Dear Member of Congress:
On behalf of the 362,000 members of the National Taxpayers Union (NTU), I urge you to support the "No Cost Stimulus Act of 2009," introduced by Senator David Vitter (R-LA) and Representative Rob Bishop (R-UT). This legislation would open up America's enormous energy resources to development and streamline regulatory hurdles that are confronting businesses in these difficult economic times. In doing so, it would provide a large economic stimulus without adding to the deficit or spending another dime of existing taxpayer funds.
The road to economic recovery is paved with low, stable energy costs. Congress can help to ensure those low costs by freeing the vast energy resources in the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), offshore areas, and oil shale from their shackles. The No Cost Stimulus Act would expedite that exploration, a process that would create tens of thousands of well-paying jobs all across the country. Unfortunately, it also dedicates much of the ANWR revenue to subsidies for so-called "alternative" and renewable energy programs. NTU believes the bill would be dramatically improved by directing any receipts resulting from energy development to deficit reduction and relief from the crushing burdens borne by taxpayers.
The road to recovery also has some very large potholes that need filling if we expect American businesses and individuals to be able to navigate it. The No Cost Stimulus Act would help to smooth out the regulatory pavement that threatens economic growth, including nuclear plant licensing, judicial review for energy projects, and lengthy Environmental Impact Statement processes. Furthermore, it would prevent the abuse of the Clean Air Act and Endangered Species Act, which some see as a back-door method of imposing a global warming tax on already-overburdened taxpayers.
By finally allowing us to tap our energy resources and easing regulatory burdens that stifle growth, the No Cost Stimulus Act would provide a strong foundation for our economy well into the future. Most importantly, it would do so without further endangering current or future taxpayers. NTU supports the No Cost Stimulus Act and any roll call votes on this legislation will be significantly weighted in our annual Rating of Congress.
Sincerely,
Andrew Moylan
Director of Government Affairs