CASPER, Wyo.-- Another major state industry has come out against the Obama administration’s proposed climate bill.
The Wyoming Wool Growers Association is advising its members that cap and trade legislation could badly damage the industry's global market competition.
Bryce Reese, executive vice president of the Wyoming Wool Growers Association, warned that the bill could “dramatically” drive up production costs.
“Any proposal such as Cap and Trade which could so dramatically increase operating costs for American producers, while their foreign competitors are either exempt from or do not face the same level of such increased costs, puts U.S producers at a further disadvantage,” Reese said.
“It is well recognized that American lamb and wool producers can compete with any producer in the world in terms of quality of production and efficiency of production,” he added.
Reese said federal officials and agriculture industry leaders both recognize the bill would increase operating, production and consumer costs, which could lead to more job outsourcing.
“Where it is difficult for us to compete is in terms of cost of production," Reese explained. "Everyone from the President to the Secretary of Agriculture to Congressional members has all stated that Cap and Trade will increase costs to American industries.”
Last month during a Senate Western Caucus hearing, a representative of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association blasted the bill, claiming the legislation will be harmful to farmers and ranchers across the west.
Even Wyoming Senator John Barrasso predicted the bill, if passed, could result in a total collapse of the agriculture industry, as well as having cultural implications for future generations.
“There is no way that any industry such as ours can support this type of proposal," Reese declared,"no matter what potential benefits might occur, especially given the fact that there is such serious disagreement between scientists over the benefits in terms of climate change and the environment.”
Since early spring, industries such as agriculture, coal and manufacturing have come out in opposition to Cap and Trade legislation. The bill now heads to the Senate, where many experts believe it is unlikely to pass in its current form.
