Zack Space: Leaving Ohio Families in the Dark

June 22, 2009

Zack Space: Leaving Ohio Families in the Dark
Fellow Ohio Dem says “No” to National Energy Tax, Space Still Silent After Giving It Thumbs Up in Committee

Washington– As Congress prepares to vote on a Democrat-sponsored bill that will dramatically raise energy costs for every American who flips on a light switch, Rep. Zack Space (D-OH) has yet to say how he will vote on this job-killing proposal. Another Ohio Democrat however, Rep. Charlie Wilson (D-OH), has come out against this National Energy Tax, citing concerns over rising energy costs and the potential damage it will do to Ohio’s steel and coal industries. A Wilson spokesperson stated:

“Congressman Wilson is currently leaning toward a ‘no’ vote on the (cap and trade) bill. He’s very concerned about increased energy costs for both Ohio’s families and for Ohio’s energy intensive manufacturers. For example, the steel industry uses a lot of energy to produce steel. A huge hike in energy prices would really hurt an industry that’s already suffering” (“Wilson Will Not Vote For Energy Bill”, The Wheeling Intelligencer, June 22, 2009).

Rep. Wilson’s district shares a large border with Rep. Space’s, leaving many to wonder why Space does not share the same concerns as his fellow Ohio Democrat does. It is well-known that this bill, initiated by the far-left in Congress and pushed by Democrat party leaders, will leave every American family with less money in their pockets. In addition, this new national energy tax will severely damage industries such as steel and coal that rely on fossil fuels, leading to more layoffs and higher unemployment in Ohio and higher costs for all.

Even Ohio’s Democratic Governor, Ted Strickland, has expressed serious concerns over this dangerous piece of legislation:

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland said Friday the cap and trade bill should be crafted to protect the economies of states like Ohio and West Virginia that depend on fossil fuels for energy, employment and revenue. “It must be written in a way that doesn’t place an unfair burden on states that rely on fossil fuels,” he said (“Wilson Will Not Vote For Energy Bill”, The Wheeling Intelligencer, June 22, 2009).

Although Zack Space has yet to give an answer on how he will vote, as a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, he voted in favor of the bill during a roll call vote May 21. According to The Intelligencer, “Space could not be reached for comment, “(“Wilson Will Not Vote For Energy Bill”, The Wheeling Intelligencer, June 22, 2009). The Intelligencer went on to describe the disastrous effects this new energy tax would have in an editorial:

“We are unable to comprehend why Mollohan, Rahall and Space have not committed themselves to vote against “cap and trade.” It will be detrimental to hundreds of thousands of their constituents.

“‘Cap and trade’ is formally known as HR 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. It is intended to limit emissions of ‘greenhouse gases.’ It would force many industries, including coal-fired power plants, to pay huge sums for emissions permits or to adapt their plants. Those costs would be passed on to consumers. Because our states rely heavily – almost exclusively – on electricity from coal-fired power plants, ‘cap and trade’ would cost all of us billions of dollars in higher utility rates. Area families would pay at least hundreds, possibly thousands, of dollars more a year for electricity. The new burden could force some businesses to close their doors…

“… It has been estimated that the cost of ‘cap and trade’ to consumers would be about $646 billion during a 10-year period – though it could be much more. That cost would be borne almost entirely by West Virginians, Ohioans and others where coal is a primary fuel,” (“Vote Against Cap and Trade”, The Intelligencer, June 20, 2009).

“It’s troubling that Zack Space is afraid to explain his support for a proposal that will have disastrous consequences on Ohio’s economy,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “Zack Space has an easy choice when this bill comes to the House floor: He can either step up to the plate and protect the interests of Ohio families, or he can side with Nancy Pelosi and the liberal wing of the Democrat Party.”