The question is a matter of choice for the American public in purchasing these hybrids. They can purchase them now. You can go out and get a car that gets 50 miles per gallon if you wish.

I would say that statement, in general terms, is consistent with the reality that the price of fuel is primarily controlled by OPEC through their cartel and they have set a floor and set a ceiling. The floor is $22; the ceiling is $28…

Starting in 1995, the Congress prevented changes in fuel economy standards for all vehicles. Such restrictions were lifted starting with the model year 2004. In 1992, the Senate marked up a bill with CAFE, I might add, and ANWR, and…

Let me respond to the last question, if I may. The same National Academy of Sciences study on which the Senator bases his legislative proposal, with new technologies, has estimates of cost and impact as in the EIA study. I think what the…

I quoted the National Academy of Sciences, and the Senator from Massachusetts is arguing the point that it wasn't included in his particular amendment.

I remind all those who are following the debate that it is relatively easy to set targets of achievement, and in this particular bill we have set the year 2013 in which to achieve 35 miles per gallon under CAFE. We are now roughly at 24…

I look forward to, hopefully, moving with some dispatch on the energy bill. There are probably a few more contentious issues, as you know: Electricity, certainly ANWR, CAFE, renewables. So we have our work cut out for us. I encourage…

Before we vote, I would like to speak very briefly on the qualifications of Judge Beistline. No one would question Judge Beistline's qualifications or his fitness to serve on the Federal bench. He has served with distinction in our State…

It is not a movement of rapidity. We passed opening ANWR in 1995, as the Senator from Massachusetts will recall, and it was vetoed.

the editorial in the Washington Post indicates that we can't drill our way out of our ties to the world oil market. Well, I agree with that. They further state that they feel we can generate from conservation what we would potentially…

In response to Senator Dorgan regarding his amendment which covers powerplant operator training, the amendment establishes, as he has noted, a national center to address the need for training and educational activities of operators of…

Again, I want to make reference to some of the refuges because some people make an automatic mental transfer that somehow this is a refuge. Therefore, there should not be any exploration occurring or any activity of any kind. This chart…

I compliment Senator McCain and members of the Commerce Committee for bringing this matter up. I would like to be added as a cosponsor to the amendment. As all are aware, Senator McCain's amendment is similar to the one submitted last…

I would like to discuss with my colleagues an issue that relates to pipeline safety. I am concerned about an incident that occurred in Alaska last fall. The Senator may recall hearing in the news about an individual who fired a weapon and…

Well, the individual was allegedly intoxicated when the Trans-Alaska Pipeline was damaged. Unfortunately, the U.S. Attorney's Office was unable to prosecute the individual for damaging the line due to some loopholes in the Federal law. One…

I understand that concern as well and certainly do not want someone criminally prosecuted unless there was intent. I was wondering if the Senator would agree to work with me to see if we can find a compromise that would address the intent…

Mr. President, over a year ago the Senate passed S. 235, the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act. That bill was approved by a vote of 98-0 on February 8, 2001, and is designed to promote both public and environmental safety by reauthorizing…

Let me outline the necessity of the second-degree amendment. We have a unique situation in Alaska with the 800-mile Trans-Alaska Pipeline which moves about 20 percent of the total crude oil produced in this country but is not protected in…

This amendment makes it explicitly clear that the State of Alaska has complete authority when it comes to regulating in-state distribution of natural gas coming off the Alaska Gas Transportation System. It also directs the Secretary of…

As the Senator from Oklahoma has expressed, we have not had any hearings. We don't know what the scientific answer is. But there is the fear of the people and therefore an objection to any offshore activity. Then there is the question of…

Everything focuses either on ANWR or the gas line. The electricity portion could be very complex. CAFE is going to be agonizing. Renewables are going to be agonizing. I was somewhat alerted by the whip who indicated this vote will be a 60…

I appreciate the response of my good friend, Senator Bingaman, and he is my friend. We have worked on this issue. I appreciate his explanation. But I have to refer to the fact that route issue has been around for a while because the House…

I wonder if I could respond to some questions that the Senator from Oklahoma, the minority whip, brought up because I certainly agree with his contention that these matters have not been addressed in a committee process. They are being…

I join with Senator Stevens and certainly our colleague on the House side, Representative Young, and commend the majority for introducing this amendment that selects a southern route for the development of natural gas from the State of…

I am not going anywhere. I want everybody to make sure they understand that clearly from the beginning this whole process was designed--and I don't think we are fooling anybody--to ensure that the committee of jurisdiction did not get a…