SENATOR COLLINS' STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS TO THE NATION
U.S. Senator Susan Collins released this statement following President Obama's address to the nation regarding the devastating oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
"The immense oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a human and an environmental tragedy. Eleven lives were lost in the accident that led to the oil leak, livelihoods are threatened, and fragile ecosystems are at risk due to the ongoing leak and the sea of oil already polluting the Gulf. Today, eight weeks after the initial accident, we learned that government officials now estimate that up to 60,000 barrels of oil are spewing from the well each day.
"Americans are rightfully frustrated and angry. The Administration's hesitant initial response and BP's repeated failures have increased our questions about whether anyone is truly in charge.
"Last month, our Senate Homeland Security Committee held one of the first Congressional oversight hearings on the oil spill. We heard that despite the known difficulties of working in the cold, dark, and unforgiving environment of the ocean depths-some 5,000 feet below surface-- neither the industry nor the government had any concrete plans on hand for dealing with a catastrophe like this. This is unacceptable, and both industry and government absolutely must be better prepared. In light of this disaster, it is obvious that we need special requirements for drilling operations in these challenging conditions. Until the cause of this disaster is understood, I support the Administration's moratorium on new drilling permits in deep water.
"I am committed to holding accountable those responsible for the disaster, including BP, and to working to ensure that every reasonable measure is taken to help prevent such a spill from occurring ever again.
"I agree with the President's goal that we must expand and diversify American energy resources, but we have different means of achieving that goal. In doing so, we can improve our environment, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and spur the creation of millions of green energy jobs. In December, along with Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), I introduced bipartisan legislation called the "Carbon Limits and Energy for America's Renewal," or CLEAR Act, which takes a fresh approach to the persistent problem of how to end America's dangerous addiction to fossil fuels and Middle East oil without harming our economy. It stands in stark contrast to the "cap-and-trade" bill passed in the House last year. Our bill sets a straightforward, direct course toward energy independence and a new economy based upon technological innovation and clean-energy jobs. Instead of cap-and-trade, our approach is "cap-and-dividend," with the money going into the pockets of hard-working American people.
"Our concept is simple. CLEAR would set up a mechanism for selling "carbon shares" to fossil fuel producers through monthly auctions. Under our legislation, 75 percent of the auction revenue would be returned to every citizen through a rebate check. The remaining 25 percent would go toward clean energy research and development and related programs.
"The CLEAR Act addresses our nation's dangerous over-reliance on fossil fuels while also opening the door to vibrant economic growth."
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