Cap and Trade

The idea of improving our environment and shifting toward renewable energy is a legitimate goal. Using a Cap and Trade scheme to achieve this goal is reckless and irresponsible.

Cap and Trade is nothing more than a complex taxing scheme. Electric generation that is sourced from high carbon emitters, such as coal, the heart of Southwest Virginia economy, will require credits to offset the carbon emissions. These carbon-offset credits will cost money.

This money will come from hard working men and women, small business owners and local governments in the form of higher electric bills.  The final cost to the consumer is not known right now, all estimates indicate the increase will be significant.

I will oppose Cap and Trade in all forms. If implemented I will fight to repeal it.  Our families simply cannot be burdened with another tax.

Devastating to Coal Industry/ Southwest Virginia Economy

Fifty percent of the United States power grid is powered by coal. Why is this the case? Because coal is the most abundant fossil fuel in the United States and it is very affordable in comparison to other forms of power generation. It has been said the United States is the Saudi Arabia of coal.
By taxing, through Cap and Trade, the cost associated with coal-fired power generation skyrockets. New coal-fired plants across the United States are being shelved for fear of Cap and Trade.

What happens to the economy of Southwest Virginia when coal plays a less important role in power generation? What happens to the thousands of workers who are displaced?

Cap and Trade: Further Erosion of US Manufacturing

The March 20, 2009 editorial page of the Wall Street Journal summarized the effects of Cap and Trade:

"So in addition to all the other economic harm, a cap-and-trade tax will make foreign companies more competitive while eroding market share for U.S. businesses. The most harm will accrue to the very U.S. manufacturing and heavy-industry jobs that Democrats and unions claim to want to keep inside the U.S. A cap-and-tax plan would be the greatest outsourcing boon in history. And it may even increase CO2 emissions overall, because the developing nations where businesses are likely to relocate — if they don’t simply close — tend to use energy less efficiently than does the U.S.₁"

If Cap and Trade is implemented, United States companies will be taxed out of existence.

What happens when there are no more manufacturing jobs left?  What industry will take its place?

Please read the "Heaton Plan for Renewable Energy"

(1) Cap and Trade War, Wall Steet Journal, Page 22