Washington
DC Office
307 Dirksen Senate
Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: 202-224-6441
Fax: 202-224-1724
Wyoming Office
P.O. Box 22201
Casper, WY 82602
307-261-6413
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Contact: Cameron Hardy
202-224-6441 |
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Thomas remarks at Wyoming Heritage Foundation
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November 18th, 2005 - “It’s important for us to discuss how the Energy Policy Act will continue to improve Wyoming’s energy outlook.
After years of debate, Congress has seen through a comprehensive energy policy. It establishes a framework and path to secure affordable and reliable energy for the future.
Wyoming has been an integral player in our energy economy for decades. Whether from coal, oil or uranium, the mineral industry in the State has had a positive impact on our economy and that of the nation.
Today, the impact is even more profound. Demand for Wyoming’s low sulfur coal is at record highs. Natural gas production is growing exponentially.
As we work toward our vision for Wyoming, we should balance our energy production needs with our resource protection goals. We live in a state where we can do both.
The current energy crisis has renewed the focus on nuclear energy and Wyoming uranium. New technologies are allowing industry to efficiently and cost-effectively capture one of the State’s largest untapped resources – wind.
Our state is at the center of the nation’s drive for energy independence and how we respond to the challenges before us will shape our State’s future for the next century. We are truly at a crossroads in our history.
We are at a crossroads that can allow us to overcome the boom and bust cycles of the past. Not too long ago, Wyoming oil was selling at less than ten dollars. Tax revenues were falling and tough choices confronted all of us in Wyoming.
Today, the choices remain as difficult as they were ten years ago, but for different reasons. Instead of a weakening economy, our state’s economy is strong. Employment rates are low and in many areas it’s hard to find skilled workers to fill vacant positions. In addition, housing shortages are discouraging individuals from relocating to the state. The lack of affordable housing is making it difficult for many workers to stay.
Investment in our state’s schools remains strong and a foundation is being laid to have one of the best education systems in the country.
There are many challenges ahead. None is more important to resolve than what role the State government should have in addressing the problems that lie ahead. Nowhere is the debate more important than in the area of energy production.
It goes without saying that we have to produce energy for our nation. Our economy, national security, and quality of life depend upon a reliable and affordable energy supply.
I believe that the 2005 Energy Policy Act establishes a solid framework for addressing many of the issues surrounding how we develop our energy supplies, achieve energy independence, and ensure responsible development.
The policy acknowledges that we must have a comprehensive approach to energy production, and that conservation and efficiency will play a key role in reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign energy supplies.
It also recognizes the importance of new technologies to produce renewable energy as well as the more traditional energy generation from oil, gas, coal and uranium.
I am pleased with provisions that focus research on the removal of mercury from Powder River Coal, turning coal into diesel and other fuels, and conducting high altitude research and energy production using integrated gasification combined cycle technology on low BTU coal. These projects will directly impact Wyoming and I am pleased to have been instrumental in their inclusion in the final bill.
Although the Energy Policy Act contains provisions that focus on Wyoming coal, there is no guarantee the projects I just listed will be built in Wyoming. Many of the programs are competitive and I anticipate in many instances multiple proposals will be submitted. We need to work together on this – Wyoming is where these programs belong!
There are many reasons why these projects should be located in the State. We need to address any shortcomings we have in order to ensure that all proposed projects from Wyoming are competitive.
Limited pipeline and electric transmission capacity are two problems that need to be remedied. Private industry is aggressively working on increasing the number of pipelines and the State is moving forward with projects to increase the electricity transmission capacity in Wyoming.
Now that we have identified the needs, efforts are underway to find solutions – this speaks well of the forward thinking attitude the State will need to be a key player in the nation’s energy market.
Let me wrap up by saying that we are in this together. Local officials, citizens, legislators, economic development folks, landowners, industry, state agencies and the federal government will all have a role to play in setting the course.
It is important for people be engaged from the beginning and that individuals be encouraged to share their ideas and concerns. There will never be unanimous agreement, nor should we expect such a result. Ensuring that all voices are heard and respected is a tradition that Wyoming should continue.”
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