[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 70 (Thursday, May 7, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5276-S5278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IDAHOANS SPEAK OUT ON HIGH ENERGY PRICES

  Mr. CRAPO. Madam 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 sending you this email in regards to our gas prices. I 
     feel that the taxes that Idaho has on the gas should be 
     dropped in our state.
       So many people are already unemployed. People are suffering 
     enough trying to keep the jobs that they have. Many people 
     travel from Caldwell and Nampa to jobs in Boise. They are 
     only making $9, maybe $10, an hour. That is just two gallons 
     of gas. Because of this, we will only be adding to our 
     unemployment line. This only takes away the money coming into 
     our state from the taxes from their paychecks.
       My daughter is trying to find work herself. Do you have any 
     idea the hardship of this? She cannot find a job because she 
     cannot put the $8 for two gallons of gas into her car to find 
     a job. If you removed the gas tax, she would have at least a 
     fighting chance!
       My son lives in Boise and works in Nampa. He had to leave 
     his car on the freeway because he ran out of gas and had just 
     put in the last of his money he had in his pocket.
       What about our elderly and all the others on fixed income? 
     We have to get a hold of this situation now. Thank you for 
     your time and consideration in this important matter.
     Gerald and Tonie, Nampa.
                                  ____

       Thank you, Senator, for asking for input. Yes, we need to 
     protect our planet from excess wrongful pollution; yes we 
     need to have alternatives to the current fossil fuel dilemma. 
     Yes, drilling here and drilling now needs to happen, although 
     it will not give relief for many years to come and at what 
     loss to business and individual Americans, prior to our 
     becoming more energy independent?
       It is time to steal a page from the Democrats play book of 
     2000 and dump oil from our strategic reserves, referenced 
     http://schumer.senate.gov/SchumerWebsite/pressroom/
press_releases/2004/PR02640.Gas051904.html, in the market 
     place to lower prices at the pump.
       This will have many-fold positive effect. It can boost the 
     economy by helping business to maintain pricing at lower 
     levels. It will cause a price lowering on the world market 
     needed by many other nations, i.e., French truckers causing 
     gridlock by blocking roadways. We replenish our reserves at a 
     lower cost oil than today, and it ought have an adverse 
     effect on those speculators that are driving the price of oil 
     through the ceiling. How many of the speculators buying 
     futures contracts for oil are foreign investors wanting to 
     drive up the price of their oil? These positive reactions can 
     only have positive impact.
       For the future, alternative fuel sources other than our 
     food, wheat, rice, corn ought

[[Page S5277]]

     to be developed, i.e., hydrogen which is in use presently in 
     the East under controlled situations, work towards federal 
     funding for a research facility to developed an economical 
     solution/use for the shale that surrounds Idaho in Wyoming, 
     Utah and Colorado. Partner with them. Build the research 
     facility in Idaho.
     James, Nampa.
                                  ____

       Your video interview on KTVB [seemed to be lacking in 
     understanding. Why would you want to give sob stories to 
     Congress?] The problem is the way you are approaching the 
     matter. [The current] approach is to focus on an issue that 
     has been allowed to spiral out of control, so it is now 
     labeled as a significant emotional event that affects a large 
     contingency of or state. You want input from constituents on 
     a possible solution to this crisis.
       You are way too late, Mr. Crapo. You should have approached 
     this problem at the root cause, when it first started years 
     ago. Nothing was ever done to formulate a plan.
       Just what are your thoughts? Is this a lame issue 
     strategically planned based on the emotions of the people, 
     centered on a principal of difusionary tactics to point the 
     crisis issue from your office to the bleeding heart 
     consumers? Just what are we going to do?
       In order to solve a problem, you need to lose the ``ostrich 
     mentality''; that is, bury your head in the sand until the 
     danger passes by. As long as you do not see anything going on 
     around you, then you assume all will be well once it passes; 
     however, while your head is in the sand, your [backend] is 
     hanging out in the air [in danger.]
       This problem should have been breached months ago when 
     gasoline prices were at $2.50 a gallon, and needed to focus 
     on how to hold them at this price.
       What you have condoned is the allowance of gasoline to 
     skyrocket out of control, and somehow scheme a plan that 
     involves Idahoans to offer a solution.
       React when the crisis surfaces because that it the way 
     everyone does it. Any official, manager, analyst, physics 
     engineer knows that you start by dissecting and analyzing the 
     root problem that drove the event. Two great books to read on 
     this management technique are Crucial Conversations and 
     Crucial Conversation. Try them; they are great.
       As for the bleeding heart letters, I do not buy them one 
     bit. After all, what do we have at our disposal to influence 
     members of Congress?
       Much could have been done by the American people if we, the 
     consumers, could be in on the ground floor of these fire-side 
     chats and actively work on the problem.
       We need to be a preventative society, not a panic-reactive, 
     flavor of the month club.
     George, Boise.
                                  ____

       I saw in the news this morning that you are asking for 
     comments about the current gas prices. I believe, like many 
     others, that we need to end our dependency on foreign oil. If 
     the government would end the moratoriums against off shore 
     drilling, allow the states who are begging to drill to do so. 
     Allow new refineries be built, I know the prices would begin 
     to go down, just from the threat of competition alone. If our 
     government would get out of the way, let the good old 
     American ingenuity and capitalism take control, things would 
     turn around in no time at all.
       Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinion.
     Kim, Moose.
                                  ____

       I am very concern that my country's Congress has paralyzed 
     our ability to become energy-independent. To get to the 
     point, I want to be free of terrorist oil. I want our own 
     country to provide for our energy needs. Open up the 
     coastlines to drilling; allow drilling in Alaska, Montana and 
     other states. Allow the mining and processing of oil shale. 
     Develop a national energy strategy with all parties involved. 
     This does not take ten years. Remember World War II; the 
     homefront converted to the war effort--one example, victory 
     ships, I want that attitude in my Congress, my nation. Please 
     express my concerns. (I retire in two days) Get 'er done! 
     Thank you, sir.
     Alan, Emmett.
                                  ____

       Very simple, Mike--we want alternative energy choices--sun, 
     nuclear, wind, hydro, that do not further rape the earth. Can 
     you lead the way on this issue? If not, get out of the way 
     and we will elect someone who will!
     Ron, Wilder.
                                  ____

       A short while ago I responded to your inquiry regarding the 
     impact that the energy crisis has had on me and my family. 
     After sending the message, it occurred to me that I had 
     omitted what may be the largest financial and psychological 
     impact of all. Forty years ago, my wife and I bought a small 
     cabin near a lake in the mountains just south of Salmon. My 
     family and I have enjoyed many pleasant hours every summer up 
     there. At the time we bought it, our big concern was how much 
     time will it take to travel up there from Malad. Now the time 
     element is the least of our concerns. Now the question is how 
     much is it going to cost us to make the trip. So far, this 
     year, the answer has been: Too much! We have not been able to 
     work out a way to get there to even open it up for the 
     season. We are seriously considering the possibility of 
     selling it because transportation costs make it prohibitive 
     to make the trip often enough to make it worthwhile keeping 
     it! Having to sell it would be a blow to our entire family--
     as well as what would be an economic loss!
       I really do not think Americans should be treated this way 
     just because some political activists want to punish this 
     country for being too successful. Please do not let them do 
     it. The remedy is so obvious and attainable! Truly this is an 
     economic crisis, not only for this nation, but for the world!
     Wesley, Malad City.
                                  ____

       Being a resident of Idaho, I feel compelled to write to you 
     regarding my perspective on energy cost and its effect on the 
     economy. It may be felt, being single and a nurse in the 
     State of Idaho, by many that my situation is secure and 
     comfortable. I must stress, it is not. Gas/fuel prices 
     (including electricity) is a huge concern to me and affects 
     me in ways most may not recognize. I find, as others, filling 
     at the tank is overwhelming at times, but what I find 
     interesting is how it has affected so much more than just 
     getting gas for a vehicle. It does make it more difficult to 
     obtain the fuel for the vehicle that brings one to work, but 
     the effect goes so much beyond that.
       I find my grocery bill has increased from 10-30% on items I 
     used to feel comfortable in purchasing previously. I find I 
     am no longer looking at brands like I have before, and I find 
     I am going without some items I would have thought to be 
     necessary before.
       We are a spoiled nation, there is no doubt; however, 
     whenever I stop buying things and chipping away from those 
     items I have enjoyed I think of those individuals who work 
     for those companies that my meager dollar use to support no 
     longer can, and in turn, causes an effect on their ability to 
     continue their lifestyle endeavors.
       I find an unusual event here in Idaho with regard to my 
     career. I am an RN. I am told there is a huge shortage of 
     nurses, but I am forced off from being able to work because, 
     ``census is down'' at the major hospital I work at in Boise. 
     My thinking on this, though there is no study I am aware of 
     to support it, is that people have become very afraid of the 
     economic situation. ``Elective surgery'' (even though 
     necessary) is being held off, even declined. Why? People have 
     a hard time with insurance coverage now even as before the 
     crunch. I believe they would rather chance their well being 
     over an additional concern of a medical bill, because they 
     cannot afford to go to work that may possibly have coverage 
     for them, or more than likely, probably do not. So, health 
     becomes a secondary choice to them. This, in turn, affects 
     me. I get laid off and I cannot pay the bills . . .
       I am more fortunate, in that I do have options. Not 
     necessarily pleasant ones, i.e., leave Idaho, but options all 
     the same. Right now I am looking at supplemental work.
       Basically what I am saying, the ``gas issue'' is obviously 
     more than just filling the tank. It is food, it is housing, 
     it is employment availability, it is health, and it is 
     choices or lack of. Please, I plead that you approach those 
     who can make a difference. Recognize, America should always 
     be first, in their decision, not outside interests.
       I am born and bred American. I am proud of what we are and 
     what we can be, but I can see greed has taken over common 
     sense. Please do what you can do to stop the undermining of 
     our strength. Let us be self-sufficient first and with good 
     conscience let us use our ability to drill, invent, and 
     create a new direction that will allow new jobs and strength.
       Advice I give patients: You cannot help those you care for 
     unless you have taken care of yourself and maintain your own 
     strength. Be conscious to care for yourself so you can help 
     those you love. I say the same to my country: Care for 
     yourself.
     BonnieDee, Boise.
                                  ____

       Living in a rural area of southeastern Idaho we have been 
     hit particularly hard. Gas in our community is always higher 
     than surrounding areas. I drive 120 miles roundtrip to work 
     and 30 miles roundtrip to the grocery store. Many of my 
     neighbors are trying to farm but the cost of putting fuel in 
     the tractor is so high that to plow and plant a field it 
     almost is not worth the effort anymore. We realize that, as a 
     nation, we need to be prudent in oil drilling practices but 
     to ignore the Alaskan oil fields and the offshore potential 
     of our coastal regions is sheer folly. If we fail to claim 
     and drill what is rightfully ours, the Chinese and the Cubans 
     will find a way to do it right under our very noses. I ask 
     you, what other country in the world is crazy enough to sit 
     on such a resource and just let it go to waste? Regardless of 
     whom drills for the oil we will still have the same potential 
     environmental issues but we could easily not be the ones in 
     control. I would like to see what would happen to the price 
     of gas if congress woke up to the situation and opened our 
     significant undeveloped oil fields to responsible drilling. 
     Congress cannot continue to make the oil companies the 
     ``scapegoat'' in this situation. Congress and the President, 
     past and current, need to accept responsibility for their 
     major part in the entire mess.
     Clare, Preston.
                                  ____

       A couple of week ago you were a guest speaker on our local 
     radio program and asked us voters to write you about what 
     trouble and hard times have fallen upon us regular working 
     stiffs. Well, I started this letter five times, but did not 
     finish because of the way I was brought up, i.e., ``Do not be

[[Page S5278]]

     a whiner, be a winner and a doer! Well, you asked, so here is 
     my story.
       I am a certificated flight instructor and had a very 
     promising flight school in the Magic Valley (the only flight 
     school in the valley) at the Jerome County Airport. Then 9/
     11. I learned two very good lessons after that: [there is 
     little understanding of the real world among the bureaucrats 
     who operate many agencies, and that too often the price for 
     problems is paid by those who had nothing to do with the 
     problem.]
       While billions [were dumped] into the airline industry, [my 
     business] went under. Just because I was grounded and held 
     accountable for the actions of 9/11, my bills were not 
     ``grounded'' and I ended up losing my airplanes, my business 
     and every cent I had! Oh, well, no complaints, I was not in a 
     rubble pile in D.C., or New York, New York, or dead at a 
     crash site in Pennsylvania. My heart still hurts for those 
     who lost their lives that day. Like I said, no complaints. I 
     am a proud American that is used to pulling me up by the boot 
     straps and, by the way, I was offered a low interest $5,000 
     loan by the government; that would not have even covered my 
     fuel bill! It has taken me years to pay off the losses, but I 
     have. And I have been teaching flying lessons in student-
     owned planes. If they come to me without an airplane I have 
     to turn them away. That means out of the Magic Valley because 
     there had been no other flight schools open. Flying is not a 
     privilege like driving, it is a right put down on paper by 
     the Congress and the Senate!
       Now to end this story--you ask for $5.50 a gallon aviation 
     fuel! It has put me completely out of the teaching game! 
     Thanks a lot! (Not you.) I have been doing this teaching 
     thing for the last 18 years. I do not know anything else! I 
     am 52 years old, too old to start over and become an expert 
     at anything else, I will not be on this planet long enough! 
     Sure, I could go to Dubai, India, China or some other enemy 
     country and teach their students how to fly and probably make 
     a a lot of money, but that is not what it is about. It is 
     about molding good, safe and better American pilots! Not 
     going to the Middle East and teaching the bucks. No, I will 
     never do that! Never! I live in Idaho and that is where I 
     will be put into the good potato-growing earth of Idaho!
       I feel [let down by my elected officials.] Please keep up 
     your effort to help us no-counts here in Idaho! I do know 
     that you are trying.
     Jim, Jerome.
                                  ____

       My husband is on permanent Social Security Disability. The 
     high gas prices make it impossible for us to leave our area, 
     and it is more expensive for me to drive to work. We just try 
     to buy less groceries; no extras. I am really worried about 
     purchasing propane next winter. The minimum you can now have 
     delivered is $300, and that does not even last a month. I 
     hate to see what it will cost next winter. If gas prices do 
     not go down, many living in Idaho will eat less and heat 
     less!
     Barbara, Idaho Falls.
                                  ____

       First I want to thank you for all the good work you are 
     doing to represent your Idaho constituents. It is so 
     refreshing to have an honest, wise thinking, conservative 
     congressman. We have lived in liberal states in the past and 
     it can be very discouraging.
       About the fuel prices, I just want to share that I am a 
     hospice nurse which requires that I drive all over Canyon and 
     some of Ada counties. We do get paid mileage for our trips to 
     and from our patients, but the $.43 a mile is quickly being 
     eaten up by the rising fuel prices. Also my husband and I are 
     private pilots and love to fly over our beautiful state, but 
     again the cost of fuel is making it necessary to but back on 
     those trips. What is so frustrating to us is knowing that we 
     have plenty of oil in our own country, if our government 
     would just allow production to increase. I also favor 
     developing alternate energy. I especially think that nuclear 
     energy can be developed safely and should be looked at very 
     seriously.
     Linda and Alan, Nampa.
                                  ____

       It is very obvious that Russia is on an aggressive quest to 
     control the global oil. The U.S. should have already been on 
     top of this, but where are the leaders of the two Houses? 
     They're on vacation (except for a few fighters) instead of 
     attending to very important and critical issues. It is 
     extremely important to deal with the energy issues as soon as 
     possible. We have oil available in the Bakken Formation, 
     Alaska and other areas, which contain the following 
     estimates: 8 times as much oil as Saudi Arabia, 18 times as 
     much oil as Iraq, 21 times as much oil as Kuwait, 22 times as 
     much oil as Iran, 500 times as much oil as Yemen--all right 
     here in the U.S.
       The issues at hand are affecting the rapidly increasing 
     day-to-day costs. Inflation is rising, not at .05%, rather 
     more like 30%. For example, groceries are costing almost 50% 
     more than in January. That is if one can afford the gasoline.
       The COLA increase in the next budget for Social Security 
     and the Military should be a minimum of 15%--just to stay 
     even with rising costs.
       This is not a time for partisan bickering. This is time for 
     a conscience effort toward the business of American citizens.
     George. Craigmont.

                          ____________________