David Thomas: “I rise to say I agree with my friend. We do need to move forward. We have someone currently who is in the process.…”

“I rise to say I agree with my friend. We do need to move forward. We have someone currently who is in the process. Hopefully, we can do it in a little later time. I observe also there are a whole list of amendments on both sides. This is not a partisan issue. We need to move forward. Further, let me comment a little on the remarks of the Senator from Alaska. I certainly agree with him. I am delighted he is in support of maintaining this electricity title. He does mention he thinks there needs to be some change in this renewable aspect which is in this title. I do not argue with that, but I certainly do not think that ought to keep us moving forward with our general approach in electricity. If there were to be an amendment--there are amendments filed that would deal with that specifically. We should do that. But that ought not be the criterion for us eliminating the things that will help us move forward with the electric title. I have had occasion in past years to work quite closely on electricity and energy. I am very anxious that we do move towards modernizing the system. For example, we need to move towards more transmission in a State such as Wyoming where we have the highest production of coal of any State in the country. Coal is one of our best sources, of course. However, if you have mine-mouth generation, which is the most efficient, then you have to have a way to get it to market. Clearly, there are things we need to do. But, clearly, we cannot wait.”