[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 27 (Tuesday, February 10, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2073-S2075]
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:

       In response to your request for personal experience with 
     the rising energy costs, I write not to whine, but to share 
     concern. I live in Caldwell and work in Boise, near the 
     airport, which quickly adds up to well over 400 driving miles 
     a week just in commuting and equates to one full tank of gas, 
     if I am lucky. I have done the research: public 
     transportation is not an option from Caldwell or Nampa into 
     Boise to our off-the-beaten-path work location. I work in 
     non-profit, assisting others in worse situations than myself, 
     which does keep rising energy costs ``in perspective,'' 
     however, concern is fast approaching.
       Because I work in non-profit, I cannot afford to live any 
     nearer to work, though. I really do not make that little of 
     money--13.46/hr., which is, of course, much higher than the 
     minimum wage. The problem for me is realizing how much is 
     going out in taxes. My paycheck for 80 hours is $1,077, which 
     is quite doable for a single resident, but my gross wage is 
     $796. That is $562 every month; a lot of money that could 
     either go toward the rising food, utility or gas costs or 
     allow me to live closer to where I work.
       People looking to the government for more handouts will 
     only continue to cripple the system. There are so many 
     agencies with waiting, open arms to assist people in need of 
     finding work or housing--like my agency. Cut taxes--help the 
     working, taxpaying citizens stay on their feet and out of 
     homeless shelters and local food pantries.
     Jen, Boise.
                                  ____

       Thank you for taking the time to hear my concerns regarding 
     the impacts of higher fuel and energy costs on me. As fuel 
     prices have risen, I have had to start thinking about where I 
     need to go and what my routine will be for the day before 
     getting in the truck. Gone are the days when I would drive 15 
     miles to the next town to have lunch with someone. Nowadays, 
     I have started riding my bike to work, bought a motorcycle, 
     and even took a different job closer to my house; all in an 
     effort to reduce my fuel expenses. The motorcycle even gets 
     5x the MPG that my truck does. As a result of all of this, I 
     now drive my truck less than 10K miles per year and have lost 
     15 lbs just this spring/summer alone. I go to bed earlier, 
     watch less TV, wake up earlier, and generally am happier and 
     have more energy due to the added exercise that I am getting.
       I feel horrible for not driving my truck everywhere, but I 
     just cannot afford it. I do hope that that does not make me 
     any less patriotic. I applaud your efforts at trying to get 
     Congress to understand that the only way back to cheap gas 
     (at least for 10 years or so) is to start drilling and 
     pumping crude in Alaska, Utah, Colorado, Montana, Idaho, and 
     any other state that might have some oil under the earth. We 
     need to get every last drop of oil we can from under our own 
     country. We should leave no patch of earth untapped. We must 
     get it all. We need it. It is the only way to protect my 
     right to $1.20/gallon gasoline prices and continue my God-
     given way of life here in America.
       Thanks again for doing a great job.
     Greg.
                                  ____

       Thank you so much for taking an interest in our energy 
     problems. My husband and I spend $700-$800 per month in fuel 
     cost. In addition to that our home is heated by heating oil. 
     This winter our oil bill was about $250 per month. If prices 
     keep rising our heating costs this winter may soar to $350 
     per month. My husband and I are doing our best to commute 
     when possible. However, our work schedule only allows for 
     this twice a week. I have a son with medical problems that 
     make it difficult for me to take the commuting van as I may 
     have to get home at odd times for him.
       I am not educated enough on our fuel issues. However, I 
     feel that there must be answers and solutions. The fuel is 
     affecting the costs of everything. We are headed for a 
     recession unless something is done quickly. I believe that 
     drilling for oil within our own nation is a must. That will 
     not solve our immediate problems, but we need to be looking 
     long term, too. I think that the oil companies need to be 
     held to a level of profits when it comes to increasing 
     prices. I also feel that the Treasure Valley must have some 
     sort of public transportation system. This needs to be 
     started soon. Not only will this help with our energy costs, 
     but also with air quality. That would be a system I could use 
     as I would be able to access it any time. I realize that a 
     lot of these solutions require large amounts of money, but 
     the federal government needs to step in.
       Thank you, again, for taking time for public comments. I 
     appreciate all you do for the citizens of Idaho.
     Wendy.
                                  ____

       ``Gas prices are too high'' is a response not worthy of 
     your staff's time and energy. We already know that. The 
     question I have is, ``why''? I think several things are going 
     on here.
       First, speculation/profit taking. People are trying to make 
     exorbitant profits at the expense of not just Americans, but 
     everyone whose fuel ticket is written by the cartels. The oil 
     companies are making record profits on top of record profits. 
     Where is the re-investment in refining capability, 
     exploration, and improved distribution? Americans are feeling 
     like these companies are thumbing their collective corporate 
     noses at us, the customer. All the while, prices on 
     everything affected by the cost of a barrel of oil keep 
     increasing.
       Second, we are a society built on cheap energy. That is 
     clear. It is unreasonable to expect that to continue 
     indefinitely. At the same time the process of weaning us away 
     from these cartels' stranglehold is forced upon us. I think 
     that we are placing our very existence as Americans into 
     someone else's control.
       We need to do what we can here to mitigate this immediate 
     and forced situation. We can become energy independent, but 
     that is going to take time. In the meantime, we need to 
     explore other avenues to keep us an independent nation, and 
     get us out from under the foot of countries whose only 
     concern for America is that we keep buying their oil so that 
     they can remain rich and expand their interests. Some of 
     these countries are, at the core, anti-American.
       How did we get here? Greed. Across the board! Let us not 
     let the lobbies dictate what they think is best for this 
     nation, unless it is. And our governmental branches need to 
     get a handle on this, or this brink of crisis position we 
     find ourselves in is going to result in some very difficult 
     times for a long, long, time. For some families, it already 
     is dire right now. I would also like to say that predicating 
     our future actions on the basis of some ``environmental 
     catastrophe'' where there is not good science to back it 
     up, is, at the very least, foolhardy. Again, too few 
     people are making bad policy for this nation,

[[Page S2074]]

     and in many cases our elected leadership is listening to, 
     and falling for it. Enough.
       Last, but certainly not least, we need to begin looking at 
     all of our sources of energy, and not ruling any out at this 
     point. An energy policy that is coherent, supportable, and 
     that makes sense for the short and long haul are absolutely 
     necessary. We can get to more environmentally sanctioned 
     energy sources, but this is a time of transition. It is not 
     the time for dawdling, and that option has long since passed. 
     Throwing money at this is not the answer either. This whole 
     situation is approaching critical proportions, and if we do 
     not start to do some forward-thinking, our economy, security 
     and future existence are potentially at risk. Let us not let 
     that happen. We are standing before the slippery slope. What 
     are we going to do? I am afraid that the executive branch for 
     the next few years is not going to help this situation 
     either. So it falls back to the people and those who 
     represent them. We have you there because we believe that you 
     are in a position to make the hard calls that will make the 
     United States a better nation in the long run, and protect 
     her interests. You and all of the others in Congress have 
     taken oaths to support, protect, and defend this nation. I 
     believe, at this juncture, that you still want to do that. 
     Make Idahoans proud of your initiatives and just do what is 
     right. God, help us all.
     Byron, Mountain Home AFB.
                                  ____

       I am late with this response. I feel we need to build more 
     refineries in this country. Access to oil is not as much of a 
     problem as being able to refine it for our uses. They try and 
     tell us it costs too much to get it out of the ground. What 
     is better self reliance or dependency on others?
       Our elected officials have too many fingers in the pie, and 
     we need to get rid of all lobbyists and let the voters decide 
     what is best for our country's welfare. There is no quick fix 
     for the troubles we are in, except for bringing control of 
     our self sufficiency back to our country instead of relying 
     on other countries. We have what we need here. Two problems: 
     government and greed.
     Ray.
                                  ____

       Disabled Vietnam vet. Have to spend most of my time sitting 
     at home, cannot afford to go anywhere. Price of food getting 
     so high, cannot afford to eat what I want.
       When are we going to start charging OPEC higher prices for 
     what they need to survive? [Perhaps] halt their supply of 
     food for a few months. Get their loaf of bread up to our 
     price of gas, and make them scream ``uncle.''
     Jerry, Athol.
                                  ____

       I am the Sheriff of Payette County. I was given this e-mail 
     address to write concerning the high fuel costs and the 
     impact it has on our community safety.
       The Payette County Sheriff's Office has approximately 20 
     cars in the fleet, most of them being patrol vehicles. I 
     budgeted $62,000 for fuel this fiscal year. I determined this 
     amount using $3.25 per gallon of gasoline and the average 
     amount of fuel we use monthly/yearly. The average fuel bill 
     for the fleet was $3,500 a month. Since the soaring of fuel 
     prices, it is approximately $5,000 a month and still 
     climbing. I have asked for $95,000 to cover FY2009.
       I have made some minor changes to patrol procedures by 
     limiting the amount of miles put on the cars in a shift. 
     Handling ``calls for service'' by telephone if possible, 
     rather than driving a patrol car to the complainant's 
     residence, etc. There are still more limitations I may 
     implement if need be.
       Obviously, this affects the safety of the community if 
     deputies are not able to actively patrol and deter criminal 
     activity. Since taking office in 2005, our crime rate has 
     gone down and our solve rate has gone up. These statistics 
     prove we are doing a better job at being proactive and taking 
     criminals off the street. I worry about the safety of this 
     community and my statutory duty to protect and serve.
       I am in support of expanding our domestic production of 
     petroleum. We need some relief ASAP. The support from your 
     office is greatly appreciated.
     Chad, Payette.
                                  ____

       I am like a lot of Americans, I have to drive. Carpooling, 
     mass transit, bicycles or skateboards are not going to help 
     me. I am a sales rep, and I have to drive as does everyone 
     else in my office. This is a crisis that did not have to 
     happen. The environmentalists got their way and have damaged 
     the economy and security of this country. Let us drill now. 
     Just announcing that we are going to drill and build nuclear 
     plants will drop the price of crude. No one believes we will. 
     Get this done. It is critical.
     Tom.
                                  ____

       If we are serious about saving gas, we need to do two 
     things: (1) Slow down. . .driving 55-60 mph rather than 70-80 
     mph will save gas and substantially reduce demand, and (2) 
     Better regulate speculation of oil futures. There are about 
     10,000 offshore drilling permits that have been issued but 
     that are currently not being used, so the oil companies 
     obviously aren't highly motivated to explore. We all have 
     hardship stories. What we need is action at your level.
     Chuck, Boise.
                                  ____

       My family and I have had to curtail some of our planned 
     and/or camping trips this summer because of the cost of fuel. 
     I had planned on going camping this summer for a few days but 
     now I have to change my plans so I will have enough fuel to 
     get back and forth to work.
       I am a retired (credited with 38 years service) and a 
     disabled military veteran. I was injured in Vietnam and then 
     again in Desert Storm. I do not get much from my retirement 
     ($501) after they take my disability and taxes from it so I 
     have to keep working along with my wife so that we can afford 
     to have a home and be able to eat.
       I agree with the President that we have to drill off the 
     coast and in ANWR along with coming up with alternate fuel.
     John.
                                  ____

       Just a short message--thank you for your attention to this 
     matter, Senator Crapo. This whole thing is a big lie. We are 
     one of the richest nations in energy and reserves. We do have 
     the resources and there is no shortage. It is all there and 
     it has been proven and everyone knows it, so what are not we 
     tapping into it?
       Other countries are controlling us because we depend on 
     them. And the other thing is that a few tree huggers here are 
     able to shut us down as far as tapping into our own reserves. 
     That is just not right and has to stop now.
       This problem has not happened overnight and cannot be fixed 
     overnight, but changes can be made and should be made now, so 
     we can start heading in the right direction. It will take 
     time but it needs to start now. The government needs to step 
     up to the plate now and so does each state, including Idaho, 
     and put a stop to this wrong that is being done to each of 
     us.
       Thank you for your time and attention and please be a doer 
     and not just a hearer.
     Lyle, Meridian.
                                  ____

       I live in Nampa, where the price of gas has not yet $4.50. 
     I know in other parts of the country it is well above that. 
     While it may be a good idea to have alternative flue sources, 
     that is still a long while coming. The immediate solution is 
     to drill for our own oil. Both in ANWR, and in the Gulf of 
     Mexico. I mean if the Chinese are going to drill for it in 
     the gulf we might as well to. Better that we get some of that 
     oil than none.
       Bottom line we have our own oil why are we buying it from 
     others at outrageous prices?
     Eric, Nampa.
                                  ____

       My suggestion to help save energy is to bring back the 
     Amtrak line from Salt Lake City to Portland.
     Lori, Nampa.
                                  ____

       This is a response to your email soliciting ``stories'' 
     about the effects of the high price of gasoline on Idahoans.
       I lived and worked in Colorado from 1969-77, and in Los 
     Angeles from 1977-2004. I began visiting Idaho around 1979, 
     and moved to Hailey in 2004--in large part, because it 
     reminded me of Colorado in the 1970s: a beautiful natural 
     landscape, appreciated by many locals and visitors.
       This country has been on a gas-guzzling binge for fifty 
     years. I am sick and tired of hearing people complain about 
     the cost of gas, driving solo in their inefficient cars, and 
     unwilling to carpool or contribute towards mass transit 
     options.
       We do not need to expand domestic petroleum production. We 
     need to learn conservation and seek alternative energy 
     sources. The ``God-given right'' to tear up the landscape for 
     oil and selfish-use is at the heart of what is wrong with 
     people and their mind-set on a global scale.
       Wake up and smell the coffee.
       I dare you to share this email (uncensored) with your 
     Senate colleagues.
     Mark, Hailey.
                                  ____

       I have been commuting to Boise from Caldwell since 1988. I 
     now spend approximately $400 per month on gas. I drive a mid-
     sized car and am unable to carpool because of my work hours, 
     which vary. I never know if I am going to have to work late 
     or not. There are no other options for me. So, because of the 
     fuel prices, all I buy are groceries and gas. The US should 
     look into more nuclear power, alternative fuel sources such 
     as hydrogen and increase drilling in this country. For years, 
     I worked in the Utah area where they drilled and capped 
     numerous wells. As far as I know, those wells are still 
     capped. Why aren't we using more domestic oil? Alaska is 
     supposed to contain lots of oil, but we do not drill there. I 
     believe that in this day and age, it would be possible to 
     drill without excessive damage to the environment.
     Kathy.
                                  ____

       I understand you are seeking a response to the energy 
     issue. We the people of the U.S. and Idaho have a responsible 
     to make sure that when we obtain our natural resources we 
     make sure it is done environmentally proper or as best as 
     possible as the times dictate.
       We should drill domestically offshore and on land, with the 
     addition of building refineries to coup with the domestic 
     demands. We should conduct other alternatives as well while 
     we are drilling as well. The U.S. government should have 
     incentives in place for developers, manufacturers and 
     consumers for the alternative energy, i.e. tax credits that 
     we have for hybrid auto.
       Thanks for taking time in reading this note.
                                                    Joseph, Eagle.

[[Page S2075]]

     
                                  ____
       As a resident of the outlying area of Clearwater County, 
     the price of gas is wreaking havoc. The prices on goods in 
     Orofino have risen dramatically. People go to Lewiston a lot 
     to shop, but that has become prohibitive also. The economy in 
     general is taking a hit because it is costing the timber 
     companies an arm and leg to haul logs, therefore it is 
     trickling down to the other businesses. Recreation is being 
     hit because people cannot afford the fuel. Something has to 
     be done. As a country we need to band together to help 
     conserve energy, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil 
     sources. It seems to be yet another case of the rich getting 
     richer, and the poor getting poorer. What would happen to 
     this nation if for one week, nothing moved? No food was 
     hauled, no freight was moved, no gasoline was purchased. For 
     the first time in my lifetime, I fear that a depression is 
     nearing. I have to wonder if anyone has the power to fight 
     this, or are we too late?
     Cristine, Orofino.

                          ____________________