BILLINGS - Congressman Denny Rehberg wrapped up his series of eight town hall meetings across Southeastern Montana this week, discussing the ramifications of the "Cap and Trade Bill."

Congressman Rehberg says he and his constituents are concerned with the future of Montana and its energy independence. He says a major climate change bill passed last week in the House, increasing taxes and putting an undue burden on Montana residents and businesses.

"Not only will all Montanans pay a higher tax as a results of this legislation but it will also cost a lot of the jobs in Montana. For example, Colstrip, all the coal mines, oil and gas, all of these things rely on business from traditional fossil fuels. We just think it's foolish to pass this type of legislation," says Congressman Denny Rehberg.

Rehberg says a better step to American Energy Independence would be to establish off-shore drilling on the West and East Coast. Supporters of the Cap and Trade Bill say it will limit U.S. greenhouse gases linked to global warming. The bill now awaits a vote from the Senate.