    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [March 31, 2000]
    [Page 586]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives on Extension of
    the Energy Policy and Conservation Act
    March 31, 2000

    Dear Mr. Speaker:
        While the U.S. economy is the strongest it has ever been and
    inflation and unemployment remain at historically low levels, high oil
    prices have caused concern for many Americans. As a short-term measure,
    my Administration urged oil-producing nations to take steps to narrow
    the gap between worldwide production and consumption of crude oil in
    order to preserve sustained worldwide economic growth. Our focused
    diplomatic efforts helped produce tangible commitments by oil-producing
    nations to increase production to more appropriate levels that reflect
    current demand in the global economy.
        While my Administration has worked hard to increase the supply of
    oil on the market, the House has failed to take one of the most critical
    steps necessary to maintain America's energy security--an extension of
    the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), which includes authority
    to operate the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), authority that expires
    today. The option to use the SPR is an essential line of defense against
    an interruption in oil supplies. Although the Senate passed a four-year
    straight reauthorization of EPCA, the House has failed to act. It is
    critical that the House reauthorize EPCA immediately to ensure that the
    United States maintains its ability to use all available tools to
    respond to the needs of the U.S. economy.
        In addition, Congress should address other energy measures. Congress
    should pass my comprehensive tax package, which includes new tax
    incentives for domestic oil producers to reduce U.S. reliance on oil
    imports, as well as other incentives to promote energy efficiency and
    renewable sources of energy that Congress has failed to enact. Congress
    should also fully fund the more than $1.4 billion that I have requested
    in my fiscal year 2001 Budget and 2000 Supplemental to promote energy
    security through the use of domestic energy technologies, including more
    efficient homes and buildings, a new generation of more efficient
    vehicles, renewable energy sources, and natural gas.
        Finally, I have proposed the establishment of a regional home
    heating oil reserve in the Northeast to reduce the likelihood of future
    heating oil shortages. Congress should authorize a reserve with an
    appropriate trigger to release heating oil to the market in the event of
    a supply shortage. I have directed the Department of Energy to begin the
    appropriate environmental reviews of the proposal to determine the
    correct approach to creating this reserve.
        These critical steps will strengthen the sound, comprehensive energy
    strategy that has helped sustain the longest economic expansion in
    American history. They will enhance America's energy security, create
    jobs, protect the environment, and produce long-term savings for
    consumers. Congress should waste no more time in enacting these measures
    into law.
             Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: This letter was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    April 1. An original was not available for verification of the content
    of this letter.