We should not begin to relax our environmental standards in an effort to keep pace with the country's energy demand.  If we begin to drill for oil in the Nation's most pristine and natural settings like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge or off the coast of the Jersey Shore, experts have indicated we will not come close to providing enough oil to offset the country's demand and we run the risk of permanently damaging these areas.  That is a losing proposition, which I do not endorse.

Currently, natural gas makes up approximately 23% of the country's energy use.  We need to expand our reserves to increase this to a third.  Natural gas has proven to be a source of clean, safe energy and is abundant domestically so we will not be forced to rely on the changing whims of foreign governments for an uninterrupted supply.

Finally, I agree with the President in his call for increased energy conservation.  I too support alternatives that concentrate on demand reduction.  Last year, I wrote to President Clinton supporting changes in Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) law, which would tighten regulations on fuel consumption standards for passenger cars.  I supported a bill to authorize the Department of Transportation, pursuant to a study by the National Academy of Science (NAS) to recommend "appropriate" CAFE standards, subject to approval by a Joint Resolution of Congress.  I am looking forward to receiving the results of this study some time this Summer.