On the recordMay 10, 2011
I yield myself such time as I may consume. I do oppose this amendment because it is duplicative and unnecessary. This amendment attempts to expand upon the language in the bill that already mandates that the Secretary conduct a safety review to affirm oil spill response and containment capability prior to issuing a permit. We believe that the Department of the Interior already requires that applicants must calculate worst-case discharge before approving a permit. On June 18 of last year, the Department issued a notice to lessees outlining the information requirements and standards to be met before a permit could be approved. In the notice it is required that a lessee ``describe the assumption and calculations that you used to determine the volume of your worst-case discharge scenario.'' This exact language, this exact intention has already been addressed, so I would oppose this amendment as redundant and unnecessary. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
