A Plan to Lower Gas Prices

As Western New Yorkers brace for costly home heating bills and with gas prices continuing to rise, I have begun an Energy Solutions Tour to talk to Western New Yorkers about a national energy tax proposal being considered in Washington that would make the situation even worse. In addition, on this page you can learn more about my Energy Advisory board which is comprised of a broad cross-section of the area’s energy producers, leaders in alternative energy and renewable fields.

A so-called "cap-and-trade" bill, which is designed to reduce greenhouse gases -- a worthy goal, and one I certainly support -- creates a massive energy tax that will be paid in the form of higher prices for consumers, fewer jobs in a range of key industries, and more government. By trying to tax our way to a cleaner environment, we will further damage an already fragile job market and heap additional pain on families who are already struggling to make ends meet.

Instead of punishing financially-strapped middle class families, our focus should be on taking steps to reduce harmful emissions through clean, reliable, and affordable energy sources.

That is why I have joined with my colleagues to introduce the American Energy Act, which implements an “all-of-the-above” solution that offers more affordable energy, more good-paying jobs, energy independence, and a cleaner environment.