Political Quotes

“I rise today to co-sponsor legislation to provide Outer Continental Shelf [OCS] impact assistance to State and local governments. I am pleased to be joining my colleague from Alaska, Senator Stevens, the ranking minority member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator Johnston, and Senator Breaux in the introduction of this important legislation. Mr. President, there are two important aspects of the legislation we offer today. First, it is intended to stimulate oil and gas exploration and production on the Outer Continental Shelf, create jobs, protect our national energy security, and reduce our trade deficit. Second, it is intended to provide funds from revenues generated by oil and gas production on the OCS to States and eligible counties who shoulder the responsibility for energy development activity off their coastlines. A recent report by the Commerce Department suggests that our national security is at risk because we now import more than 50 percent of our domestic petroleum requirements. The Clinton administration's response to that report seems to be to not respond. I am aware of no specific proposals offered by the Clinton Administration to increase domestic production and reduce foreign imports of crude oil.”