Grover Norquist group opposes Connecticut carbon tax bill

Americans for Tax Reform, a conservative political advocacy group founded by Grover Norquist, is lobbying members of the Connecticut General Assembly to oppose House Bill 7247, an “Act Establishing a Carbon Price for Fossil Fuels Sold in Connecticut,” by arguing that it would have a deleterious impact on the state”™s economy.

ATR used a blog posting to argue that the proposed legislation would levy a $15 per ton carbon tax that would increase by $5 per ton annually after its first year. As a result, according to ATR, this would increase Connecticut”™s energy costs and set off an economic chain reaction that would impact employment and competitiveness against other states.

“A study by the National Association of Manufacturers, based on a $20 per ton tax rate, explores where the brunt of this misguided legislation will be felt if the tax is implemented,” the ATR said. “If HB 7247 becomes law, Connecticutians will experience employment loss, increased prices at the pump, and elevated energy bills.”