Pete Domenici: “All Senators on that side of the aisle who have come down here to rail against President Bush about high gasoline prices…”

“All Senators on that side of the aisle who have come down here to rail against President Bush about high gasoline prices need to take a look in the mirror and blame themselves. I have been down here for months trying to get a comprehensive energy bill passed that will promote a policy of greater energy security and independence. Some of these very Senators are blocking these efforts. The Energy bill is not a silver bullet to lower prices for gasoline or for natural gas. No such thing exists. There is no silver bullet. It is disingenuous for Democrats to imply that one exists. They know better. Our bill is long term, to deal with our supply and manage our demand. That is the only responsible strategy. We need more domestic oil and more natural gas production. The Energy bill provides the open door for that to occur. We need alternative fuel sources. The Energy bill promotes for sources such as wind and solar. It promotes clean coal technology, and, yes, eventually, nuclear power. We need this broader portfolio to reduce risks of overdependence on one source. One source of energy is disaster for this great country.”