Jerry Brown: “I had not originally intended to speak on this amendment because it involves dear friends on both sides of the issue.…”

“I had not originally intended to speak on this amendment because it involves dear friends on both sides of the issue. But I had intended to speak on the importance of the fossil energy R&D programs which, in the Committee on Science, which I have the privilege of serving on, we have consistently tried to support over the years. We have recognized the value of increased efficiency brought about by research on fossil energy. I am also one of the greatest exponents of energy conservation R&D because I understand the importance of saving energy. So what we have here is a situation which requires balance. Now, on balance, I am inclined to support the position taken by the chairman of the committee. I would point out that what he has had to do in the House is to take a substantially smaller allocation than in the Senate and make that allocation cover in some reasonable way a number of accounts which have to be covered. Now, obviously, his decision is somewhat short of absolute perfection, but I am not sure that we have the wisdom in this body to achieve absolute perfection.”