Political Quotes

“Unfortunately, I was absent when the two Senators from New York proposed an amendment authorizing funding for prohibition on oil and gas drilling in the Finger Lakes National Forest in New York. My first reaction was that it was precisely in the wrong direction. At a time when we are increasing our dependence on imported sources of energy, oil and gas, this amendment prohibits oil and gas drilling in the Finger Lakes National Forest of New York. I am not knowledgeable as to the extent of interest to drill in this area. However, I am sensitive to Senator Schumer and Senator Clinton with regard to what they believe is best for their State. We have an amendment to put additional Federal lands off limits to oil and gas development. That is clearly what we are doing. The irony in this as far as my State is concerned is we happen to support opening ANWR, opening the area for oil and gas exploration, and we find a reluctance of some Senators to recognize that while I am certainly not going to take issue with the attitude prevailing of the two New York Senators who want this area put off limits, I find it a bit inconsistent that other Senators will not respect our views in Alaska relative to our support, which is nearly 70 percent of the population. Clearly, virtually the entire population of the North Slope, with the exception of the Gwich' in people, support opening ANWR.”