[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.