Arkansas, also known as the Natural State , is home to 600,000 acres of lakes, 9,700 miles of streams and rivers, and over 2.6 million acres of national forests. We need to do all we can to preserve this land for our families as well as future generations. I also strongly believe that we must protect the air we breathe and the water we drink.
In light of the turmoil in the Middle East , the Senate has been working to move our country toward energy independence. As part of this effort, I believe that we must move beyond oil, gas, and coal and focus on cleaner alternatives and new sources of energy, including renewable fuels. Arkansas, in particular, is rich in biodiesel resources, such as soybeans and rice, and can easily achieve news standards in energy efficiency.