Gov. Gregoire�s statement on federal move to block tax incentives for energy programs

For Immediate Release: June 10, 2008

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement on the U.S. Senate�s action to block oil industry profits taxes:

�At a time when Washingtonians are being particularly hard hit by soaring gas prices, it is outrageous that Republican leaders in the U.S. Senate today blocked an energy package that would have brought much-needed relief to Washington families and businesses.

�Our state, like so many others, is under growing economic duress directly related to our dependence on foreign oil. Through legislation and innovative policies, I am working hard to reduce our oil dependence and to find every opportunity to develop energy alternatives that are creating green collar jobs.

�I call on Congress to do what is necessary to come to an agreement and pass balanced legislation that provides a definitive plan requiring gas and oil companies to pay their fair share and invest in clean and affordable alternative-energy solutions.�
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