"I don't understand what Republicans are doing against this. It was their idea. John McCain introduced cap and trade legislation three times."

-- Rep. John Boccieri

Democratic Rep. John Boccieri has taken heat from Republicans ever since his 2009 vote for a House energy bill that would establish a "cap and trade" system designed to reduce emission of the greenhouse gasses thought to cause global warming.

The system would impose a government cap on allowable emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses. Companies that emit carbon dioxide, like electric utilities, would either have to reduce emissions by using cleaner technology, or purchase credits to allow continued emissions.

Either way, the cost likely would be passed along to consumers. Critics of the program have said it would be particularly harmful in Ohio, where a high proportion of electricity is derived from coal-burning power plants that would be most affected by the proposed law.

Groups like the National Republican Congressional Committee have criticized Boccieri for his vote, placing ads in his district that say the system amounts to a nationwide electricity tax that would drive up the nation’s electricity rates.

Boccieri, from Alliance, Ohio, has repeatedly said that he favored the bill because it would create renewable energy jobs in his district that can’t be shipped overseas, and would protect national security by reducing dependence on foreign oil from unstable regions like the Middle East.

During an interview Aug. 18, he stated the "cap and trade" concept was originally a Republican idea, and expressed frustration with the GOP’s current opposition.

"Only in Washington can you propose an idea, introduce legislation and then campaign against it," Boccieri said. "I don’t understand what Republicans are doing against this. It was their idea. John McCain introduced cap and trade legislation three times."

Was the "cap and trade" concept pioneered by Republicans. PolitiFact Ohio checked out Boccieri's claim. You can see the full story there. Then come back here to comment.

