the corn ethanol scam is one of the longest-running robberies of American taxpayers in this country's history.

If Congress is truly serious about energy policy, it will kill this special-interest boondoggle immediately and apologize to the American people for the harm it has caused.

As Congress considers new energy legislation and the promise of renewable energy resources, we encourage you to ensure that renewable energy development is done in a prudent manner that protects key fish and wildlife habitats.

The Antiquities Act has been used to great effect, by and large and very appropriate ways as Senator Bingaman just pointed out with the recent actions of President Bush.

I want to make sure you have the last word. But I would add to your list of important uses of the Antiquities Act two additional national parks that were designated national parks after initially being designated national monuments.

We've got to balance out the needs of the country with the needs and points of views of local and regional interests.

I think there are many of us in the West who are intrigued with the oil shale potential.

Thank you very much for holding this hearing. These witnesses have been very, very helpful.

Investment in the transmission grid will stimulate economic development, reduce electricity costs for consumers, and improve grid reliability.

Senator Bingaman, your leadership here is surely welcomed and we thank you for that.

Our returning troops deserve mandatory mental health screening and a program to better monitor their mental and physical health.

We must invest in new electric grids, new wind turbines, new solar panels, and cleaner cars.

If our goal is a stronger, better economy, education is how we get there.

Our ability to get our country back on track relies on our ability to change the way our country generates and uses energy.

Opening Statement of: Hon. Tom Udall, a U.S. Senator from the State of New Mexico.

Although we are facing tough times, we must not forget that this budget represents a great opportunity to rebuild our Nation.

Finally, we must remember the unique needs of our returning veterans.

We need to invest in innovative sources of renewable energy production and ensure our workforce is trained to seize the opportunities of a new clean energy economy.