Lisa Murkowski

There's no question that a stable and affordable supply of minerals is critical to America's future competitiveness.

What we should not do, however, and particularly in the case of minerals critical to our global competitiveness and our national security is purposely or unwittingly subject these projects to an unnecessarily long permitting process.

It is critical that any proposal recognize and balance technological feasibility, safety, and economic practicability, including impact on U.S. jobs.

Wouldn't one of those metrics be how many loans were getting out the door? Whether or not we're meeting the need that is out there?

I don't mean to cut you off. But I am well over my time, and I wanted Mr. Rusco to comment on this--whether or not we really are moving the loans through in a manner that we feel is sufficient.

Do you think that 5 loans over a 2-year period is timely enough? Are you satisfied with that?

Let me ask about the ATVM loans. We hear a lot of frustration out there from companies that have applied for, but haven't received, any loans from the program.

It actually adds to our energy security to have the new volumes of oil, plus, we're getting money, as the Federal Government and as a taxpayer, from the producer of, and operator of, that well.

I would hope that we don't look to a quick fix, which I think tapping the SPRO would be.

I agree that looking to sell off significant quantities of SPRO oil is ill-advised, and have said so on many, many occasions.

Thank you, Chairman Bingaman, Ranking Member Murkowski and members of the Committee.

I think that is really an area we need to work on.

We're trying to understand and make sure that we're not duplicating, overlapping.

I would ask you to do that. As you know, here in the committee, there's been a great deal of discussion about just how we provide for the 'pay-fors' for legislation.

As I was looking through the bills that we have today, you always are looking to see whether or not the provisions are duplicative.

I think that the Supply Star is a great start for that and brings the Department of Energy in to build the partnerships.

I'm simply not able to support the offset envisioned by S. 1001.

I believe that efficiency is part of an all-of-the-above energy plan, and this is an important first step that we are taking here today.

Thank you Chairman Bingaman, Ranking Member Murkowski, and members of the committee for the opportunity to testify today.

I appreciate that and would look forward to that meeting.

Can you give me some assurances that the disaster declarations that are being requested from some of our very remote, very rural areas that again are not making the front pages will get the attention from your Agency that they certainly…

I would like to do that.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Justice Christen has survived this process now twice.

I strongly support her nomination.