    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [October 7, 1996]
    [Page 1788]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on Naval Petroleum Reserves Production
    October 7, 1996

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        In accordance with section 201(3) of the Naval Petroleum Reserves
    Production Act of 1976 (10 U.S.C. 7422(c)(2)), I am informing you of my
    decision to extend the period of production of the naval petroleum
    reserves for a period of 3 years from April 5, 1997, the expiration date
    of the currently authorized period of production.
        Attached is a copy of the report investigating the necessity of
    continued production of the reserves as required by section
    201(3)(c)(2)(B) of the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976.
    In light of the findings contained in that report, I certify that
    continued production from the naval petroleum reserves is in the
    national interest.
            Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: Identical letters were sent to Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the House
    of Representatives, and Albert Gore, Jr., President of the Senate.