The following details how Rep. Richard Pombo (CA-11) -- chairman of the House Resources Committee -- consistently votes against the environment, siding with corporate polluters and special interests.

 

 

Energy Bill: Benefiting Industry Over the Environment

Tax Payers for Common Sense estimates that Electric Utilities have been rewarded in the Energy Bill with $2.686 Billion in Subsidies. 

• From 2000-2004 Congressman Richard Pombo took $22,250 from the electric utility industry [Center for Responsive Politics, Campaign Finance Data, 2003-2004]

Taxpayers for Common Sense estimate that the Energy Bill contains $21.837 billion for the oil and gas industry. This does not include an $18 billion loan guarantee for the Alaskan Natural Gas Pipeline, nor a proposed liability waiver for MTBE producers valued at $29 billion. With those provisions included the oil and gas industry would be reaping $68 billion in benefits out of the Energy Bill. [Taxpayers For Common Sense Analysis of HR 6, 11/18/03] 

• From 2000-2004 Congressman Richard Pombo took $62,018 from the oil and gas industry. In 2004 the oil and gas industry was Pombo's highest contributor. [Center for Responsive Politics, Campaign Finance Data, 2003-2004]

MTBE Waiver: A Polluters Benefit Over Constituents

The Energy Bill Will Create A Liability Waiver For MTBE Producers Nullifying All Lawsuits Filed After September 5, 2003. Title XV Section 1502 of the Energy Policy Act establishes a ôsafe harborö for MTBE producers by nullifying all lawsuits by cities, states and other entities seeking compensation for groundwater contamination filed after September 5, 2003. [HR 6 Title XV Sec. 1502 p. 21.]

• Waiver Estimated To Be A $29-Billion Industry Giveaway. The MTBE liability waiver included in the Energy Policy Act of 2003 is estimated to protect MTBE producers from an estimated $29 billion that they would have to pay to cleanup contaminated sites across the United States according to the Environmental Working Group. [Environmental Working Group Web site, accessed, 12/15/03]
• Safe Harbor Provision of Energy Bill Would Set Dangerous Product Liability Precedent.  Section 1502 of H.R.6, the Energy Bill, ensures that no motor vehicle feel with MTBE can be considered defective. This section of the bill establishes a dangerous precedent whereby other manufacturers would seek similar protections for their products even if they are considered harmful to public health and safety. [New Jersey State Law Journal, 10/20/03] 

Pombo Has Documented MTBE Sites In District, State. Congressman Richard Pombo has documented sites which tested positive for the fuel additive MTBE in his district and in his state. According to the California Department of Health and Human Services, MTBE has been found in Alameda and Santa Clara County, both which are part of the 11th district. The EWG says California has the most severe contamination of any other state with MTBE affecting more than 30 million people. [California Department of Heath and Human Services, MTBE Data, Updated 12/03; Environmental Working Group, MTBE Contamination]

• Pombo Has Taken $3,000 From Valero Energy. From 2003-2004 Congressman Richard Pombo took $3,000 from MTBE manufacturer, Valero Energy. [Center for Responsive Politics, Campaign Finance Data, 2003-2004]

Forest Fire Legislation: Big Timber Wins

Pombo Voted For The Healthy Forest Initiative That WonÆt Prevent Forest Fires, But Will Benefit Big Timber Companies. The Kansas City Star said that ôThe new Healthy Forests Restoration Act is disguised as an attempt to prevent devastating forest fires like those that raged through the West the last two years...it wonÆt do much to keep forests healthy or to stop forest fires. It will allow loggers to pillage national forests of old-growth trees, which are actually the most fire-resistant. [Kansas City Star, 1/11/04]

• Pombo Has Taken $22,000 From The Timber Industry.  From 2003-2004, Congressman Pombo took $22,500 from forestry and forest product companies. [Center for Responsive Politics, Campaign Finance Data, 2003-2004]

Mining Companies: Thousands in Contributions, Billions in Benefits

Tax Payers For Common Sense: $7.95 Billion For Coal Industry, $2.5 Billion In Tax Breaks. Taxpayers for Common Sense estimate that the Energy Policy Act contains $7.95 billion in subsidies for the coal industry and $2.5 billion in tax breaks. [Taxpayers For Common Sense Analysis of HR 6, 11/18/03]

Energy Bill Is A 3,727 Percent Return On Investment For Coal Industry. The Energy Bill provides more than $7.95 billion in direct benefits including $2.514 billion in tax breaks for the coal industry, according to the Taxpayers for Common Sense. This industry has strongly supported the Republican Party having contributed $13,0718,73 since the 2000 election. If these contributions were looked at as a three-year return on investment, the return would be 3,727 percent. [Taxpayers for Common Sense Analysis of HR 6, Center for Responsive Politics]

• Pombo Has Taken $14,000 from the Mining Industry. From 2003-2004, Congressman Pombo took $14,659 from the mining industry. [Center for Responsive Politics, Campaign Finance Data, 2003-2004]