I think it is very, very important for our environment and our economy that these move forward quickly.

Are you aware that from 2008 to 2012, the U.S. natural gas production increased by 11 percent overall as it fell 13 percent on Federal lands?

It is concerning that EPA is now proposing a significant rollback in the RFS.

I am especially proud of our farmers' ability to continually produce more while using less land, less water and less fertilizer.

The RFS is working to enhance domestic energy supplies and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

I am fully supportive of ethanol because of the good economic impact it has had on rural communities, rural States and truly our country as a whole.

Nebraskans certainly understand the importance of the Renewable Fuel Standard.

I am pleased that the Committee is taking time to review our Nation's biofuels policy.

We owe it to our brave men and women in uniform to ensure that all of the programs in place to support our veterans are run well and administered efficiently.

I want nothing more for all of those who have risked life and limb than for them to be able to pursue the very American dream that they fought so courageously to defend.

I sincerely appreciate the efforts of the late Senator Lautenberg, Senator Vitter and their staffs in finding the common ground needed to advance our chemical safety laws.

I can only agree with my mentor here in the Senate, Senator Klobuchar.

In Nebraska, small businesses represent 96.6 percent of all employers and they employ 50 percent of the private sector labor force.

Nebraska, particularly in agriculture, we have made tremendous environmental progress because of collaborative efforts.

Well, there are a number of exemptions from the permit program from the 404 permit program that are in Section 404(f).

The goal of environmental protection should not be pursued at the expense of all others, including housing, jobs, economic development, and individual rights.

I am particularly concerned about EPA's proposed guidance to define 'waters of the United States,' which would broaden the number and kinds of waters subject to regulation.

Nebraskans need an EPA that understands this and that will look for ways to collaborate--rather than regulate--wherever possible.