Republicans for Environmental Protection Statement on American Power Act

Distributed at event releasing American Power Act, held in Senate offices in Washington, DC, May 12, 2010. 
REP President Rob Sisson was present at the event.

Republicans for Environmental Protection (REP) supports sound legislation to cap carbon pollution, diversify America’s energy portfolio, and lay a foundation for lasting economic growth. Such legislation is long overdue.

We believe that the bill being released today (May 12) moves us towards those important goals. We appreciate the contributions that Senators Graham, Kerry, and Lieberman have made in crafting balanced legislation in a spirit of bipartisanship and good faith.

Energy independence and clean air are causes that must transcend partisan political boundaries. Despite some of the partisan rancor we hear, voters across the political spectrum recognize this.

A recent poll conducted by Bellwether Research & Consulting, a Republican public opinion firm, shows that majorities of Republicans and of self-identified conservatives (52 percent) support the approach taken by this legislation—a comprehensive national energy policy that boosts domestic energy production while  limiting carbon dioxide emissions.

The poll also found more support (47 percent) than opposition (42 percent) among self-identified supporters of the Tea Party movement.
 
"We cannot afford further delay in adopting a national policy that addresses our many energy-related challenges. We call on members of Congress to work together constructively across the aisle to pass this prudent and carefully balanced legislation this year," said REP President Rob Sisson.

"There have been few instances in our nation’s history when legislators have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy -- to have the appendage ’statesman’ added to their names by appreciative future generations. This is one of those rare occasions," Sisson added.