I'd also like to thank Senator Barrasso for his willingness to work with us and for the changes he's already made in the bill in response to our previous concerns.

I look forward to working closely with Senator Barrasso, the subcommittee's ranking member.

It is one of those things that I think all of us can take for granted until it's taken away from us.

Thank you, Chairman.

S. 312 is an important bill for my community.

We know droughts can affect the reliability of the energy sector.

I do think that climate change is a world phenomenon, not just in the United States.

It surely brings issues like the availability of water to the forefront, and it has in my State unlike ever before.

the power sector is responsible for only 3 percent of national water consumption

There's been a lot of hard work from the bill sponsors and others to get these bills where they are today.

I am pleased to have worked with Senator Reid to find a balance between development and conservation that will create jobs in Lyon County and beyond.

I look forward to working with Senator Barrasso across the partisan divide to pass what's very common sense and clearly a bipartisan idea.

It's clear just from today's agenda that the subcommittee will be actively involved in many Federal land management issues.

We thank Senator Udall for his collaborative approach and appreciate the local involvement that has contributed to wide support in Colorado for this bill.

Duly noted.

It's critical that it be reinstated as soon as possible.

One thing I know is true about President Bush, and I hope my successor will say about me, is that we love this country and we do our best.

You have been tested, West.