HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 4

BY  WATTS

A Resolution calling for the withdrawal of the state of Iowa from the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord.

   WHEREAS, there has been no credible economic analysis of the costs associated with carbon-reduction mandates and the consequential effect of the increasing costs of conducting business in this state; and
   WHEREAS, forcing business, industry, and food producers to reduce carbon emissions through government mandates and cap-and-trade policies under consideration for the regional climate initiative will increase the cost of conducting business, push companies to conduct business with other states or nations, and increase consumer costs for electricity, fuel, and food; and
   WHEREAS, the Congressional Budget Office warns that the cost of cap-and-trade policies will be borne by consumers and will place a disproportionately high burden on poorer families; and
   WHEREAS, simply reducing carbon emissions in this state will not have a significant impact on international carbon reduction, especially while countries like China, Russia, Mexico, and India emit an ever-increasing amount of carbon into the atmosphere; and
   WHEREAS, a tremendous amount of economic growth would be sacrificed for a reduction in carbon emission that would have no appreciable impact on global concentrations of carbon dioxide; and
   WHEREAS, no state or nation has enhanced economic opportunities for its citizens or increased gross domestic product through cap-and-trade or other carbon reduction policies; and
   WHEREAS, Europe’s cap-and-trade system has been undermined by political favoritism, and accounting irregularities and has failed to achieve carbon reduction targets; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That the House of Representatives urges the Governor to withdraw the state of Iowa from the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord; and

   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That enrolled copies of this Resolution shall be sent to the members of Iowa’s congressional delegation and the director of the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord.