[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 14, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S383-S385]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IDAHOANS SPEAK OUT ON HIGH ENERGY PRICES

  Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, in mid-June, I asked Idahoans to share with 
me how high energy prices are affecting their lives, and they responded 
by the hundreds. The stories, numbering well over 1,200, are 
heartbreaking and touching. While energy prices have dropped in recent 
weeks, the concerns expressed remain very relevant. To respect the 
efforts of those who took the opportunity to share their thoughts, I am 
submitting every e-mail sent to me through an address set up 
specifically for this purpose to the Congressional Record. This is not 
an issue that will be easily resolved, but it is one that deserves 
immediate and serious attention, and Idahoans deserve to be heard. 
Their stories not only detail their struggles to meet everyday expenses 
but also have suggestions and recommendations as to what Congress can 
do now to tackle this problem and find solutions that last beyond 
today. I ask unanimous consent to have today's letters printed in the 
Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

       I am a college student in Pocatello at ISU in the Physician 
     Assistant Program. My husband is a real estate agent and we 
     own a few rentals in town. I wanted to comment on the effect 
     that rising energy prices have had on the real estate market. 
     Generally spring and summer are boom time in Idaho's real 
     estate market. But we have noticed a sharp down-turn in the 
     market in Pocatello this spring. There are a glut of homes on 
     the market and nothing is moving. It is as if everyone is 
     holding their breath, glad to have a home, and not ready to 
     move. I am sure things will move, but prices have dropped 
     significantly.
       I am glad to hear you are concerned about this. Both my 
     husband and I agree. Drill here, drill now. If we have 
     untapped energy reserves in the United States . . . we are 
     fools! We need to be accessing our own resources, creating 
     jobs, growing our economy, and saving ourselves money. I am 
     sure we can do it in a responsible way with minimal effect on 
     the environment. I do not want to damage our environment, but 
     if it costs us our economic liberty to do it . . . I say 
     drill.
     Annie and Jason Dixon.
                                  ____

       Thank you for your email. Most citizens do not feel that 
     Washington is aware of our concerns or listening . . . and 
     here you are asking . . . thank you.
       To Whom It May Concern:
       Our family is a 5th generation Idaho family. We have worked 
     hard for 40 years to teach our family to accept 
     responsibility for themselves and their success. There are no 
     free-loaders in our family. Now, because of the current 
     economic trend, we are all very concerned about our future in 
     spite of our hard work and sacrifices. Higher energy prices 
     have caused concern in every corner of our lives and every 
     time we go to the pump or pay our utility bills our concerns 
     are heightened and reaffirmed. Fear is a great motivator . . 
     . unfortunately it is a negative motivator and we are seeing 
     the results dramatically.
       We have seen the negative impact in every household in our 
     family. Our son-in-law is a very successful Realtor and his 
     business is off 50% from last year. Another son-in-law has 
     his own construction company. His business is off 40% from 
     last year. My son and I have a very successful commercial 
     real estate business and typically earn over $400,000 a year. 
     We have only had one closing this year. Buyers are hesitant 
     to move forward because of the current economic concerns. Our 
     youngest son was planning on starting his own business using 
     the degree he obtained from college but now he feels he must 
     find employment elsewhere. Another son began building his 
     own home this winter and is now questioning whether he 
     should move into his dream home or sell it and find 
     something much smaller.
       These are not minor inconveniences. These are life changing 
     concerns and we can do nothing to change or control them.
       The economic status of our country is critically out of 
     control because of poor judgment and planning on the part of 
     the policy makers in Washington. Because of years of doing 
     nothing to plan and prepare for the future the security and 
     success of our entire family is now being threatened. We are 
     fearful, we are disappointed and we are angry.
       It is alarming to think that the policies of our government 
     leaders have caused such a life altering situation. Wouldn't 
     you think that the country who championed capitalism would 
     understand the law of supply and demand? Wouldn't you think 
     that the brightest and best that have been sent to Washington 
     would have seen this crisis coming?
       We do not blame the oil companies. The government has kept 
     their hands tied for years. We blame you . . . the policy 
     makers and leaders of this nation. Now the light of truth is 
     shining brightly and we can all see the results of listening 
     to the special interest groups who only care about their own 
     selfish interests. Washington has put this country and its 
     citizens in a perilous and fearful situation. Fear leads to 
     anger. Anger leads to anarchy.
       It is time for Washington to stop ``looking'' at the 
     situation like spectators and start ``fixing'' the problems 
     with real solutions that work. It is time for Washington to 
     wake up to the reality of where we are at and the impact of 
     their neglect. Washington has neglected reason and ignored 
     the writing on the wall. At what price?
       Americans can make this country strong and independent 
     again if the bureaucrats and the special interest groups will 
     just get out of our way.
       We are very grateful that we have our faith and our family. 
     We will weather this unnecessary storm but what about the 
     rest of the people who call this nation home? I guess if 
     Washington fails to stop the insanity we can always feed our 
     children spotted owls and polar bears.
       Please Senator Crapo. Do not let us down. This is just the 
     tip of the iceberg. If we do not do something now who knows 
     what the next crisis will be and how far this country will 
     fall into chaos.
     Dennis and Janette Stevens, Idaho Falls.
                                  ____

       I am 22 years old and when I first started driving only a 
     short 7 years ago, at that time it cost me 35-40 dollars to 
     fill my truck, today it cost just over 100 dollars. Do the 
     math that is a huge increase and most of which has been in 
     the past few years. I am currently spending 400+ dollars a 
     month on gas. This new cost is taking a big hit on me and my 
     savings account which I am relying on since I will never see 
     all that money I pay into social security. You guys in 
     Congress just don't seem to get how angry the American people 
     are at your lack of caring on how we feel. Remember we are 
     the ones who elected you to represent us not your own 
     interests or lobbyists. Please start doing your jobs and look 
     out for the interests of the greatest country in the world. 
     Drill for our own oil now. I know it will not be an immediate 
     help but imagine if we do nothing, we apparently never 
     learned from the 70s. Thanks for at least asking our opinion 
     and please relay the messages to the rest of Congress.
     Andrew.
                                  ____

       I'm a bit disappointed in the way you have phrased your 
     plea. You are only asking for horror stories and looking for 
     support to find ways to decrease fuel costs and increase fuel 
     supplies. I am affected by fuel costs as much as the next 
     person, but I try to look at the larger picture and I wish 
     you would to. Easily available and cheap fossil fuels has 
     been a major problem for our country and for humanity in 
     general. It got us through the industrial revolution and 
     was responsible, in no small way, for much that is good in 
     our society. Unfortunately, it also causes much harm. Some 
     examples:
       (1) Global warming
       (2) International policy driven by a need to ensure a 
     continuing oil supply
       (3) The loss of great public transportation systems, such 
     as the light rail system that served the treasure valley for 
     decades
       (4) The loss of our freight rail system in favor of an 
     enormously powerful trucking industry that is much more 
     costly to the environment and dangerous to the public.
       I am sure the list could go on.
       So, I propose that we look at the opportunities created by 
     high oil prices--the opportunity to develop alternative 
     energy sources, the opportunity to emphasize public 
     transportation, the opportunity to begin weaning ourselves 
     from dependence on foreign sources of fuel. I know that my 
     opinion is not popular, but I believe we have not yet got to 
     the point where fuel costs are painful

[[Page S384]]

     enough to effect the changes we need. I would be happier if 
     you put your considerable weight behind legislation for real 
     change rather than patching a bad system.
       Thank you for your concern, Senator. I just wish you shared 
     mine.
     Dave.
                                  ____

       As a full time student working two jobs, paying outrageous 
     prices that continue to rise makes it difficult to manage. 
     College education is extremely important to my future and my 
     success in life, yet with the increases of gas prices and 
     school tuition work is a priority over education. Many, 
     including myself, are feeling the pressures of paying bills, 
     working, and going to school forces us to choose work over 
     our education. Some ideas to decrease the prices of gas (oil) 
     would be to drill off the coast line, provide better public 
     transportation in and around Boise (trains, metros, etc), 
     better access to roads for bicycles, or use some of our oil 
     reserve. I also think that we need to hold oil/gas industry 
     accountable. I also think that banning plastic bags would 
     help with energy and the environment. Promoting closer 
     vacations or trips within Idaho would be a good idea. Through 
     a mass transit system (trains, etc) that would link our 
     cities together would help increase tourism and would help 
     encourage our own to venture out without the worry of high 
     costs.
     Rebekah West.
                                  ____

       Sometimes it appears that the United States Congress, 
     charged with taking care of the needs of the People of the 
     country, is instead preoccupied with representing the few and 
     the extreme--the special interests and the so-called 
     environmentalists. I cannot believe that we would prohibit 
     our own country from drilling for oil off of our own shores, 
     but other countries are doing so. Where is the logic behind 
     barring oil exploration in Alaska while our nation is 
     bleeding economically due to buying oil from our avowed 
     social and political foes abroad? Other, equally destructive 
     policies arise from the hoax of global warming and the 
     thought that, even if it is real, that we can combat it 
     unilaterally. Considering that China, for instance, is 
     ramping up its energy demands with no concern for it 
     unbridled pollution. We are frittering away our competitive 
     edge on the economic and political theaters. Our irrational 
     fear of nuclear power and the thought that hydrogen powered 
     cars will cure our need for fossil fuels (where do we believe 
     the electrical power to accomplish this inefficient process 
     comes from?) will continue to bankrupt us.
       Now, for the direct, personal impact of our irresponsible 
     energy policies: We are a middle class family with six 
     children. Our standard of living is being constantly driven 
     downward by the rising costs that energy imposes on food, 
     heating, travel, and just the cost of doing business. While 
     the buying power of my dollar continues to fall, and many 
     necessities have recently risen in cost by double digit 
     percentage points, my salary has remained stagnant. Even such 
     an important event as visiting my elderly parents in an 
     adjacent state has been curtailed due to outrageous gas 
     prices. We live in Idaho and my parents moved from California 
     to northern Utah to be closer to us. While in the past, our 
     visits to look in on and help them were typically monthly, 
     now we visit them only a couple of times a year. We feel that 
     we are not meeting our obligations and this situation is 
     prone only to further deterioration. We are struggling with 
     keeping our oldest son in college and the prospects for 
     higher education for his siblings are dwindling, although 
     this is a priority for our family.
       Everywhere we look, we observe negative trends. Where can 
     we look to for help aside from our government, which appears 
     not to hear our pleas? In fact, our understanding of the 
     energy and trade intentions of Congress convinces us that 
     things will get far worse. We are striving to live 
     responsibly and within our means. We do not note the same 
     disciplined approach from our national and local governments.
     Eric and Melanie Kuns.
                                  ____

       I am contacting you with a story I thought would be of 
     significant value to the people of the Treasure Valley. The 
     outrageous gas prices are killin' everyone--us included (Boy 
     Howdy.). Remember a few months ago, a story hit the news 
     about a guy in Weiser trying to develop a ``green 
     technology'' device to place inside your engine? He's hoping 
     to have his research done in one year, then begin the 
     developing process. Boy, do I have some news for you.
       Living Green Hybrid Kits (that's us) is proud to offer a 
     Complete, Ready-To Install Water-Burning Hybrid Unit. Now. 
     Today. We are running a unit right now, in my husbands' POJ 
     (piece of junk) work truck . . . all I can say is wow. We are 
     so excited about what this will mean to countless others . . 
     . Just imagine increasing your Miles Per Gallon 37 percent to 
     150 percent while preventing pollution and the resulting 
     global warming.
       Want more, how about a $2,000.00 Tax Refund for using 
     ``Green Technology'' in your vehicle. Please visit our 
     website: buyhybridkits.com for more info. Feel free to call 
     me at 549-8083. I look forward to speaking with you.
       Have a Green Day.
     Donna Drumheller.
                                  ____

       I think we all know that our government has done nothing 
     for long enough. My son is a finish-carpenter and has to 
     spend the night in his truck at jobs he has not completed 
     because he cannot afford the gas to go back and forth. If we 
     had a government concerned about us, we wouldn't need to send 
     emails to tell you how much poor people are suffering.
       And another thing--My house and barber shop were 
     reappraised this year, so my taxes could be increased.
       Don't you think it is about time the government cut some 
     jobs and programs like the rest of us are having to?
       Thanks for listening.
     Tom Smith, Parma.
                                  ____

       The Country's present economic condition mandates immediate 
     action. The oil companies have had consecutive years of 
     record breaking earnings. It is time for the industry to 
     reinvest some of those earnings in the country and the people 
     that have ``Demanded the Supply''. The United States needs to 
     show that we are capable not only of producing but producing 
     a quality product that will aid the environment and provide 
     jobs for the population at the same time. I grew up in the 
     Southern California area where the undulating pumps helped to 
     produce the oil that was refined into the end product. Again 
     we are hearing we must maintain a global economy. It is very 
     hard to think global when local (friends, family, and 
     neighbors) are working twice as heard and ending up with half 
     as much.
     Pat, Middleton.
                                  ____

       As an Idaho public educator, the increases in energy and 
     food costs have made life increasingly difficult. I may have 
     to give up my career in public education and seek employment 
     in the private sector to be able to meet my financial 
     obligations (such as student loan payments).
       I have not seen any benefit from the government's 
     expenditures on alternative fuel sources (such as bio-
     diesel). I believe that we should work to end our dependence 
     on foreign oil by taking advantage of our domestic resources. 
     I believe we should increase domestic drilling (using 
     environmentally responsible practices). I appreciate you 
     seeking the opinion of your constituents. I hope that our 
     opinions will be taken into account on a national level and 
     that action will be taken soon.
     Erica Hardy.
                                  ____

       I would love for you to have Congress and those who are 
     opposing drilling for our own resources what a low income 
     family faces. My family has struggled to make ends meet and 
     when we finally figure it out gas prices go up, or someone 
     needs to go to the doctor. My husband drives 150 miles a week 
     for work, we are now looking at $200 plus, a month on gas 
     just for work forget running to the store to get things we 
     need. We have received help from our church but they can only 
     help so far. We just barely make too much to get food stamps 
     or health care help. Our level pay on our power and gas keep 
     going up whenever we get behind and finally get it caught up 
     again. I do not understand why Obama and other Democrats will 
     not drill for oil because ``it takes too long'' as I have 
     been told they were saying the same thing about ten years ago 
     and if they didn't have their heads up a certain body part 
     then we probably wouldn't be in this position. Senator you 
     have asked us for our opinion please don't let those who have 
     voted for you and have taken some faith in your interest 
     down. My family lives in the South Eastern part of the state 
     and when we traveled down the first of March we were paying 
     $2.97 in gas and now that we are looking at another trip down 
     we are looking at paying over $4.00 a gallon for gas. My mom 
     is paying our way. Not to mention that where she lives gas is 
     the first to go up and the last to go down because the 
     closest town for gas is 30 miles away. You asked us now 
     please try to make a difference I want someone in Congress to 
     please show me how I am supposed to make ends meet with DAILY 
     rising fuel prices. If they refuse to do what is needed to 
     help because it will take too long then by all means please 
     come to my house and live on my income for a few months and 
     show me how I am supposed to make ends meet.
     Kim, Meridian.
                                  ____

       This was an email sent to me by my father, a former Idaho 
     resident who now lives in Nebraska. You may even be familiar 
     with his name. He was quite an advocate for you. I have an 
     Expedition that we purchased only this past December. It cost 
     us $60 to fill it then, now it costs me over $100. I know 
     that the answer to high fuel costs will not come immediately, 
     but we must act now. Or we will not have a future. We must 
     start drilling. The ANWR in Alaska must be opened to us. This 
     country is filled with oil rich deposits. We must increase 
     our refining capacity, we must create new oil fields. The 
     level of environmental awareness is so far beyond that of 30 
     years ago that the concerns of big business doesn't exist the 
     way it did then. The oil spills of the 70's aren't our 
     future. Times have changed and the environmentalists have to 
     be made to see that and that they are destroying our freedom 
     and way of life. I have five grown sons and I fear for their 
     future. I am grateful that I am not raising children in this 
     day and age, but I am sorry for my children that they have to 
     face such a future. The liberals and environmentalists of 
     Washington D.C. are destroying our future, you must be 
     counted and stand up and fight for us. I no longer vote for 
     the lesser of the evils, I now vote for the person who I 
     believe is the best leader for our

[[Page S385]]

     future. That means I'm voting for Ron Paul. Will he win? Not 
     a chance, but will I vote for someone that will continue the 
     selling of this country down the river? Not a chance! Please 
     help be a part of changing our future.
     Sonja Strong, Payette.

                          ____________________