[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 26 (Monday, July 2, 2001)]
[Page 988]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Message to the Congress Transmitting a Report of
the National Energy Policy
Development Group

June 28, 2001

To the Congress of the United States:

    One of the first actions I took when I became President in January 
was to create the National Energy Policy Development Group to examine 
America's energy needs and to develop a policy to put our Nation's 
energy future on sound footing.
    I am hereby transmitting to the Congress proposals contained in the 
National Energy Policy report that require legislative action. In 
conjunction with executive actions that my Administration is already 
undertaking, these legislative initiatives will help address the 
underlying causes of the energy challenges that Americans face now and 
in the years to come. Energy has enormous implications for our economy, 
our environment, and our national security. We cannot let another year 
go by without addressing these issues together in a comprehensive and 
balanced package.
    These important legislative initiatives, combined with regulatory 
and administrative actions, comprise a comprehensive and forward-looking 
plan that utilizes 21st century technology to allow us to promote 
conservation and diversify our energy supply. These actions will 
increase the quality of life of Americans by providing reliable energy 
and protecting the environment.
    Our policy will modernize and increase conservation by ensuring that 
energy is used as efficiently as possible. In addition, the National 
Energy Policy will modernize and expand our energy infrastructure, 
creating a new high-tech energy delivery network that increases the 
reliability of our energy supply. Further, it will diversify our energy 
supply by encouraging renewable and alternative sources of energy as 
well as the latest technologies to increase environmentally friendly 
exploration and production of domestic energy resources.
    Importantly, our energy policy improves and accelerates 
environmental protection. By utilizing the latest in pollution control 
technologies to cut harmful emissions we can integrate our desire for a 
cleaner environment and a sufficient supply of energy for the future. We 
will also strengthen America's energy security. We will do so by 
reducing our dependence on foreign sources of oil, and by protecting 
low-income Americans from soaring energy prices and supply shortages 
through programs like the Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program.
    My Administration stands ready to work with the Congress to enact 
comprehensive energy legislation this year.
                                                George W. Bush
 The White House,
 June 28, 2001.