PIRG opposes further subsidies to the nuclear industry. Hearing on H.R. 2436, to provide secure energy supplies for the people of the United States, and for other purposes. Energy Security Act. Testifying before the committee were representatives of the federal and state agencies as well as various public-interest groups. The Bush administration and industry strongly support the Hansen bill.
Environmental groups are strenuously opposed to the legislation.
The witnesses' complete written testimony is available online. Secretary Norton, representing the administration, supported H.R. 2436, but does have a few concerns with the legislation. Also, the bill would take the Interior Department's authority to transfer royalty in kind oil without compensation to the Department of Energy for the filling of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Witnesses from Arctic Power and the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, voiced their support for the Hansen bill. Both organizations claim that drilling in ANWR can provide economic self-determination in an environmentally responsible manner.