Arlen Specter: “I seek recognition to express my views about the pending energy amendment aimed at increasing domestic oil and gas…”

“I seek recognition to express my views about the pending energy amendment aimed at increasing domestic oil and gas production. In recognizing that this is a symbolic vote aimed at stimulating debate on the Nation's energy situation, I am voting for this amendment today because I want to affirm the principle of taking decisive action on the Nation's energy issues. I do, however, have reservations about some of the provisions contained within this measure. While I fully support measures contained in the package which would further the development of alternative fuels for the transportation sector and for electric-powered vehicles; set goals for the use of coal-derived fuels; suspend filling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; and streamline the permitting process for new oil refineries, I believe further debate is necessary on some other provisions. Specifically, when these energy issues are revisited, there should be further discussion of opening additional areas of the Outer Continental Shelf to drilling as well as further discussion on the moratorium on commercial leasing of oil shale in the Western United States. I understand the need to develop our domestic resources due to growing global demand for oil, but we must ensure these steps are taken with the utmost environmental sensitivity.”