[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[April 8, 1992]
[Page 561]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Reforming Federal Regulation of Natural Gas Pipelines

April 8, 1992
    I am pleased to announce comprehensive action taken today by the 
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to reform Federal regulation of 
natural gas pipelines. The entire natural gas industry plays a critical 
role in the economic and environmental health of our Nation.
    These reforms are part of the administration's national energy 
strategy as well as our continuing efforts to remove unnecessary 
regulatory barriers to jobs and economic growth. They also build upon 
prior reforms, such as the key legislation I signed in 1989 abolishing 
price controls on producers of natural gas.
    By reforming Federal regulation of the pipelines that transport 
natural gas, FERC's so-called restructuring rule continues this trend 
away from heavy-handed Government regulation. Like the decontrol 
legislation I signed in 1989, FERC's action today will help to create a 
competitive, nationwide gas market, a market that will provide ample 
supplies of clean-burning natural gas for heating homes, running 
factories, and powering cars and trucks.
    I commend Chairman Martin Allday and his colleagues on the 
Commission for their success in bringing reform to this vital American 
industry.
    I call upon Congress, particularly the House of Representatives, to 
help us continue this reform effort by quickly enacting my national 
energy strategy legislation.