressed excitement when asked about the presidential campaign, saying that differences between republican and democratic policies in Congress can finally be brought to the forefront of presidential debates. Blunt noted that in the past twelve years, 85 percent of republicans have voted to increase the domestic production of oil while 85 percent of democrats have opposed increased domestic production, waiting rather for alternative solutions. Blunt said that republicans have a larger understanding of rising oil prices and intelligent solutions to the issue.