[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 117 (Tuesday, September 11, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1634]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              SECURING AMERICA'S FUTURE ENERGY ACT OF 2001

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                               speech of

                         HON. HON. ROBIN HAYES

                           of north carolina

                    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. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, oil imports are now at 57% and growing 
rapidly. If we are to meet our domestic energy needs, we must decrease 
our reliance on foreign imports by boosting domestic energy supply. A 
workable energy plan requires attention to all areas, conservation, 
production, alternative fuels, research, and especially common sense.
  Over the last 20 years, the increase in demand for energy has 
outpaced the increase in supply. Since 1980, the supply has only 
increased by 18%, while energy demand has increased 24%. The United 
States is also far too dependent on foreign oil. Today, 57% of our oil 
comes from other countries; compared to 35% in 1973, and 48% 10 years 
ago.
  Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge may provide the 
necessary increase in production of energy. The U.S. Geological Survey 
estimates there are up to 16 billion barrels of oil in ANWR; this would 
be enough to replace all imports from Saudi Arabia for the next 30 
years. My family and I lived on the North Slope for a year. The family 
we lived with perfected the ice pad drilling technique, which leaves 
virtually no footprint. We can drill in ANWR safely and in an 
environmentally responsible way. We should do this to secure America's 
future energy needs.
  Mr. Speaker, the American people deserve the affordable and reliable 
energy supply that this bill can provide. I commend the bill's sponsor 
and the many members and staff who have devoted so much time to this 
effort, and I ask my colleagues to support this comprehensive energy 
policy for the future of our country.

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