Normally I hesitate to comment on federal issues. As a state representative I'm elected to vote on state issues, not federal ones. But recently the U.S. Senate introduced comprehensive cap and trade legislation, and I felt I could not stay silent on an issue as critical to Indiana's economy as this one is. You may have heard recently about the cap and trade bill before Congress-about how it promises to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and generate funds for alternative energy research and development. Unfortunately, cap and trade will create more problems than it will solve, costing Indiana jobs we simply can't afford to lose along the way. The U.S. Senate needs to carefully evaluate the economic fallout this proposed legislation will most certainly create. Coupled with a restrictive renewable electricity standard, cap and trade will dramatically raise prices for all types of energy and hamper America's global competitiveness. There are myriad other ways to cut back on our carbon footprint here in Indiana. Just last week, the Indy Star reported that Governor Daniels plans to acquire almost 100,000 acres of flood plain along the Wabash and Muscatatuck Rivers. By doing so, these wetlands can be safeguarded and protected. Officials continue to explore ways to improve Indianapolis public transit. Wind farms are becoming a common, eco-friendly sight along I-65. Additionally, a recent study by the Pew Research Center found that 87 percent of Americans like the idea of a law requiring utilities to produce more energy from wind, solar or other renewable sources. But there is simply no rationale for sacrificing jobs, especially energy-intensive jobs in manufacturing, for climate control measures that will hardly make a dent in the overall problem - and will likely cause more environmental harm by shifting emissions overseas. Climate change is truly a global issue, one that can only be solved with global participation. According to a study commissioned by the National Association of Manufacturers, a disproportionate amount of job loss will fall on the manufacturing sector. In fact, the manufacturing sector is expected to absorb 55-66% of the job loss. Indiana cannot afford to lose these jobs. While American companies would be required to take drastic measures to offset these increased energy costs, our competitors around the world - in China, Brazil, India and Russia - will not. As a result, Hoosier industries and the Hoosier workers will be put at a competitive disadvantage and there will inevitably be pressure to move production offshore to countries without climate regulation. No one wants to see this happen. It will be bad for America, bad for the environment and bad for a manufacturing-heavy state like Indiana. Sincerely, State Rep. Jeff Thompson -30- State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) has served since 1998 in Indiana's House District 28, which includes portions of Boone, Hendricks and Montgomery counties. He is also a physics, chemistry and math teacher at Danville Community High School.
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