[StBernard] Former Rep. Chris John Praises Landrieu Energy Bill Vote

[Westley Annis]

Former Rep. Chris John Praises Landrieu Energy Bill Vote

Says "Landrieu exhibited the courage to stand up for consumers who would
have been left 'footing the bill' for the ill-advised legislation."

 

WASHINGTON - In a letter to the editor published in today's Washington Post,
former Congressman Chris John, D-La., praised a recent vote by U.S. Senator
Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., to block legislation that would have dramatically
increased taxes on core Louisiana industries. 

In an otherwise largely party-line vote of 59-to-40 on December 13,
supporters of the legislation came just one vote short of the 60 required to
move forward.  Sen. Landrieu cast the sole Democratic vote against the bill,
saying: "One-sided policymaking solves few problems, and America's path
forward depends on a comprehensive, balanced approach to energy conservation
and domestic production.  We must invest in smart energy solutions for the
future, but not at the expense of the states that strengthen our energy
security today."

The Senate later that day did pass legislation, with Sen. Landrieu's
support, that takes the most significant steps in a generation to reduce
America's dependence on foreign oil and to invest in alternative fuel
sources without the hefty tax burden on Louisiana.

Noting that a December 16 column by Post writer Steven Pearlstein "clearly
demonstrated that he does not understand how a $12 billion tax increase on
the oil and gas industry would burden American consumers," Rep. John said of
Sen. Landrieu's deciding vote blocking the earlier bill that she "exhibited
the courage to stand up for consumers who would have been left 'footing the
bill' for the ill-advised legislation." Rep. John is now the President of
the Louisiana Mid-continent Oil and Gas Association.

The full text of Congressman John's letter appears below.

A Vote for Energy Consumers

With regard to Sen. Mary Landrieu's vote last week on the energy bill,
columnist Steven Pearlstein clearly demonstrated that he does not understand
how a $12 billion tax increase on the oil and gas industry would burden
American consumers [Sunday Briefing, Business, Dec. 16].

There is nothing "comprehensive" about an energy policy that unfairly
punishes U.S. businesses. If Congress were to place additional taxes on
domestically produced energy, the net effect would be a subsidy for foreign
competitors and higher energy prices for everyone.

Ms. Landrieu's state is home to a $70 billion energy industry, and her
concerns about a bill containing punitive tax measures were certainly
warranted. Ms. Landrieu exhibited the courage to stand up for consumers who
would have been left "footing the bill" for the ill-advised legislation.

At a time when this country is concerned about energy security, lawmakers
should be taking steps to help make U.S. businesses more viable in the world
market -- not less. Ms. Landrieu did just that when she exerted her
independence, examined the facts and voted against the energy bill.

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