Just to make sure, Sen. David Vitter, R-La., proposes resolution opposing a carbon tax.
Washington -- The White House has ruled out a new carbon tax. So, have congressional Republican leaders. But just to make sure, Sen. David Vitter, R-La., and Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Kan., said Thursday that they've drafted a resolution that a carbon tax is not in the "economic interest of the United States."
Sen. David Vitter, R-La.
The idea of taxing carbon emissions, linked to ozone and global warming, has drawn interest from environmental groups. Some see it as a way to both improve the environment and raise revenue as members of the Congress and the Obama administration seek ways to reduce the deficit and avoid the so-called fiscal cliff -- elimination of all the Bush-era tax cuts and major reductions for defense and domestic programs.
"There's a lot of talk in Washington about raising taxes and finding revenues in creative ways to avoid going over the fiscal cliff," Vitter said. "But a carbon tax, which would force more financial hardship upon family budgets, energy consumers and job seekers, needs to be completely taken off the table."
Vitter and Pompeo plan to introduce their resolution next week. It would need approval of both the House and Senate to be enacted.,
Last week, White House spokesman Jay Carney denied that President Barack Obama was going to propose a carbon tax. "We would never propose a carbon tax, and have no intention of proposing one,'' Carney said.
Vitter asked the Treasury Department Secretary Tim Geithner last week to release all documents and emails related to drafting or consideration of a carbon tax.