What They're Saying About Electricity Costs

Contact: Lisa Camooso Miller, 703/684-6292

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Since the House’s recent passage of the American Energy and Security Act of 2009, which now heads to the Senate for consideration; many have voiced concerns about the potential financial impacts of the measure on consumers. The following is a sample of what some are saying:

U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.). The Wheeling (WV) News-Register (7/9, King): “Those of us who understand coal's great potential in our quest for energy independence must continue to work diligently in shaping a climate bill that will ensure access to affordable energy for West Virginians."

Rapid City Journal Editorial. The Rapid City (SD) Journal (7/14): “While the end goal of the bill might have merit, it's a rushed piece of legislation that could have a serious impact on the people of South Dakota mainly in the form of higher utility bills.”

U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa). The Des Moines Register (7/14): “The fact is the House bill, I think, does disproportionately hurt some of our Midwestern states, and we're going to have to get that rectified in the Senate.”

U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.). Twitter (6/27): “I hope we can fix cap and trade so it doesn't unfairly punish businesses and families in coal dependent states like Missouri.”

U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.). National Ledger (7/14): “Rather than directly raising taxes on Americans, cap-and-trade raises the cost of living for everyone by raising energy costs and consumer prices for virtually everything. The effect is the same as if they had had their taxes raised.”

U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa). AP (7/14): "Coal-burning utilities ought to be allowed more allowances to cushion the impact on customers.”

About ACCCE

The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (ACCCE) is a non-profit, non-partisan partnership of companies involved in producing electricity from coal. Because coal is America’s most abundant energy resource, ACCCE supports energy policies that balance coal’s vital role in meeting our country’s growing need for affordable and reliable electricity with the need to protect the environment. ACCCE also advocates for the development and deployment of advanced clean coal technologies that will produce electricity with near-zero emissions. Headquartered in Alexandria, VA. For more information, visit www.cleancoalusa.org or www.americaspower.org.