Don Nickles: “I have great respect for State sovereignty and for listening to Senators who are dealing with areas surrounding their…”

“I have great respect for State sovereignty and for listening to Senators who are dealing with areas surrounding their States. When they talk about the Everglades, I want to listen. I want them to listen to me when I talk about Oklahoma. I have a tendency to give great deference to Senators from their home States. I think the Senators from Alaska know Alaska much better than we do, and we should listen when they have recommendations to make about their lands, the development of it, and the balance of policies. I also think we should listen to Governors. I know this lease sale 181 was somewhat controversial. I was kind of disappointed. I know originally Governor Bush of Florida was opposed to it. He is not opposed to the modification. The amendment of the Senator from Florida would stop any lease in this entire area. This lease, as modified, has been reduced by 75 percent. The lease that we now have, which the administration has negotiated with the Governors of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, has been agreed to by all of the Governors, including the Governor of Florida.”