Date: 1981-01-22
Speaker: ROBERT C. BYRD (democrat)
Chamber: S

I thank the distinguished Senator from New Mexico. Mr. President. I intend to cast my vote In favor of the nomination of Gov. James B. Edwards to be the next Secretary of Energy. Governor Edwards has had a distinguished career In public service and I am satisfied that he will serve in this important Cabinet post with Integrity and commitment. However. this i.amlnation brings into sharp relief the many divergent views on energy policy which have surfaced within the Congress and points to the urgent necessity to maintain a tteady course. Now that the campaign Is over. I am hoping that the Incoming administration will take a realistic approach to this Nations energy security. During the last Congress. fundamental new policies were established that will profoundly change the way America produces and uses energy. Phased decontrol of domestic crude oil has already led to more domestic exploration and to substantial energy conservation. A record number of oil wells were drilled this past year. while petroleum imports averaged about 23 percent less than In 1979. There has been strong bipartisan support for research and development of diverse energy technologies. Congress also gave its overwhelming endorsement to a partnership between Government and industry to develop a viable synthetic fuels industry. The Incoming Reagan administration has promised to place a greater emphasis on the increased production of domestic oil and natural gas. Governor Edwards remarks at his confirmation hearings reflcted this commitment. There is no question that we must maximize the production and use of our domestic en- ergy resources. But the facts belle the promise that this adds up to a simple solution to Americas energy problems. Government and industry experts alike agree that the United States is facing a steady Inevitable decline in petroleum reserves. The immediate decontrol of domestic oil and gasoline prices. while perhaps a symbolic gesture to encourage production and conservation. will not provide any easy answer. Rather. the solution lies in a broad range of approaches. These must include consistent support for the development of new energy technologies. particularly the production of synthetic fuels from coal and oil shale. effective conservation measures and wise preparation for a predictable energy emergency. Governor Edwards will find the Department of Energy to be a complex and diverse organization. Undoubtedly. some of the bureaucratic machinery needs to be overhauled or even dismantled. However. much of the work of the Department must be continued if the national interest is to be served. A sound energy policy. based on more than hypothetical discoveries of oil. is essential to our national security and the health of our economy. The pursuit of energy security and independence includes the increased use of coal. both conventionally and in the manufacture of synthetic fuels. Governor Edwards indicated at his confirmation hearing that he supported thib goal. It Includes the support of promising new technologies. such as solar or geothermal. It requires the accelerated construction of priority energy projects through curtailment of regulatory delays and obstruction. It demands effective management in the event of a severe supply shortfall. It requires cooperation with our oil consuming allies to avoid perilous fluctuations in the international oil markets. Given these and countless other critical responsibilities. Governor Edwards should rethink his initial promise towork himself out of a job. On the contrary. he will be expected to find the most able and talented professionals t6 staff the Departments management positions. It is with this mandate that I congratulate Governor Edwards on his nomination and wish him well in this difficult post.