A Vote for Energy Consumers
TOOLBOX   Resize Text
 Save/Share +
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
|
With regard to Sen. Mary Landrieu's vote last week on the energy bill, columnist Steven Pearlstein clearly demonstrated that he does not understand how a $12 billion tax increase on the oil and gas industry would burden American consumers [Sunday Briefing, Business, Dec. 16].
There is nothing "comprehensive" about an energy policy that unfairly punishes U.S. businesses. If Congress were to place additional taxes on domestically produced energy, the net effect would be a subsidy for foreign competitors and higher energy prices for everyone.
Ms. Landrieu's state is home to a $70 billion energy industry, and her concerns about a bill containing punitive tax measures were certainly warranted. Ms. Landrieu exhibited the courage to stand up for consumers who would have been left "footing the bill" for the ill-advised legislation.
At a time when this country is concerned about energy security, lawmakers should be taking steps to help make U.S. businesses more viable in the world market -- not less. Ms. Landrieu did just that when she exerted her independence, examined the facts and voted against the energy bill.
CHRIS JOHN
President, Louisiana Mid-Continent
Oil and Gas Association
Baton Rouge
