WASHINGTON, DC~ Congressman John Shadegg (R-AZ) released the following statement today on H.R. 6049 – the so-called Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act:

“Regrettably, H.R. 6049, brought to the floor today by the House Democratic Leadership, would have increased taxes on individuals and American businesses by some $55 billion over a ten year period.  Increasing taxes will neither produce more energy nor create new jobs.  The legislation also extended an indefensible tax break to trial lawyers and Hollywood movie producers.  In addition, the legislation contained an extension of Federal mandates which would drive up the cost of American construction projects.  As a result, I voted against this ill-conceived bill.

“Because I believe Arizona can play a key role in promoting solar energy as a renewable resource, I have long supported Federal tax credits for solar energy.  In 2005, I voted to create a residential solar tax credit and extend the solar business credit.  In 2006, I voted to extend both of these tax credits.

“Arizona Public Service Company now proposes to build the largest commercial solar-power generating plant in the United States near Gila Bend.  Extending the commercial solar tax credit is critical, and I am one of 46 Members of Congress who have co-sponsored legislation to extend it through 2016.  Unfortunately, to date, the House Democratic Leadership has refused to bring up this legislation as a stand-alone bill.   Instead, they have coupled the issue with unrelated tax issues each time they have brought the issue to the floor.  I believe it is counterproductive to our economy to increase taxes on American citizens and businesses and, therefore, have voted against each of these bills.

“The last time Democrats brought the issue of extending the solar tax credits to the floor, it was entangled with provisions that would increase the cost of gasoline for American consumers.  I refused then to vote for that legislation because of the tax increases, and I did so again today.  Fortunately, the Senate similarly refused to support such tax increases.

“Hopefully, the House Democratic leadership will bring up legislation to extend the solar tax credits, before they expire at the end of this year, without linking them to ill-advised tax increases.”

     The following organizations have come out against today’s energy tax package: National Taxpayers Union, Americans for Prosperity, Associated Builders & Contractors, Citizens Against Government Waste, Independent Electrical Contractors, Alliance for Worker Freedom, and the American Conservative Union.