WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) called the defeat today of federal climate change legislation “a responsible move by Congress that will save U.S. manufacturing jobs,” as the U.S. Senate voted (48-36) to defeat the cloture motion on the Boxer Substitute to S. 3036, the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act.
“Manufacturers are grateful to the 36 Senators on both sides of the aisle who voted to maintain jobs and economic growth in America,” said NAM President John Engler. “The NAM is committed to working with Congress to establish sensible and responsible federal policies that promote stewardship and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, these policies must maintain a competitive playing field for American workers and not damage the American economy.”
“NAM members believe that any commitments made by the United States must be mirrored by comparable commitments by our trading partners, are based on sound science and cost-effectiveness, and are applied equally throughout the economy,” he continued. “Several economic analyses -- including a 2008 study commissioned by the NAM that was cited numerous times during Senate floor debate -- conclude that the Lieberman-Warner bill would have resulted in significant job losses across our nation and would reduce Gross Domestic Product, lower household income and increase the cost of gasoline and electricity.”
“We welcome today’s action that recognizes the importance of U.S. jobs and competitiveness. We will continue to work with Congress to craft a bipartisan, economically-sound plan to address America’s energy crisis that recognizes our nation’s responsibility to promote commonsense environmental stewardship,” Engler concluded.
