Step back and look at all energy options on the table

The EPA needs to take account of the cost that proposals like a cap-and-trade program or a potential federal renewable energy standard will have on consumers, small businesses, and economic growth. The legislation introduced on May 12 did not include a renewable energy standard, but Senate leadership has given every indication that it could very well be tacked on the bill, should the bill ever get a debate. If and when this happens, the EPA and other organizations need to look carefully at the hidden costs so that the legislation can be fairly debated.

Just as we need a comprehensive energy policy to ensure the security of our energy future, we also need a comprehensive analysis of all the options on the table before anything becomes law. We know these provisions will have a high cost impact on consumers, but we don’t yet know just how high. The Partnership for Affordable Clean Energy applauds the EPA for its attention to the impact of such sweeping legislation, and hopes that American consumers and families are put first.

Lance Brown is executive director of PACE.