House members warn carbon tax would increase unemployment rate

A group of Republicans and Democrats in the House has proposed a resolution saying Congress opposes any effort by the federal government to set up a carbon tax on gasoline, coal or natural gas, arguing it would only lead to increased joblessness.

The resolution, from Rep. David McKinley (R-W.Va.), states that a carbon tax on gasoline would have a "dramatic, immediate impact on transportation costs, with the greatest impact being felt by low-income Americans and their families." It also says that the price of electricity derived from coal and natural gas would increase if a carbon tax were applied to those fuels.

"[W]ith continuing high national joblessness and an unemployment rate exceeding 7.8 percent every month since February 2009, a carbon tax will drive the unemployment rate even higher," the resolution states.

It argues further that a carbon tax would have an "uneven effect" across the country, as it would hit some areas harder than others. And, it says imposing a carbon tax in the United States would do nothing to stop carbon emissions in China, India and other large carbon-emitting nations.

McKinley's resolution, H.Con.Res. 142, is co-sponsored by five Republicans and three Democrats: Reps. Joe Barton (R-Texas), Tim Holden (D-Pa.), Bill Johnson (R-Ohio), Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), John Shimkus (R-Ill.), Fred Upton (R-Mich.) and Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.).

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