Remarks Prepared for Delivery by Interior Secretary Gale Norton
Press Conference, Rayburn 2218
12:30 p.m., July 18^th, 2001

It was gratifying to see the House Resources Committee endorse major portions of the President's Energy Policy yesterday.

The Committee's bipartisan action indicates substantial progress was reached on the President's recommendations to increase energy efficiency and conservation, to produce energy in an environmentally safe way, to lessen our dependence on foreign oil and to encourage renewable energy.

Thankfully, gasoline prices have recently declined. But our country still faces future challenges.

Over the next 20 years, even with increased conservation efforts, U.S. oil consumption will rise 33 percent, natural gas demand will grow 50 percent and electricity demand will rise 45 percent.

The President's plan - and the House Energy Security Act - both seek stability from traditional energy sources for the next few decades - while at the same time diversifying our energy future by expanding geothermal, wind, solar and other renewable sources.

It was clear from this week's town hall meetings that although we are not currently in an energy crisis, people are concerned about our long term energy problems. California brown outs and recent spikes in gasoline prices are warning signs of what future generations will face - if we don't take action today.

It was encouraging to see that the Committee carefully looked at the facts about energy production in the 1002 Area. Members saw that the plan includes stringent environmental regulations that prove that production can be done in a way that protects the tundra's environment.

Last night's committee vote reinforces that a strong bipartisan force - including Democrats, labor leaders and Alaskan natives - is working toward environmentally responsible energy production in the 1002 area.

Yesterday's vote comes on the heels of last Thursday's bipartisan Senate vote to allow environmentally safe oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico's Outer Continental Shelf.

The Administration looks forward to continuing to work with Congress in a bipartisan way to support energy production that protects our environment and strengthens America's energy security.