I look forward to the testimony from both panels and to working with you on these important issues.

This is why the Administration's opposition and apparent disinterest in working with us on this bill strikes me as disingenuous.

It is only fair that they be similarly treated.

I think it's important to recognize within this bill our effort to support clean energy and conservation projects.

I need to know that you are mindful and you listen and you understand to what is happening to our coastal States that are impacted.

Providing revenue sharing from my State and all coastal States has been a priority of mine for many years.

We don't want to discourage this development. We acknowledge that this will be good for our country, good for our economy.

I also believe that the FAIR Act supports the energy and the conservation goals that are supported by our Administration.

The FAIR Act is about bringing parity to the Federal revenue sharing program, both onshore and offshore.

We believe that there is a great option for traditional and non-traditional sources in the OCS.

I keep coming back and Senator Landrieu, I'm thinking that this is the perfect bill.

Let the dialogs begin. But that is exactly what this FAIR Act is about is to try to bring some parity out there.

I have pointed out that the President's energy security trust is perhaps a little bit different from my concept where we actually do provide for access and open up more Federal lands.

through this FAIR Act what we're doing here is we're providing a dedicated funding stream for LWCF.

The management of the first 3 miles, what we're talking about, particularly in Senator Landrieu's State which, as she has noted, is the bread basket of the U.S. energy world here.

We totally agree with you about development and goals for development.

Thank you very much.

I was very, very disappointed to read the Administration's testimony opposing the FAIR Act.

I hope that we will hear it admitted plainly.

I think this notion or the concept of accountability and being able to determine whether or not we have achieved these goals is critical to the operations of the loan program.

My hope, of course, is that we don't see losses that the taxpayers will be carrying on this.

You've been relatively dogged, which is what needs to happen around here.

I think a very relevant question is whether or not the Federal Government needs to continue to make a direct loan program available exclusively for automakers.

I think you've heard from Senator Murkowski and I pretty clearly that we think that there is a very significant role that has to be afforded the private sector and marketplace forces.

I do think that this is something that should be subject to greater scrutiny, greater discussion.