Rep. Jenkins: Carbon Tax Isn't The Answer

Press Release

A carbon tax would raise energy prices on West Virginia's families and put jobs in jeopardy, U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) said on the House floor.

"According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, a carbon tax would hurt our economy, it would raise prices, and diminish people's purchasing power. It would reduce the number of hours people worked, resulting in lost wages. It would also disproportionately hurt low-income families and raise energy prices for seniors and for families," he said.

"West Virginia already has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation. What we need are policies that create more jobs, encourage companies to expand and hire, diversify our economy, and reinvest in our people."

The House voted today to pass H. Con. Res. 89, a resolution disapproving of a carbon tax. The resolution passed 237-163.

Please click here to watch Rep. Jenkins' remarks.

The full remarks are below.

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The House will vote this week on a resolution of disapproval on a carbon tax, a new tax that would greatly hurt my state of West Virginia.

"West Virginia's the second largest producer of coal in the United States. The coal mined in West Virginia made this country what it is today. It made the steel that built skyscrapers and the ships that won world wars. If a carbon tax would be imposed, all of this would change.

"According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, a carbon tax would hurt our economy, it would raise prices, and diminish people's purchasing power. It would reduce the number of hours people worked, resulting in lost wages. It would also disproportionately hurt low-income families and raise energy prices for seniors and for families.

"West Virginia already has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation. What we need are policies that create more jobs, encourage companies to expand and hire, diversify our economy, and reinvest in our people.

"Our coal miners and our coal fields have suffered enough. They can't afford a tax on the very energy West Virginia produces. The message is clear: West Virginia needs more jobs and reinvestment, not a carbon tax."

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