Cap & Trade
“I was very excited to see the tremendous turnout in both St. Cloud and Woodbury from so many 6th district residents interested in learning more about the serious ramifications of this cap-and-trade, or as I call it, cap-and-tax, policy proposed by the Obama Administration. While it is being messaged as a tax against big business polluters, the financial burden directly impacts every consumer. This tax will not only result in higher energy bills, it will increase the cost of everything from groceries to school supplies.
But, let’s be honest: This isn’t really about being green, it’s about making green. The Democrats need the revenues this will generate to pay for their expensive spending agenda. But, that’s short-sighted because it will cost far more in the long-run than it will bring in. Any way you look at it, it’s low- and middle-income Americans who will pay dearly for this – especially in Minnesota. Cap-and-trade will increase energy costs for all energy consumers, but it will particularly raise costs for those who get their energy from coal-fired utilities, which are more dominant in the Midwest.
With our economy in the shape that it’s in, everybody’s tightening their belts. Everybody’s worried about making their mortgage payments. Everybody knows someone out of work and wonders if they’ll be next. And, everybody has seen their savings and retirement dwindle. A cap-and-tax policy like this is the last thing families need right now.”
Michele Bachmann voted against the Cap and Trade Program in the form of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, which sought to create a system of carbon credits which would be issued to each business, and dictated the amount of carbon each business was allowed to put into the evironment through the creation of goods or the use of energy. The bill passed the house in a 219-212 vote, but was never brought up for a vote in the Senate.
Gas Prices
"Congressional leadership is to blame for the off-the-chart gas prices. It is critical that Congress vote to open our nation’s available shale and off-shore reserves and look to other energy resources like ethanol, nuclear and wind power to solve our energy dilemma. There is more recoverable oil shale in the states of Colorado, Utah and Wyoming than in the entire country of Saudi Arabia. That’s enough to meet our supply needs for over two centuries and decrease our rising gas costs. Supporting my plan to explore here, explore now, and pay less is critical to helping the struggling middle-class get back on their feet."Support All Energy Sectors
"Republicans have been talking about drilling off OCS for months now -- even years. Yet, all the Democrats can propose is to consider considering? Right now, America has an abundance of oil and natural gas sources that are readily available. Unfortunately, Congress is standing in the way of their retrieval and is continuing to make it illegal to access these valuable resources.
BLM estimates that the oil shale-rich areas of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming alone hold 1.23 trillion barrels of oil. This oil would completely offset Saudi Arabia’s 1.2 trillion barrels of known reserves making the United States independent of foreign oil all together."
U.S Representative Michele Bachmann (MN-6) introduced an energy exploration bill, the Fast Track Shale Act, which would open up U.S. federal lands that contain oil shale, cut red tape binding Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regulations for commercial development of this shale, and set in place new research and development that will help foster a better process of extracting this form of oil.
BLM estimates that the oil shale-rich areas of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming alone hold 1.23 trillion barrels of oil. This oil would completely offset Saudi Arabia’s 1.2 trillion barrels of known reserves making the United States independent of foreign oil all together.
Congresswoman Michele Bachmann introduced a renewable energy bill as part of her All-of-the-Above energy strategy. Bachmann’s legislation would use tax incentives to promote new American energy sources and rein in out-of-control gas prices. The Promoting New American Energy Act would accelerate tax depreciation for investments in renewable energy, paving the way for long-term energy independence. In introducing this legislation, Rep. Bachmann stated:
"To combat this energy crisis, Congress must aggressively pursue all options – oil, gas, coal, wind, solar, biofuels, nuclear – leaving no stone unturned in the effort to provide Americans with relief and secure our energy future. My bill, the Promoting New American Energy Act, is part of a plan to do just that. It would accelerate tax depreciation to 3 years for investments in newer, cleaner, more efficient energy technologies. By encouraging greater investment in solar, wind, geothermal and more, these alternatives become a bigger part of our arsenal of energy options more quickly. And a diverse arsenal of solutions will decrease our dependence on foreign oil and curb our gas costs. By establishing new tax incentives to encourage purchases of energy production equipment and technologies, this bill provides American businesses with the tools needed to increase production and lower our current sky-rocketing energy costs."Michele Bachmann (MN-6) offered a discharge petition to release H.R. 6107, the American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act, for legislative action. With 181 cosponsors, this bipartisan bill which opens the Costal Plain of ANWR and mandates that the Secretary of Interior issue leases no later than 25 months from the date of enactment, deserves consideration by the U.S. House. According to Bachmann,
"The 2000-acres of the Coastal Plain can deliver an additional 1 million barrels per day or more for 30 years. That's roughly equivalent to what the State of Texas produces daily. And, H.R 6107 would provide this at no cost to the American taxpayer. In fact, this bill would create jobs once the Costal Plain is open."H.R. 6107 also limits the footprint of development by including environmental regulations and restrictions for drilling. Once signed by a majority of House Members, 218, a discharge petition begins the process of forcing a bill out of a committee for action by the full House.
U.S Representative Michele Bachmann (MN-6) introduced another energy exploration bill, the Fast Track Shale Act, which would open up U.S. federal lands that contain oil shale, cut red tape binding Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regulations for commercial development of this shale, and set in place new research and development that will help foster a better process of extracting this form of oil.
BLM estimates that the oil shale-rich areas of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming alone hold 1.23 trillion barrels of oil. This oil would completely offset Saudi Arabia’s 1.2 trillion barrels of known reserves making the United States independent of foreign oil all together.
Michele Bachmann (MN-06)re-introduced her package of four bills that promote our nation’s energy independence. Her “all of the above” approach will increase the supply of clean, affordable, American-made energy today and provide tax incentives—instead of energy tax increases as proposed in President Obama’s budget—to invest in newer, more efficient energy technologies for the future.
Her package includes: the Emergency Energy Cut the Red Tape Now Act, the Fast Track Shale Act, the Getting Resources Efficiently and Effectively Now, and the Promoting New American Energy Act.
Currently, the U.S. imports 10 million barrels of crude oil each day. In order to decrease reliance on foreign sources of oil, Bachmann re-introduced the Emergency Energy Cut the Red Tape Now Act, which would allow the Secretary of Interior to access offshore drilling, oil shale reserves, and streamline the refinery process. If the price of oil exceeds $100 a barrel, the Secretary would be required to waive leasing and permitting regulations to open energy stores.
Bachmann also reintroduced the Fast Track Shale Act, which would open federal lands that contain oil shale, cut the red tape at the Bureau of Land Management for commercial development, and set in place new research and development that will help foster even more efficient processes of extracting this form of oil.
"I am also re-introducing the GREEN Act,” said Congresswoman Bachmann. “Environmental protections are important and necessary, but legal challenges to oil and gas leases, aimed at blocking production, can drag on unnecessarily for years.”The Getting Resources Efficiently and Effectively Now (GREEN) Act would give the President or his designee the authority to review all leases to determine if they comply with applicable federal laws and following such approval no further administrative or judicial review would be permitted.
And, in order to promote an “all of the above” energy solution, Bachmann’s fourth bill, the Promoting New American Energy Act, provides incentives for newer, more efficient and cleaner energy by accelerating tax depreciation to 3 years for investments in newer, cleaner, more efficient energy technologies, including solar, wind, and geothermal investments.
Michele Bachman on carbon dioxide (CO2)
Michele Bachmann voted against the Cap and Trade Program.
Michele Bachmann voted against the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008.
Michele Bachmann voted against the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Tax Act of 2008.
Michele Bachmann voted against the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008.
Michele Bachmann voted against the Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007.
"On The Issues" Full Quotes on Environment
Voted NO on $2 billion more for Cash for Clunkers program. (Jul 2009)
Voted NO on protecting free-roaming horses and burros. (Jul 2009)
Voted NO on environmental education grants for outdoor experiences. (Sep 2008)
Voted NO on $9.7B for Amtrak improvements and operation thru 2013. (Jun 2008)
Make tax deduction permanent for conservation easements. (Mar 2009)
Endorsed Targeted as "Dirty Dozen" for anti-environmentalism. (Aug 2010)
"On The Issues" Full Quotes on Energy
Voted NO on enforcing limits on CO2 global warming pollution. (Jun 2009)
Voted NO on tax credits for renewable electricity, with PAYGO offsets. (Sep 2008)
Voted NO on tax incentives for energy production and conservation. (May 2008)
Voted NO on tax incentives for renewable energy. (Feb 2008)
Voted NO on investing in homegrown biofuel. (Aug 2007)
Voted YES on criminalizing oil cartels like OPEC. (May 2007)
Voted NO on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies. (Jan 2007)
Bar greenhouse gases from Clean Air Act rules. (Jan 2009)
Cap-and-trade has no impact on global temperatures. (Jul 2010)
Explore proven energy reserves & keep energy prices low. (Jul 2010)
Michele Bachman believes the light bulb efficiency mandates are unconstitutional. Michele Bachmann has introduced legislation to overturn the statute requiring the use of energy-efficient light bulbs. Bachmann’s bill would allow the mandate to stand if the Government Accountability Office can prove the energy efficient bulbs would meet three criteria: that they provide real cost savings for consumers, significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and do not produce health risks for consumers.
Why is this GAO escape-valve unconstitutional? The answer stems from the fact that the General Accountability Office is part of the legislative branch. As GAO’s website says:
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is known as “the investigative arm of Congress” and “the congressional watchdog.” GAO supports the Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities and helps improve the performance and accountability of the federal government for the benefit of the American people.
According to Bachman, the Supreme Court has made it clear that Congress cannot delegate authority to its own subordinates. According to the Bowsher decision, delegation to legislative officials is unconstitutional because only the executive branch can take part in administering laws. Otherwise, Congress would be in a position to aggrandize its own powers at the expense of the President. Congress can repeal the light bulb requirement (or not). It can mandate that an executive agency like DOE or EPA decide the three issues specified by Bachmann. But Congress can’t make the validity of the light bulb requirement turn on a determination by GAO.
(Michele Bachman Press Release, 4/9/2009, The Political Guide, Michele Bachman Press Release, Michele Bachman Press Release, Michele Bachman Press Release, Michele Bachman Press Release, Legal Planet, 3/2/2011)
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