Washington, DC —
Senator John Thune today joined Senators Pete Domenici (R-N.M.), chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee; James Inhofe (R-OK), chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee; and Craig Thomas (R-WY) at a press conference to discuss ways to reduce America's dependence on oil. The press conference followed a Senate Energy Committee hearing in which expert witnesses shared ideas for reaching America's goal of energy independence. Below are excerpts from Senator Thune's remarks:
"As we saw during last year's hurricane season, the oil supply we rely on so heavily has serious vulnerabilities. Natural disasters can stop production, as can political unrest and instability in oil-producing regions," Thune said. "It is not wise for America's economy to rely solely on oil to fuel our cars and machinery.
"We have to be forward-thinking, not only for the summer driving season but for our nation's energy future. We must innovate and diversify if we want to keep this country running smoothly and efficiently.
"With South Dakota as the fourth-largest ethanol producing state in the country, I am especially focused on additional production of renewable fuels such as ethanol. Our farmers are ready to produce more corn and the industry is poised to produce more ethanol. We need to stay committed to funding renewable fuel research and opening the doors to greater production of renewables across the country.
"Republicans in Congress have made energy independence and security a clear priority. Many of our colleagues across the aisle, however, continue to talk about an energy crisis, while providing no viable solutions. I hope we can count on Democrats to work together with us this year to advance policies that reduce our dependence on oil, bring down gasoline prices, and secure America's energy future."
"As we saw during last year's hurricane season, the oil supply we rely on so heavily has serious vulnerabilities. Natural disasters can stop production, as can political unrest and instability in oil-producing regions," Thune said. "It is not wise for America's economy to rely solely on oil to fuel our cars and machinery.
"We have to be forward-thinking, not only for the summer driving season but for our nation's energy future. We must innovate and diversify if we want to keep this country running smoothly and efficiently.
"With South Dakota as the fourth-largest ethanol producing state in the country, I am especially focused on additional production of renewable fuels such as ethanol. Our farmers are ready to produce more corn and the industry is poised to produce more ethanol. We need to stay committed to funding renewable fuel research and opening the doors to greater production of renewables across the country.
"Republicans in Congress have made energy independence and security a clear priority. Many of our colleagues across the aisle, however, continue to talk about an energy crisis, while providing no viable solutions. I hope we can count on Democrats to work together with us this year to advance policies that reduce our dependence on oil, bring down gasoline prices, and secure America's energy future."