American Clean Energy and Security Act moves to Senate floor
AMARILLO, TEXAS -- A major energy climate bill is on it's way to the Senate floor after narrowly passing the House.
Opponents say, that the American Clean Energy and Security Act could ruin the oil and gas industry.
The bill would cap fossil fuel emissions, to a level similar to what was emitted in the year 1907.
It's an attempt to curb global warming and encourage those fossil fuel companies who could not reach that level, to trade permits with companies who have reached their goal.
"You wouldn't ask Yahoo to subsidize Google, that's not the American way, " said PPROA President Jason Herrick, "We want competition for our products out there and unfortunately what we're setting up is a situation where we're asking one group or industry to subsidize another group of industry."
Supporters of the bill say that it will set the US on a path of clean American energy, and is essential in solving global warming.
Critics are asking if it's worth the cost for consumers.
"In the end the consumer is going to be the one to pay for all these types of alternative energy even when there are sources of electricity that can be used at a very low cost at a much more economic cost to all us folks in Amarillo, in the Panhandle and the United States as a whole." Herrick said.
Local Representative Mac Thornberry says, this bill has been pushed too fast and there are portions of this legislation that would take away our freedoms.
"For example, if you wanted to sell your house, with this legislation, you would have to match the Government's Environmental Standard, and if it doesn't you will have to pay whatever it costs to get your house up to a certain efficiency standard--regulated but the Federal Government."
Proponents for this legislation, like author Henry Waxman, R-CA, say it is a step in the right direction for our environment, and to help loosen our dependence on foreign oil.
