Jeff Bingaman

We believe that the Secretary's order represents a failure to recognize and appreciate the mission Congress designed for OSM.

What could be more clear than that?

The contradiction is obvious and inexplicable.

This particular move to merge OSM with BLM is really beyond any point in terms of marginalization of OSM.

Success in the task will mean the development of environmentally responsible energy technologies that will strengthen America's competitiveness and yield increased national security through decreased energy dependence.

The Natural Gas Act provisions that guide natural gas export applications were written at a time when our domestic natural gas supply was in question.

It is also important to note that while natural gas prices have been fairly flat for the last couple of years, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange price of natural gas eight years from now is selling for over 84 percent above today's price.

Natural gas availability and price is a public health, safety, jobs and economic matter.

Today, for the first time in almost forever, this Nation has the opportunity to be able to foresee the day when it can conduct foreign policy without being preoccupied by Middle East oil and hence Middle East politics.

This Nation is at an energy policy crossroads.

How can we ensure that our export policy is consistent with our continued ability to reap the benefits of our new found abundance of natural gas?

I note that U.S. energy security requires reliable and affordable energy prices, not just reliable supplies.

The implications of increased gas exports for U.S. job creation and balanced payments could be very positive.

Therefore it probably makes sense to take a new look at them in light of the new market situation.

As I see it there are 2 main objectives of our hearing today.

I would like to announce that the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources will hold a business meeting on Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 9:30 a.m., in room SD-366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. The purpose of the business meeting…

The United States is faced with a choice today as gas companies are lining up to export inexpensive American gas to foreign markets.

This will also help to strengthen the relationship which is already a very good one between Indian and non-Indian communities in our State.

Thank you very much, Chairman Akaka, for your courtesy. And thank you for the chance to speak in favor of this bill.

Many 9/11 families are opposed to this bill--unless one change can be made--and this change could have a very positive effect for the 9/11 Memorial, New York City and indeed for the entire Nation.

Passage of this bill would add to our National Park System a place of both great historic significance and natural beauty.

Obviously we need to continue to be dedicated to ensuring that the activities in our own waters are done safely.

We learned that there are tragic consequences for human life and environmental quality and marine resources and the economy.

Last year we, the world, learned a hard lesson through the Deepwater Horizon disaster.

The promise of the expanded domestic natural gas resources comes with a responsibility to address environmental concerns as well as human health and safety issues.