Mr. BAKER. No, they are not. They are not sufficient. If we have a freedom with these producers to market gas we are going to have more transmission lines. But I frankly do not see why transmission lines would feel justified in building today with the producers in the frame of mind they are, and so in consternation about their position. The CHAIRMAN. I can readily understand that position. Mr. BAKER. I do not see how transmission lines can feel safe in building additional lines, any more safe than we feel in selling to them. We are afraid to sell to them for the reasons I gave. We do not want to have to give away this reserve we have, give it away under such regulations as are now applicable. The CHAIRMAN. I think your position is well taken that there should be definite understanding as to what you can do, and what you cannot do, and what your responsibilities are to do this or to do that. I take it that is the purpose of the Rizley bill. Mr. BAKER. Yes, sir. The CHAIRMAN. I am speaking now from the standpoint, if transmission lines are not sufficient to supply the demand, and if there is any question about whether they are sufficient to supply new fields as well as existing fields, whether there is not an obligation to at least maintain the right of those communities that are now depending on it. Mr. BAKER. Well, I think that with the gas supplies we have that the present consumers can be supplied by the lines that are there. The Chairman. Of course, as long as the gas remains in Texas, or is wasted in Texas, or any other State, and does not get to where the consumer is, it does not make any difference how much gas you have. There may be reservoirs of it in the earth, but as long as it cannot be transported where the consumer is, it is not helpful to the consumer. Mr. BAKER. I can see that. The point I was trying to make is that I do not see why, under the present situation, it is necessary to freeze gas service to the present consumers, as against other people that may want to come in and get gas, because there is gas available, if we can get the transmission lines built, and we can get the transmission lines built if we are free from the regulations that we are now subjected to. The CHAIRMAN. We appreciate having the benefit of the opinions you have expressed, Mr. Baker. We realize that you have given the question a very wide study that will undoubtedly prove helpful to the Committee in determining the policy that should be pursued. We thank you very much, Mr. Baker. Mr. BAKER. Thank you, very much. (The charts used by Mr. Baker were filed with the committee and are as follows:) |