Nick Snow
OGJ Washington Editor
WASHINGTON, DC, Apr. 4 -- US House Republicans included an "all of the above" energy strategy in their alternative federal budget, according to the Natural Resources Committee's ranking minority member.
The approach represents a dramatic contrast to the new oil and gas and other taxes and fees in the Obama administration's fiscal 2010 budget request, Doc Hastings (R-Wash.) maintained.
"Soon, if the president and Democrats in Congress have their way, Americans won't just hear about higher taxes when they turn on their televisions; they'll actually pay them because they'll be taxed each and every time they use electricity," he said.
The Republican alternative budget contains specific measures to develop renewable and alternative energy sources, support new nuclear technologies, increase development of US oil and gas resources and associated high-paying jobs, and invest in new clean coal technology, Hastings continued. "These measures will facilitate economic growth, create new jobs in communities across our country, and make us less dependent on foreign energy sources," he said.
"Instead of passing a budget that taxes, spends, and borrows too much, Democrats should provide Congress with an opportunity to consider the Republicans' responsible budget alternative and put American back on a path to prosperity," Hastings said.
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