Bush calls for gas development in arctic refuge

25 May 2006 00:09  [Source: ICIS news]

WASHINGTON (ICIS news)--President George W Bush on Wednesday called for development of natural gas resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, saying those resources and others are needed to maintain US global competitiveness.

 

Speaking at a nuclear power plant in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, Bush reiterated his call for more natural gas development in the US Gulf and for streamlined federal processing of applications for new liquefied natural gas import terminals.

 

He also said the US “must aggressively move forward with the construction of nuclear power plants.”  He noted that France obtains nearly 80% of its electric power from nuclear facilities and that China plans to build 40 nuclear power stations over the next 20 years.

 

He said changes in US regulatory procedures embodied in last years Energy Policy Act have already stimulated renewed nuclear power development.  He said 16 US power companies are planning as many as 25 new nuclear power plants. More are needed, he said.

 

Bush’s comment on the need for energy development in the arctic refuge appeared timed to build support for a vote expected in the House of Representatives this week to authorize energy exploration and production in a small part of the refuge.

By: Joe Kamalick
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