For Immediate Release – May 1, 2008

Contact: Stuart Jolly (405) 514-0514, or Annie Patnaude (202) 441-5193 

Under Proposed Legislation, Gas and Electric Costs Could More Than Double

OKLAHOMA CITY – Even as gas prices and the economy top Americans’ concerns, the free-market grassroots group Americans for Prosperity (AFP) held a rally in Oklahoma City today to oppose climate change policies that would significantly increase the cost of gas and electric, without having any significant impact on global temperatures. With a crowd of Oklahomans, AFP’s cross-country hot air balloon tour highlighted the one-two punch the Oklahoma and American economy stand to take if so-called global warming “solutions” like cap-and trade legislation are implemented. 

“Elected officials are converting global warming alarmism into policies that will have devastating consequences for American families and businesses,” said AFP President Tim Phillips. “We think American families need to know what these proposals will cost them – beginning with a huge energy tax hike that will result in massive economic damage and ending with a severe loss of personal freedom.” Continued below photo.

Around 250 citizens turned out to hear from Phillips, AFP Oklahoma Director Stuart Jolly, and other speakers about ill-conceived global warming policies. AFP’s hot air balloon served as a billboard for the group’s message: Global Warming Alarmism: Lost Jobs, Higher Taxes, Less Freedom. 

“AFP-OK has accomplished its goal of keeping Oklahoman’s abreast of the ever-changing tax situation. These hidden taxes are going to affect Oklahoman’s in ways they can yet imagine,” said Jolly. “I am thankful to the hundreds of Oklahomans that made it out today to hear about the oppressive taxes.  Now we can do something about it and make a difference.”

A brand new Kaiser Family Foundation survey on how changes in the economy have affected people’s lives found that paying for gasoline tops the list of financial worries facing American families. And a recent Gallup poll indicated that the country’s economic situation is by far the greatest concern among likely voters. Yet elected officials continue to push for climate change proposals that would lead to drastic hikes in energy costs, for almost no environmental gain. 

A proposed regulatory scheme known as “cap-and-trade” could double energy costs, according to an analysis by the American Council on Capital Formation (ACCF) and the National Association of Manufacturers.  The Congressional Budget Office scored the Lieberman-Warner cap-and-trade bill as a $1.2 trillion tax hike. The ACCF study projected Oklahoma gas prices would increase by as much as 71% within 8 years after the bill's enactment, or in real terms to $6 per gallon. Meanwhile, the state could lose up to 21,551 jobs in that period, while disposable household income would be reduced by up to $2,600 annually.

Well over 300 citizens braved rainy weather conditions to kick off the cross-country Hot Air Tour in Washington, DC, on Monday, April 21. In all the Tour will visit over two dozen key locations around the country. Oklahoma City is the third stop on the first swing of the Tour. 

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is the nation’s premier grassroots organization committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and scope of government is the best safeguard to ensuring individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth, and returning government to its constitutional limits. For more information, visit http://www.americansforprosperity.org//

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