[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 131 (Monday, August 7, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S11794]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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               THE IMPORTANCE OF NAVAL PETROLEUM RESERVES

   Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, as the Secretary of Energy 
reviews options concerning management of the naval petroleum reserves 
[NPR] in S. 1026, the Department of Defense authorization bill, I want 
to stress the importance of considering the research activities taking 
place at these facilities. As our Nation becomes increasingly reliant 
on foreign energy sources, it is important for us to conduct research 
regarding production of domestic oil and natural gas. In our efforts to 
cut Federal spending, we must make sure we do not end the valuable 
research taking place at the naval petroleum reserves.
  The naval petroleum reserve No. 3 is located in Casper, WY. The 
facility conducts a number of research projects including various 
cooperative research programs with the University of Wyoming, private 
individuals, and the State of Wyoming. As our Nation's domestic oil and 
gas reserves continue to decline, it is vital that we continue to 
research enhanced recovery techniques to locate and produce these 
valuable resources. The NPR-3 facility plays an important role in 
conducting this research for our Nation's energy producers.
  I hope the Secretary of Energy will consider the important role the 
naval petroleum reserves play in providing research for our Nation's 
domestic oil and gas producers as this issue moves forward.


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