Mike Enzi: “there is an old adage we have heard many times that says that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.…”

“there is an old adage we have heard many times that says that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Today we are taking another one of those steps in a long journey that will hopefully lead to an increase in our energy independence, more reliable sources of energy, and more stable prices that are not so subject to fluctuations in the energy market. The bill we have before us is something that will truly affect every American, no matter their age, where they work, where they live, or what activities they pursue in life. One of the many things that bonds us as Americans is our love of so many things that makes us consumers of energy. No matter who you are, you are a strong and vital part of that market. If you drive a car, you won't get very far without a full tank of gas. If you use a computer, you have to tie it to some source of electricity to get the power you need to access the Internet or the information stored on your hard drive. If you live in a mobile home, or in a cabin in the woods and cook your food over an open fire, you are still an energy consumer who is using a resource to make your dinner. Every lifestyle has its own energy needs and we have been incredibly blessed to have had access to an abundance of energy for many, many years. In fact, we had such relatively easy access to energy we started to take it for granted.”