I believe, especially given the challenges of the Deepwater Horizon disaster, the Department has acted properly in continuing to focus on safety issues.

the commitment to research and development and innovation as keys to America's economic success.

I appreciate your attention to this in support of the national labs as well, sir.

If we don't have a home market for these things, industries will not be motivated to develop manufacturing at home.

This very important policy expires at the end of 2012.

is that a part of the trust responsibility and a part of getting through all of the statutes and laws that have been laid down?

Could you give me a couple of examples of where you have streamlined it?

I hope all these Federal agencies, whether it is the Bureau of Land Management, some within Interior, some outside, like the EPA, are all working together to try to achieve that objective.

No, I am just trying to get everybody on the same wavelength.

We really appreciate, Chairman Akaka and Vice Chairman Barrasso, your holding this very important oversight hearing.

the priorities laid out in the President's proposed budget reflect a strong commitment to clean energy

this is an investment in the Nation's energy future that will boost our economic growth and global competitiveness

the Department of Energy's budget request cuts funding in mature technology areas and provides increased resources for the most promising clean energy innovations

I want you to know I support what the President and you have put together.

This is clean energy without subsidy that the world will want.

I appreciate the mentorship and advocacy that has come from Chairman Young in these areas.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

Do you believe that eliminating Western's borrowing authority would increase or decrease the likelihood of these kinds of transmission projects?