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Rehberg: "Cap and Trade" Energy Plan Will Hit Montanans in the Wallet

By KFBB News Team

Story Created: Jun 26, 2009 at 4:23 PM MST

Story Updated: Jun 27, 2009 at 10:15 PM MST

The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to pass a controversial bill Friday (6/26) aimed at stopping global warming by limiting the nation's pollution from fossil fuels. But Congressman Denny Rehberg (R-MT) says the bill will mean a big hit in the wallets for Montanans.

Supporters have called it the most important bill for energy and the environment in the nation's history, but most Republicans, like Rehberg, say increased energy costs will mean the largest tax increase in American history.

The bill places the first ever limits on carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas pollution from power plants, factories, and refineries. It would also force a national shift from fossil fuels to renewable forms of energy, while creating millions of "green" jobs according to supporters.

Congressman Rehberg though says the bill would be devastating for Montana's farms and ranches and for rural residents whose power cooperatives rely on coal for electricity. He says the bill could cost families several hundred dollars per year and would be especially damaging during these tough economic times.

"Now is not the time to pass an energy tax," said Rehberg. "It's going to effect every single Montanan one way or another, because the price of energy will go up as a result of this legislation."

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