News release from
Congressman Eric Massa
29th District, New York
Friday, June 26th, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Jared Smith - (XXX) XXX-XXXX
PRESS SECRETARY: Jerri S. Kaiser - (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Rep. Eric Massa votes against Cap and Trade Legislation
Citing a difference of opinion with leadership over the strategy of how to best address global warming,
Rep. Massa votes no
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. Eric Massa voted against H.R. 2454, the much anticipated American Clean Energy and Security Act. On Tuesday evening, Rep. Collin Peterson, the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, and Rep. Henry Waxman, the Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, brokered an agreement to improve the focus on biofuels, however Rep. Massa ultimately decided that he could not support the bill for several reasons. The bill passed by a vote of 219 to 212.
"Today I voted against the Cap and Trade bill because of several concerns," said Congressman Eric Massa. "Let me begin by saying that I know global warming is real and we must take steps to address this situation, however I don't think this proposal takes us in the right direction. I was also deeply concerned by the fact that hydrogen fuel cell technology did not receive any attention in this legislation. Additionally, my constituents have told me in overwhelming levels that they wanted me to reject this plan, and as their Representative, I take their opinions very seriously. I was also upset by how rushed this process was. We have a district work week coming up and I would have liked the opportunity to hold more townhall meetings while this issue is on the front burner to hear what the families of Western New York thought about Cap and Trade."
"To all those who are disappointed by my vote, I want you to know that I had to vote against this bill because I know there is a better way to promote clean energy, create green jobs and protect our environment. The devil is in the details and the details of this bill worked against the goals and requirements of the 29th Congressional District. Sometimes in Congress, you have to vote no to get a better bill."
The bill was also opposed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business and the American Farm Bureau Federation.
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Jared Smith
Communications Director
The Office of Congressman Eric Massa
(XXX) XXX-XXXX
(XXX) XXX-XXXX (c)
xxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx.xxxx
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