Senate Energy Chairman Frank Murkowski (R-AK) last weekintroduced his National Energy Security Act of 2000, S. 2557, asan amendment to the Labor, Health and Human Services appropriationmeasure now before the Senate. He did so at the urging of MajorityLeader Trent Lott (R-MS), who supports the energy measure.

Among its provisions, the legislation seeks to open up part ofthe Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to oil and gasexploration and production, lift the drilling moratoria in areassuch as offshore Florida and California, establish a home heatingoil reserve for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states andreauthorize the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

The goal of the bill is to decrease U.S. dependence on foreignoil sources to 50% by 2010. “We aim to do that by enhancing the useof renewable energy sources, conserving energy resources, improvingenergy efficiencies and increasing domestic energy supplies,” thesenator said in a prepared statement.

Murkowski believes that attaching his energy bill to theLabor-HHS initiative is appropriate since seniors and those onfixed incomes feel the pinch of soaring energy prices most. “Wefound that out this winter when heating oil prices went through theroof, and seniors had to choose between food and heat.”

Susan Parker

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