[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 23]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 31319]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   MAKE NO COMMITMENTS AT COPENHAGEN

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                           HON. ED WHITFIELD

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 9, 2009

  Mr. WHITFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise today in response to President 
Obama's expected commitment to the world at the Copenhagen climate 
change discussion for the United States to reduce carbon emissions by 
17 percent by 2020.
  It is simply ludicrous to think that we can reduce carbon emissions 
by 17 percent by 2020 without wrecking our economy. I am also concerned 
about the Administration's so-called endangerment finding to regulate 
carbon emissions under the Clean Air Act. This is a disastrous move 
forward to regulate carbon under a law that was clearly not intended to 
regulate carbon emissions. In many cases, it is not required under this 
law to take into consideration the impact on the economy, which poses 
enormous problems. Going further on the science of climate change, in 
light of the emails that show that scientists have been suppressing 
information about the scientific proof of climate change, I believe 
that it is even more important that we take a step back and ensure that 
we understand the impact of carbon emissions.
  The trick that scientists have been using to make the data work has 
been reported as being called, ``trick and hide.'' It seems, Madam 
Speaker, that not only are the scientists ``tricking and hiding'' the 
American people on the science of climate changes, but the Democratic 
Majority is ``tricking and hiding'' the truth about the cap and trade 
bill. The truth about the cap and trade bill is that this bill will 
increase electricity rates in some states, like Kentucky, as much as 40 
percent. Additionally, the cap and trade bill is nothing more than a 
hidden tax on the American people. I might add that I am not against 
reducing carbon emissions as I have cosponsored and helped move the 
Carbon Capture and Sequestration legislation that was sponsored by 
Congressman Boucher and others.
  It is important that we develop this technology before enacting any 
regulatory regime to dramatically reduce carbon emissions. These 
efforts are essential in keeping electricity rates low. However, I am 
against the President making a commitment that we cannot meet and that 
China and India will not match. I am also against the Administration's 
movement to regulate carbon through the Clean Air Act.
  We must take a step back and study the science on this issue to make 
certain we get this right and I call on the Administration to do just 
that. I call on my colleagues to speak up about negative impacts of the 
``trick and hide'' bill and urge the Administration not to make any 
commitments at Copenhagen.

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