CARBONDALE - Legislation making its way through Congress would impose cap and trade system that would require oil refineries and power plants to obtain allowances for the pollution they create.

The measure passed committee Thursday on a 33-25 vote and is now up for vote by the entire House. Among those opposing the measure was U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville.

In a news release, Shimkus said he fears the legislation will result in lost jobs and a spike in energy prices.

"This bill will destroy jobs and raise costs for every American," he said. "This is not what our country needs right now."

Quoting a study by the Heritage Foundation, a Washington D.C.-based conservative think tank, Shimkus said the proposal will mean an average of 1 million jobs lost per year between now and 2035 and possible electric rate increases of 90 percent.

"This legislation will stop new coal-fired power plants unless they use carbon capture sequestration � technology that is still in the development stages," Shimkus wrote. "There is so much wrong with this legislation. It is government overreaching way too far into our lives, and doing so at a huge cost to every American."

Shimkus vowed to continue to fight the legislation as it moves through Congress.

U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Belleville, also opposes the measure and has said that he too believes it will result in higher electric bills.

Officials from Costello's office could not be reached for comment.

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