The fact that natural gas prices are competitive in California has to do with the lasting effects of the California energy crisis, which has continued to keep electrical prices high.

We think we've seen the last of those effects, as natural gas and nitrogen prices have now returned to pre-hurricane levels.

I continue to believe that the effects of higher gas prices on the consumer are overestimated. Most of the important measures of discretionary spending such as furniture, lawn and garden and food sales held up nicely.

Natural gas is the future. It is here.

I'd love to fly, especially with the gas prices right now.

Mr. Speaker, high natural gas prices and the summer spike in gasoline prices serve as a stark reminder that the path to energy independence is a long and arduous one.