Stevens Announces He Will
Not Pursue Cherry Point Legislation
March 02, 2006
Thursday
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) today went to the
Senate floor to announce that he will not pursue S. 1977, a bill
that repeals Section 5 of the 1977 reauthorization of the Marine
Mammal Protection Act of 1972. S. 1977 would ensure that
the Cherry Point refinery in Washington State can continue to
receive deliveries of crude oil and maintain its current capacity.
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According to Stevens upon its
introduction, the bill was met with press releases deliberately
mischaracterizing its intent and effect. These releases
claimed the bill would increase tanker traffic and the size of
tankers allowed in Puget Sound. The bill did not raise
either of these issues, and Stevens continued to advocate for
its passage because it would address Western States' concerns
about the impact of high energy prices and limited fuel supply.
Stevens decided not to pursue this legislation after corresponding
privately with individuals who live in Washington State.
He told his Senate colleagues, "I have never in my 38 years
in the Senate asked to have any bill I introduced be permanently
postponed, but that is my intention now. For years, I fought
for Alaska's right to determine our state's future and develop
our own energy resources, particularly on the Arctic Coastal
Plain. I defer to this policy now because I believe the
people of Washington ought to make this decision. It a
decision that will have to be made, but based on private conversations
and a private letter I received, I yield to the concerns of Washingtonians
on this matter."
Stevens concluded his remarks by telling his colleagues, "I
still believe it is the right policy, but I respect the rights
of those who live in Washington State to make the decision when
that policy should be pursued. Consistent with my own personal
philosophy, I ask that the leadership find a way to permanently
postpone consideration of S. 1977."
Source of News:
Office of Sen. Ted Stevens
http://www.senate.gov/~stevens
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