Ben Cardin: “This Nation needs energy independence for many reasons. We need it for our national security. We should not be making…”

“This Nation needs energy independence for many reasons. We need it for our national security. We should not be making decisions on foreign policy based upon our oil needs from countries that disagree with our foreign policy objectives. We need energy independence for economic reasons. Today, we held a hearing in the Committee on Small Business and pointed out the dangers to our economy because of the unpredictability of gasoline prices. We need energy independence because of environmental issues. For this reason, I want to emphasize why I have great respect for my colleague from our neighboring State of Virginia, but I very much disagree with the amendment that he has submitted, and I urge my colleagues to reject the Warner amendment. For 25 years, the Outer Continental Shelf moratorium and the long-standing Presidential OSC withdrawals have protected our coasts. There are several reasons I oppose the Warner amendment. Virginia and Maryland are neighboring States, and we share a lot. We share a coast, we share the Chesapeake Bay, and we share a special way of life because of the Chesapeake Bay.”