Arlen Specter: “in my 22 years in the Senate, there has not been a more heavily lobbied issue than ANWR and there has not been a tougher…”

“in my 22 years in the Senate, there has not been a more heavily lobbied issue than ANWR and there has not been a tougher vote. It is especially difficult because of my commitment to protecting the environment for future generations, including my own grandchildren, as evidenced by my strong environmental voting record. After extensive deliberation, I have decided to vote for cloture, to cut off debate, for a composite of reasons: 1. The United States needs to become independent of OPEC oil; 2. this modified legislation greatly reduces the environmental impact; 3. Federal funds from ANWR would cover legacy retiree health costs for steel workers to allow for re-structuring to save the American steel industry and tens of thousands of jobs, including thousands for Pennsylvanians. Many steps must be taken to free the U.S. from dependence on OPEC oil. To rely on the Saudis, let alone Iraq and Iran, is to court disaster. Our reliance on Arab oil has broad-ranging implications on our policy in the Mid-East including our support for Israel. In this bill, I have voted for a significant increase in renewables to generate more energy from wind, the sun, biomass, hydropower and geothermal sources. I have supported expanded tax credits for clean coal and conservation measures including increasing mileage requirements for motor vehicles.”