Here is how Scott Garrett responded to allegations from Democratic opponent Dennis Shulman during the 2008 election that he opposes energy independence:

“We’re taking this a little more seriously. The energy crisis shouldn’t be used as a political football. Instead of using it as a political ploy for games, you need to address the issues.” – Scott Garrett Campaign Manager Amanda Gasperino (Easton Express-Times, 8/20/08).

Here is the voting record indicating how Scott Garrett has “addressed the issues” relating to the energy crisis and American energy independence:

• The watchdog group Campaign for America’s Future, which supports energy independence for America, gave Garrett a 0% voter rating, indicating that he is completely opposed to energy independence.

• Garrrett has received nearly $90,000 from Oil & Gas companies since entering Congress and has voted in favor of Oil companies on 91% of the legislation tied to their interests.

• After the jump is a selection of the votes in which Garrett favored Oil and Gas companies. Have I mentioned these companies paid the Congressman almost $90,000 since he entered Congress?

• Garrett Voted No on the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008, which would have provided tax incentives for energy production and conservation.

• Garrett Voted No on the New Direction for Energy Independence of 2008, which would have invested in homegrown biofuel.

• Garrett Voted No on the No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels Act (NOPEC), which would have criminalized oil cartels like OPEC. Basically he voted for, among other things, the right of rich, oil producing countries to collectively raise gas prices as high as they’d like, whenever they’d like, with no consequences attached.

• A summary of all the other votes Garrett has made against solving the energy crisis.

Congressman Garrett claims he supports energy independence and ending the energy crisis. Meanwhile, he consistently votes against measures that would increase American energy independence while voting to allow large oil companies and oil-rich nations to take full advantage of their energy resources.  So, yes, Congressman Garrett supports energy independence and addressing the energy crisis…for the sole benefit of oil companies and oil-rich countries.

-Michael Simonson