Jane Harman: “Is there someone here today who can tell me why it is worth destroying forever the remarkable Arctic National Wildlife…”

“Is there someone here today who can tell me why it is worth destroying forever the remarkable Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for a few months' supply of oil--oil that is a decade away from recovery? Some 95 percent of Alaska's North Slope is already open to oil and gas exploitation. Is there someone here today who can tell me why it is smarter for this country to exploit ANWR for a miniscule amount of oil than it is to increase CAFE standards and make all vehicles more fuel efficient? A small increase in fuel efficiency creates a large decrease in the amount of oil we import. Is there anyone here today who can tell me why, at the same time it talks about hydrogen-powered automobiles and fuel cells, this administration is throwing its support behind the big automakers' lawsuit against California's clean car law? Is there anyone here today who can tell me why it's better to drill in ANWR than it is for this country to promote and invest in clean energy-producing technologies and renewable sources of energy? True national security is defined by more than staggering military superiority. Our standing in the world is measured by more than our muscle. A healthy planet, clean water and clean air go hand-in-hand with a healthy economy. This country, the wealthiest and most powerful in history, can and must do more to set an example for the rest of the world. Protecting ANWR is a good start.”