U.S. Chamber Calls for Broad Support For White House National Energy Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. - United States Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas Donohue today called for broad public and industry support for fair and balanced energy legislation to implement the initiatives outlined in President Bush's national energy plan.

"Only a comprehensive and balanced strategy will solve our energy problems," said Donohue, in an address to more than 300 energy industry executives. "This strategy must include the ingredients of conservation, development of alternative and renewable energy, improved and expanded infrastructure and increases in domestic energy supply. The Bush plan is responsibly balanced and will get our nation back on track."

The White House energy plan contains critically needed components to boost energy exploration and production, and to reduce unnecessary and counterproductive red tape. The Chamber will work with Democrats and Republicans to achieve bipartisan congressional support for legislation to implement the administration's national energy plan.

The Chamber co-chairs the Alliance for Energy and Economic Growth - a broad-based coalition of more than 400 small and large businesses, labor unions, and energy suppliers calling for a national energy policy. The Alliance has formed with the common purpose of providing affordable and reliable energy through increased energy production, efficiency and conservation.

"It will not be easy, but we can solve our energy crisis," said Donohue. "A comprehensive strategy that is balanced will provide environmental protection, utilize the latest technologies, grow our economy and ensure the quality of life Americans have come to expect. Without such a plan, the nation will face the same problems of rolling blackouts and unstable energy prices experienced in California."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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