Wayne Allard: “I rise in support of S. 3711, which is the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act. I am heartened by the fact that this is a…”

“I rise in support of S. 3711, which is the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act. I am heartened by the fact that this is a bipartisan effort, agreed to by those Senators who represent our Gulf States. It is an important step in continuing to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and we need to increase our supply of domestic oil and gas. Certainly, this is a step in the right direction. My approach to the energy needs of this country has always been that we need to have a broad-based approach. I was pleased with the Energy bill we passed in the last session of Congress which provided for a broad approach to meet our energy needs in this country. I think we understood as a body that in order to meet the short-term needs of this country's energy needs, we need to continue to rely on fossil fuels. We need to continue to expand exploration for oil and gas. We need to continue to rely on coal. But in addition, we also need to be looking at additional sources of energy, particularly the renewable energy area, which is wind, solar, geothermal, and biofuels, as well as looking at sources such as hydroelectric and nuclear power. As I look back on the effects of that bill we passed last session, I am already beginning to see positive effects from that legislation, and I am heartened by that.…”