Tuesday, December 25, 2007

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