I think it is an exciting time. It is a time of change. We have a big job to do.

I would urge the Administration to do whatever they can to stay on top of it and let people now they are under contract to get this done within a year because we need the jobs and we need the work done.

The stakes for our Nation in the next Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill are high.

If confirmed, do you commit to work to ensure that EPA's voluntary programs reward the best companies, those leaders who go beyond what is required?

I would urge you to do your best with your staff, because this recession is very prolonged, it started in 2007.

I think you are doing great getting 62 percent. When do you think you will have 90 percent?

I have no intention of putting a pothole under the Federal Government's jurisdiction.

You each bring a wealth of experience and a record of dedication to achieving EPA's mission of protecting public health and the environment.

we do not want them just wasting away or sitting there because somebody did not get their act together.

I am so pleased to be able to be here today to introduce an outstanding nominee for Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy at the Department of Transportation, Ms. Polly Trottenberg.

A lot of people are hurting out there.

A few weeks ago, this Administration released a sobering report on the impacts global warming is having across the United States and the devastating effects that will come if we do not take action: droughts, floods, fires, loss of species…

So we are going to definitely look at that.

The Earth's climate is being changed by carbon pollution, and if we do not do something about it, our children and our grandchildren will bear that cost.

I want to welcome our panel, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming back.

Right now, polluters are allowed to pollute for free. And, as long as they are allowed to pollute for free... they are going to keep doing it.

the more the public can learn the facts, and not rush through this. This affects every element of our economy and our national security.

Thank you. Here is what we are going to do.

Today's hearing is the kickoff of a historic Senator effort to pass legislation that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, create millions of clean energy jobs, and protect our children from pollution.

I think that we do need to look at the carbon market and make sure that we have a cap-and-trade policy that is going to be efficient, effective, and have proper oversight and accountability so that we can have a vibrant market.

I want to see us at the front, leading.

We think that CBO is off base for the following reasons in terms of their scoring provisions regarding allowance values for energy efficiency.

there are no new taxes but there is a tax credit for consumers.

But you know what? Do not be so sure about that, because I think there are a lot of people that want to benefit from that.

We need to make a decision.