Cheney Speaks of Aggressive Energy Policy

Vice President Dick Cheney said Monday that the Bush administration’s energy policy will emphasize increased production over conservation and rely on an ambitious expansion of the country’s oil, coal and natural gas industries in addition to a broader reliance on nuclear power.

Providing a broad preview of the recommendations the administration’s energy task force will make to President Bush in the next few weeks, Cheney, who heads the panel, said he sees no “quick fixes” to the problems that have led to rolling blackouts in California and forecasts of higher gasoline prices for motorists this summer.

“The potential crisis we face is largely the result of shortsighted domestic policies--or, as in recent years, no policy at all,” Cheney told editors and publishers at the Associated Press’ annual meeting. “As a country, we have demanded more and more energy. But we have not brought online the supplies needed to meet that demand.”

Cheney said as many as 1,900 new power plants will be needed over the next 20 years. He provided few details of the task force’s conclusions. But he made clear that the administration will base its policy on promoting a vigorous expansion of the traditional energy industry, including coal, rather than promoting conservation.