Minnick to vote against climate change bill

admin//June 26, 2009//

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Rep. Walt Minnick said June 26 that he will vote against a bill designed to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on “cap and trade” legislation that would impose limits on gases like carbon dioxide that contribute to global warming and give polluters permits to emit the gases. The bill, often referred to as Waxman-Markey, would allow companies under the limits to sell excess credits to companies that don’t have enough.

Minnick said in a statement that the bill is not the best way to control emissions.

“It will raise prices, make it harder to invest and is bad for business at a time when we must be focused on creating jobs,” he said.

Minnick said he favored an approach that would reward consumers and businesses for conservation and investment in clean energy. He suggested additional tax incentives for new energy technologies and taxes on the biggest polluters with rebates for their customers.

“Our nation desperately needs a new approach to deal with the frightening consequences of a deteriorating atmosphere,” Minnick said. “But I believe there is a better way than ‘cap and trade.’”

The Democratic-backed bill advanced in the House of Representatives this morning after clearing a procedural hurdle in a 217-205 vote, Reuters reported. A final vote was planned for later June 26.