This legislation has also brought together an impressive and diverse group of citizens to help develop this proposal.

I stand ready for any questions, Mr. Chairman.

I appreciate the opportunity to appear before you today to speak in favor of S. 1689, The Organ Mountains--Desert Peaks Wilderness Act.

Thus, our unanimous resolution passed on September 22, 2009, in support of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Wilderness Act was the culmination of years of effort.

Oil and gas activities generate, on a per acre basis, some 5-10 times the revenue as would be expected from wind or solar energy development.

Creating a corps of agency staff whose sole responsibility is evaluating renewable energy applications should improve the efficiency.

H.R. 2662 would provide renewable energy with a benefit the oil and gas industry already enjoys.

I think that serves to underscore my point.

EPA projections have indicated that there will be a very limited supply of offsets coming from projects based in the U.S.

Many members are currently absorbed by the health care debate, but it is important to continue to make progress on this issue as well.

Are there policy choices we can make to increase the supply of high-quality domestic offsets?

Global climate change is one of the most consequential and difficult problems that we face in this Congress.