[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24711]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   MOTION TO INSTRUCT CONFEREES ON H.R. 6, ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2003

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 8, 2003

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentlewoman for 
offering this motion to instruct, and I would like to offer my strong 
support.
  The fact that we are here today debating this motion shows just how 
offtrack the Energy Conference has gone. When the gentlewoman offered 
this same language as an amendment to the House Energy bill it passed 
by voice vote because it was so popular. Now, a conference being led by 
Republicans is not allowing Democratic conferees to participate. And 
now they are stripping some of the most important and popular 
provisions from the bill.
  Let's call this what it really is. This ``Inventory'' that members 
from the other side of the aisle say is so necessary is a sham. In 
fact, the Minerals Management Service already conducts a survey every 5 
years, and the latest assessment was done in 2000. Taking an inventory 
of what lies beneath the sea floor is not like taking an inventory of 
office supplies. It requires a careful process that takes into account 
the delicate ecosystem that the Outer Continental Shelf comprises.
  The point of removing this important provision in conference is not 
to conduct an ``inventory,'' but instead it is to open up the Outer 
Continental Shelf for big oil companies to drill for oil. We all know 
where the oil is, and they can't wait to get in there and drill. Such 
drilling would put our coastal communities at needless risk.
  My district is comprised of some of the most beautiful coastline in 
the world. From Gualala Point to the San Francisco Bay, my constituents 
depend on this beautiful coastline, and I do not want to see oil on our 
beaches or animals killed by irresponsible drilling.
  Instead of expanding drilling, we should be exploring new ways to 
create clean and renewable energy sources. I urge conferees to add more 
funding for developing, implementing, and expanding renewable energy 
programs instead of senselessly opening up our Outer Continental Shelf 
to big oil companies.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for this motion to 
instruct. Let's send a clear signal that the Energy conference should 
not take place in secret and disregard the wishes of the American 
people.

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