Byron Dorgan: “I rise to support the Energy conference report. While I have some serious concerns about the way this bill was created…”

“I rise to support the Energy conference report. While I have some serious concerns about the way this bill was created, I believe our country will be better off with this bill than without it. On balance, it will advance our interests. This bill takes important, major steps toward developing renewable and limitless sources of energy such as ethanol, wind, and biodiesel. It puts us on the road to the development of a new hydrogen fuel cell economy, which is essential if we are to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. And it contains important conservation measures by improving efficient standards on appliances and other devices we use in our daily lives. If we are serious about security our energy future, I believe we must implement these measures without delay. Additionally, this bill enhances our ability to develop more traditional sources of energy, while protecting our environment. It contains strong provisions to promote clean coal technology so that we can more effectively use our coal resources without degrading our environment. The bill also funds a pipeline to access over 30 million cubic feet of natural gas in Alaska and bring it to the lower 48 States. And it provides additional incentives for the discovery and recovery of oil and natural gas. There is much in this bill that is positive, and I intend to vote for it. Having said that, I know this bill is far from perfect. But in some important matters, it is a step in the right direction.”