I look forward to working with both Chairman Jeffords and Senator Smith as the Committee proceeds with studying the effectiveness of our clean air laws and the public health concerns associated with emissions from the electric utility sector. Congress should address power plant emissions through legislation. Most agree that the Clean Air Act should be amended to provide reductions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SOx), and mercury. I believe that we must take carbon dioxide (CO2) into consideration. Science has indicated that the continued overproduction of carbon dioxide increasingly threatens the long term health of our planet. I firmly believe that the United States, as the world's leading industrial nation, must take the lead in curbing the disastrous effects of carbon dioxide overproduction.
While opinions clearly vary on the best way to address these issues carbon dioxide in particular it is critical that the Committee take a bipartisan approach in seeking to move multipollutant legislation, and carefully balance environmental protection with economic security. As we have seen on so many issues, Congress does its best work when we reach across the aisle. I have confidence that Senators Jeffords and Smith have the determination and the experience to craft a solution to the problems which will be addressed in today's hearing. I look forward to continuing a constructive dialogue and doing my part to reach a sensible solution.