Transcripts

Text transcript of 6/26/09 radio actuality.

This is Congressman Ike Skelton.

Today, the House of Representatives approved an energy reform bill that would reduce harmful pollution and increase efficiency in America.

I was skeptical of this bill when it was first introduced. But, I have been impressed with recent improvements in the bill to better protect the interests of farmers and rural electric cooperatives. The measure would exclude livestock and farms from the government's greenhouse gas regulation.

The energy reform bill is not perfect. More needs to be done.

But, to be sure, the measure is far better than efforts currently underway by the Environmental Protection Agency, or the EPA, to impose tough, costly regulations on greenhouse gases emitted from livestock, farms, factories, and utilities.

Without Congressional action, the EPA would have a free reign. That is unacceptable to me and ought to be unacceptable to every farmer and business owner in Missouri.

Let me be clear - if Congress does not work to get a better grip on greenhouse gases, the EPA will do it. And, I don't want the EPA to tell my farmers in Missouri what to do on this issue.

It was important for the House to move this legislation to the Senate, where it can receive additional refinement. I will keep working to improve the bill so that it ensures rural interests are more completely addressed.

This is Congressman Ike Skelton.