Good news - Senator Ben Nelson joins three other Senators in saying no on cap-and-trade this year! Hopefully a massive tax increase will be defeated.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=ah3CTKEw4HQc

We applaud Senator Nelson for listening to Nebraskans on this issue. Over a month ago State Senator Beau McCoy, of Omaha, wrote a letter to Senator Nelson that was signed by 18 other State Senators opposing Cap-and-Trade legislation. State Senator McCoy recognized this bill for what it is; a tax increase on energy will hurt Nebraska’s families and small-businesses.

Senator McCoy’s letter: “…The U.S. Energy Information Agency reports that for every ton of greenhouse gases emitted in the United States three tons are emitted in either China or India. Low energy costs combined with cheap labor have created a climate where it is difficult for the American worker to compete globally. Tying our hands even further by enacting new environmental regulations that do nothing to combat the global problem of greenhouse gas emissions will only hurt the American economy further.

Any proposal to reform America’s energy policy must protect jobs, particularly in light of the current economic climate. Yet, the Waxman-Markey Cap-and-trade proposal would only add to the 8,000 Nebraska manufacturing jobs lost last year. We ask you to join with us in fighting for working Nebraskans and oppose this economically reckless policy.

The federal Office of Management and Budget Director Peter Orszag contends that the Cap-and-trade program would increase energy prices on coal, oil and natural gas – which currently provides 85% of America’s energy. The Obama Administration’s own budget expects $646 billion in “climate revenue” by 2020; that is $646 billion in new taxes. These costs will be absorbed by consumers; Nebraskans from every county and economic background. We ask you to join with us in standing up for Nebraska families and oppose the Waxman-Markey Cap-and-trade program.”

Thank you State Senator Beau McCoy for your leadership on this issue and thanks need to be expressed to Senator Nelson for listening to Nebraskans.