U.S. Chamber Welcomes Bush Energy Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce today welcomed President Bush's national energy plan that addresses our country's growing energy needs in a responsible and workable manner.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

"Our country has been without a national energy policy for decades and we're now facing a crisis," said Thomas Donohue, Chamber President and CEO. "The business community is committed to pursuing workable, long-term solutions – such as those proposed today by President Bush – that enhance our economic growth and quality of life."

The last time the U.S. had a national energy policy, President Carter was in the White House, Donohue noted. Since then, the U.S. supply of energy has grown by only 18 percent, while our demand has grown by 34 percent – and the GNP has soared by 90 percent. Americans have made great strides in conserving energy while also increasing efficiency and output.

"We can conserve more and produce goods more efficiently, but that alone will not be enough," said Donohue. "It is vital that we find and distribute enough energy to fuel our economy."

The Chamber has joined almost 400 organizations to form the Alliance for Energy and Economic Growth, which has called for an energy strategy that draws on all resources and promotes efficiency and conservations. Alliance members come from all sectors of the economy ranging from small and large businesses, labor unions, to producers of natural gas, oil, coal and nuclear energy.

The business community, which makes up one the largest groups of energy consumers, sees an imminent threat from inadequate supplies, bottlenecks in pipeline and transmission systems and too few refineries amid constantly growing demand.

"The Bush plan gives us the tools we need to meet American's demand for energy and promotes new technologies that promise greater efficiency and environmental protection," said Donohue.

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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