Sam Gibbons: “our economy over the last year has showed signs of slowing. Energy prices are already too high, and they are going…”

“our economy over the last year has showed signs of slowing. Energy prices are already too high, and they are going higher. Much of our country faces either energy shortages, blackouts or both. Major energy shortages are expected throughout the summer for most of the West. Gas prices there top $2.25 a gallon at the pump. Hard-working Americans deserve answers, and they demand a sound energy policy. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's energy problems demand multifaceted solutions, including increased supplies of traditional fossil fuels and alternative sources of energy as well as improving energy conservation and efficiency. It will not be easy, and it will not be quick, but we have the technology and the resources to meet our energy needs for decades, even centuries, to come, while ensuring a clean environment as a legacy for our children as well. We need to work with President Bush to create a balanced, comprehensive national energy policy that meets our energy challenges today and provides for our needs well into the future.”