[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

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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.