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Scott Brown on Energy & Oil

Republican Jr Senator


Cap-and-trade is a national energy tax

At their last debate, Scott Brown blasted his Democratic opponent, Attorney General Martha Coakley, for supporting cap-and-trade: "You're in favor of cap and trade, which is a national energy tax," Brown said to Coakley.

"It's not a tax," Coakley replied.

"It's a tax," Brown insisted.

Senate Democrats support cap and trade. I asked Brown about his opposition to it last month, at a campaign stop in Medfield. "If we don't use cap and trade, how do we reduce emissions?" I wondered.

"You can reduce by conservation, wind, solar, hydroelectric, nuclear," Brown told me. "You can provide a total package and let people have different avenues and different ways to heat and light their businesses. How does government enforce that? They have their hands in pretty much everything. I'm sure there'll be a role for government--and at some point, government needs to get out of the way, as well."

Source: WBUR article on 2010 MA Senate debate , Jan 18, 2010

Opposes cap-and-trade system, but renewables OK

Does not believe climate change is entirely man-made. Opposes a cap-and-trade program, feeling it would create higher costs for families and businesses, but backs what he calls "reasonable and appropriate" development of wind, solar, nuclear, geothermal energy.
Source: Nancy Reardon, Quincy Patriot-Ledger: 2010 MA Senate debate , Jan 14, 2010

Promote increased use of alternative fuel technology

Rep. Brown indicated he supports the following principles regarding the environment and energy.
  • Promote increased use of alternative fuel technology.
  • Use state funds to clean up former industrial and commercial sites that are contaminated, unused or abandoned.
  • Q: Do you support state funding for open space preservation?
    A: Yes.
  • Q: Should state environmental regulations be stricter than federal law?
    A: No.
    Source: 2002 MA Gubernatorial National Political Awareness Test , Nov 1, 2002

    Voted YES on barring EPA from regulating greenhouse gases.

    Congressional Summary:To prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from promulgating any regulation concerning the emission of a greenhouse gas to address climate change. The Clean Air Act is amended by adding a section entitled, "No Regulation of Emissions of Greenhouse Gases". In this section, the term 'greenhouse gas' means any of the following:
    1. Water vapor
    2. Carbon dioxide
    3. Methane
    4. Nitrous oxide
    5. Sulfur hexafluoride
    6. Hydrofluorocarbons
    7. Perfluorocarbons
    8. Any other substance subject to, or proposed to be subject to regulation to address climate change.
    The definition of the term 'air pollutant' does not include a greenhouse gas, except for purposes of addressing concerns other than climate change.

    Proponent's Argument for voting Yes:
    [Sen. McConnell, R-KY]: The White House is trying to impose a backdoor national energy tax through the EPA. It is a strange way to respond to rising gas prices. But it is perfectly consistent with the current Energy Secretary's previously stated desire to get gas prices in the US up to where they are in Europe.

    Opponent's Argument for voting No:
    [Sen. Lautenberg, D-NJ]:We hear the message that has been going around: Let's get rid of the EPA's ability to regulate. Who are they to tell us what businesses can do? Thank goodness that in this democratic society in which we live, there are rules and regulations to keep us as a civilized nation. The Supreme Court and scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency agreed that the Clean Air Act is a tool we must use to stop dangerous pollution. This amendment, it is very clear, favors one group--the business community. The Republican tea party politicians say: "Just ignore the Supreme Court. Ignore the scientists. We know better." They want to reward the polluters by crippling EPA's ability to enforce the Clean Air Act.
    Status: Failed 50-50 (3/5

    Reference: Energy Tax Prevention Act; Bill Am183 to S.49 ; vote number 11-SV054 on Apr 6, 2011

    Other candidates on Energy & Oil: Scott Brown on other issues:
    MA Gubernatorial:
    Deval Patrick
    MA Senatorial:
    John Kerry

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    Page last updated: Nov 04, 2011