SENATE
Strong Support
Sen. Bernie Sanders*
“It is time we end this corporate welfare in the form of massive subsidies and tax breaks to hugely profitable fossil fuel corporations. It is time for Congress to support the interests of the taxpayer instead of powerful special interests like the oil and coal industries.”
Sen. Jim Webb
Senator Webb supports removing all fossil fuel subsidies because “subsidies choose winners and losers.”
Sen. Tom Coburn
A Sen. Coburn staffer reported that “Senator Coburn supports removing all energy subsidies.”
Sen. Ben Cardin
According to Gray Maxwell, Cardin’s energy staffer, The Senator “supports removing all subsidies for the fossil fuel industry.”
Sen. Mike Lee
Sen. Lee tweeted: “Want to #EndFossilFuelSubsidies? I co-sponsored the Energy Freedom and Prosperity Act that ends all energy subsidies”
Sen. Al Franken
Office staffer said that the Senator supports Sen. Sanders’ bill to eliminate polluter welfare.
Sen. Jim DeMint
Office staffer said that the Senator unequivocally “does not support subsidies on anything.”
Sen. Pat Toomey
A staffer stated that the Senator favors reforms of [Sander’s] bill and “to get rid of all subsidies to these businesses…he doesn’t want to pick winners or losers.”
Sen. Patrick Leahy
Sen. Leahy writes, “The End Polluter Wellfare Act would be an important step in leveling the playing field for the development of renewable, sustainable energy sources like solar, geothermal, biomass, and hydroelectric power. I am an original cosponsor of two bills, S. 258 and S. 940, which are similar to the End Polluter Welfare Act and would close the big oil tax loopholes and put an end to taxpayer handouts to the oil companies making record profits.”
Strong Oppose
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison
In a letter to a constituent Senator Hutchison wrote, “The current slowdown in permitting for energy development on federal lands and offshore areas will be problematic for years to come. Higher taxes would slow domestic exploration and production further.”
Sen. Ben Nelson
“The Close Big Oil Subsidies would have increased the competitive edge of foreign oil imported into our nation by raising taxes on American producers. However, our country’s problem is dependence on foreign oil; and a tax increase on our energy producers will do nothing to bring us closer to energy independence.”
Sen. John Cornyn
Senator John Cornyn “opposes removing any energy subsidies.” Staffers state that “the Senator believes that all energy sources need to be developed to the fullest amount possible to maintain low energy costs.”
Sen. Johnny Isakson
Senator Isakson “does not support ending fossil fuel subsidies.”
Sen. Kay Hagan
A Sen. Hagan staffer stated that they are aware of the effort but said that the subsidies were tough to get rid of in “an election year.”
Sen. Kelly Ayotte
Sen Ayotte does not support ending subsidies because she has stated that ending subsidies would have negative repercussions on the economy.
Sen. Lindsey Graham
“Anything to keep fuel prices low.”
Sen. Mark Begich
Senator Begich supports subsidizing the oil industry, but would like to reform the entire tax code – which could include reducing the tax breaks now in place for all corporations.
Sen. Mary Landrieu
Sen. Landrieu believes in subsidizing all forms of energy, including fossil fuel. Believes drilling in the Gulf is “safe” despite the BP disaster. Also defends subsidies for oil and gas by saying it encourages risk-taking in the industry.
Sen. Pat Roberts
Stated by an aide, “Senator Roberts does not believe that the economy or modern civilization can survive without fossil fuels and he will continue to support them.”
Sen. Roy Blunt
Staff stated that Sen. Blunt “supports a broad spectrum of energy, but doesn’t support cutting subsidies because we’re in an economic downturn and we can’t have gas prices go up.”
Sen. Scott Brown
Senator Brown’s office stated that Sen. Brown, “in the past has voted according to his belief that there should be no reason to increase consumer prices.” Sen. Brown also was recorded speaking on the subject at a parade. clickheretowatch
Sen. Robert Casey
Sen. Casey “supports removing subsidies to big oil. However, he opposes removing subsidies to the natural gas and coal industries.”
Sen. Kristen Gillibrand
A caller reports, “Staffer told me that in the face of rising gas prices, Senator Gillibrand supports drilling more for oil.”
Sen. Michael Enzi
Sen. Enzi wrote to a constituent that removing fossil fuel subsidies would inhibit the building of a domestic coal fired energy plant which he argues “is directly in contrast to the “all of the above” energy policy that we need.”
Sen. Claire McCaskill
Sen. McCaskill’s website reports, “I support an all-of-the-above approach. Our domestic oil production has never been greater, but we need to reduce our dependence on foreign oil by utilizing all the resources we have at our disposal. This includes the use of wind, solar, coal, nuclear and natural gas.”
Sen. James Risch
Sen. Risch writes, “I continue to oppose additional taxes on the oil and gas industry and support increased oil and gas exploration in areas where it is environmentally safe. We have vast supplies of oil and gas in shale and sands that could have an important role in making our country more energy secure.”
Sen. David Vitter
Sen. Vitter “thinks oil companies need the breaks for taking the risks.”
Sen. Roger Wicker
The Senator’s energy analyst commented that Sen. Wicker opposes removing fossil fuel subsidies because of the jobs the oil, coal, and natural gas industries provide for his constituents. The Senator is interested in bringing in more renewable energy industries into Mississippi, however, right now those opportunities are few and less stable.
Sen. Tom Johnson
Sen. Johnson writes, “If these proposals were adopted, it would increase America’s dependence on foreign oil. I cannot agree to pinpoint a single industry to pay down the deficit.”
Sen. John McCain
Sen. McCain writes, “For the immediate future, we must break with the energy policies of the past and assure affordable fuel for America. This will require more domestic production, especially in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). As you may know, a federal moratorium stands in the way of energy exploration and production of another 18 billion barrels of oil from the OCS. It is time for the federal government to lift these restrictions and put more of our own reserves to use.”
HOUSE
Strong Support
Rep. Barbara Lee*
Rep. Lee cosponsored the “End Polluter Welfare Act” which cuts $113 billion in fossil fuel subsidies to oil gas and coal
Rep. John Conyers*
Rep. Keith Ellison*
Rep. Jerrold Nadler
Rep. Nadler’s staffer “reported that he definitely does support ending all fossil fuel subsidies.”
Rep. David Schweikert
A member of Rep. Schweikert’s staff stated that “Rep. Schweikert is in favor of removing all subsidies from given to any and all energy companies.”
Rep. Howard Berman
An aide in Rep. Berman’s office states, “in no uncertain terms, Rep. Howard Berman is now, and has always been, against fossil fuel subsidies.”
Rep. Melvin Watt
Rep. Watt staff member stated that Rep. Watt supports “ending subsidies to the fossil fuel industry,” in response to a specific question about coal, oil, and natural gas.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi
Rep. Pelosi tweeted, “GOP plans to offer more gifts to Big Oil this week, while protecting their billions in tax breaks. Way past time to #EndFossilFuelSubsidies”
Rep. John Yarmuth
Congressman Yarmuth states that he supports ending all taxpayer subsidies for fossil fuels
Rep. Ed Markey
Rep. Markey tweeted, “American ppl agree -time 2 #EndFossilFuelSubsidies. Congress 2 vote this wk! Oppose GOP #OilAboveAll energy package, support #cleanenergy”.”
Rep. Gary Ackerman
A constituent reported: “In response to my stated opinion that we should remove subsidies for all fossil fuels, the aid said, ‘Ackerman’s opinion is the same’.”
Rep. Jerrold Nadler
Rep. Jerrold’s staffer “reported that he definitely does support ending all fossil fuel subsidies.”
Rep. Jim McDermott
Rep. McDermott “introduced the ‘Ending Subsidies for Big Oil Act of 2007,’ which would have ‘amended the Internal Revenue Code to deny a tax deduction for income attributable to the sale, exchange, or other disposition of oil, natural gas, or any primary product thereof.’ Since that time, Congressman McDermott has consistently supported bills to end subsides for fossil fuel companies.”
Rep. Jason Chaffetz
Rep. Chaffetz’s staffer reported, “He supports ending all fossil fuel subsidies, for oil, coal, and natural gas, and he supports eliminating subsidies for wind, solar, biomass and all other forms of energy as well.”
Rep. Danny Davis
When asked if he supports ending all fossil fuel subsidies, Rep. Davis replied, “Yes, end all tax breaks.”
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.
When asked if he supports ending all fossil fuel subsidies, Rep. Jackson’s staffer reported, “Yes, he does.”
Rep. Jim Dale Kildee
Rep. Kildee’s staffer reported “he is in support of ending all fossil fuel subsidies. We support investing in renewable energy and the congressman has consistently voted in favor of ending fossil fuel subsidies and investing in renewables.”
Rep. Mick Mulvaney
Rep. Mulavney’s staffer reported he is “against any subsidies for any energy because he thinks subsidies distort the market. He’s against tax subsidies for renewable energies along with tax subsidies for big oil. He wants to get rid of all tax subsidies at the same time.”
Rep. Ron Paul
Rep. Paul’s staffer reported “He supports ending all taxpayer provided subsidies for all industries.”
Strong Oppose
Rep. David Roe
“We need an “all-of-the-above” energy policy to ease the pain at the pump.”
Rep. Elton Gallegly
Rep. Gallegly supports leaving existing tax breaks for manufacturers (incl. oil, gas companies) in place.
Rep. Louie Gohmert
A rep from Rep. Gohmert’s office said “there are no subsidies – subsidies are an invention of the administration”
Rep. Pete Olson
Rep. Olson has said that his constituents want increased subsidies for fossil fuels and that he would like to accurately represent them.
Rep. Rob Bishop
“Just like as the gentleman from Georgia said, a subsidy–and we talked about all the subsidies the industries are getting–is when the government actually pays cash to somebody. The oil companies are not getting cash from the government. A subsidy should not be confused with a tax credit or a tax deduction.”
Rep. Scott Tipton
Representative Tipton’s staff stated that his “position is supportive of all the energy industries, fossil fuel and renewable. And although he is for all, he will not level the playing field by removing subsidies for the fossil fuel industries.”
Rep. Steve Pearce
Rep. Pearce refers to himself as “an oil man” and “a proud member of the Tea Party Caucus”
Rep. Tom Rooney
Rep. Rooney’s office said “he is opposed to ending subsidies because the answer is not to impose burdens on businesses.”
Rep. Scott Garrett
“Immediately removing existing tax credits would increase tax collections from the oil and natural gas industries. This could potentially decrease exploration, development, and production while increasing prices and worsening our nation’s addiction to foreign oil…I support an ‘all of the above’ energy policy which includes national gas, domestic oil production, and alternative sources such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, and nuclear.”
Rep. Christopher Gibson
Rep. Gibson “supports all of the above…tax credits and reductions to all forms of energy.”
Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler
Sen. Herrera Beutler “would not vote to remove fossil fuel subsidies on the grounds that all incentives on all energy forms should be used. She has stated that it could jeopardize jobs to remove the subsidies.”
Rep. Tom Reed
Staff member said that Rep. Reed does not support removing subsidies “because all businesses get subsidies.”
Rep. Cliff Stearns
Rep. Stearns wrote in an email, “Simply vilifying an industry that the United States depends on does not replace the need for a sound national energy policy. If the President truly wants to decrease our dependence on foreign oil, he should start by provide access to our country’s domestic energy reserves, roll back regulatory burdens on companies and lift the de facto moratorium on offshore drilling permits.”
Rep. Doug Lamborn
Rep. Lamborn’s staffer “defended subsidies, refusing to call them that stating that all businesses receive ‘subsidies’ and it would be an unfair practice to penalize big oil.”
Rep. Cory Gardner
According to his staffer, Rep. Gardner “doesn’t believe the answer to our energy problems/high gas prices is to raise taxes on the energy industry.”
Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart
A staffer reported Rep. Diaz-Balart “does not support ending all those subsidies.”
Rep. Judy Biggert
A constituent reports, “Rep. Biggert has taken an ‘all of the above’ position regarding energy sources…pro everything solar, wind, nuclear, gas, oil…all of it.”
Rep. Donald Manzullo
Rep. Manzullo writes, “Raising taxes on oil and gas companies will only be passed along in the form of higher prices at the gas pump and in higher energy costs to our manufacturers. Higher gas prices will hurt families and small businesses especially hard, particularly at this time when our economy is already struggling to recover and create new jobs.”
Rep. Tim Huelskamp
Rep. Huelskamp writes, “Laws and policies put in place by the current administration have already driven away resource-driven energy companies seeking to capitalize on America’s oil-rich lands and waters. If the United States seeks to reduce its dependence on foreign oil from unstable countries, the federal government must encourage—not discourage—domestic oil exploration, production, and refining.”
Rep. Chip Cravaack
A staffer states that Rep. Cravaack supports an “all of the above” energy policy
Rep. Denny Rehberg
Rep. Rehberg writes, “There is 3.0 to 4.3 billion barrels of untapped, recoverable oil in the Bakken Formation… It is important we look to all domestic resources, both on and off shore, to bolster our energy supply. Development of these resources will not only help lower gas prices but also bring good-paying jobs and economic development to Montana’s rural communities.”
Rep. Renee Ellmers
A staffer reported Rep. Ellmers “supports an all of the above energy policy.”
Rep. Steve Austria
Rep. Austria writes, “The recent spike in gas prices has placed a tremendous burden on tax payers not only in Ohio, but across the country. In order to lower the price of gasoline, we must focus on policies that reduce our dependency on foreign oil. This means we must be able to tap into our own domestic natural resources, while continuing to explore alternative energy sources.”
Rep. Jeff Fortenberry
Rep. Fortenberry’s staffer reported, “I think there would be very few members of congress who would support removing funding from that big of a portion of the energy sector.”
Rep. Ruben Hinojosa
Rep. Hinojosa’s staffer reported “Many of the producers in his district that use those subsidies are small mom and pops, not the big ones. So, no, he does not support ending all fossil fuel subsidies.”
Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer
A staffer reported Rep. Luetkemeyer “does not support ending all fossil fuel subsidies. He is in support of an all-of-the-above comprehensive plan.”
Rep. Mike McIntyre
Rep. McIntyre’s staffer reported, “He supports an across the board strategy that embraces new and alternative and renewable sources of energy, particularly wind and solar and second and third generation biofuels. He also supports the nurturing of our domestic carbon based fuel sources–including natural gas, clean coal technology, and petroleum. He recognizes that oil companies have record profits right now and no longer need incentives to develop our domestic energy.”
Rep. Kevin Yoder
Rep. Yoder writes, “I believe we need to pursue an “all of the above” approach to energy policy in which every energy source possible is explored, developed and utilized. By exploring all options and producing energy here at home, we will create jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign energy producers.”