The bill that may be on the House floor tomorrow that deals with global climate change invests a great deal of resources in coal.

This is the first hearing that we have had in the Senate in 7 years on mountaintop recoveries.

I want to once again extend my sincerest condolences to the families, friends and others who suffered losses during Monday's tragic Metrorail accident.

That's why legislation is important. It has to be well-drafted, well-thought out, and this has not been.

The Federal Government can play a critical role in bringing about that change, and this is one more chapter in achieving that goal.

We do know the value of forest. We do know the values of vegetation.

We need to start making a plan right away so that we do not leave our children in area of devastation: no water, no energy and no plan.

I would encourage this committee to look into the safety measures that can be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.

We need the protections that the Matthew Shepard Act provides.

I think you have a much better chance of economic growth without that type of activity.

We expect you to try to do what sometimes we're unable to do in this Congress, to reach a bipartisan conclusion.

This will be a continuing effort of our Subcommittee and I think you have given us a good start to our work.

I've just got to be perfectly open about this.

the opposition does not reflect a studied position backed by the agency's research.

I want to thank our panels of witnesses for coming before the Water and Wildlife Subcommittee today to discuss mountaintop removal coal mining.

I think in one report it is 1,700, is it miles? I know it is a unit.

We think that needs to be taken into consideration when the economic argument is made.

Well, once again, we thank you for really putting a face on this issue.

Let me join Senator Alexander in thanking you all for your testimony today.

I think that changing or broadening the ability of the Federal Government to respond makes this more of a seamless approach between the Federal authorities and local authorities.

Well, thank you, Dr. Palmer, and thank all of you for your testimony.

I think if the Senate failed to pass this, the attitudes back in Iowa, at least, would be mute astonishment, wondering how the government can abandon these most vulnerable members of our society.

Coal is important to America. It is an important mineral that we have.

I strongly support this legislation.

It is no coincidence that both our transportation and energy systems are simultaneously at a crossroads.