New Independent Analysis Confirms Climate Bill Costs About a Postage Stamp a Day

The climate change bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives would raise annual energy costs for U.S. households less than $150 in 10 years, significantly lower than some industry estimates, according to a draft report from the Energy...

August 4, 2009 | Source: Reuters | by Tom Doggett and Ayesha Rascoe

The climate change bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives would raise annual energy costs for U.S. households less than $150 in 10 years, significantly lower than some industry estimates, according to a draft report from the Energy Information Administration.

The EIA’s analysis of the House climate legislation says the average U.S. family would pay $142 more in energy expenses in 2020, and $583 more in 2030, if it were enacted.

The projection from the EIA is in line with projections made by the Congressional Budget Office and the Environmental Protection Agency, and contradict claims by energy and business trade groups that consumers would pay thousands of dollars more a year under the plan to fight global warming.

The EIA’s estimate also found that gasoline prices would be 23 cents a gallon higher in 2020 and 36 cents more in 2030, according to a draft analysis that was sent to U.S. lawmakers last week and obtained by Reuters. The agency said it will release the final version of the report soon.

Much of the debate on climate change legislation has centered on the possible economic impact of establishing a system limiting carbon emissions.

Democrats and other supporters of the legislation have promoted the plan as a way to bolster the lagging economy. Opponents have characterized the bill as a “job killer” that would unduly burden American high energy costs.