Cap and trade bill hurts businesses

It always amazes me when politicians talk about small businesses being the engine that drives the nation's economy and then take steps to leave small businesses sputtering. Government proposals to raise energy prices will have a significant impact on small businesses, especially here in Alaska.

The current climate bill calls for imposing a complicated system of buying and trading carbon credits that will put pressure on manufacturers and electric power providers to raise prices. The only winners in this scenario will be big-time Wall Street traders. Small businesses and families will bear the brunt of the cost increases.

The fallout from this recession continues to hammer small businesses, and the situation could become even worse if the economy takes another downturn. Costs for doing business continue to go up and revenues are soft because of the current economic condition. Now is not the time to impose a potentially damaging cap and trade system.

Once again we are staring down a dramatic situation in which energy prices will increase as a result of government policy. Small businesses can't stand idly by and let politicians take away our ability to earn a living. We must convince lawmakers that it is misguided to implement cap and trade - especially now.

John G. Boone

Juneau