For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 29, 2001
Remarks by the President at Energy Policy Meeting
The Cabinet Room
11:35 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: This is the first in
a series of meetings which will be chaired by Vice President Cheney on
discussing our nation's energy situation. Can't think of a
better man to run it than the Vice President.
I've also asked, and he has asked that senior
members of the Cabinet participate. This is a matter of high
concern for this administration, because it's a matter of high concern
for our nation. It's becoming very clear to the country that
demand is outstripping supply, that there are more users of electricity
and natural gas than there is new units being found, and we've got to
do something about that in the country. This
administration is concerned about the people who work for living,
concerned about people who struggle every day to get
ahead. And we understand -- fully understand -- what high
energy costs can mean to people in America. And we're going
to formulate a strategy to deal with it. And the Vice
President's going to head the task force to report back to me, and to
the nation, how best to cope with high energy prices and how best to
cope with reliance upon foreign oil; how best to encourage the
development of pipelines and power-generating capacity in the country
so that we can help our fellow citizens.
We have been dealing with this issue,
obviously, because of the state of California's woes. And I
appreciate very much the way you handled it, Mr.
Secretary. The Governor of California asked for a two-week
extension of mandatory sales of power and natural gas -- we've granted
that extension for two weeks. It looks like they're making
progress in California and we're pleased, because the situation is
going to be best remedied in California, by Californians.
We're very aware in this administration that
the situation in California is beginning to affect neighboring
states. Western governors came to see the Vice President,
and they came to see me, as well. And they're deeply
concerned about the situation spreading beyond the California borders,
and so are we. And so the task force that's being assembled
will not only deal with the very short-run issues dealing with the
West, but obviously the longer-term issues that will be confronting our
country for a while, unless we're willing to act boldly and swiftly,
which we will do.
Thank you for coming.
Q -- questions?
THE PRESIDENT: Next
time. Give you a chance to really think of some good
ones. (Laughter.) I've got some
suggestions. I've got some suggestions. First
answer -- you can think of the question -- first answer is,
"Ravens." (Laughter.)
Q Who did you bet
against? (Laughter.)
END
11:38 A.M. EST
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