[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 61 (Friday, April 24, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4718-S4720]
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:

       Thank you for providing your constituents the opportunity 
     to share our thoughts and ideas regarding energy with you. 
     Your willingness to listen is yet another reason I am glad 
     you represent me in Washington.
       For my family, the ridiculous cost of fuel has affected 
     almost every area of our lives. My husband pastors a church 
     here in Twin Falls and we have always lived within our means. 
     We are not in debt and have put away a tidy amount toward our 
     children's university education.
       However, with gas prices rising toward $5 a gallon, we have 
     had to rethink our budget and spending on items like 
     groceries, clothing, dental insurance and home remodeling and 
     repairs. We had planned to repair the sidewalk in front of 
     our home since it has cracked and chipped over many years and 
     presents a hazard to passers-by. My husband decided not to go 
     ahead with the project this summer because he is afraid gas 
     prices will continue to soar and we will be left in a 
     precarious position this coming winter.
       Our children usually participate in some form of athletic 
     activity over the summer, and this summer was supposed to be 
     golf. We have cut back on the frequency of their golf rounds 
     and did not purchase a set of clubs for our younger daughter 
     as we had planned. In addition, we cancelled plans to spend 
     two weeks at a resort in Sun Valley in July and will instead 
     go camping near home.
       If things do not improve soon, we will have to cancel our 
     weekly ski trips this winter as well, because the high cost 
     of fuel will prohibit us from making the drive to Ketchum 
     each week.
       Perhaps these cutbacks sound frivolous to some who surely 
     have it much harder than we do, but when we consider that 
     there are alternative, less costly energy sources available, 
     and when we read that once again, the democratic machine has 
     stalled drilling for existing oil, and when we combine that 
     with the fact that our government can afford to promote 
     initiatives for credits on the manufacture and purchase of 
     alternative energy sources, it makes no sense.
       Surrounded by naysayers, a wise little boy once remarked, 
     ``Momma! The emperor is naked!'' It is high time those of us 
     feeling

[[Page S4719]]

     the pinch of escalating fuel prices cry out, ``The emperor is 
     naked!'' All the rigmarole and double-talk thrown at us from 
     politically savvy liberals does not keep us warm in winter, 
     nor get us to work on time.
       Please use your position to support off-shore drilling, 
     research and develop alternative sources of energy including 
     nuclear, and push for tax credits and rebates on the 
     manufacture and purchase of solar panels and other energy 
     alternatives.
       Thank you again for representing me with dignity, wisdom 
     and courage in Washington D.C.
     Summer, Twin Falls.
                                  ____

       Simply put, I stopped driving. I ride my bike, telecommute, 
     and use mass transit. I carpool when I can and am considering 
     purchasing a smaller, diesel engine vehicle and converting it 
     to run on vegetable oil. Sounds crazy, but it is better than 
     supporting the big oil companies.
       For those of us who have been paying attention the past few 
     years, the high price of oil (and consequently gas) is no 
     surprise. It is about time that Americans started valuing oil 
     and gas as the precious commodities that they are. We could 
     continue to build an economy based on a non-renewable fuel. 
     And that would validate our history of short-sighted 
     solutions for complex problems. Need more oil, ally with the 
     Saudis, no problem. Befriend African rogue nations, they've 
     got plenty. Who cares if they commit atrocious human rights 
     violations. It comes down the cheap price of oil, right?
       OK, so let us drill in our own backyards. How would you 
     like an oil rig in your wilderness area or off your 
     coastline? Ask the residents of Pinedale, Wyoming, who not 
     only deal with the high price of housing spurred by the 
     natural gas drilling in the area, but have also contended 
     with near unacceptable ozone levels throughout three of the 
     past four winters (March 13, 2008 Casper Star Tribune). Keep 
     in mind, this is a county in rural Wyoming, approximately 
     5,000 square miles, with about 6,000 residents (as of the 
     year 2000) in which there exists not a single stoplight!
       Or ask those who lived in Santa Barbara in 1969 (June 23, 
     2008 NPR website). I remember my first trip to the beach as a 
     kid . . . and cleaning the oil off the bottom of my feet with 
     olive oil at the end of the day.
       Or ask those who live near the tar sands in Canada about 
     their quality of life and health concerns (http://
www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/01/20/60minutes/
main1225184_page1.shtml)
       Or we could look for a solution that addresses the truly 
     complex nature of this issue. Our economy and way of life are 
     based on petroleum, a non-renewable resource. Some predict we 
     have even reached the critical ``peak oil'' point, yet we 
     insist on continuing to look for more of something that will 
     eventually, without a doubt, run out. Maybe the high price of 
     gas is a blessing in disguise. Maybe it will force us to take 
     a serious look at alternatives before it really is too late.
     Kim, Boise.
                                  ____

       The following is my response to Senator Bingaman (thus to 
     Congress) regarding his comment about energy in his 
     newsletter. This pretty much says it all, and thus sums it up 
     for us, the taxpaying citizens of this nation--those paying 
     over $4.00 a gallon for gas, and consequently outrageous 
     prices for food!
       ``You are `working to get a clear picture what actually is 
     going on in oil and gasoline markets . . .' ? Where have you 
     been? And, you are the chairman of the Senate Energy and 
     Natural Resources Committee?!
       ``The citizens of this nation have been trying to get 
     Congress to drill for oil for years, only to have Congress 
     [miss the mark due to special interest and environmental 
     lobbying]. Consequently, ten years later, you are still 
     studying the problem . . . and we are paying through the nose 
     for gasoline, and consequently for food.
       ``We need to drill on land and sea, wherever the oil may 
     be!
       ``Congress [has failed] to provide short-term as well as 
     long-term energy solutions. [It seems that partisan finger 
     pointing is all that goes on.]
       ``Yes, We need to drill on land and sea, wherever the oil 
     may be!
       ``Drill, drill, drill, and drill some more! And do not 
     forget to process that oil shale that everyone said, `when 
     the price of oil hits $50 a barrel, it would be profitable!'
       ``The rising price of gasoline, consequently food, is 
     hurting every family in America. We are tired of Congress 
     doing nothing but finger pointing and bowing down to the 
     environmentalists and special interest groups.
       ``Oh sure, there is a problem with the oil companies, but 
     the real problem is Congress! Congress must lead and demand 
     drilling commence immediately in Alaska, North Dakota, the 
     western states, and oil shale must be processed, too! If the 
     oil companies need an incentive, simply tell them to choose 
     between paying a huge windfall profits tax or invest that 
     money in drilling immediately!
       ``It is time for Congress to implement a program, which 
     allows for the exploration of America's energy sources 
     without being overly concerned about the environment. Yes, we 
     should be concerned about any reckless exploration, and not 
     permit such folly, but remember, you have asked the balance 
     of the world to drill, while overly protecting our 
     environment . . . and yes, to our detriment. Because of you 
     our economy and citizens suffers--suffering needlessly! 
     Because of Congress' inaction, for years, Congress has put 
     this nation in a position whereby OPEC and speculators can, 
     and do, extort exorbitant prices for oil out of this nation!
       ``And, about the `excuse' that it will take a few years to 
     get the oil into the pipeline. [With the many years of foot-
     dragging, our country is paying dearly for inaction.]
       ``As you very well know, once this country commences 
     drilling, seriously, for oil . . . and we do have a huge 
     supply, the price will immediately drop, and then we will be 
     on the road to becoming self-sufficient! Yes, if we announced 
     that we were going to drill in the gulf, in Alaska, in North 
     Dakota and in our western states, as well as process oil 
     shale, the price of oil would drop 50 to 70 dollars a barrel 
     overnight!
       ``Inaction has cost this country dearly, and our economy 
     suffers because of it--but, even worse, the working man is 
     finding it difficult to make ends meet! You must stop playing 
     petty, partisan politics and put our families, the citizens 
     of this nation, and the welfare of our country first!
       ``We need to drill on land and sea, wherever the oil may 
     be!'' . . . Now! No more excuses!
     Bruce.
                                  ____

       After having read the stories on your site, and myself 
     feeling the same pain, I would just like to ask a few 
     questions. One, what is our current president doing? [While 
     he may not have financial worries, he needs to pay attention 
     to the rest of the country.] Two, what are all of you 
     politicians, senate leaders and other elected officials doing 
     to help solve all of these problems in our country. And I 
     mean what are you doing about it, not just talking about what 
     could be done. I could tell my story, but it would be the 
     same as all others. Pretty soon none of us will be able to 
     afford to drive to work, except of course the bigwig making 
     all the bonus bucks execs at the oil companies. Pretty soon 
     we will not have to worry about how many overweight people 
     there are in our country because people will not be able to 
     feed themselves. We will become one of the foreign nations 
     with starving people living on the streets and killing 
     children because people cannot afford to have a family. I am 
     sure the suicide rate is going up as we speak. So I am asking 
     you along with all other elected officials, please do 
     something! Take action! Let us know there is hope!
     Lynn, Star.
                                  ____

       This is the 3rd response I have sent to you in regards to 
     saving energy. I want you to know that we have several new 
     long-haul trucking companies using the Ferox Fuel Tabs with 
     great success. I am enclosing one of the testimonial trial 
     runs for your view. Ferox is different from anything on the 
     market as it is a catalysis and was developed in 1986 from 
     work done on experimental burn rate modifiers for solid 
     rocket propellant systems use in the aerospace industry. With 
     a near 100% burn rate, significant changes in normal 
     circumstances change for the better: Increased gas mileage up 
     to 20% or more; emissions are reduced by 95% (this is as 
     green as you can get for the environment); oil life is 
     extended by 80%; horsepower increased by 15%; octane 
     requirements are reduced and it is very easy to use, cost can 
     get as low as .07 cents per gallon. This is as professional 
     product as it can get having been used in the commercial 
     industry for more than 20 years with documented success. If 
     everything I am saying is true, why would you not give it 
     some attention so you can see for yourself. I realize there 
     are many out there that are claiming something similar, but 
     many questions remain as to them working as they claim. This 
     one is for real and would make a tremendous difference in 
     many respects. Please respond as I would like to know where 
     to go from here to try to help make a difference.
     Gordon, Twin Falls.
                                  ____

       I am a student at Brigham Young University of Idaho. Each 
     summer I take the time to earn money for education and reduce 
     my amount of loan-borrowing. The city of Rexburg is rather 
     small and has a shortage of job opportunities for college 
     students. Naturally, many students in my same situation seek 
     employment in Rigby or Idaho Falls. The commute may only be 
     about 30 miles. Nonetheless, after the cost of gasoline was 
     subtracted from my paycheck, it was barely worth commuting 
     out of town. This year I intend to work within Rexburg in an 
     effort to save money on gas. I hope to make slightly more 
     than minimum wage, but that is negotiable to circumstance. As 
     was mentioned in national news, many BYU-Idaho students 
     donate their plasma to help pay for groceries, dates and, of 
     course, gasoline. Many of my friends donate plasma on a 
     weekly basis. I suppose this is one way to buffer the effect 
     of gas prices now, but it can only last so long. It is also 
     unfortunate for those whose health impedes them from selling 
     their plasma. It is ridiculous to think of how much money I 
     spend at the pump on my little Honda Accord. I do not know 
     how some people afford to drive their huge SUVs or trucks! I 
     am starting to worry because the prices do not appear to be 
     stopping or slowing. Not every semester of classes will allow 
     for an evening job due to their academic rigor and demand of 
     time. Education remains very expensive even after receiving 
     government financial aid (which, by the way, I am very 
     grateful for). Bottom line, the price of gas is really 
     hurting me and my classmates. Thanks for listening.
                                                 Matthew, Rexburg.

[[Page S4720]]

     
                                  ____
       Our energy independence is easily bought by reducing the 
     usage, or waste. We as Americans drive around in our SUVs and 
     pickups when there is no need to do so, we have only one 
     person in a vehicle and it is a huge waste of energy to drive 
     it helping only the ego of the person driving it. We would do 
     a lot better if we had some sort of mass transit and drove 
     smaller cars instead of some huge dinosaur eating toy. If a 
     person wants to drive that sort of vehicle it is up to them 
     to pay the penalty for it.
       As far as gas prices go I personally would not mind to pay 
     five dollars a gallon if a much larger percentage of the cost 
     of the fuel was a tax that went straight toward a mass 
     transit system to get us all where we need to go in an 
     efficient manner, it is done in Europe so it is possible 
     here!
       As for all those complaining about the high fuel prices, 
     buying a vehicle that gets poor mileage is like not putting 
     money in the bank for retirement or hard times. You reap what 
     you sow!
       Maybe we should do a better job educating to enable people 
     to be able to think through a decision.
     John, Meridian.
                                  ____

       Our lives are suddenly controlled by the energy prices we 
     have to pay. Our summer vacations consist of going 200 or 300 
     miles to see our children and grandchildren. We are not 
     extravagant and travel frugally. This summer our trips have 
     been slashed in half or more because we cannot afford the gas 
     to get there. We filled our propane tank to be prepared for 
     winter, and are already $1000.00 in debt for heating. This 
     amount will not last all winter, by February or before we 
     will need to fill it again, that is if it is a mild winter. 
     Our heating bill has tripled in the last year and a half. Our 
     food bill has gone up at least one third. We have to drive 8 
     miles one way to work; we have to have money for gas to get 
     to work, so everything else has to go. We are trying to find 
     ways to cut back on other things, because we do not have 
     enough money to reach the end of the month.
       We need to have common sense regarding our energy 
     resources. We can develop fuel sources and be smart about it 
     at the same time. Our dependence on foreign oil has got us 
     around the throat.
     Arlene.
                                  ____

       You know all the stories that us Idahoans could send you 
     would not make any difference. The difference will be when 
     the elected officials of this country start doing the right 
     thing for the American public. Only you and the other elected 
     officials can put a stop to all the hullabaloo that is going 
     on at our nation's capital.
       It has been said time and time again that a democracy can 
     only last a couple of hundred years until [corruption takes 
     root]. I think we are pretty close to that now. We cannot 
     even take care of the American citizens properly!
     Jack, Idaho Falls.
                                  ____

       I thought you would like to know of our experience with the 
     increasing prices of gasoline and how our family has been 
     affected. A few months ago my husband was diagnosed with 
     esophageal cancer. We live in a small farming community with 
     the nearest center for chemotherapy and radiation being just 
     over 100 miles round trip. His cancer treatment was 
     administered five days per week for 6\1/2\ weeks. We had to 
     make this 100-plus mile trip Monday through Friday 28 times. 
     As if the financial burden of the medical treatment and the 
     loss of work was not enough, the price of gasoline did not 
     help. We spent well over $500 on fuel to drive him to receive 
     his cancer treatments. Although he is finished with the 
     treatment he will have several follow up visits over the next 
     few months. There is no public transportation in this area, 
     and the rising cost of fuel makes it difficult to want to 
     leave your home! I sincerely hope that a solution can be 
     found to lower the cost of fuel and make life affordable once 
     again.
     Amber, Grace.

                          ____________________