[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 112 (Friday, August 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              SECURING AMERICA'S FUTURE ENERGY ACT OF 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. ROGER F. WICKER

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 1, 2001

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4) to 
     enhance energy conservation, research and development and to 
     provide for security and diversity in the energy supply for 
     the American people, and for other purposes.

  Mr. WICKER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 4. The most 
important action the Federal Government can take to stabilize energy 
prices for the American consumer is to develop and implement a 
coordinated, long-range national energy policy. H.R. 4 is the result of 
the hard work of five congressional Committees, who have incorporated 
conservation, environmental regulations, alternative energy sources, 
tax relief, and increased production to produce a comprehensive 
national energy plan.
  In the foreseeable future, domestic exploration, and production of 
oil and natural gas will have a critical impact on our country's 
economy, stability, and international relationships. During the last 30 
years, we have watched OPEC coalesce, fractionalize, and coalesce 
again. I do not think we will ever have more than a superficial 
influence over many of the OPEC nations. Libya, Algeria, Iran, Nigeria, 
and Iraq are not what I would call our allies. Why then should we place 
such heavy reliance on them to meet our energy needs?
  The answer for the United States to the supply manipulations by the 
OPEC cartel is sufficient access to the best oil and natural gas fields 
here at home. That's why I strongly support the lease sale of area 181, 
and other tracts in the eastern gulf, and why I believe now is the time 
to open up area 1002 in the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska. While we 
may never be completely self-reliant for oil supply, we can make a 
dramatic difference by developing the resources domestically in a 
reasonable and responsible fashion.
  Though domestic production is an essential part of the national 
energy policy, H.R. 4 addresses other variables that are vital to the 
full implementation of a coherent national energy plan. While most 
experts acknowledge that natural gas represents an abundant energy 
resource for the future, we must ensure there will be sufficient 
transmission capacity for this uniquely North American product 10 years 
from now. The regulatory obstacles to operating pipelines--much less 
constructing new lines--are too numerous to count. H.R. 4 recognizes 
these obstacles and includes incentives for companies to construct new 
lines and add capacity that will increase the reliability of America's 
utility infrastructure
  H.R. 4 creates a favorable tax climate that encourages increased 
production while also providing tax incentives for individuals and 
businesses to increase their conservation efforts.
  H.R. 4 is a well balanced piece of legislation that draws upon 
conservation efforts, increased domestic production, and tax incentives 
to develop the beginnings of a national energy policy that will help 
decrease our dependence on foreign energy sources and help stabilize 
energy prices for the American consumer.

                          ____________________