I know probably Senator Murkowski, who is on top of these things in the Arctic, is also very cautious...

We put it in there as mandatory funding this year, it shows the importance, the understanding of the importance of this program, especially in these current economic times, about how we need to be able to find a way to work together to be…

I believe we need to make sure we honor that principle of getting a fair return.

the congressional intent was that part of these new fees be used to expand the capacity so that we could expedite the orderly development of offshore there.

Can you give me any indication at this point in time that you think you have that administrative authority?

Senator, it allowed us to continue to do what we have been doing to address the need for clean water.

unless we are able to bring about the confidence of the American people in hydraulic fracking, it could be the Achilles heel for the promising energy resource we see.

We recognize that this is going to increase the cost of living in Alaska at a time that we can't handle it.

It's impossible for the engines in older aircraft to run without lead being in their fuels.

We have an aggressive program for oil and gas development, both onshore as well as offshore.

I think it is somewhat shortsighted to continue underfunding essential construction and maintenance programs.

If you were on the private side, you would be fined--I think the fines that we're talking about could be in the realm of $40 million.

I truly appreciate that you've maintained this critical program while keeping the overall budget request below last year's level.

I mentioned in my comments my appreciation for the funding in the budget for contract support costs within BIA's budget.

People really do want to understand what the situation here is in this country.

I introduced the legislation which created the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area (NRA) within the GMNF in order to literally put this fantastic recreational resource 'on the map'.

There is further concern that we simply won't, or the industry won't, be able to meet the deadline.

We've got to have some ability to work with you on this.

I understand that. And I will, in probably my next round here, ask about some of those incentives or disincentives that we impose that kind of pushes, those that are in the exploration and production realm, to go from Federal lands to…

I think that before we commit funds to additional land acquisitions that we should make sure that we have got a definitive way to honor our existing commitments.

I want to add a couple more questions to the inquiry from Senator Tester on fracking.

I have said over, and over again, that natural gas, hydraulic fracturing, and fracturing for oil is an incredibly important part of our energy mix, but we need to assure the American public that we are stepping up to the challenge in…

I just have a small handful of questions remaining here.

Any of the suggested alternative rates for Wyoming Federal lands, however, will deteriorate their competitive position in the market, which is rather weak, as it is.

the American taxpayer was not getting its fair return