Rick Becker on Energy & Oil

We must stop subsidizing "clean" and alternative fuels

By inserting the meddling hand of the federal government, energy efficiency mandates harm the economy, and disturb the self-regulation of the free market. I will oppose excessive regulations and pointless roadblocks against our critical energy infrastructure--including pipelines, coal plants, mining and oil extraction. Water of the U.S. (WOTUS) must be dismantled.

Reduce oil extraction tax from 6.5% to 5%

There is hereby imposed an excise tax, to be known as the "oil extraction tax", upon the activity of extracting oil from the earth. The rate of tax was 6.5% and this bill reduces that rate to 5% of the gross value at the well of the oil extracted. The 5% rate also applies to secondary or tertiary recovery projects, where the previous tax was 4%. However, if the average price of a barrel of crude oil exceeds the trigger price of $90 for three months, then the tax rate is set at 6%. Previously the trigger price had to exceed $90 for five months.

Legislative Outcome:
• House vote 57-32-5 on April 20, 2015
• Senate vote 32-15-0 on April 23
• Signed by Governor Dalrymple on April 29