MEDIA ADVISORY

Secretary Norton Travels to Little Rock to Tout Energy Security
- Meets with Agricultural and Business Leaders About President's Energy Strategy -

(WASHINGTON) - Interior Secretary Gale Norton will emphasize the importance of the U.S. Senate passing the president's comprehensive energy plan during a luncheon at the Arkansas Farm Bureau on March 5.

"President Bush is committed to implementing a bold energy plan that will help American families, conserve our natural resources and reduce our dependence on foreign oil," Norton said. "Passing with bipartisan support in the House, the president's strategy improves energy efficiency, creates jobs and diversifies our energy supply, all while protecting the environment."

As the U.S. Senate debates the president's energy bill, Norton will discuss the importance of increasing environmentally safe energy production and improving conservation of energy resources. The president's plan uses 21^st century technology to modernize current energy programs and develop energy resources on federal lands, including a small portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Following her remarks, Norton will host a media availability.

Who:    Gale Norton, Secretary of the Interior

What:   Speech and media availability at the Arkansas Farm Bureau, Little Rock

When:  Tuesday, March 5, 2002, speech at 12:30 p.m., media availability at 1:00 p.m.

Where: Arkansas Farm Bureau
               10720 Kanis Road
               Little Rock, Arkansas

- DOI -

U.S. Department of the Interior