    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [October 9, 2002]
    [Page 1778]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1778]]

    Message to the Congress on Extending the Period of Production of the
    Naval Petroleum Reserve
    October 9, 2002

    To the Congress of the United States:
        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, 2003, the expiration date
    of the currently authorized period of production.
        Enclosed 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 the report, I certify that
    continued production from the Naval Petroleum Reserves is in the
    national interest.

                                                              George W. Bush

     The White House,

     October 9, 2002.