The Gulf oil spill illustrates the need to improve our ability to prevent and respond to accidents, and we are working to find lasting solutions.

Unfortunately, some on Capitol Hill seem determined to use the anxiety created by the spill as an excuse to impose billions of dollars in higher taxes on America's energy companies.

For example, some have called for the elimination of deductions for manufacturing expenses that Congress specifically enacted to keep U.S. jobs and create new ones. Others want to change longstanding rules on how U.S. companies are taxed on their foreign income--even though doing so would place U.S. companies at a huge competitive disadvantage to foreign companies and jeapordize American jobs.

Working Americans have historically been suspicious of taxes on the energy that they consume. Unlike some in Washington, they understand that increasing taxes could kill jobs, raise energy costs, make U.S. companies less competitive and weaken our energy security--all at a time when we can least afford it.

To help people ensure that their voices are heard in the national policy debate, we asked citizens from across the country to tell us how energy taxes would affect them and their families. You can hear their stories and learn more here.

Political rhetoric against "Big Oil" is nothing new. But this time, the rhetoric may turn to action--and that action could be bad news for American consumers and our still-recovering economy.

Any legislation Congress considers should protect the environment and taxpayers while strengthening our nation's economic and energy security. It can be done, and we remain committed to working with Congress and the administration to achieve these objectives.

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Editors note: Jack Gerard sent this message today to individuals signed up to receive Energy Tomorrow e-mail communications. Click here to sign up for Energy Tomorrow updates and stay informed about important energy issues.

For more information on proposed energy taxes, watch Jack in the video below.