Ron Kind: “Mr. Chairman, as ranking member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources of the Committee on Resources, I…”

“Mr. Chairman, as ranking member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources of the Committee on Resources, I reluctantly rise in opposition to the base bill. The American people know we have a long-term energy crisis and that we need to develop a comprehensive and balanced plan. A plan that finds 21st century solutions to deal with our 21st century energy needs. They were hoping we could work in a bipartisan fashion to accomplish it, but unfortunately this bill does not get us there. I am glad, however, that there were a couple of amendments made in order. We are going to have an honest debate on whether or not it makes sense to go into the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to explore and drill for more oil. I am glad we are going to have an honest debate on increasing the fuel efficiency standards of our cars and our trucks in this country. But there were other important amendments, Mr. Chairman, that were not made in order that also deserve serious discussion.”