Max Baucus: “on the face of it, everyone would agree, this is to give a stimulus, a boost, to alternative fuels, alternative fuel…”

“on the face of it, everyone would agree, this is to give a stimulus, a boost, to alternative fuels, alternative fuel vehicles, and alternative fuel vehicle infrastructure. About two-thirds of the petroleum we consume today in America is consumed in the transportation sector--cars, trucks, railroads, and so forth. Clearly, we are trying as Americans to wean ourselves a bit from our overreliance on OPEC. That is the whole point of this energy bill. We will not make ourselves completely self-reliant. No one claims that. At least on the margin, we are making a step or two difference to become more energy self-sufficient. Clearly, helping alternative fuel development and alternative fuel vehicle development, alternative fuel vehicle infrastructure development--pumps and so forth--will help. It is also important we not act precipitously, that we act measurably, thoughtfully. Through the very able assistance of my good friend from Arizona, we have worked closely with the Arizona Department of Transportation. Unfortunately, in the State of Arizona, which attempted something similar a year or two ago, there were people who took advantage of the situation to such a degree that it became a bit of an outrage. We don't want to repeat those mistakes.”