WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is the
transcript of the radio address by President Bush to the nation:
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Throughout the past week, Americans
anxiously watched weather conditions in the Gulf Coast region. The people
of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas were well prepared for
Hurricane Gustav -- and the coordination between these States and the
Federal government was strong.
Now, we're focusing on the relief effort. Gustav caused damage to
infrastructure, forced tens of thousands into shelters, and left more than
a million people without power. The Federal government is working with
State and local officials to repair this damage, to help residents get back
home, and to return life in the region to normal as soon as possible.
While these relief efforts have been in progress, we've also been
preparing for the arrival of storms like Hanna, Ike, and others that may
follow. My Administration will continue to provide assistance to those
affected by violent weather throughout this hurricane season. And we will
continue to work diligently to coordinate our emergency response efforts
with State and local governments.
While the Federal government continues this vital work, there are also
important responsibilities awaiting members of Congress as they return to
Washington. In just a few weeks, members will be back out on the campaign
trail, emphasizing the differences between the two parties. But before they
leave Washington, they should show that they can work together on
bipartisan measures to help strengthen America's economy: measures like
approving the Colombia and Korean free trade agreements, extending relief
from the Alternative Minimum Tax, and addressing one of the American
people's biggest concerns -- the high price of gasoline.
The fundamental reason for high gasoline prices is that the supply of
oil is not keeping pace with demand. By increasing supply through the use
of our domestic resources, we can begin reducing the pressure on prices. So
in June, I called on Congress to open up more of America's domestic oil
resources for exploration -- including offshore exploration of the Outer
Continental Shelf. The American people overwhelmingly support this
proposal. But throughout the summer, the leaders of the Democratic Congress
refused to allow it to come to a vote.
At the very least, Congress should take action on three common-sense
energy solutions that enjoy bipartisan support.
First, Congress should open the way for environmentally responsible
offshore exploration on the Outer Continental Shelf. Experts believe that
these areas could eventually produce nearly 10 years' worth of America's
current annual oil production. This exploration is now banned by a
provision included in the annual interior appropriations bill. Congress
should remove this restriction immediately.
Second, Congress should expand access to oil shale -- a domestic
resource that could produce the equivalent of more than a century's worth
of imports at current levels. Last year, however, Democratic leaders
slipped a provision blocking oil shale leasing on Federal lands into an
omnibus spending bill. They should lift that ban immediately.
Third, Congress should extend renewable power tax credits to spur the
development of alternative sources of energy like wind and solar. They
should make these credits long term and expand them to cover all forms of
low-emission power generation -- including nuclear power. In the long run,
increasing production of low-carbon electricity can help us reduce our
addiction to oil by allowing us to power a new generation of plug-in hybrid
and hydrogen-powered vehicles.
This Congress has earned a reputation as one of the least productive in
history. Throughout this year, Democratic leaders have ignored the public's
demand for relief from high energy prices. This is their final chance to
take action before the November elections. If members of Congress do not
support the American people at the gas pump, then they should not expect
the American people to support them at the ballot box.
Thank you for listening.
SOURCE White House Press Office
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