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Norquist Urges Sens. Boxer and Kerry Not to Introduce National Energy Tax

Grover Norquist and over 500 lawmakers, business and citizen groups oppose bill

WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) president Grover Norquist, along with 503 other lawmakers, business and citizen groups, sent a letter to Sens. Boxer (D-Calif.) and Kerry (D-Mass.), urging them to reconsider introducing a Senate version of cap-and-trade on September 30( )given the negative impact such legislation will have on the economy.

The letter, which was one page of text and 11 accompanying pages of opposition to the proposal, included 121 state legislators representing 39 states, 212 U.S. House Members, and 170 national and state business, agricultural and citizen groups.

Citing job losses up to 2.5 million by 2035, Norquist emphasized the fact that cap-and-trade is nothing more than a national energy tax, saying in the letter:

Despite the staggering job losses, the increased energy costs and fees that this legislation will place on every American family are equivalent to a 15 percent hike in personal income taxes. Even the U.S. Treasury Department admits this bill could cost between $100-200 billion per year!

"Are these two Senators really contemplating introducing a bill that will increase both unemployment and the cost of energy? I just hope the diverse opposition from over 500 lawmakers and organizations will convince them to not introduce this bill on September 30 as rumored," said Norquist.

The full letter is available at www.atr.org

Americans for Tax Reform is a non-partisan coalition of taxpayers and taxpayer groups who oppose all tax increases. For more information or to arrange an interview please contact John Kartch at (202) 785-0266 or by email at jkartch@atr.org.

SOURCE Americans for Tax Reform