    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [September 13, 2008]
    [Page 1197]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Hurricane Ike Recovery Efforts
    September 13, 2008

        Good morning. I just finished a video conference with Secretary
    Chertoff, Director Paulison, and other people about Hurricane Ike.
        Obviously, this is a huge storm that is causing a lot of damage not
    only in Texas, but also in parts of Louisiana. The storm has yet to
    pass, and I know there are people concerned about their lives. Some
    people didn't evacuate when asked, and I've been briefed on the rescue
    teams there in the area. They're prepared to move as soon as weather
    conditions permit. Obviously, people on the ground there are sensitive
    to helping people and are fully prepared to do so.
        Secondly, I've asked Secretary Chertoff
    to go down as soon as weather conditions permit. I suspect he'll be able
    to get down to Texas this afternoon and will be in the Gulf Coast
    region, hopefully, within a reasonable period of time to help the State
    of Texas officials, as well as local officials, begin the recovery
    effort. There's going to be a need for Federal, State, and local
    coordination as this storm moves through east Texas.
        Obviously, there will be concerns about electricity. We've got
    generators in place, generators moving into the area to help. They'll be
    concerned about water and ice. They'll be concerned about energy, and
    I'm concerned about energy.
        Now, this administration has moved quickly. Last night, we suspended
    EPA waivers on certain reformulated gasolines, which will make it easier
    for imports from abroad to make it into our markets. In the meantime,
    the Department of Energy, the Federal Trade Commission, and, I know,
    State authorities will be monitoring gasoline prices to make sure
    consumers are not being gouged, make sure consumers are being treated
    fairly.
        As this massive storm moves through the Gulf Coast, people of that
    area can be rest assured that the American people will be praying for
    them and will be ready to help once the storm moves on.

    Note: The President spoke at 8:39 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of these remarks.