The President did not say when Americans could expect relief if Congress opened up new drilling lands. Photo courtesy the AP.
President Urges Congress To Consider Drilling Prospects
Jamey Kirk
Story Created:
Jul 11, 2008 at 12:37 PM AKDT
Story Updated:
Jul 11, 2008 at 12:37 PM AKDT
President Bush continued to pressure Congress on Friday, urging the legislative body to allow oil drilling in offshore waters and in the Alaskan wildlife refuge (ANWR). The President cited "tough economic times" for the American people as he delivered his proposals.
At the Energy Department, Bush met with his senior economic advisers and discussed soaring prices for gasoline and crude oil.
One answer provided by the President was to increase the nation's supply by tapping "the vast potential" of crude oil reserves. These reserves would include offshore prospects, ANWR and oil shale in the western part of the country. Bush did not specify how much oil could actually be generated by all of this drilling.
Bush and his contemporaries believe that since gas prices have passed the $4 a gallon threshold, American's have become less reluctant to drill in pristine waters and lands, leaving oil companies the opportunity to move into areas that have been off limits.
Although no specifics were given by the president, he did suggest that new technology would allow for environmentally friendly exploration.
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