Energy plan could stifle growth

Several governors say energy plan could hurt growth

Both Democrat and Republican governors called for open bipartisan discussion of items before Congress, including cap-and-trade proposals on carbon emissions and billions of dollars in federal taxes on energy production.

Gov. Haley Barbour of Mississippi said those taxes would drive up the cost of gasoline, diesel fuel and natural gas, not only on consumers, but on industry. "These policies have in common that they would all inevitably and substantially increase the cost of energy to American families and American businesses, especially manufacturing," he said.

Gov. Perdue of Georgia called for a national discussion among state and federal officials to come up with a policy that would not lead the U.S. into "the abyss of the unknown that will put us at an economic disadvantage for the foreseeable future. I'm not willing to concede that 535 citizens of the United States know best," he said, referring to Congress.

However, at the same time, developing a new energy policy will give states a chance to create jobs, said Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe, a Democrat.

Day two of the Southern Growth Policies Board meeting is today.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Gov. Riley, state leaders to head overseas for economic development trip

ARKANSAS: Analysis: Gov. Beebe already on 'victory lap' before 2010 election

FLORIDA: U.S. Senate committee to vote on bringing oil and gas leasing closer to FL coast

GEORGIA: State Supreme Court rules left-turn law is unconstitutional

KENTUCKY: Meth labs on the increase in the state

LOUISIANA: State GOP chairman issues statement after tobacco tax vote

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour shows strength amidst budget stalemate between House and Senate

NORTH CAROLINA: House looks at sales tax, income tax increases

SOUTH CAROLINA: Sen. Graham says healthcare costs are biggest threat to new jobs in state

TENNESSEE: Middle Tennessee sees rise in business bankruptcies

VIRGINIA: Severe thunderstorms could impact voting today in Democratic primary

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