Gulf of Mexico Security Act of 2006--Continued

GULF OF MEXICO SECURITY ACT OF 2006--Continued -- (Senate - August 01, 2006)

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Mrs. CLINTON. Mr. President, I believe that as part of a balanced energy policy, we need to expand domestic oil and gas production where it has local support and can do so in an environmentally sound way. I think the bill before the Senate meets that test, and that is why I am voting for it. However, I want to make it clear that New Yorkers do not support drilling off Long Island, or in the Finger Lakes, or in the Great Lakes, and I will vehemently oppose any bill that would open any of these areas up for drilling. With that in mind, I am concemed about conferencing the Senate bill with the House bill, but I have been assured by Senator REID that he will oppose efforts to expand drilling beyond the areas included in the Senate bill. In addition, I am disappointed that Senator FRIST chose to block all amendments to this bill. Expanding domestic supplies is only a partial solution to our energy problems. It is even more important that we take steps to increase energy efficiency and to expand production of renewable energy. I filed amendments to this bill to accomplish those goals, but was not afforded the opportunity to offer them. I will continue to urge Senator FRIST to schedule time to consider these and other bills that offer a more comprehensive long-term solution to our Nation's energy problems.

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