Commissioner Christian Encourages Congress to End Electric Vehicle Subsidies
Calls Subsidy an Attack on Energy Industry
October 31, 2017AUSTIN– Today, Commissioner Wayne Christian (R – Texas) sent a letter to the Texas delegation in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate encouraging them to end the federal subsidy for the purchase of zero-emission electric vehicles (EVs) as Congress works on finalizing its tax-reform package.
In the letter, Christian emphasized that these Obama-era subsidies run counterproductive to the Texas Railroad Commission’s goal of serving Texans through “our support of enhanced development and economic vitality for the benefit of Texans.”
“This federal subsidy is nothing more than a feel-good tax break for wealthy environmentalists to help them punish the energy industry that powers our nation,” said Christian.
“Taxpayers should not be on the hook to finance a subsidy that picks winners and losers, while doing virtually nothing to tangibly protect the environment. I’m proud to regulate this important industry, and when necessary defend it from government attacks cloaked in bad policy.”
Congress is expected to unveil their tax-reform plan later this week.
You can read his letter here.
A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected to join the Railroad Commission of Texas in November 2016. In 1996, Christian was elected to the House of Representatives. During this time, Christian served as Vice-Chair of Regulated Industries and as a multi-term member of the Energy Resource Committee. On these committees, he had direct oversight of the Railroad Commission and accumulated a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations.
About the Railroad Commission:
Our mission is to serve Texas by our stewardship of natural resources and the environment, our concern for personal and community safety, and our support of enhanced development and economic vitality for the benefit of Texans. The Commission has a long and proud history of service to both Texas and to the nation, including more than 100 years regulating the oil and gas industry. The Commission also has jurisdiction over alternative fuels safety, natural gas utilities, surface mining and intrastate pipelines. Established in 1891, the Railroad Commission of Texas is the oldest regulatory agency in the state. To learn more, please visit https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/.