[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[October 2, 1992]
[Pages 1737-1738]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on National Energy Strategy Legislation
October 2, 1992

    I strongly urge the 102d Congress to pass the national energy 
strategy before it adjourns. For the last 18 months, my administration 
has worked diligently with the Congress to produce the most 
comprehensive national energy strategy in 20 years. This bipartisan 
legislation was crafted not in a time of crisis but in a time when our 
long-term energy needs could be addressed with balance and reason.
    The conference report to the national energy strategy will soon come 
before the Congress. This bill is good news for Americans. The 
legislation will increase conservation efforts, promote domestic 
renewable resources and alternative fuels, increase competition in the 
electric utility industry and reduce consumer costs, and remove 
regulatory barriers to increased use of clean-burning natural gas. The 
bill also provides much-needed alternative minimum tax (AMT) relief for 
independent oil and gas producers, thus removing a substantial 
disincentive to domestic oil and gas produc-

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tion.
    Congress has demonstrated overwhelming support for the national 
energy strategy. The Senate passed this legislation on July 30 by a vote 
of 93-3, and the House passed it on May 27 by a vote of 381-37. This 
legislation should not fall victim to the end-of-year rush to adjourn. 
The Congress should not adjourn without passing this legislation.