By Rikki Cason<br><a href="mailto:rikki.cason@journal-register.com">E-mail Rikki</a>
Gas prices are a sore subject in Western New York. As the cost of a gallon of gasoline rises each day, there’s a new tax proposed that could push the cost of gasoline even higher, Republican lawmakers warn.
U.S. Rep. Chris Lee, R-Clarence, held a news conference Tuesday at the Shelby Ethanol Plant in Medina to unveil a new “all of the above” plan to create jobs, lower gas prices and clean up the environment.
“We need to focus our energy needs in our own country,” Lee said.
According to the American Energy Act of 2009, the bill would increase production of American-made energy; promote new, clean and renewable sources of energy such as nuclear, wind, clean-coal and solar energy; and extend tax incentives for energy efficiency.
Lee is among 100 members of the House of Representatives to support the new plan, and he is now embarking on a summer-long energy solutions tour.
Lee also shared his concerns about a new national energy tax, supported by Democrats, that could be up for a vote as soon as Friday. He said that the cap and trade program — designed to limit emissions — will create a huge tax to be paid for by consumers every time they use the pump or heat their home.
“People should be very concerned,” Lee said. “The bill will devastate farmers.”
Lee said if the bill passes, more than 1,000 farmers could be out of business in areas like Western New York where farming is a critical part of the economy. He said as prices increase, farmers are already struggling to pay for gas, fertilizer and other necessities, and this will make it even more difficult for them to survive.
The new tax could raise gas prices between $.60 and $1.60 per gallon, Lee said. Although he agrees with the need to clean up the environment, Lee said the proposed plan will cause many to lose jobs and that there are better ways to go green than by taxing consumers to a cleaner environment.
As his summer tour continues, Lee’s goal is to inform the public about what the national energy tax will do and how it will impact Western New York families.
For more about Lee’s “all of the above” energy plan, visit chrislee.house.gov/energysolutions.
