Senator Says Russia is the Answer To Middle East's 'Terrorist Oil'

CNSNews ^ | 9/13/02 | Robert B. Bluey

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns said Thursday the country should immediately begin phasing out its reliance on Middle Eastern oil and instead seek new ventures in Russia and here at home.

The Montana Republican said given the development of fuel-cell technology and the potential for oil drilling in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge, it is a logical time to reduce oil imports from "terrorist" nations, such as Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

While Burns admitted U.S. companies would probably never be able to rely solely on oil produced outside the Middle East, the risks are too high to buy from those countries, he warned.

"Last year we sent $4 billion to Saddam Hussein in oil money," Burns said. "Some of our allies call it oil-for-food, but I call it oil-for-terror."

He added: "It is time we seek out new partnerships. It is time we find new sources of production. It is time we turn off the spigots of terrorist oil."

Burns said Russian President Vladimir Putin should use oil exploration around the Caspian Sea as an economic incentive for his country. He cited figures that show Russia has the potential to supply nearly as much oil as Saudi Arabia, the world's leading producer, if its undiscovered reserves are tapped.

In addition, he said estimates show the former Soviet republics that surround the Caspian Sea could produce more than 250 billion barrels of oil that has not been explored.

But in order for those steps to be taken, Burns said Putin and other leaders in the region must institute a number of reforms that would promote greater trade. Burns said it could take years before the infrastructure, including pipelines and refineries, are on par with similar operations in the Middle East.

"America buys virtually no oil from Russia and the Caspian states, yet they present the biggest opportunity in oil exploration and production for America," he said.

Sterling Burnett, a senior fellow at the National Center for Policy Analysis, said greater exploration in Russia and the countries bordering the Caspian Sea might be worthwhile. He cautioned, however, that such a step would need to be taken as part of a much larger initiative if the plan Burns suggested is to work.

"In order to not rely on the Middle East for oil, we would have to develop [U.S. oil] fields to their fullest potential, develop Russia to its fullest potential and probably develop new areas outside of the [Persian] Gulf states," he said. "We would need better trading relationships with Canada and Mexico and we might even need to split Venezuela off from OPEC."

Those steps taken individually face stiff political challenges, he said. The likelihood that the United States could reduce its reliance on Middle Eastern oil "would not happen overnight," Burnett said.

The Cato Institute's Jerry Taylor, who is director of natural resource studies, was even more skeptical of a plan to utilize Russian oil as an alternative to that coming from Middle East nations.

"Even if we didn't import oil from terrorist nations, it wouldn't make any difference," Taylor said. "Terrorist nations would still be able to manipulate world oil prices and retain revenue."

He said if U.S. companies stopped purchasing oil from Saudi Arabia or Iraq, those countries would start selling to a country that would buy from them.

Burns also used his speech Thursday to stress the free-market principles of the oil industry. He predicted that if gasoline prices increased enough, that alone would have a greater impact than switching oil suppliers.

"When you start paying too much money to get your [sport-utility vehicle] on the road, you'll start seeing people buying smaller cars with better gas mileage," Burns said, noting that hybrid automobiles are gaining in popularity.

Carol A. Werner, executive director of the Environmental & Energy Study Institute, was encouraged that Burns discussed alternative energy and gas mileage in automobiles, but she said steps need to be taken now, not later.

Looking for undeveloped oil is the wrong approach, she said. She would rather have Congress increase fuel efficiency in vehicles and encourage the development of renewable reserves.

"In terms of looking at other oil fields, it is going to take years to get those fields developed to start producing oil," Werner said. "That also means dollars going out of the United States."

Some provisions of the long-awaited energy bill were compromised Thursday by House-Senate conferees, said Joe Brenckle, spokesman for the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. But while smaller matters relating to clean coal, energy efficiency and renewable energy were resolved, other issues such as drilling in ANWR and fuel-efficiency standards continue to be debated.

[hchutch]

Russian Oil ping.

[tomkat]

i seem to recall reading that we only get ~15% of our crude from the ME.

if that's correct, surely that amount can be purchased elsewhere.

were it doable, i'd gladly pay an extra 25¢/gal or whatever,
just to know that none of our petro $s were goin' to the goathumpers ...

[USMMA_83]

There's a report out today that Bush and his staff are meeting with African oil producing countries.

The conversation might let the African see that their countries can garner billions in revenue if they supply the oil that we need.

That'll leave the mid-east out looking in. And, soon they'll go back to being camel herders and nomads like they were previously...oh-hum.

[rintense]

This is a good thing, but we should never place all our eggs in one basket like we have with OPEC. Diversify and continue to pursue self-reliance.

Russia has a lot of potential, but truly won't be a competitor until their infrastructure can support massive amount of oil production/exports- probably around 5-7 years.

[hchutch]

Well, if we can pull off a coup in Venezuela, that would help matters, and from what I gather, Mexico's got a good deal of oil, too.

More nuclear power would not be a bad thing, either.

[sheik yerbouty]

Trinidad has lots of oil, and a huge amount of natural gas. Why not deal with them?

[Grampa Dave]

I know nothing of Senator Burns, however, it sounds like he needs a lecture in economics 101 as he has apparently failed to understand the basic supply and demand principle/rule. He, also, apparently needs to be de Watermeloned as per his comments here:

Burns also used his speech Thursday to stress the free-market principles of the oil industry. He predicted that if gasoline prices increased enough, that alone would have a greater impact than switching oil suppliers.

"When you start paying too much money to get your utility vehicle] on the road, you'll start seeing people buying smaller cars with better gas mileage," Burns said, noting that hybrid automobiles are gaining in popularity.

Senator Burns you should just like the Goron, that the best way to solve our energy problems is to pay more at the pump and we should drive Yugos. You are apparently a Rino Watermelon if you truly believe this.

Last but not least Senator Burns, you are advocating an oil cartel here in the US to increase gas prices. Mr Burns, Cartels are illegal here in the US. We need to find more places in America to produce our own oil, we need Russia, Africa and other non Opecker companies to produce more oil.

There is no shortage of oil, there is a shortage of understanding the principle rule of supply and demand by Watermelon Senators in this country! When we have the supply coming from non cartels, the price will be determined by the consumer not Watermelon senators.

[eureka!]

And for this reason, the W/Putin bond and deals to be made may well be one of the greatest accomplishments of the W presidency. Russia is going to be a much needed ally when China rears its ugly head. India too. The Euroweenies, well they can do whatever they do...

[eureka!]

And for this reason, the W/Putin bond and deals to be made may well be one of the greatest accomplishments of the W presidency. Russia is going to be a much needed ally when China rears its ugly head. India too. The Euroweenies, well they can do whatever they do...

[eureka!]

oops

[TexasCajun]

I would prefer a U.S. Oil Ping!!

There is no reason we cannot be self sufficient!

Well, one-reason, Liberal DemocRATS!

[Grampa Dave]

TC, you posted: I would prefer a U.S. Oil Ping!! There is no reason we cannot be self sufficient! Well, one-reason, Liberal DemocRATS!

The Rat Senators are the best friends the OPecker Princes and Saddam have bought in America. They go from Da$$hole down to their newest wh$re the Hilldebeast.

We need to defeat as many of them as we can this November. Da$$hole needs to slither back to his back Rat hole as the real minority leader in the Senate.

Then, we defeat more in 2004, 2006, and 2008.

Da$$hole is the best investment the Opecker Princes/Saddam ever made. Da$$hole blocked the senate from even voting on drilling in ANWR. Da$$hole is a traitor to America/Americans and so are his fellow Rat senators.

Meeknming, this is your cue!

[BOBTHENAILER]

"America buys virtually no oil from Russia and the Caspian states, yet they present the biggest opportunity in oil exploration and production for America," he said.

Man Dave, have you ever nailed this lulu. Not three months ago came the announcement that imports from Russia surpassed those from Saudi Arabia for the first time since about 20 years ago. Now that statement alone would kinda make him appear to think his listeners don't think.

He's wrong on about every count, and those he is not wrong on, he is way out of date.

Every publication I get, every month, for many many years, contain breakdowns on WORLDWIDE exploration and the many great finds in the MANY different countries, acheived by AMERICAN companies.

If the Republicans can't do better than this yahoo, we are in trouble.

[Grampa Dave]

Bob, what is the book your friends have on this guy?

His remards show either some real ignorance or he is a Watermelon Rino waiting to hurt us more in our energy needs.

Thanks for picking up another error that this apparent Bozo has made in just one article.

I'm waiting for Shermy to weigh in with his excellent insights on what appears to be a bad egg pretending to be a republican.

[MeekOneGOP]

Meeknming, this is your cue!

LOL ! Alright. First, here's a link to some more of tiny tommy da$$hole's latest Obstruction activity.

Lawmakers back Bush, disagree on Iraq plan -
Tom Daschle said he was not yet convinced

---

Tiny Tommy Da$$hole:
What did he obstruct?
And when did he obstruct it?
Free the Daschle Fifty
http://freedom.house.gov/library/economics/dasch50.asp

House Majority Leader Dick Armey today called upon Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle to vote on 50 bills that have passed the House and are stalled in the Senate.

"The American people want action," said Armey. "They don't want political posturing. The Democrat-led Senate has a responsibility to vote on legislation. In fact, it's their job."

They don't call me
Mr. Obstruction for nothing, ya know?

[MeekOneGOP]

Little Tommy Daschle's
Skool Picture! !

[tractorman]

Who needs their oil!

I say let's invade Alaska and take theirs!

[BOBTHENAILER]

Bob, what is the book your friends have on this guy?

Don't have any book, just the publications I get every month. Freepmail me your address and I'll send you a good article on russia.

[junta]

How about invade Mexico kill off their elite and introduce some competition for PEMEX?