CHEYENNE, Wyo.-- Even though the Senate is in full summer recess, organizations are already gearing up for a showdown this fall over so-called "cap and trade" legislation that could badly damage the farming industry.
Last month, during a hearing held by the Senate Western Caucus, Wyoming Republican Senator John Barrasso relabeled the legislation “Cap and Tax.”
Barrasso, who chairs that caucus, said the current bill would have “terrible” consequences for the state’s agriculture community.
“Cap and Tax would only deal another blow to our farmers and ranchers during this recession,” Barrasso predicted.
“Meat and vegetables don’t magically appear in grocery aisles. Wyoming’s farmers and ranchers work hard to help feed America. During these tough economic times, we need to ensure we don’t lose Wyoming agriculture,” he said.
Jim Magagna, executive vice president of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, also blasted the bill while testifying at the hearing.
“Agriculture producers face tough markets in today’s economic climate. Implementing a policy that would increase energy and input costs during these tough times will be harmful to farms and ranches across the West,” Magagna said.
“This bill will particularly impact our young producers -- those who represent a bright future for American agriculture,” he added.
Susan Gore, founder of the Wyoming Liberty Group, charged that the bill is more about expanding the size of government than changing America’s pollution problem.
“We don’t feel there is even scientific evidence to support this bill. Recent EPA reports have even contradicted the White House. Obama wants to get rid of and hide these reports,” she said.
Gore said most agriculture and farming industries in Wyoming will not support the legislation.
“All this bill will do is implement a huge tax on everyone who cannot afford to pay more,” Gore said.
In July, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed Cap and Trade by a 219-212 vote. The bill goes to the Senate after the summer recess.
“If agriculture declines, so do our western communities," Barrasso warned. "Policies that harm agriculture lead to a loss of jobs and a loss of a culture and way of life.”
