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Washington, Jan 18, 2007 - Congressman Peter J. Roskam (R-IL) today released the following statement in response to passage of H.R.6 – the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007.

“I came to Washington to advocate for increased energy security, increased national security and increased financial security for all Americans. Unfortunately, this legislation was short-sighted, misguided and contrary to all of these goals.

“While I support investment in renewable energy sources and decreasing our dependence on oil, it is unwise to do so at the expense of our national security, the American worker and the American taxpayer.

“This smoke and mirrors bill will actually increase our dependence on foreign energy produced from unstable or unfriendly nations, raise the cost of energy to American families and employers, and raise taxes for the first time in 13 years.

“The bill is overflowing with unintended consequences. One of the most disturbing is severely damaging the retirement savings of seniors. Retirement and pension accounts hold forty-one percent of domestic oil and gas company shares. When our domestic companies’ production levels shrink, so do the hard-earned and well-deserved savings of our seniors.

“I hope down the line this Congress will pass legislation with more foresight and to make meaningful reforms to our energy policy that will lower the cost for American families and businesses, reduce our dependence on foreign-produced energy and promote research and development into renewable energy sources."

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