Sen. Lugar's Response to H.R. 2454

Friends,

Below is a response I recently received from Sen. Lugar concerning H.R. 2454. I appreciate and support his stand against the bill. The only exception I would make towards his response is that I do not believe nor deem it legal that Congress regulate or legislate climate control in any form.

Thank you,
Sam Wamsley



Senator Lugar's Response is enclosed below:

Dear Mr. Wamsley:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the issue of climate change. I appreciate this opportunity to respond.

On June 26, 2009, the United States House of Representatives passed H.R. 2454, also known as the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. I oppose this legislation as it is an extraordinarily expensive bill with very little positive impact on our environment.

The House bill requires greenhouse gas emissions be reduced by 17 percent by 2020 and 83 percent by 2050 from 2005 levels. To accomplish these goals the legislation would create a tradable system of credits or permits that allow an entity to generate greenhouse gasses. These credits would be allocated according to past emissions as well as auctioned. Over time, the total number of credits would be reduced.

On a related note, I also oppose any effort by the Environmental Protection Agency to unilaterally regulate greenhouse gases without Congressional legislative approval.

While I do believe that Congress must address the issue of climate change, the solutions must be realistic and sustainable and also mindful of our current economic conditions. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate on this important issue. Again, thank you for contacting me.


Sincerely,


Richard G. Lugar
United States Senator

RGL/cga