Water really is the lifeblood of our communities and that we need to do a lot more with respect to how we protect that very precious resource.

These conservation efforts are just about protecting, as we all know, about protecting the landscape for us to gaze at.

I certainly support the Chairman's legislation to help do that.

President Obama has made it clear from day one that what he wants to do is to have a comprehensive energy plan.

The proposed budget includes funding increases for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, for renewable energy projects, and for climate change adaptation.

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.

Onshore oil production increased 14 percent in 2009.

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.

I rise in opposition to the motion of the Senator from South Carolina to suspend rule XXII and offer an amendment to prohibit the establishment of national monuments under the Antiquities Act or any other law. I understand that the…

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

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