Richard Pombo: “I find it quite interesting, in listening to the debate on this particular amendment, if ANWR is approved, if oil and…”

“I find it quite interesting, in listening to the debate on this particular amendment, if ANWR is approved, if oil and gas exploration is approved, there will be a substantial amount of money that comes in in the form of royalties and bonuses to the Federal Government. I think all of us agree that there are ways that we would like to spend this money. The gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Peterson) came to me, and after discussing this in great detail, I agreed with this amendment because this is an energy bill. It is about a balanced energy policy for the future of this country. Part of that balance is in LIHEAP, and that is to provide for those who need the help. I think this is extremely important. But I also find it kind of ironic that those that represent the States that would benefit the most from LIHEAP have risen in opposition to this, because if this does go into effect and that money does come in, it is their constituents who stand to benefit the greatest from this amendment being in place.”