    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [March 28, 2000]
    [Page 542]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries
    Production Decision and the Legislative Agenda for Energy Security
    March 28, 2000

        Today's announcement that OPEC members will increase production is a
    positive development. These increases will help sustain worldwide
    economic growth and provide greater balance between oil supply and
    demand. While oil prices are projected to fall this year, we will
    continue to closely monitor developments in world oil markets in the
    coming months.
        Congress should waste no more time in getting to work on the
    critical measures to improve America's energy security that I have
    proposed. Congress has failed to act on energy security measures,
    including new tax incentives to support domestic oil producers, tax
    incentives and investments to promote the use of alternative and more
    efficient energy technologies, the establishment of a regional home
    heating oil reserve, and reauthorization of the Strategic Petroleum
    Reserve. These measures should be passed into law without delay.