Jeff Bingaman

I am also glad the budget seeks to address the issue of obtaining a fair return to the taxpayer for the development of publicly held energy resources.

In my view, the budget for water programs at the Bureau of Reclamation and the USGS, the Geological Survey, reflects a renewed commitment to addressing our water resource challenges and establishing water management as a priority.

In 2009, we leased more acres in the offshore than any other year since 2000.

The Deficit Reduction Commission that the President is establishing is the right thing to be doing for the long term.

It doesn't change the position of New Mexico on this list, but it does show progress.

Senate Bill 1689 has serious ramifications that could directly affect this board's ability to adhere to that mandate.

Let us make the right choice for the above and more reasons, and let us preserve as much wilderness as can be preserved around our Organ Mountains.

Thank you, Senators Bingaman and Udall, for sponsoring this important legislation for our area.

The disagreement, however, is not whether our lands need preservation and protection, but rather in the method which should be used in protecting our lands.

There is now NO grazing in the Gila Wilderness, and to my knowledge NO use of emergency response (mechanized equipment) is allowed in this wilderness.

Your efforts to pass this legislation have sidestepped the real issues of border security.

Thank you for holding a field hearing on this most important issue to the land.

Thanks to Senators Bingaman and Udall for sponsoring the legislation holding the Wilderness Field Hearings in Las Cruces on Feb 15th.

We know Senator Bingaman is committed to energy production as well as the environment.

I look forward to answering any questions.

Thank you for the opportunity to testify today before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

There is no reason to believe field practices in the proposed areas would differ.

I beseech you to reconsider a 'quick fix' and give more time to this matter.

I urge passage of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Wilderness bill in order to protect these areas for generations to come.

Let's get it done, then trim and adjust as necessary.

We appreciate his willingness to work with us to ensure that we are able to continue to deliver a reliable source of natural gas.

I am pleased to be able to testify today that we have been able to reach an agreement.

I wholeheartedly support this legislation and urge you to move forward with all possible haste.

I urge quickly Congressional consideration of the proposed designations as soon as possible.

The purpose of it is to hear testimony on S. 1689; that's a bill that Senator Udall and I introduce