Earlier today Representative Ed Perlmutter responded to my letter urging him to vote against the Waxman-Markey massive energy “cap and tax” (no doubt with boilerplate language):
As you may know, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 is important legislation to help build a new clean energy economy. This bill will create millions of clean energy jobs, put America on a path to energy independence, and help limit carbon emissions which contribute to global warming. As a supporter of green energy initiatives, I am fortunate for the opportunity to represent Colorado’s 7th Congressional District, which is home to the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) located in Golden. I am a proponent of wind and solar energy as well as other forms of renewable energy and will continue to do all I can to work toward the advancement of a sustainable energy policy to meet our nation’s growing energy demands. It is essential to collectively move in the direction of energy sustainability.
Pleasant words unencumbered by economic realities. A Heritage Foundation analysis released today finds that Colorado’s 7th Congressional District — represented by Perlmutter, where I live — would be in for a major economic shock if Waxman-Markey is enacted.
In 2012 alone, the first year the law would go into effect, the “cap and tax” bill is projected to cost the 7th District and its residents (per person figures in parentheses based on estimated population of 700,000):
- $316.2 million in economic output ($452 per person)
- $476.6 million in personal income ($681 per person)
- 3,675 jobs
Estimated total losses from 2012 through 2035 inflicted by “cap and tax” on the 7th Congressional District:
- $15.1 billion in economic output
- $6.6 billion in personal income
- 61,056 jobs
These numbers, taken together with others from each of the nation’s 435 Congressional districts, line up with similar findings by the Brookings Institution and the National Black Chamber of Commerce.
Folks, this is bad, BAD news. Energy costs for you and your family would go way up. The local and national economy would suffer even worse than the current recession. Thousands of jobs would be lost in the Denver area, millions nationwide.
It’s not too late to speak out before tomorrow’s vote on the House floor. Maybe Ed Perlmutter’s mind can’t be changed, but maybe your representative can be persuaded.
Mr. Bob has more. Contact your representative now!
I have been bugging Rep. Perlmutter (and Polis, Coffman and Sen. Udall) on Twitter for several weeks now. I was beginning to think that I was the only 7th district citizen trying to get these matters delt with; glad I’m not!
Or maybe people will change there energy habits and start using less. Or maybe people will switch to cheaper renewable energy, since the drivers will be there to create cheaper renewables. This is the future. There will be no “good time” according to your analysis. Sometimes we have to make hard choices.