MEDIA ADVISORY

Secretary Norton Travels to Wilmington to Tout Energy Security
- Meets with Labor, Veterans and Business Leaders About President's Energy Strategy -

WILMINGTON, Del. - Interior Secretary Gale Norton will emphasize the importance of the U.S. Senate passing the president's comprehensive energy plan during an address at the Hess Retail Service Station in New Castle, Del., April 2, 2002.

"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 21st century technology to modernize current energy programs and to develop energy resources on federal lands, including a small portion of Alaska's North Slope. Secretary Norton will also announce the latest figures on the amount of oil the U.S. imports from Saddam Hussein. A clock, provided by the Senate Republican Conference, tracks the number of barrels imported since the House energy bill passed.

Following her remarks, Norton will host a media availability.

Who:         Gale Norton, Secretary of the Interior

What:        Rally and media availability at Hess Retail Service Station, New Castle, Del.

When:       Tuesday, April 2, 2002, speech at 1 p.m., media availability at 1:40 p.m.

Where:      506 Dupont Highway (Route 13)
                    New Castle, Del.
                    (*across the street from Wilmington College)

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