NFIB Opposes House-Passed Energy Bill

Washington, DC, June 29, 2009--The National Federation of Independent Business, the nation’s leading small business association, is opposing the “American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009,” which has passed in the U.S. House.

“At a time when our nation faces near 10 percent unemployment and stalled economic growth, now is not the time to impose an $846 billion energy tax on small business," the NFIB said in a statement.

"Instead of investing in their businesses and creating new jobs, this cap and trade proposal will force small business owners to pay higher energy prices.

“According to the NFIB 2008 Small Business Problems and Priorities data, the cost of natural gas, propane, gasoline, diesel, and fuel oil ranks as the second most severe problem small business owners face. Higher energy costs mean a higher cost of doing business, and small business is especially sensitive to increases in cost.

“Our members believe that the free market is best suited to develop new energy efficient technologies and renewable sources of fuel, and our nation’s job creators stand ready to do so without the heavy hand of government mandates.

“Our data shows that small business owners are growing more optimistic about the economy. For that reason, a large, unfunded government mandate and a national energy tax are the last things small business and the overall economy needs. We are strongly urging the House to defeat this bill.”