Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of two resolutions which voice the House of Representatives disapproval for two of President Obama’s proposed energy initiatives. The first, H.Con.Res. 89, would express the sense of Congress that a carbon tax would be detrimental to the United States economy. The second, H.Con.Res. 112, would express the sense of Congress opposing the President’s proposed $10 tax on every barrel of oil. Both passed the House on Friday.

“The President continues to double down on regulations and tax hikes that would be harmful to our economy,” said Simpson. “Whether it is the unrealistic cap and trade system or raising taxes on energy sources Americans use every day, these policies drive up costs in nearly every aspect of our lives. The resolutions considered today send a message to the President that these policies are bad for our economy.”

The President’s fiscal year 2017 budget request proposed a $10.25 tax increase on every barrel of oil. Public reports estimate that consumers could see a 25 cent increase per gallon of gasoline if this proposal were enacted.

“Instead of the President’s initiatives, I support using technology, incentives, and innovation to move our economy to sustainable, independent energy sources.  That means we need to look at an all of the above energy strategy and approach it in a common sense, thoughtful way.  Unfortunately, burdensome regulations and tax hikes don’t accomplish that.”

H.Con.Res. 89 and H.Con.Res. 112 both passed by bipartisan votes of 237-163 and 253-144.

Earlier this week, the House also voted on legislation that responds to states and local agencies concerned with implementing ozone standards. Congressman Simpson supported passage of H.R. 4775, the Ozone Standards Implementation Act of 2016, which would set reasonable implementation dates for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ozone standards. Under current EPA standards, states would be forced to comply with two separate standards which would leave 33 states and 241 counties in violation of the standards. H.R. 4775 gives states until 2025 to comply. The bill passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 234-177.