Todd Tiahrt: “Mr. Chairman, I believe strongly in a balanced energy policy. We need to invest in alternative energy sources and we…”

“Mr. Chairman, I believe strongly in a balanced energy policy. We need to invest in alternative energy sources and we need to tap the resources that we have in a responsible manner. The Department of the Interior is now completing a programmatic environmental impact study on the commercial leasing program that is authorized under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This study is focused on evaluating the potential impacts associated with the development of commercial leasing programs for oil shale and tar sand resources on public lands in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. The scope of this environmental impact study will include an assessment for the positive and negative environmental, social and economic impacts of leasing oil shale and tar sand resources, both the positive and the negative impacts. I think that is important. This will also include a discussion of the relevant mitigation measures to address any potential impacts on the Bureau of Land Management's administered lands in Colorado, as well as in Utah and Wyoming.”