Senator talks energy, Iraq

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Aug 23, 2008 by Michael Hooper

By Michael Hooper

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Calling the nation's 70 percent dependence on foreign oil "extremely dangerous," Sen. Pat Roberts said Friday the country should support expansion of domestic and alternative energy resources.

"The United States is the only country deliberately devastating itself by not developing its own resources," Roberts said.

The Kansas Republican spoke Friday to the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce at the Ramada Hotel and Convention Center. Roberts also addressed taxes, the Iraq war and the national mortgage crisis.

Roberts said while on his 105-county speaking tour, he has learned the No. 1 issue among Kansans is high energy prices.

"It's affecting the family, it's affecting the economy," he said.

He said the United States is using 800,000 barrels of oil less per day than a year ago.

He said the U.S. energy policy should support development of domestic energy, nuclear power, deep sea drilling, oil shale development, battery-powered cars, wind and solar. All sources need to be on the table, he said.

Roberts, however, said he doesn't support mandates to energy companies.

The senator said it is possible to remove combat troops from Iraq by 2011 as long as conditions there remain stable. Iraqi and U.S. officials have proposed withdrawal timetables.

"If we can achieve stability," Roberts said, "that is key. We don't want to send them back. If we leave too soon, there might be civil war."

The United States invaded Iraq five years ago. The proposed troop withdraw timetable still must be approved by the Iraqi leadership.

"We're getting close," Roberts said. "I would think that would be possible and desirable."

Roberts said Congress needs to continue to provide tax relief to put more money in the pockets of Kansans.

As the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. inspects banks, he said he hopes the agency doesn't close country banks as it did during the farm crisis of the 1980s.

"We're not California, and we're certainly not Texas or Florida," he said.

Kansas banks, he said, are in good shape.

"We don't want to see over-regulation," he said.

Michael Hooper can be reached

at (785)295-1293

or michael.hooper@cjonline.com.