Energy bill have raised taxes on American consumers
Washington, DC – Today, Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), voted with Harry Reid and against taxpayers in South Dakota, by voting to advance the substitute energy bill that would have raised taxes on domestic energy companies.
This vote would have paved the way for a massive tax increase on American consumers. Had cloture succeeded, the Senate would have been able to move forward, without debate, on a tax increase and mandate-laden energy bill. Incorporated in the bill was a $22 billion tax provision, including a $13 billion tax increase on domestic energy companies.
“I am extremely disappointed Senator Thune voted to advance an energy bill that would have raised fuel prices for citizens in South Dakota,” stated Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, “Additionally, Senator Thune potentially paved the way for a vote to decrease the value of thousands of South Dakotans’ 401(k) plans, retirement plans and pension funds, which are invested in publicly-traded energy companies.”
The Senate rejected cloture by a vote of 59-40. As a result the tax provision was stricken from the legislation. As stands, the energy legislation includes mandated increases in renewable fuel production and a 40 percent increase in Corporate Average Fuel Economy.
“I strongly urge South Dakotan’s to call Senator Thune to express their disappointment in the Senator’s failure to act in the best interest of his constituents,” continued Norquist.