Unfortunately, this amendment was not made in order.

It is worthwhile to note what we proposed.

Rather than exploiting environmentally sensitive areas, we proposed to facilitate the delivery of over 35 trillion cubic feet of gas from developed fields in the North Slope to the lower 48 States.

And do so with the benefit of Buy American and project labor agreement protections.

Rather than grant a royalty holiday to oil and gas companies, we proposed to ensure that the American people receive a fair return for the disposition of their resources by cracking down on royalty underpayments.

Rather than potentially disrupting the distribution of western water to farmers and cities by emphasizing hydropower over all other purposes, we proposed to relieve transmission constraints in the western power grid.

And, as Democrats, we also propose to redouble the commitment to the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

The Democratic alternative to the Resources Committee Republican energy provision was about energy development, empowerment and endowment.

The development of renewable energy resources on our public lands and off-shore areas. And the development of a more efficient electricity transmission highway in the 15 States that lie within the Western Area Power Administration’s territory.

The empowerment of Indian Country and the contribution they can make to our national energy mix.

And the he endowment to coastal communities of pristine beaches and viable wildlife habitat and the economic prosperity these attributes make.

The endowment to coalfield communities of the necessary resources to combat the constant threat they face from abandoned coal mines.

Unfortunately, that debate will not take place today due to the rule.

I yield back the balance of my time.