[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 117 (Wednesday, September 27, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S9379]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             ENERGY POLICY

  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, yesterday, the Senator from Alaska, 
Senator Murkowski, made a reference to me which I would like to respond 
to and set the Record straight.
  The Senator from Alaska said that H.R. 2884, which would reauthorize 
the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, is being held up by a senator from the 
Democratic side of the aisle who is objecting to the reauthorization of 
the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.
  I support H.R. 2884, but I oppose Senator Murkowski's substitute 
amendment that undermines the new oil valuation rule for royalty 
payments on oil produced on Federal lands. This rule took over three 
years to finally implement. Senator Murkowski's amendment would do 
great damage to the rule, which just took effect a few months ago and 
taxpayers would be hurt.
  In conclusion, I support the House bill, which sets up a heating oil 
reserve for the northeastern states and reauthorizes the Strategic 
Petroleum Reserve, but I object to the royalty provision in the 
substitute amendment.
  I call on the Senator from Alaska to let H.R. 2884 move forward as it 
was passed by the other body--without the royalty language.

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