    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [September 6, 2008]
    [Pages 1174-1175]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    September 6, 2008

        Good morning. Throughout the past week, Americans anxiously watched
    weather conditions in the Gulf Coast region. The people of Alabama,
    Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas were well prepared for Hurricane
    Gustav, and the coordination between these States and the Federal
    Government was strong.
        Now we're focusing on the relief effort. Gustav caused damage to
    infrastructure, forced tens of thousands into shelters, and left more
    than a million people without power. The Federal Government is working
    with State and local officials to repair this damage, to help residents
    get back home, and to return life in the region to normal as soon as
    possible.
        While these relief efforts have been in progress, we've also been
    preparing for the arrival of storms like Hanna, Ike, and others that may
    follow. My administration will continue to provide assistance to those
    affected by violent weather throughout this hurricane season. And we
    will continue to work diligently to coordinate our emergency response
    efforts with State and local governments.
        While the Federal Government continues this vital work, there are
    also important responsibilities awaiting Members of Congress as they
    return to Washington. In just a few weeks, Members will be back out on
    the campaign trail, emphasizing the differences between the two parties.
    But before they leave Washington, they should show that they can work
    together on bipartisan measures to help strengthen America's economy,
    measures like approving the Colombia and Korean free trade agreements,
    extending relief from the Alternative Minimum Tax, and addressing one of
    the American people's biggest concerns, the high price of gasoline.
        The fundamental reason for high gasoline prices is that the supply
    of oil is not keeping pace with demand. By increasing supply through the
    use of our domestic resources, we can begin reducing the pressure on
    prices. So in June, I called on Congress to open up more of America's
    domestic oil resources for exploration, including offshore exploration
    of the Outer Continental Shelf. The American people overwhelmingly
    support this proposal. But throughout the summer, the leaders of the
    Democratic Congress refused to allow it to come to a vote.
        At the very least, Congress should take action on three commonsense
    energy solutions that enjoy bipartisan support.
        First, Congress should open the way for environmentally responsible
    offshore exploration on the Outer Continental Shelf. Experts believe
    that these areas could eventually produce nearly 10 years worth of
    America's current annual oil production. This exploration is now banned
    by a provision included in the annual Interior appropriations bill.
    Congress should remove this restriction immediately.
        Second, Congress should expand access to oil shale, a domestic
    resource that could produce the equivalent of more than a century's
    worth of imports at current levels. Last year, however, Democratic
    leaders slipped a provision blocking oil shale leasing on Federal lands
    into an omnibus spending bill. They should lift that ban immediately.
        Third, Congress should extend renewable power tax credits to spur
    the development of alternative sources of energy like wind and solar.
    They should make these credits long-term and expand them to cover all
    forms of low-emission power generation, including nuclear power. In the
    long run, increasing production of low-carbon electricity can help us
    reduce our addiction to

    [[Page 1175]]

    oil by allowing us to power a new generation of plug-in hybrid and
    hydrogen-powered vehicles.
        This Congress has earned a reputation as one of the least productive
    in history. Throughout this year, Democratic leaders have ignored the
    public's demand for relief from high energy prices. This is their final
    chance to take action before the November elections. If Members of
    Congress do not support the American people at the gas pump, then they
    should not expect the American people to support them at the ballot box.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 5:30 p.m. on September 4 at Camp
    David, MD, for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on September 6. The transcript
    was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on September 5,
    but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. The Office of the
    Press Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of this
    address.