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George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
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Speechwriting, White House Office of
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Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol 7/26/89
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THE WHITE HOUSE
wASHINGTON
July 24, 1989
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON w
FROM:
EDWARD E. MCNALLY EMN
SUBJECT:
REMARKS AT THE SIGNING CEREMONY FOR THE
NATURAL GAS WELLHEAD DECONTROL ACT
I. SUMMARY
Attached tor your consideration and review are draft remarks
for Wednesday afternoon's signing ceremony for the Natural Gas
Wellhead Decontrol Act.
11. DISCUSSION
At approximately 2:05 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26, 1989, you
are scheduled to be announced at the East Room for the signing
ceremony for the Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act.
The suggested remarks are brief (approximately five
minutes), and include your announcement that the Secretary or
Energy has been directed to develop a comprehensive National
Energy Strategy. At the conclusion of your comments, there will
be a brief ceremony as you sign the Act into law.
(McNally/Simon)
July 24, 1989, 6:50 p.m.
Draft Four (GAS)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
NATURAL GAS BILL SIGNING CEREMONY
THE EAST ROOM
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 1989, 2:05 P.M.
Thank you. Thanks all of you. And thanks also to my friend
Jim Watkins, who is off to such an outstanding start at Energy.
To Martha Hesse [[hess-SEE]], for her good efforts at FERC. And
to the forward-looking leaders from both sides of the aisle --
leaders like [[my friends Jim McClure and Bennett Johnston, Norm
Lent and John Dingell, Phil Sharp and Carlos Moorhead]] -- and
many other leaders here today whose commitment to safeguarding
America's energy and environment have made this landmark
legislation possible.
Natural gas -- methane -- is one of the best fuels on the
world's energy menu. It is clean. It is efficient. It is
abundant.
But for 35 years, consumers and producers of natural gas
have struggled under the burden of oppressive price regulations.
This was directly responsible for the damaging natural gas
shortages of the 1970's -- and for gas market distortions that
exist to this day.
It is instructive to look at what natural gas price controls
brought us. They brought us shortages -- not increased supplies.
They brought us higher gas prices -- not the lower consumer
prices their supporters promised.
2
What was true for oil deregulation in 1981 is also true for
gas deregulation in 1989. Experience shows that deregulation
works to serve consumers and an expanding economy. It is a
tribute to the American political system that, after decades of
disagreement over the merits of gas decontrol, we can gather here
today to state a clear message for all to hear: We have learned
from the past. We are united in the conviction that the best way
to deal with our energy problems and serve the American people is
to let our market economy work.
And so today's legislation represents the bipartisan
attainment of the Administration's first major energy initiative
-- the elimination of an entire system of artificial price
controls for one of America's cleanest energy resources.
This measure reflects a strong bipartisan belief that
eliminating price controls will help this nation take full
advantage of our plentiful domestic resources. Even at today's
prices -- it is estimated that the United States has natural gas
reserves that will take us to the year 2025 and beyond.
Industry and the Department of Energy are responding to this
opportunity with imagination -- seeking to tap new sources of
clean-burning natural gas and developing new uses -- like
powering cars and buses. With prices set by market forces, and
improvements in gas exploration production technologies, natural
gas can help power this nation well into the next century.
It may be said by some that this legislation could only have
happened when energy prices are relatively low. Not true.
3
Legislation like this -- relying on market incentives to produce
domestic energy -- can help keep prices low. It is the best way
to assure consumers of adequate and reliable supplies of clean
energy at the lowest reasonable price.
And this is not just economical legislation -- it is
environmental legislation. Natural gas burns much more cleanly
than other fossil fuels -- and produces little air or water
pollution. And it can play a larger role in our efforts to clean
up our air and water.
The environmental opportunities can be global. With a free
market for this fuel, we can foresee America and the world using
more of it. America and her allies must work together now to
expand the infrastructure to use this fuel. On this continent --
across the Atlantic -- across the Pacific -- these are
opportunities for cooperation that can be helped by a freer
market.
Where we can add diversity, flexibility, economy, and
security to the world's energy picture -- we should do it. And
natural gas is an important element.
But despite today's good news, this is no time for
complacency. Our energy security problem continues.
Conservation achievements are levelling off. Domestic oil
production is continuing its downward trend. Petroleum imports
are increasing. And our need for a cleaner environment is
obvious to all.
4
And so today I have another announcement -- which, like the
deregulation of natural gas -- is good news for America's energy
future.
I am directing the Secretary of Energy to take the lead in
developing a comprehensive National Energy strategy.
We cannot and will not wait for the next energy crisis to
force us to respond. I have asked Admiral Watkins to craft this
strategy in close consultation with the Cabinet and the Congress,
with our cities and our states. Our task -- our bi-partisan task
-- is to build the national consensus necessary to support this
strategy. And to make the strategy a living and dynamic
document, responsive to new knowledge and new ideas, and to
global, environmental and international changes. A keystone of
this strategy will be the continuation of the successful policy
of market reliance.
This task will not be easy. America must balance: Our
increasing need for energy at reasonable prices. Our commitment
to a safer, healthier environment. Our determination to maintain
an economy that is second to none. And our goal to reduce
dependence, by ourselves and our friends and allies on unreliable
energy suppliers.
I am confident that America's can-do attitude, scientific
know-how, and old-fashioned common sense will prevail. By acting
now -- we can bequeath a legacy to the next century of a cleaner,
more prosperous and secure America.
5
Today's legislation is a good start down that path.
Domestically, natural gas can now reach its fullest potential as
an economic, clean and convenient energy source. I congratulate
those of you in Congress who have worked so hard and so long to
bring this legislation to my desk.
And with that -- it is with great pride that I now sign the
Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act into law.
#
#
#
FICE
REMARKS: NATURAL GAS BILL SIGNING CEREMONY
THE EAST ROOM
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 1989, 2:05 P.M.
THANK YOU. THANKS ALL OF YOU. AND THANKS ALSO TO
MY FRIEND JIM WATKINS, WHO IS OFF TO SUCH AN
OUTSTANDING START AT ENERGY. To MARTHA HESSE
[[HESS-SEE]], FOR HER GOOD EFFORTS AT THE FEDERAL
ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION.
- 2 -
AND TO THE FORWARD-LOOKING LEADERS FROM BOTH SIDES OF
THE AISLE -- LEADERS LIKE MY FRIENDS JIM MCCLURE AND
BENNETT JOHNSTON, NORM LENT AND JOHN DINGELL, PHIL
SHARP AND CARLOS MOORHEAD -- AND MANY OTHER LEADERS
HERE TODAY WHOSE COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING AMERICA'S
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT HAVE MADE THIS LANDMARK
LEGISLATION POSSIBLE.
- 3 -
NATURAL GAS -- METHANE -- IS ONE OF THE BEST FUELS
ON THE WORLD'S ENERGY MENU. IT IS CLEAN. IT IS
EFFICIENT. IT IS ABUNDANT.
BUT FOR 35 YEARS, CONSUMERS AND PRODUCERS OF
NATURAL GAS HAVE STRUGGLED UNDER THE BURDEN OF
OPPRESSIVE PRICE REGULATIONS. THIS WAS DIRECTLY
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DAMAGING NATURAL GAS SHORTAGES OF
THE 1970's -- AND FOR GAS MARKET DISTORTIONS THAT EXIST
TO THIS DAY.
- 4 -
IT IS INSTRUCTIVE TO LOOK AT WHAT NATURAL GAS PRICE
CONTROLS BROUGHT US. THEY BROUGHT US SHORTAGES -- NOT
INCREASED SUPPLIES. THEY BROUGHT US HIGHER GAS
PRICES -- NOT THE LOWER CONSUMER PRICES THEIR
SUPPORTERS PROMISED.
WHAT WAS TRUE FOR OIL DEREGULATION IN 1981 IS ALSO
TRUE FOR GAS DEREGULATION IN 1989. EXPERIENCE SHOWS
THAT DEREGULATION WORKS TO SERVE CONSUMERS AND AN
EXPANDING ECONOMY.
- 5 -
IT IS A TRIBUTE TO THE AMERICAN POLITICAL SYSTEM THAT,
AFTER DECADES OF DISAGREEMENT OVER THE MERITS OF GAS
DECONTROL, WE CAN GATHER HERE TODAY TO STATE A CLEAR
MESSAGE FOR ALL TO HEAR: WE HAVE LEARNED FROM THE
PAST. WE ARE UNITED IN THE CONVICTION THAT THE BEST
WAY TO DEAL WITH OUR ENERGY PROBLEMS AND SERVE THE
AMERICAN PEOPLE IS TO LET OUR MARKET ECONOMY WORK.
- 6 -
AND so TODAY'S LEGISLATION REPRESENTS THE
BIPARTISAN ATTAINMENT OF THE ADMINISTRATION'S FIRST
MAJOR ENERGY INITIATIVE -- THE ELIMINATION OF AN ENTIRE
SYSTEM OF ARTIFICIAL PRICE CONTROLS FOR ONE OF
AMERICA'S CLEANEST ENERGY RESOURCES.
THIS MEASURE REFLECTS A STRONG BIPARTISAN BELIEF
THAT ELIMINATING PRICE CONTROLS WILL HELP THIS NATION
TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF OUR PLENTIFUL DOMESTIC
RESOURCES.
- 7 -
EVEN AT TODAY'S PRICES -- IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE
UNITED STATES HAS NATURAL GAS RESERVES THAT WILL TAKE
US TO THE YEAR 2025 AND BEYOND.
INDUSTRY AND THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ARE
RESPONDING TO THIS OPPORTUNITY WITH IMAGINATION --
SEEKING TO TAP NEW SOURCES OF CLEAN-BURNING NATURAL GAS
AND DEVELOPING NEW USES -- LIKE POWERING CARS AND
BUSES.
- 8 -
WITH PRICES SET BY MARKET FORCES, AND IMPROVEMENTS IN
GAS EXPLORATION PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES, NATURAL GAS
CAN HELP POWER THIS NATION WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.
IT MAY BE SAID BY SOME THAT THIS LEGISLATION COULD
ONLY HAVE HAPPENED WHEN ENERGY PRICES ARE RELATIVELY
LOW. NOT TRUE. LEGISLATION LIKE THIS -- RELYING ON
MARKET INCENTIVES TO PRODUCE DOMESTIC ENERGY -- CAN
HELP KEEP PRICES LOW.
- 9 -
IT IS THE BEST WAY TO ASSURE CONSUMERS OF ADEQUATE AND
RELIABLE SUPPLIES OF CLEAN ENERGY AT THE LOWEST
REASONABLE PRICE.
AND THIS IS NOT JUST ECONOMICAL LEGISLATION -- IT
IS ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION. NATURAL GAS BURNS MUCH
MORE CLEANLY THAN OTHER FOSSIL FUELS -- AND PRODUCES
LITTLE AIR OR WATER POLLUTION. AND IT CAN PLAY A
LARGER ROLE IN OUR EFFORTS TO CLEAN UP OUR AIR AND
WATER.
- 10 -
THE ENVIRONMENTAL OPPORTUNITIES CAN BE GLOBAL.
WITH A FREE MARKET FOR THIS FUEL, WE CAN FORESEE
AMERICA AND THE WORLD USING MORE OF IT. AMERICA AND
HER ALLIES MUST WORK TOGETHER NOW TO EXPAND THE
INFRASTRUCTURE TO USE THIS FUEL. ON THIS CONTINENT --
ACROSS THE ATLANTIC -- ACROSS THE PACIFIC -- THESE ARE
OPPORTUNITIES FOR COOPERATION THAT CAN BE HELPED BY A
FREER MARKET.
- 11 -
WHERE WE CAN ADD DIVERSITY, FLEXIBILITY, ECONOMY,
AND SECURITY TO THE WORLD'S ENERGY PICTURE -- WE SHOULD
DO IT. AND NATURAL GAS IS AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT.
BUT DESPITE TODAY'S GOOD NEWS, THIS IS NO TIME FOR
COMPLACENCY. OUR ENERGY SECURITY PROBLEM CONTINUES.
CONSERVATION ACHIEVEMENTS ARE LEVELLING OFF. DOMESTIC
OIL PRODUCTION IS CONTINUING ITS DOWNWARD TREND.
PETROLEUM IMPORTS ARE INCREASING. AND OUR NEED FOR A
CLEANER ENVIRONMENT IS OBVIOUS TO ALL.
- 12 -
AND so TODAY I HAVE ANOTHER ANNOUNCEMENT -- WHICH,
LIKE THE DEREGULATION OF NATURAL GAS -- IS GOOD NEWS
FOR AMERICA'S ENERGY FUTURE.
I AM DIRECTING THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY TO TAKE THE
LEAD IN DEVELOPING A COMPREHENSIVE NATIONAL ENERGY
STRATEGY.
WE CANNOT AND WILL NOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ENERGY
CRISIS TO FORCE US TO RESPOND.
- 13 -
I HAVE ASKED ADMIRAL WATKINS TO CRAFT THIS STRATEGY IN
CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH THE CABINET AND THE CONGRESS,
WITH OUR CITIES AND OUR STATES. OUR TASK -- OUR BI-
PARTISAN TASK -- IS TO BUILD THE NATIONAL CONSENSUS
NECESSARY TO SUPPORT THIS STRATEGY. AND TO MAKE THE
STRATEGY A LIVING AND DYNAMIC DOCUMENT, RESPONSIVE TO
NEW KNOWLEDGE AND NEW IDEAS, AND TO GLOBAL,
ENVIRONMENTAL AND INTERNATIONAL CHANGES.
- 14 -
A KEYSTONE OF THIS STRATEGY WILL BE THE CONTINUATION OF
THE SUCCESSFUL POLICY OF MARKET RELIANCE.
THIS TASK WILL NOT BE EASY. AMERICA MUST BALANCE:
OUR INCREASING NEED FOR ENERGY AT REASONABLE PRICES.
OUR COMMITMENT TO A SAFER, HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENT. OUR
DETERMINATION TO MAINTAIN AN ECONOMY THAT IS SECOND TO
NONE. AND OUR GOAL TO REDUCE DEPENDENCE, BY OURSELVES
AND OUR FRIENDS AND ALLIES, ON POTENTIALLY UNRELIABLE
ENERGY SUPPLIERS.
- 15 -
ONE IMPORTANT STEP TOWARDS PROTECTING AMERICA FROM
FOREIGN ENERGY SUPPLY INTERRUPTIONS IS TO PROVIDE MORE
INCENTIVES FOR DRILLING RIGHT HERE AT HOME. THOUGH IT
IS UNLIKELY CONGRESS WILL ACT THIS YEAR -- I WILL
CONTINUE TO WORK TO PUT MORE INCENTIVE INTO THE TAX
CODE FOR DOMESTIC WILDCAT DRILLING. THE BOTTOM LINE
IS: A STRONG DOMESTIC DRILLING AND PRODUCING BUSINESS
IS ESSENTIAL TO OUR NATIONAL SECURITY.
- 16 -
I AM CONFIDENT THAT AMERICA'S CAN-DO ATTITUDE,
SCIENTIFIC KNOW-HOW, AND OLD-FASHIONED COMMON SENSE
WILL PREVAIL. BY ACTING NOW -- WE CAN BEQUEATH A
LEGACY TO THE NEXT CENTURY OF A CLEANER, MORE
PROSPEROUS AND SECURE AMERICA.
TODAY'S LEGISLATION IS A GOOD START DOWN THAT PATH.
DOMESTICALLY, NATURAL GAS CAN NOW REACH ITS FULLEST
POTENTIAL AS AN ECONOMIC, CLEAN AND CONVENIENT ENERGY
SOURCE.
- 17 -
I CONGRATULATE THOSE OF YOU IN CONGRESS WHO HAVE WORKED
SO HARD AND so LONG TO BRING THIS LEGISLATION TO MY
DESK.
AND WITH THAT -- IT IS WITH GREAT PRIDE THAT I NOW
SIGN THE NATURAL GAS WELLHEAD DECONTROL ACT INTO LAW.
#
#
#
Document No. 056096
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
07/21/89
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 p.m. Monday 07/24
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATURAL GAS BILL SIGNING CEREMONY
(07/21 5:00 p.m. draft four)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
P
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
R
CARD
PINKERTON
P
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston Thanks. by 2:00 p.m. on Monday, 07/24, with a copy to my office.
JU P2:58 P2:
RESPONSE:
- Energy- 9ay Stone- 586-5500.
See Comments
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally/Simon)
1989 JUL 2
July 721, 1989, 5:00 p.m.
Draft Four (GAS)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATURAL GAS BILL SIGNING CEREMONY
THE EAST ROOM
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 1989, 2:05 P.M.
Thank you. Thanks all of you. And thanks also to my triend
should
Jim Watkins, who 1S ott to such an outstanding start at Energy.
Cong.
Phil Shoup
To Martha Hesse [ [hess-SEE] ], for her good efforts at FERC. And
to the forward-looking leaders from both sides of the aisle --
leaders like [ [my triends Jim McClure and Bennett Johnston, Norm
Ph.7 Sharp.
Lent and John Dingell] -- leaders whose commitment to
safeguarding America's energy and environment have made this
landmark legislation possible.
Natural gas -- methane -- is one of the best ruels on the
world's energy menu. It 1S clean. It is efficient. It is
abundant.
But for 35 years, consumers and producers of natural gas
nave struggled under a bureaucracy of oppressive price
regulations. This was largely responsible for the damaging
natural gas shortages or the 1970's -- and for gas market
distortions that exist to this day.
And so today's legislation represents the bıpartisan
attainment of the Administration's first major energy initiative
-- the elimination of an entire system of artificial price
controis for one of America's cleanest energy resources.
It ends on January 1, 1993 -- starting us on a path to a
more stable energy future.
2
This measure reflects a strong bipartisan belief that
eliminating price controls will help this nation take full
advantage of our plentiful doméstic resources. Even at today's
May
open
prices It is estimated that the United States has natural gas
debate
reserves that will take us to the year 2025 and beyond
And industry and the Department of Energy are responding to
this opportunity with imagination -- seeking to tap new sources
redfla
of clean-burning natural gas 1A places like Prudhoe Bay, and
intention
developing new uses -- like powering cars and airplanes Busseo
With
?
prices set by market forces, and improvements in gas production
from unconventional sources, natural gas can help power this
nation for decades to come.
It may be said by some that this legislation could only have
happened when energy prices are relatively low. I disagree.
Legislation like this -- creating new incentives to produce
domestic energy -- can help keep prices low. It will help
consumers receive an adequate and reliable supply of clean energy
at the lowest reasonable price.
And this is not just economical legislation -- it is
environmental legisiation. Gas burns much more cleanly than
other fossil fuels -- and produces little air or water pollution.
And it can play a larger role in our efforts to clean up our air
and water.
import alot
The environmental opportunities can be global. By exporting
plentiful, clean-burning American natural gas -- we can nelp both
about
our nation's economy and the world's environment. For example,
3
at the recent economic summit we were encouraged by Japan's new
interest in clean energy sources. Today's legisiation means
that, ultimately, new U.S. sources of clean natural gas will be
available to Japanese and other international markets -- and at
market prices.
With a free market for this fuel, we can foresee America and
the world using more of it. America and her allies must work
together now to expand the infrastructure to use this fuel. On
this continent -- across the Atlantic -- across the Pacific --
these are opportunities for cooperation that can be helped by a
freer market.
Where we can add diversity, riexibility, and security to the
world's energy picture -- we should do it. And natural gas is an
important element.
But despite today's good news, this is no time for
complacency. On other fronts, conservation achievements are
levelling off. Domestic oil production is down. Petroleum
imports are increasing. And our need for a cleaner environment
is obvious to all.
And so today 1 have another announcement -- which, like the
deregulation of natural gas -- means good news for America's
energy future.
1 am directing the Secretary of Energy to take the lead in
developing a comprehensive National Energy Strategy -- the first
such plan in the history of our Nation.
4
We cannot and will not wait for the next energy crisis -- or
even the next smog alert -- to force us to respond. Today we
don't have a crisis. We have an opportunity.
I have asked Admiral watkins to craft this strategy in close
through the Economic Policy Council,
consultation with the Cabinet and the Congress, with our cities
and our states. Our task -- our bi-partisan task -- 1S to build
the national consensus necessary to support this strategy. And
to make the strategy a living and dynamic document, responsive to
including the potential for
new knowledge and new ideas, and changes in global climate. change.
This task Will not be easy. America must balance: Our
increasing need for energy at reasonable prices; Our commitment
to a safer, nealthier environment; Our obligation to maintain an
economy that is second to none; And our goal to reduce reliance
on insecure energy supplies.
1 am confident that America's can-do attitude, scientific
know-now, and old-fashioned common sense will prevail. By acting
now -- we can bequeath a legacy to the next century of a cleaner,
more prosperous and secure America.
Today's legislation is a good start down that path.
Domestically, natural gas can now reach its fullest potential as
a competitive alternative to imports of oil from unreliable
sources. I congratulate those of you in Congress who have worked
so hard and so long to bring this legislation to my desk.
And with that -- it is with great pride that I now sign the
Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act into law.
#
#
#
Document No. 056096
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 07/21/89
89 JUL 24 A7:55
2:00 p.m. Monday 07/24
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATURAL GAS BILL SIGNING CEREMONY
2:55
(07/21 5:00 p.m. draft four)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER Roger hasthem
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES walking over
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
PINKERTON N/C phone
WINSTON
CICCONI
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY N/C phone
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 2:00 p.m. on Monday, 07/24, with a copy to my office.
Thanks.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally/Simon)
1989
JUL
2
July 721, 1989, 5:00 p.m.
Draft Four (GAS)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATURAL GAS BILL SIGNING CEREMONY
THE EAST ROOM
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 1989, 2:05 P.M.
Thank you. Thanks all of you. And thanks also to my triend
Jim Watkins, who 1S ott to such an outstanding start at Energy.
To Martha Hesse [ [hess-SEE] 1, tor her good efforts at FERC. And
to the forward-looking leaders from both sides of the aisle --
leaders like [ [my triends Jim McClure and Bennett Johnston, Norm
$1
check
Phil Sharp and Can Los moorhead here today
Lent , and John Dingell] ] -- leaders whose commitment to
stet Stet
and many other
safeguarding America's energy and environment have made this
landmark legislation possible.
Natural gas -- methane -- is one of the best fuels on the
world's energy menu. It 1S clean. It is efficient. It is
abundant.
But for 35 years, consumers and producers of natural gas
the hurden
have struggled under a bureaucracy of oppressive price
regulations. This was iargely duectly responsible for the damaging
natural gas shortages or the 1970's -- and for gas market
msert
distortions that exist to this day.
A
And so today's legislation represents the bıpartisan
attainment of the Administration's first major energy initiative
-- the elimination of an entire system of artificial price
controls for one of America's cleanest energy resources.
It ends on January 1, 1993 starting us on a path to a
more stable energy future.
2
This measure reflects a strong bipartisan beliet that
eliminating price controls will help this nation take full
advantage of our plentiful domestic resources. Even at today's
prices -- it is estimated that the United States has natural gas
reserves that will take us to the year 2025 and beyond.
And industry and the Department of Energy are responding to
this opportunity with imagination -- seeking to tap new sources
of clean-burning natural gas in places like Prudhoe Bay, and
buses
developing new uses -- like powering cars and airplanes. With
exploration
prices set by market forces, and improvements in gas production
technologies
from unconventional sources, natural gas can help power this
well into the next entury.
nation for decades to come.
It may be said by some that this legislation could only have
NOT true.
happened when energy prices are relatively low. I disagree.
relying on market
Legislation like this -- creating new incentives to produce
is the bestway to assume
domestic energy -- can help keep prices low. It will help
of
ies
consumers receive an adequate and reliable supply of clean energy
at the lowest reasonable price.
And this is not just economical legislation -- it is
Natural
environmental legisiation. Gas burns much more cleanly than
other fossil tuels -- and produces little air or water pollution.
And it can play a larger role in our efforts to clean up our air
and water.
The environmental opportunities can be global. By exporting
plentitul, clean-burning American natural gas -- we can nelp both
our nation's economy and the world's environment. For example,
3
at the recent economic summit we were encouraged by Japan's new
interest in clean energy sources. Today's legisiation means
such as NORTH Slope gas could
that, ultimately, new U.S. sources of clean natural gas will be
available to Japanese and other international markets -- and at
market prices.
With a free market for this fuel, we can foresee America and
the world using more of it. America and her allies must work
together now to expand the infrastructure to use this fuel. On
this continent -- across the Atlantic -- across the Pacific --
these are opportunities for cooperation that can be helped by a
freer market.
(econnul
Where we can add diversity, riexibility, and security to the
world's energy picture -- we should do it. And natural gas is an
important element.
But despite today's good news, this is no time for
Our energes security problem con denues.
complacency. On other fronts, conservation achievements are
continuing its downword trend.
levelling ott. Domestic oil production is down. Petroleum
imports are increasing. And our need for a cleaner environment
is obvious to all.
And so today 1 have another announcement -- which, like the
is
deregulation of natural gas -- means good news for America's
energy future.
1 am directing the Secretary of Energy to take the lead in
clean
developing a comprehensive National Energy Strategy
the first
such plan in the history of our Nation.
4
We cannot and will not wait for the next energy crisis or
state
even the next smog alert to force us to respond.
Today we
don't have a crisis. We have an opportunity
I have asked Admiral watkins to craft this strategy in close
consultation with the Cabinet and the Congress, with our cities
and our states. Our task -- our bi-partisan task -- 1S to build
the national consensus necessary to support this strategy. And
to make the strategy a living and dynamic document, responsive to
and to global, environmental and international changes. A keeptone of this strategy
new knowledge and new ideas, and changes in global climate.
will be the contenuation of the success Ful policy OR morket reliance.
This task WILL not be easy. America must balance: Our
increasing need for energy at reasonable prices. Our commitment
determination
to a safer, nealthier environment. Our obligation to maintain an
economy that is second to none. And our goal to reduce reliance
dependence,
by ourselves
on insecure energy supplies. rs
unrepable
and our frends
and allies
1 am confident that America's can-do attitude, scientific
know-now, and old-fashioned common sense will prevail. By acting
now -- we can bequeath a legacy to the next century of a cleaner,
more prosperous and secure America.
Today's legislation is a good start down that path.
Domestically, natural gas can now reach its fullest potential as
an economic, clear and convenuent energy source. and
a competitive alternative to imports of oil from unreliable
sources. I congratulate those of you in Congress who have worked
so hard and so long to bring this legislation to my desk.
And with that -- it is with great pride that I now sign the
Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act into law.
#
#
#
Document No. 056096
5767
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
07/21/89
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 p.m. Monday 07/24
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATURAL GAS BILL SIGNING CEREMONY
(07/21 5:00 p.m. draft four)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFF
PORTER
P
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
PINKERTON
P
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston Thanks. by 2:00 p.m. on Monday, 07/24, with a copy to my office.
89 JUL 25
RESPONSE: MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
July 24, 1989
The NSC staff recommends the suggested changes as noted
throughout the text.
07
B
James W. Cicconi
Brent Scowcroft
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
CC: James W. Cicconi
(McNally/Simon)
1989
JUL
2 July 721, 1989, 5:00 p.m.
Draft Four (GAS)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATURAL GAS BILL SIGNING CEREMONY
THE EAST ROOM
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 1989, 2:05 P.M.
Thank you. Thanks all of you. And thanks also to my triend
Jim Watkins, who 1S ott to such an outstanding start at Energy.
To Martha Hesse [ [hess-SEE] for her good efforts at FERC. And
to the forward-looking leaders from both sides of the aisle --
leaders like [ [my triends Jim McClure and Bennett Johnston, Norm
Lent and John Dingell] ] --- leaders whose commitment to
safeguarding America's energy and environment have made this
landmark legislation possible.
foorld's
Natural gas -- methane -- is one of the best tuels on the
there
world's energy menu. It 1S clean. It is efficient. It is
are
abundant secure supplies.
But for 35 years, consumers and producers of natural gas
have struggled under a bureaucracy of oppressive price
regulations. This was largely responsible for the damaging
natural gas shortages or the 1970's -- and for gas market
distortions that exist to this day.
And so today's legislation represents the bıpartisan
attainment of the Administration's first major energy initiative
-- the elimination of an entire system of artificial price
controls for one of America's cleanest energy resources.
It ends on January 1, 1993 -- starting us on a path to a
more stable energy future.
2
This measure reflects a strong bipartisan belief that
eliminating price controls will help this nation take full
advantage of our plentiful domestic resources. Even at today's
prices -- it is estimated that the United States has natural gas
reserves that will take us to the year 2025 and beyond.
And industry and the Department of Energy are responding to
this opportunity with imagination -- seeking to tap new sources
of clean-burning natural gas in places like Prudhoe Bay, and
developing new uses -- like powering cars and airplanes. With
prices set by market forces, and improvements in gas production
from unconventional sources, natural gas can help power this
nation for decades to come.
It may be said by some that this legislation could only have
happened when energy prices are relatively low. I disagree.
Legislation like this -- creating new incentives to produce
domestic energy -- can help keep prices low. It will help
consumers receive an adequate and reliable supply of clean energy
at the lowest reasonable price.
And this is not just economical legislation -- it is
environmental legisiation. Gas burns much more cleanly than
other fossil tuels -- and produces little air or water pollution.
And it can play a larger role in our efforts to clean up our air
and water.
The environmental opportunities can be global. By exporting
plentitul, clean-burning American natural gas -- we can nelp both
our nation's economy and the world's environment.
For example,
comment: incorect Summit reference no need to
cite Japan
3
at the recent economic summit we were encouraged by Japan's new
interest in clean energy sources.
Today's legisiation means
additional
that, ultimately, new U.S. sources of clean natural gas will be
foreign
available to Japanese and other international markets and at
Competitive
market prices.
With a free market for this fuel, we can foresee America and
the world using more of it. America and her allies must work
together now to expand the infrastructure to use this fuel. On
this continent -- across the Atlantic -- across the Pacific --
these are opportunities for cooperation that can be helped by a
freer market.
Where we can add diversity, riexibility, and security to the
world's energy picture -- we should do it. And natural gas is an
important element.
But despite today's good news, this is no time for
complacency. On other fronts, conservation achievements are
levelling ott. Domestic oil production is down. Petroleum
imports are increasing. And our need for a cleaner environment
is obvious to all.
And so today 1 have another announcement -- which, like the
deregulation of natural gas -- means good news for America's
energy future.
after
1 am directing the Secretary of Energy to take the lead in
carteo)
developing a comprehensive National Energy Strategy -- the first
such plan in the history of our Nation.
something
what about
FEA in
73/74?
4
We cannot and will not wait for the next energy crisis -- or
even the next smog alert -- to force us to respond. Today we
don't have a crisis. We have an opportunity.
I have asked Admiral watkins to craft this strategy in close
consultation with the Cabinet and the Congress, with our cities
and our states. Our task -- our bi-partisan task -- 1S to build
the national consensus necessary to support this strategy. And
to make the strategy a living and dynamıc document, responsive to
new knowledge and new ideas, and changes in global climate.
This task Will not be easy. America must balance: Our
increasing need for energy at reasonable prices. Our commitment
to a safer, nealthier environment. Our obligation to maintain an
economy that is second to none. And our goal to reduce reliance
on insecure energy supplies.
1 am confident that America's can-do attitude, scientific
know-now, and old-fashioned common sense will prevail. By acting
now -- we can bequeath a legacy to the next century of a cleaner,
more prosperous and secure America.
Today's legislation is a good start down that path.
Domestically, natural gas can now reach its fullest potential as
potentially
a competitive alternative to imports of oil from unreliable
sources. I congratulate those of you in Congress who have worked
so hard and so long to bring this legislation to my desk.
And with that -- it is with great pride that I now sign the
Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act into law.
#
#
#
STATE SECURITIVE BUDGET UNITED - OFFICE THE
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
NOTICE:
Enclosed are comments from staff members of the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB). Such comments do not necessarily
represent the official position of the Director of OMB or of the
Office of Management and Budget. If you wish to have the
Director's personal comments, please let me know -- and contact
me if you have any questions.
David J. Haun
Executive Assistant
to the Director
89 JUL 24 P4: 56
Document No. 156076
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
07/21/89
DATE:
2:00 p.m. Monday 07/24
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATURAL GAS BILL SIGNING CEREMONY
(07/21 5:00 p.m. draft four)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
PINKERTON
WINSTON
CICCONI
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 2:00 p.m. on Monday, 07/24, with a copy to my office.
Thanks.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally/Simon)
1983
JUL
2 July 721, 1989, 5:00 p.m.
Draft Four (GAS)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATURAL GAS BILL SIGNING CEREMONY
THE EAST ROOM
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 1989, 2:05 P.M.
Thank you. Thanks all of you. And thanks also to my triend
Jim Watkins, who 1S ott to such an outstanding start at Energy.
To Martha Hesse [hess-SEE] for her good efforts at FERC. And
to the forward-looking leaders from both sides of the aisle --
leaders like [ [my triends Jim McClure and Bennett Johnston, Norm
Lent and John Dingell] ] -- leaders whose commitment to
safeguarding America's energy and environment have made this
landmark legislation possible.
Natural gas -- methane -- is one of the best tuels on the
world's energy menu. It 1S clean. It is efficient. It is
abundant.
But for 35 years, consumers and producers of natural gas
nave struggled under a bureaucracy of oppressive price
directly
regulations. This was largely responsible for the damaging
Gody X 4844
natural gas shortages or the 1970's -- and for gas market
distortions that exist to this day
[INSERT NEXT PAGE (2 PARAGRAPHS) HERE ] Goody
And so today's legislation represents the bipartisan
x4844
attainment of the Administration's first major energy initiative
--- the elimination of an entire system of artificial price
controls for one of America's cleanest energy resources.
It ends on January 1, 1993 -- starting us on a path to a
more stable energy future.
Andy
realistic and efficient
4844
x
Natural gas bill signing statement
OMB mark-up
Insert on page. 1 after the third paragraph
It is instructive to look at what natural gas price controls
brought us. They brought us shortages -- not increased supplies.
They brought us higher gas prices -- not the lower consumer
prices their supporters promised. I am reminded of an editorial
in the Washington Post after President Reagan accelerated
decontrol of the petroleum market. It was titled "Decontrol At
Last. " It went on to say that "controls have brought us nothing
but harm, and the end of them will bring us nothing but benefit."
What was true for oil deregulation in 1981 is also true for
gas deregulation in 1989. Experience shows that deregulation
works to serve consumers and an expanding economy. It is a
tribute to the American political system that, after decades of
disagreement over the merits of gas decontrol, we can gather here
today to state a clear message for all to hear: We have learned
from the past. We are united in the conviction that markets work
to serve the American people. They can deal effectively to
banish scarcity and to produce abundance. The best way to deal
with our energy problems is to let our market economy worky to serve
andsevoe the american people
Ins-evt
X
2
This measure reflects a strong bipartisan belief that
eliminating price controls will help this nation take full
advantage of our plentiful domestic resources. Even at today's
prices -- it is estimated that the United States has natural gas
reserves that WILL take us to the year 2025 and beyond.
is
And industry End the Department of Energy are responding to
this opportunity with imagination -- seeking to tap new sources
X4844
of clean-burning natural gas En places like Prudhoe Bay] and
developing new uses -- like powering cars and airplanes. With
Exploration and
prices set by market forces, and improvements in gas production
From unconventional technologies source}, natural gas can help power this
nation [or decades to comd.
well into the next century
It may be said by some that this legislation could only have
happened when energy prices are relatively low. I disagree.
relying on MARKET
Legislation like this -- Creating ^new] incentives to produce
Grady
x 4844
domestic energy can help keep prices low. It Vill is the neig best way to assure
of
supplies
consumers receive an adequate and reliable Cupply of clean energy Grody
at the lowest reasonable price.
x4844
And this is not just economical legislation -- it is good ^ for the
Grady
environmental legisiation. Gas burns much more cleanly than
Grady
V4844
x4844
other fossil fuels - and produces little air or water pollution.
And it can play a larger role in our efforts to clean up our air
and water.
The environmental opportunities can be global. [BY exporting
plentirul, clean-burning American natural gas we can nelp both
our nation's economy and the world's environment.
For example,
CA possibility, but remote.
Suggest you drop this.]
such as Slope
North could Grody
3
x 4844
at the recent economic summit we were encouraged by Japan's new
interest in clean energy sources. Today's legisiation means
that, ultimately, new U.S. sources of clean natural gas Gill be
available to Japanese and other international markets -- and at
market prices.
With a free market for this fuel, we can foresee America and
the world using more of it. America and her allies must work
together now to expand the infrastructure to use this fuel. On
this continent -- across the Atlantic -- across the Pacific --
these are opportunities for cooperation that can be helpea by a
freer market.
economy,
Graday
Where we can add diversity, flexibility, Aand security to the x4844
world's energy picture -- we should do it. Ana natural gas is an
important element.
But despite today's good news, this is no time for
Our energy security problem contenues
complacency. On other fronts, conservation achievements are
levelling off.
Domestic oil production is down Petroleum
imports are increasing. And our need for a cleaner environment
is obvious to all.
And so today 1 have another announcement; E which, like the
deregulation of natural gas means good news for America S
energy future
1 am directing the Secretary of Energy to take the lead in
sandy
x4844 X
developing a comprehensive National Energy Strategy. the first
such plan in the history of our Nation]
[not true!]
Although there is an excess of oil-producing capacity in the
sondy
XU8H4
world, U.S. oil production is continuing its downward trend.
6996
4
Arady x4844
We cannot and will not wait for the next energy crisis E or
even the next smog alert to force us to respond. Today we
don't have a crisis. We have an opportunity.
I have asked Admiral watkins to craft this strategy in close
consultation with the Cabinet and the Congress, with our cities
and our states. Our task -- our bi-partisan task - - 1S to build
Gradu X4844
the national consensus necessary to support this strategy. And
to make the strategy a living and dynamıc document, responsive to
and to
global 1
new knowledge and new ideas, End changes in global climate
environmental
This task Will not be easy.
America must balance: Our
and international
increasing need for energy at reasonable prices. Our commitment
changes. A
Keystone of
to a safer, nealthier environment. Our obligation to maintain an
the strat economy that is second to none. And our goal to reduce reliance
will continuation be the
on insecure energy supplies.
of the United States and our
friends and allies
shady
of the success- of
1 am confident that America's can-do attitude, scientific
x4844
ful policy
know-now, and old-fashioned common sense will prevail. By acting
market re-
now -- we can bequeath a legacy to the next century of a cleaner,
liance.
more prosperous and secure America.
Today's legislation is a good start down that path.
Day
Domestically, natural gas can now reach its fullest potential as,
x4844
Can economic, clean, and convenient energy source.
a competitive aiternative to imports Other of oil from unreliable
sources I congratulate those of you in Congress who have worked
SO hard and so long to bring this legislation to my desk.
And with that -- it is with great pride that I now sign the
Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act into law.
#
#
#
Document No. 056096
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
07/21/89
2:00 p.m. Monday 07/24
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATURAL GAS BILL SIGNING CEREMONY
(07/21 5:00 p.m. draft four)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
9
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
PINKERTON
CARD
P
WINSTON
CICCONI
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 2:00 p.m. on Monday, 07/24, with a copy to my office.
Thanks.
All comments
RESPONSE:
0 E : Olv 2 7nr 68
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally/Simon)
1989 JUL 2 July 721, 1989, 5:00 p.m.
Draft Four (GAS)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATURAL GAS BILL SIGNING CEREMONY
THE EAST ROOM
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 1989, 2:05 P.M.
Thank you. Thanks all of you. And thanks also to my triend
Jim Watkins, who 1S ott to such an outstanding start at Energy.
To Martha Hesse [ [hess-SEE]], for her good efforts at FERC. And
to the forward-looking leaders from both sides of the aisle --
leaders like [ [my triends Jim McClure and Bennett Johnston, Norm
Lent and John Dingell] ] -- leaders whose commitment to
safeguarding America's energy and environment have made this
landmark legislation possible.
Natural gas -- methane -- is one of the best tuels on the
world's energy menu. It 1S clean. It is efficient. It is
abundant.
But for 35 years, consumers and producers of natural gas
have struggled under a bureaucracy of oppressive price
regulations. This was largely responsible for the damaging
natural gas shortages or the 1970's -- and for gas market
distortions that exist to this day.
And so today's legislation represents the bipartisan
attainment of the Administration's first major energy initiative
-- the elimination of an entire system of artificial price
controls for one of America's cleanest energy resources.
It ends on January 1 1993 -- starting us on a path to a
more stable energy future.
2
This measure reflects a strong bipartisan belief that
eliminating price controls will help this nation take full
advantage of our plentiful domestic resources. Even at today's
prices -- it is estimated that the United States has natural gas
reserves that Will take us to the year 2025 and beyond.
have at to
And ndustry and the Department of Energy are responding to
this opportunity with imagination -- seeking to tap new sources
mention Alaska
of clean-burning natural gas in places like Prudhoe Bay, and
developing new uses -- like powering cars and airplanes. With
prices set by market forces, and improvements in gas production
from unconventional sources, natural gas can help power this
nation for decades to come.
It may be said by some that this legislation could only have
happened when energy prices are relatively low.
I
disagree
Not
true.
Legislation like this -- creating new incentives to produce
domestic energy -- can help keep prices low. It will nelp
consumers receive an adequate and reliable supply of clean energy
at the lowest reasonable price.
And this is not just economical legislation -- it is
environmental legislation. Gas burns much more cleanly than
other fossil fuels -- and produces little air or water pollution.
And it can play a larger role in our efforts to clean up our air
and water.
The environmental opportunities can be global. By exporting
plentiful, clean-burning American natural gas -- we can nelp both
our nation's economy and the world's environment. For example,
3
howdcot you
at the recent economic summit we were encouraged by Japan's new
R
interest in clean energy sources. Today's legisiation means
NOTE:
that, ultimately, new U.S. sources of clean natural gas will be
U.S. HAS
available to Japanese and other international markets -- and at
EXPORTED
market prices.
EIQUIFIEI
NATURAL
With a free market for this fuel, we can foresee America and
GAGAL GAS
the world using more of it. America and her allies must work
-E.McN
together now to expand the infrastructure to use this fuel. On
this continent -- across the Atlantic -- across the Pacific --
these are opportunities for cooperation that can be helped by a
freer market.
Where we can add diversity, riexibility, and security to the
world's energy picture -- we should do it. And natural gas is an
important element.
But despite today's good news, this is no time for
complacency. On other fronts, conservation achievements are
levelling off. Domestic oil production is down. Petroleum
imports are increasing. And our need for a cleaner environment
is obvious to all.
And so today 1 have another announcement -- which, like the
deregulation of natural gas -- means good news for America's
energy future.
1 am directing the Secretary of Energy to take the lead in
developing a comprehensive National Energy Strategy -- the first
such plan in the history of our Nation.
Didn't Carter at least
have a plan? If not
mysemented, proposed?
4
We cannot and will not wait for the next energy crisis -- or
even the next smog alert -- to force us to respond. Today we
don't have a crisis. We have an opportunity.
this line was I
have asked Admiral watkins to craft this strategy in close
Space
impecch
consultation with the Cabinet and the Congress, with our cities
and our states. Our task -- our bi-partisan task -- 1S to build
the national consensus necessary to support this strategy. And
to make the strategy a living and dynamıc document, responsive to
new knowledge and new ideas, and changes in global climate.
This task Will not be easy. America must balance: Our
increasing need for energy at reasonable prices. Our commitment
to a safer, nealthier environment. Our determination obligation to maintain an
dependence
economy that is second to none. And our goal to reduce reliance
unreliable
on insecure energy supplies
1 am confident that America's can-do attitude, scientific
know-now, and old-fashioned common sense will prevail. By acting
now -- we can bequeath a legacy to the next century of a cleaner,
more prosperous and secure America.
Today's legislation is a good start down that path.
Domestically, natural gas can now reach its fullest potential as
a competitive alternative to imports of oil from unreliable
sources. I congratulate those of you in Congress who have worked
so hard and so long to bring this legislation to my desk.
And with that -- it is with great pride that I now sign the
Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act into law.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
89 JUL 24 P6: 11
July 24, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER
RBP
SUBJECT:
Natural Gas Bill Signing Ceremony
I have reviewed and approve of the presidential draft re-
marks for the Natural Gas Bill signing ceremony. I have also
marked several changes that I believe will help strengthen
the statement on the attached draft.
Most important from a policy standpoint is the reference
to the comprehensive National Energy Strategy as the first
such plan in the history of our Nation. Many would argue that
Project Independence in 1973 was a comprehensive National
Energy Strategy. Certainly John Sawhill and those who put
it together thought it was. Likewise, in 1977 Jimmy Carter
made a National Energy Plan the centerpiece of his initial
legislative strategy and this is what James Schlesinger and
others thought they were doing.
One of the things that we do not want is to bring back
visions of the 1977 effort which is generally viewed dimly.
The sentence reads fine without the concluding phrase.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
CC: James W. Cicconi
Document No. 056096
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
07/21/89
2:00 p.m. Monday 07/24
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATURAL GAS BILL SIGNING CEREMONY
(07/21 5:00 p.m. draft four)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
R
CARD
PINKERTON
P
WINSTON
CICCONI
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 2:00 p.m. on Monday, 07/24, with a copy to my office.
Thanks.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally/Simon)
1989 JUL 2 July 721, 1989, 5:00 p.m.
Draft Four (GAS)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATURAL GAS BILL SIGNING CEREMONY
THE EAST ROOM
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 1989, 2:05 P.M.
Thank you. Thanks all of you. And thanks also to my triend
Jim Watkins, who 1S ott to such an outstanding start at Energy.
To Martha Hesse [[hess-SEE]], for her good efforts at FERC. And
to the forward-looking leaders from both sides of the aisle --
leaders like [ [my triends Jim McClure and Bennett Johnston, Norm
Lent and John Dingell] -- leaders whose commitment to
safeguarding America's energy and environment have made this
landmark legislation possible.
Most attrAct, 18 choices
Natural gas -- methane -- is one of the best tuels on the
world's energy menu. It 1S clean. It is efficient. It is
abundant.
But for 35 years, consumers and producers of natural gas
the burden
have struggled under a bureaucracy of oppressive price
regulations. This was largely responsible for the damaging
natural gas shortages of the 1970's -- and for gas market
distortions that exist to this day.
And so today's legislation represents the bipartisan
attainment of the Administration's first major energy initiative
-- the elimination of an entire system of artificial price
controls for one of America's cleanest energy resources.
It ends on January 1, 1993 -- starting us on a path to a
more stable energy future.
2
This measure reflects a strong bipartisan belief that
eliminating price controls will help this nation take full
advantage of our plentiful domestic resources. Even at today's
prices -- it is estimated that the United States has natural gas
reserves that Will take us to the year 2025 and beyond.
And industry and the Department of Energy are responding to
this opportunity with imagination -- seeking to tap new sources
of clean-burning natural gas in places like Prudhoe Bay, and
developing new uses -- like powering cars and airplanes. With
prices set by market forces, and improvements in gas production
from unconventional sources, natural gas can help power this
nation for decades to come.
It may be said by some that this legislation could only have
happened when energy prices are relatively low. I disagree.
Legislation like this -- creating new incentives to produce
domestic energy -- can help keep prices low. It will help
consumers receive an adequate and reliable supply of clean energy
at the lowest reasonable price.
And this is not just economical legislation -- it is
NATURAL
environmental legislation. Gas burns much more cleanly than
other fossil tuels -- and produces little air or water pollution.
And it can play a larger role in our efforts to clean up our air
and water.
The environmental opportunities can be global. By exporting
plentitul, clean-burning American natural gas -- we can nelp both
our nation's economy and the world's environment. For example,
3
at the recent economic summit we were encouraged by Japan's new
interest in clean energy sources. Today's legislation means
that, ultimately, new U.S. sources of clean natural gas will be
available to Japanese and other international markets -- and at
market prices.
With a free market for this fuel, we can foresee America and
the world using more of it. America and her allies must work
together now to expand the infrastructure to use this fuel. On
this continent -- across the Atlantic -- across the Pacific --
these are opportunities for cooperation that can be helped by a
freer market.
Where we can add diversity, riexibility, and security to the
world's energy picture -- we should do it. And natural gas is an
important element.
But despite today's good news, this is no time for
complacency. On other fronts, conservation achievements are
levelling off. Domestic oil production is down. Petroleum
imports are increasing. And our need for a cleaner environment
is obvious to all.
And so today 1 have another announcement -- which, like the
deregulation of natural gas -- means good news for America's
energy future.
1 am directing the Secretary of Energy to take the lead in
developing a comprehensive National Energy Strategy the first
such plan in the history of our Nation
4
We cannot and will not wait for the next energy crisis -- or
even the next smog alert -- to force us to respond. Today we
don't have a crisis. We have an opportunity.
I have asked Admiral watkins to craft this strategy in close
consultation with the Cabinet and the Congress, with our cities
and our states. Our task -- our bi-partisan task -- 1S to build
the national consensus necessary to support this strategy. And
to make the strategy a living and dynamic document, responsive to
new knowledge and new ideas, and changes in global climate.
This task Will not be easy. America must balance: Our
increasing need for energy at reasonable prices. Our commitment
to a safer, healthier environment. Our obligation to maintain an
economy that is second to none. And our goal to reduce reliance
on insecure energy supplies.
1 am confident that America's can-do attitude, scientific
know-how, and old-fashioned common sense will prevail. By acting
now -- we can bequeath a legacy to the next century of a cleaner,
more prosperous and secure America.
Today's legislation is a good start down that path.
Domestically, natural gas can now reach its fullest potential as
a competitive alternative to imports of oil from unreliable
sources. I congratulate those of you in Congress who have worked
SO hard and so long to bring this legislation to my desk.
And with that -- it is with great pride that I now sign the
Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act into law.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 24, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
FOR COMMUNICATIONS
FROM:
ROBERT J. PORTMAN RJP
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
National Energy Strategy
Pursuant to your staffing memorandum of July 21, 1989, Counsel's
Office has reviewed the above-referenced draft Presidential
speech. We have no legal objection to the contents of this
speech.
Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.
CC: James W. Cicconi
8th :Ed P2 70Γ 68
Document No. 056096
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
07/21/89
2:00 p.m. Monday 07/24
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATURAL GAS BILL SIGNING CEREMONY
(07/21 5:00 p.m. draft four)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
PINKERTON
WINSTON
CICCONI
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 2:00 p.m. on Monday, 07/24, with a copy to my office.
Thanks.
NICK-OK
RESPONSE
TR TR Mention: Congressman Phil sharp
7m 12 700 68 Congressman Carlos Moorhead
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally/Simon)
1959 JUL 2
July 721, 1989, 5:00 p.m.
Draft Four (GAS)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATURAL GAS BILL SIGNING CEREMONY
THE EAST ROOM
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 1989, 2:05 P.M.
Thank you. Thanks all of you. And thanks also to my triend
Jim Watkins, who 1S off to such an outstanding start at Energy.
To Martha Hesse [[hess-SEE]], for her good efforts at FERC. And
to the forward-looking leaders from both sides of the aisle --
leaders like [ [my triends Jim McClure and Bennett Johnston, Norm
in the committee and Many others
Lent and John Dingell] -- leaders whose commitment to
safeguarding America's energy and environment have made this
landmark legislation possible.
Natural gas -- methane -- is one of the best tuels on the
world's energy menu. it 1S clean. It is efficient. It is
abundant.
But for 35 years, consumers and producers of natural gas
have struggled under a bureaucracy of oppressive price
regulations. This was largely responsible for the damaging
natural gas shortages of the 1970's -- and for gas market
distortions that exist to this day.
And so today's legislation represents the bipartisan
attainment of the Administration's first major energy initiative
-- the elimination of an entire system of artificial price
controls for one of America's cleanest energy resources.
It ends on January 1, 1993 -- starting us on a path to a
more stable energy future.
2
This measure reflects a strong bipartisan belief that
eliminating price controls will help this nation take full
advantage of our plentiful domestic resources. Even at today's
prices -- it is estimated that the United States has natural gas
reserves that will take us to the year 2025 and beyond.
And industry and the Department of Energy are responding to
this opportunity with imagination -- seeking to tap new sources
of clean-burning natural gas in places like Prudhoe Bay, and
developing new uses -- like powering cars and airplanes. With
prices set by market forces, and improvements in gas production
from unconventional sources, natural gas can help power this
nation for decades to come.
It may be said by some that this legislation could only have
happened when energy prices are relatively low. I disagree.
Legislation like this -- creating new incentives to produce
domestic energy -- can help keep prices low. It will help
consumers receive an adequate and reliable supply of clean energy
at the lowest reasonable price.
And this is not just economical legislation -- it is
environmental legislation. Gas burns much more cleanly than
other fossil fuels -- and produces little air or water pollution.
And it can play a larger role in our efforts to clean up our air
and water.
The environmental opportunities can be global. By exporting
plentiful, clean-burning American natural gas -- we can nelp both
our nation's economy and the world's environment. For example,
3
at the recent economic summit we were encouraged by Japan's new
interest in clean energy sources. Today's legislation means
that, ultimately, new U.S. sources of clean natural gas will be
available to Japanese and other international markets -- and at
market prices.
With a free market for this fuel, we can foresee America and
the world using more of it. America and her allies must work
together now to expand the infrastructure to use this fuel. On
this continent -- across the Atlantic -- across the Pacific --
these are opportunities for cooperation that can be helped by a
freer market.
Where we can add diversity, riexibility, and security to the
world's energy picture -- we should do it. And natural gas is an
important element.
But despite today's good news, this is no time for
complacency. On other fronts, conservation achievements are
levelling off. Domestic oil production is down. Petroleum
imports are increasing. And our need for a cleaner environment
is obvious to all.
And SO today 1 have another announcement -- which, like the
deregulation of natural gas -- means good news for America's
energy future.
1 am directing the Secretary of Energy to take the lead in
developing a comprehensive National Energy Strategy -- the first
such plan in the history of our Nation.
4
We cannot and will not wait for the next energy crisis -- or
even the next smog alert -- to force us to respond. Today we
don't have a crisis. We have an opportunity.
I have asked Admiral watkins to craft this strategy in close
consultation with the Cabinet and the Congress, with our cities
and our states. Our task -- our bi-partisan task -- 1S to build
the national consensus necessary to support this strategy. And
to make the strategy a living and dynamic document, responsive to
new knowledge and new ideas, and changes in global climate.
This task Will not be easy. America must balance: Our
increasing need for energy at reasonable prices. Our commitment
to a safer, neaithier environment. Our obligation to maintain an
economy that is second to none. And our goal to reduce reliance
on insecure energy supplies.
1 am confident that America's can-do attitude, scientific
know-how, and old-fashioned common sense will prevail. By acting
now -- we can bequeath a legacy to the next century of a cleaner,
more prosperous and secure America.
Today's legislation is a good start down that path.
Domestically, natural gas can now reach its fullest potential as
a competitive alternative to imports of oil from unreliable
sources. I congratulate those of you in Congress who have worked
so hard and so long to bring this legislation to my desk.
And with that -- it is with great pride that I now sign the
Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act into law.
#
#.
#
Simon
(McNally/Simon)
July 21, 1989, 5:00 p.m.
Draft Four (GAS)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATURAL GAS BILL SIGNING CEREMONY
THE EAST ROOM
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 1989, 2:05 P.M.
Thank you. Thanks all of you. And thanks also to my friend
Jim Watkins, who 1S o:: to such an outstanding start at Energy.
To Martha Hesse [hess-SEE]], for her good efforts at FERC. And
to the forward-looking leaders from both sides of the aisle --
per
Fred
leaders like [[my triends Jim McClure and Bennett Johnston, Norm
Phil Sharp and Carlos Moorhead in the committees- -
McClure
Lent and John DingelliA A -- leaders whose commitment to
Vand many other leaders here today,
safeguarding America's energy and environment have made this
landmark legislation possible.
Natural gas -- methane -- 1S one of the best ruels on the
world's energy menu. It 1S clean. It is efficient. It is
abundant.
But for 35 years, consumers and producers on natural gas
nave struggled under a bureaucracy of oppressive price
regulations. This was Largely responsible for the damaging
natural gas shortages 02 the 1970's -- and for gas market
distortions that exist =0 TALS day.
And SO today's legislation represents the bipartisan
attainment of the Administration's first major energy initiative
-- the elimination of an entire system of artificial price
controls for one of America's cleanest energy resources.
It ends on January 1, 1993 -- starting us on a path to a
more stable energy future.
we extract cun afford X transport to it.
2
This measure reflects a strong bipartisan belief that
eliminating price controls will help this nation take full
reserves that Will take us to the year 2025 and beyond.
NOTE: There are some N.6. buses
coming out, Aut no plans for
There is lots of gas at
Prudhoe airplanes Beny, but it will be a long, long time before
advantage of our plentiful domestic resources. Even at today's
prices -- it is estimated that the United States has natural gas
And industry and the Department of Energy are responding to
this opportunity with imagination -- seeking to tap new sources
or clean-burning natural gas in places like Prudhoe Bay, and
buses
developing new uses -- like powering cars and airplanes. With
prices set by market forces, and improvements in gas production
from unconventional sources, natural gas can help power this
nation for decades to come.
It may be said by some that this legislation could only have
happened when energy prices are relatively low. I disagree.
Legislation like this -- creating new incentives to produce
domestic energy -- can help keep prices low. It will help
consumers receive an adequate and reliable supply of clean energy
at the lowest reasonable price.
And this is not just economical legislation -- it is
environmental legisiation. Gas burns much more cleanly than
other fossil ruels -- and produces little air or water pollution.
And it can play a larger role in our efforts to clean up our air
and water.
The environmental opportunities can be global. By exporting
plentifui, clean-burning American natural gas -- we can neip both
our nation's economy and the world's environment. For example,
NOTE: 1. Japan's environment plan at the summit talked about stopping
rain forest cutting & a substitute for CFC's, not clean busing
2. The fuel. US cannot export gas at market rates- too expensive for others to
1 (atthough we do sell to Canada.)
3
at the recent economic summit we were encouraged by Japan's new
interest in clean energy sources. Today's legisiation means
that, ultimately, new U.S. sources of clean natural gas will be
available to Japanese and other international markets -- and at
market prices.
With a free market for this fuel, we can foresee America and
the world using more of it. America and her allies must work
together now to expand the infrastructure to use this fuel. On
this continent -- across the Atlantic -- across the Pacific --
these are opportunities for cooperation that can be helped by a
freer market.
Where we can add diversity, riexibility, and security to the
world's energy picture -- we should do it. Ana natural gas is an
important element.
But despite today's good news, this is no time for
complacency. On other fronts, conservation achievements are
levelling OII. Domestic oil production is down. Petroleum
imports are increasing. And our need for a cleaner environment
is obvious to all.
And SO today 1 have another announcement -- which, like the
dereguiation of natural gas -- means good news for America's
energy future.
1 am directing the Secretary of Energy to take the lead in
developing a comprehensive National Energy Strategy -- the first
such plan in the history of our Nation.
4
We cannot and will not wait for the next energy crisis -- or
even the next smog alert -- to force us to respond. Today we
don't have a crisis. We have an opportunity.
I have asked Admiral watkins to craft this strategy in close
consultation with the Cabinet and the Congress, with our cities
and our states. Our task -- our bi-partisan task -- 1S to build
the national consensus necessary to support this strategy. And
to make the strategy a living and dynamic document, responsive to
new knowledge and new ideas, and changes in global climate.
This task Will not be easy. America must balance: Our
increasing need for energy at reasonable prices. Our commitment
to a safer, nealthier environment. Our obligation to maintain an
economy that is second to none. And our goal to reduce reliance
on insecure energy supplies.
1 am confident that America's can-do attitude, scientific
know-how, and old-fashioned common sense will prevail. By acting
now -- we can bequeath a legacy to the next century of a cleaner,
more prosperous and secure America.
Today's legislation is a good start down that path.
Domestically, natural gas can now reach its fullest potential as
a competitive alternative to imports of oil from unreliable
sources. I congratulate those of you in Congress who have worked
so hard and so long to bring this legislation to my desk.
And with that -- it is with great pride that I now sign the
Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act into law.
#
#
#
(McNally/Simon)
July 21, 1989, 5:00 p.m.
Draft Four (GAS)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATURAL GAS BILL SIGNING CEREMONY
THE EAST ROOM
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 1989, 2:05 P.M.
Thank you. Thanks all of you. And thanks also to my friend
Jim Watkins, who 1S oti to such an outstanding start at Energy.
To Martha Hesse [[hess-SEE]], for her good efforts at FERC. And
to the forward-looking leaders from both sides of the aisle --
leaders like [ [my friends Jim McClure and Bennett Johnston, Norm
Lent and John Dingell]] -- leaders whose commitment to
safeguarding America's energy and environment have made this
landmark legislation possible.
Natural gas -- methane -- is one of the best fuels on the
world's energy menu. it 1S clean. It is efficient. It is
abundant.
But for 35 years, consumers and producers of natural gas
have struggled under a bureaucracy of oppressive price
regulations. This was largely responsible for the damaging
natural gas shortages o= the 1970's -- and for gas market
distortions that exist to this day.
And SO today's legislation represents the bipartisan
attainment of the Administration's first major energy initiative
-- the elimination of an entire system of artificial price
controis for one of America's cleanest energy resources.
It ends on January 1, 1993 -- starting us on a path to a
more stable energy future.
2
This measure reflects a strong bipartisan belief that
eliminating price controls will help this nation take full
advantage of our plentiful domestic resources. Even at today's
prices -- it is estimated that the United States has natural gas
reserves that Will take us to the year 2025 and beyond.
And industry and the Department of Energy are responding to
this opportunity with imagination -- seeking to tap new sources
of clean-burning natural gas in places like Prudhoe Bay, and
developing new uses -- like powering cars and airplanes. With
prices set by market forces, and improvements in gas production
from unconventional sources, natural gas can help power this
nation for decades to come.
It may be said by some that this legislation could only have
happened when energy prices are relatively low. I disagree.
Legislation like this -- creating new incentives to produce
domestic energy -- can help keep prices low. It will help
consumers receive an adequate and reliable supply of clean energy
at the lowest reasonable price.
And this is not just economical legislation -- it is
environmental legisiation. Gas burns much more cleanly than
other fossil fuels -- and produces little air or water pollution.
And it can play a larger role in our efforts to clean up our air
and water.
The environmental opportunities can be global. By exporting
plentitui, clean-burning American natural gas -- we can nelp both
our nation's economy and the world's environment. For example,
3
at the recent economic summit we were encouraged by Japan's new
interest in clean energy sources. Today's legisiation means
that, ultimately, new U.S. sources of clean natural gas will be
available to Japanese and other international markets -- and at
market prices.
With a free market for this fuel, we can foresee America and
the world using more of it. America and her allies must work
together now to expand the infrastructure to use this fuel. On
this continent -- across the Atlantic -- across the Pacific --
these are opportunities for cooperation that can be helped by a
freer market.
Where we can add diversity, rlexibility, and security to the
world's energy picture -- we should do it. And natural gas is an
important element.
But despite today's good news, this is no time for
complacency. On other fronts, conservation achievements are
levelling OII. Domestic oil production is down. Petroleum
imports are increasing. And our need for a cleaner environment
is obvious to all.
And so today 1 have another announcement -- which, like the
dereguiation of natural gas -- means good news for America's
energy future.
1 am directing the Secretary of Energy to take the lead in
developing a comprehensive National Energy Strategy -- the first
such plan in the history of our Nation.
4
We cannot and will not wait for the next energy crisis -- or
even the next smog alert -- to force us to respond. Today we
don't have a crisis. We have an opportunity.
I have asked Admiral watkins to craft this strategy in close
consultation with the Cabinet and the Congress, with our cities
and our states. Our task -- our bi-partisan task -- 1S to build
the national consensus necessary to support this strategy. And
to make the strategy a living and dynamic document, responsive to
new knowledge and new ideas, and changes in global climate.
This task WILL not be easy. America must balance: Our
increasing need for energy at reasonable prices. Our commitment
to a safer, nealthier environment. Our obligation to maintain an
economy that is second to none. And our goal to reduce reliance
on insecure energy supplies.
1 am confident that America's can-do attitude, scientific
know-how, and old-fashioned common sense will prevail. By acting
now -- we can bequeath a legacy to the next century of a cleaner,
more prosperous and secure America.
Today's legislation is a good start down that path.
Domestically, natural gas can now reach its fullest potential as
a competitive alternative to imports of oil from unreliable
sources. I congratulate those of you in Congress who have worked
so hard and SO long to bring this legislation to my desk.
And with that -- it is with great pride that I now sign the
Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act into law.
#
#
#
(McNally/Simon)
July 25, 1989, 10:00 a.m.
Draft Five (GAS)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATURAL GAS BILL SIGNING CEREMONY
THE EAST ROOM
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 1989, 2:05 P.M.
Thank you. Thanks all of you. And thanks also to my friend
Jim Watkins, who is off to such an outstanding start at Energy.
To Martha Hesse [[hess-SEE]], for her good efforts at FERC. And
to the forward-looking leaders from both sides of the aisle --
leaders like [my friends Jim McClure and Bennett Johnston, Norm
Lent and John Dingell, Phil Sharp and Carlos Moorhead]] -- and
many other leaders here today whose commitment to safeguarding
America's energy and environment have made this landmark
legislation possible.
Natural gas -- methane -- is one of the best fuels on the
world's energy menu. It is clean. It is efficient. It is
abundant.
But for 35 years, consumers and producers of natural gas
have struggled under the burden of oppressive price regulations.
This was directly responsible for the damaging natural gas
shortages of the 1970's -- and for gas market distortions that
exist to this day.
It is instructive to look at what natural gas price controls
brought us. They brought us shortages -- not increased supplies.
They brought us higher gas prices -- not the lower consumer
prices their supporters promised.
2
What was true for oil deregulation in 1981 is also true for
gas deregulation in 1989. Experience shows that deregulation
works to serve consumers and an expanding economy. It is a
tribute to the American political system that, after decades of
disagreement over the merits of gas decontrol, we can gather here
today to state a clear message for all to hear: We have learned
from the past. We are united in the conviction that the best way
to deal with our energy problems and serve the American people is
to let our market economy work.
And so today's legislation represents the bipartisan
attainment of the Administration's first major energy initiative
-- the elimination of an entire system of artificial price
controls for one of America's cleanest energy resources.
This measure reflects a strong bipartisan belief that
eliminating price controls will help this nation take full
advantage of our plentiful domestic resources. Even at today's
prices -- it is estimated that the United States has natural gas
reserves that will take us to the year 2025 and beyond.
Industry and the Department of Energy are responding to this
opportunity with imagination -- seeking to tap new sources of
clean-burning natural gas and developing new uses -- like
powering cars and buses. With prices set by market forces, and
improvements in gas exploration production technologies, natural
gas can help power this nation well into the next century.
It may be said by some that this legislation could only have
happened when energy prices are relatively low. Not true.
3
Legislation like this -- relying on market incentives to produce
domestic energy -- can help keep prices low. It is the best way
to assure consumers of adequate and reliable supplies of clean
energy at the lowest reasonable price.
And this is not just economical legislation -- it is
environmental legislation. Natural gas burns much more cleanly
than other fossil fuels -- and produces little air or water
pollution. And it can play a larger role in our efforts to clean
up our air and water.
The environmental opportunities can be global. With a free
market for this fuel, we can foresee America and the world using
more of it. America and her allies must work together now to
expand the infrastructure to use this fuel. On this continent --
across the Atlantic -- across the Pacific -- these are
opportunities for cooperation that can be helped by a freer
market.
Where we can add diversity, flexibility, economy, and
security to the world's energy picture -- we should do it. And
natural gas is an important element.
But despite today's good news, this is no time for
complacency. Our energy security problem continues.
Conservation achievements are levelling off. Domestic oil
production is continuing its downward trend. Petroleum imports
are increasing. And our need for a cleaner environment is
obvious to all.
4
And so today I have another announcement -- which, like the
deregulation of natural gas -- is good news for America's energy
future.
I am directing the Secretary of Energy to take the lead in
developing a comprehensive National Energy Strategy.
We cannot and will not wait for the next energy crisis to
force us to respond. I have asked Admiral Watkins to craft this
strategy in close consultation with the Cabinet and the Congress,
with our cities and our states. Our task -- our bi-partisan task
-- is to build the national consensus necessary to support this
strategy. And to make the strategy a living and dynamic
document, responsive to new knowledge and new ideas, and to
global, environmental and international changes. A keystone of
this strategy will be the continuation of the successful policy
of market reliance.
This task will not be easy. America must balance: Our
increasing need for energy at reasonable prices. Our commitment
to a safer, healthier environment. Our determination to maintain
an economy that is second to none. And our goal to reduce
dependence, by ourselves and our friends and allies, on
potentially unreliable energy suppliers.
One important step towards protecting America from foreign
energy supply interruptions is to provide more incentives for
drilling right here at home. Though it is unlikely Congress will
act this year -- I will continue to work to put more incentive
into the tax code for domestic wildcat drilling. The bottom line
5
is: A strong domestic drilling and producing business is
essential to our national security.
I am confident that America's can-do attitude, scientific
know-how, and old-fashioned common sense will prevail. By acting
now -- we can bequeath a legacy to the next century of a cleaner,
more prosperous and secure America.
Today's legislation is a good start down that path.
Domestically, natural gas can now reach its fullest potential as
an economic, clean and convenient energy source. I congratulate
those of you in Congress who have worked so hard and so long to
bring this legislation to my desk.
And with that -- it is with great pride that I now sign the
Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act into law.
#
#
#
(McNally/Simon)
July 18, 1989, 10:00 a.m.
Draft One (GAS)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATURAL GAS BILL SIGNING CEREMONY
THE EAST ROOM
wed, JULY 25, 1989, :00 .M.
I
-
Thank you
.
And thanks also to my friend Jim
Watkins, who is off to such an outstanding start at Energy. To
Martha Hesse [[hess-SEE]], for her good efforts at FERC. And to
the forward-looking leaders from both sides of the aisle --
leaders like
/
, and
-- whose commitment to safeguarding America's energy
and environment have made this landmark legislation possible.
Natural gas -- methane -- is one of the best fuels on the
world's energy menu. It is clean. It is efficient. It is
abundant.
But for 35 years, consumers and producers of natural gas
have struggled under a bureaucracy of oppressive price
regulations. This was largely responsible for the damaging
natural gas shortages of the 1970's -- and for gas market
distortions that exist to this day.
And so today's legislation represents the bipartisan
attainment of the Administration's first major energy initiative
-- the elimination of an entire system of artificial price
controls for one of America's cleanest energy resources.
It ends on January 1, 1993 -- starting us on a path to a
more stable domestic energy future.
2
This measure reflects a strong bipartisan belief that
eliminating price controls will help this nation take maximum
advantage of our plentiful reserves of clean-burning natural gas.
Even at today's prices -- it is estimated that the United States
has natural gas reserves that will take us to the year 2025 and
beyond. With prices set by market forces, and improvements in
gas production from unconventional sources, natural gas can help
power this nation for decades to come.
It may be said by some that this legislation could only have
occurred when energy prices are relatively low. I disagree.
Legislation like this -- creating new incentives to produce
domestic energy -- can help keep prices low. It will help
consumers receive an adequate and reliable supply of clean energy
at the lowest reasonable price.
And this is not just economical legislation -- it is
environmental legislation. Gas burns much more cleanly than
other fossil fuels -- and produces little air or water pollution.
Natural gas can play a larger role in our efforts to clean up our
air and water.
And its effect is global. For example, in Japan,
long
criticized for appearing to be concerned only about its own
environment
there is a new commitment to clean energy sources.
And today's legislation is a signal that America is ready to
match such a commitment with one of its own -- through the export
of clean burning natural gas, we can help both our nation's
economy and the world's environment.
3
With a free market for this fuel, we can foresee America and
the world using more of it. We call upon America and her allies
must
work together now to expand the infrastructure to use this
fuel. On this continent -- across the Atlantic -- across the
Pacific -- these are opportunities for cooperation that can be
helped by a freer market.
Where we can add diversity, flexibility, and security to the
world's energy picture -- we should do it. And natural gas is
an impor tont e Cement
part of the means
Over thirty years ago President Eisenhower had an
opportunity to sign a bill which would have accomp. ished the same
goal
effect as today's legislation. But the bill was vetoed because
of ethical concerns in the lobbying that surrounded its passage.
I'm happy to sign this bill today because it is clean in two
ways: It is an open and clean consensus that can result in
cleaner air And that's good news for all Americans
Domesticully,
can
Natural gas will now reach its fullest potential as a
competitive demestic alternative to imports of oil from
unreliable sources. This legislation is long overdue -- and an
important step in enhancing America's domestic energy supplies.
I congratulate those of you in Congress who have worked so hard
to bring this legislation to my desk.
And with that -- it is with great pride that I now sign the
Natural Gas Decontrol Act into law.
#
#
#
Document No. 156076
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 07/21/89
2:00 p.m. Monday 07/24
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATURAL GAS BILL SIGNING CEREMONY
SUBJECT:
(07/21 5:00 p.m. draft four)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
BREEDEN
R
PINKERTON
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 2:00 p.m. on Monday, 07/24, with a copy to my office.
Thanks.
RESPONSE:
86 : -1/0 25 Consinents
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
July 26, 1989
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT THE
NATURAL GAS BILL SIGNING CEREMONY
The East Room
2:12 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very, very much, and thanks
also to Jim Watkins, our distinguished Secretary, who is off to such
an outstanding start as Secretary of Energy. And also, Martha,
thanks to you -- Martha Hesse -- for her great efforts at the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission, and to the forward-looking leaders from
both sides of the aisle.
Seeing this awesome array with my own two Senators, Lloyd
Bentsen and Phil Gramm. I'm going to get in serious trouble by
exclusion, but standing up here, of course, I'm delighted that
Senator Bennett Johnston is here and Joe Barton, Phil Sharp, Don
Nickles was -- there he is -- and all the rest of you. I want to
single out, of course, John Dingell for his help and Norm Lent and
Carlos Moorhead and so many others who have a keen interest in this
subject.
Natural gas -- methane -- one of the best fuels on the
world's energy menu -- it's clean, it's efficient, relatively
abundant. But for 35 years, consumers and producers of natural gas
have struggled under the burden of oppressive price regulations, and
this was directly responsible, in my view, for the damaging natural
gas shortages of the '70s and for gas market distortions that exist
to this very day.
And it is instructive to look at what natural gas price
controls brought us -- shortages, not increased supplies; higher gas
prices, not the lower consumer prices that their supporters promised.
And what was true for oil deregulation in 1981 is also true for gas
deregulation in 1989. Experience shows that deregulation works to
serve consumers and to serve an expanding economy. And it's a
tribute to the American political system that, after decades of
disagreement over the merits of gas decontrol, we can gather here
today to state a clear message for all to hear. We've learned from
the past; we are united in the conviction that the best way to deal
with our energy problems and serve the American people is to let our
market economy work.
And so today's legislation represents the bipartisan
attainment of the administration's first major energy initiative --
the elimination of an entire system of artificial price controls for
one of America's cleanest energy resources. And this measure
reflects a strong bipartisan belief that eliminating price controls
will help this nation take full advantage of our plentiful domestic
resources.
Even at today's prices it's estimated that the United
States has natural gas reserves that will take us to the year 2025
and beyond. And industry -- and I'm glad to see so many members of
the industry here today, people that have been in the forefront for
the battle of decontrol for many, many years -- industry and the
Department of Energy are responding to this opportunity with
imagination, seeking to tap new sources of clean-burning natural gas
and then developing new uses, like powering cars and buses. With
prices set by market forces and improvements in gas exploration
MORE
- 2 -
production technologies, natural gas can help power this nation well
into the next centry.
And it may be said by some that this legislation could
only have happened when energy prices are relatively low. Not true.
Legislation like this, relying on market incentives to produce
domestic energy, can help keep prices low. And it's the best way to
assure consumers of adequate and reliable supplies of clean energy at
the lowest reasonable price.
And this is not just economical legislation, it is also
environmental legislation. Natural gas burns much more cleanly than
other fossil fuels and produces little air or water pollution and it
can play a larger role in our efforts to clean up our air and our
water. The environmental opportunities can be global. When a free
market for this fuel exists we can foresee America and the world
using more of it. America and her allies must work together now to
expand the infrastructure for this fuel. And on this continent,
cross the Atlantic, cross the Pacific, these are opportunities for
cooperation that can be helped by a freer market.
Where we can add diversity and flexibility, economy, and
security to the world's energy picture we ought to do it. And
natural gas is an important element.
But despite today's good news, this is no time for
complacency. Our energy security problem continues. Conservation
achievements are leveling off, domestic oil production continuing its
downward trend and patroleum imports are increasing. And our need
for a cleaner environment is obvious to all.
And so today, I want to make this announcement which,
like the deregulation of natural gas, is good news for America's
energy future. I'm directing Jim Watkins, our able Secretary of
Energy, to take the lead in developing a comprehensive, national
energy strategy. We cannot and will not wait for the next energy
crisis to force us to respond. And so I've asked Jim to craft this
strategy in close consultation with the Cabinet, leading members of
the United States Congress and then with our cities and our states.
Our task -- our bipartisan task -- is to build the
national consensus necessary to support this strategy and to make
this strategy a living and dynamic document, responsive to new
knowledge and new ideas and to global, environmental and
international changes.
And I should say on this one parenthetically -- and I
don't, again, want to single out only the Texans here -- but our
Governor, who is with us today, has been in the forefront of urging
upon us a national energy strategy for a long, long time. A keystone
of this strategy is going to be the continuation of the successful
policy of market reliance. And it's not going to be easy. We must
balance -- achieve balance -- our increasing need for energy at
reasonable prices, our commitment to a safer and healthier
environment, our determination to maintain an economy that is second
to none, and our goal to reduce dependence by ourselves and our
friends and allies on potentially unreliable energy suppliers.
One important step towards protecting American from
foreign energy supply interruptions is to provide more incentives for
drilling right here at home. And though it is unlikely that Congress
will or maybe even can act on that this year, I will continue to work
to put more incentive into the tax code for domestic wildcat
drilling.
The bottom line is, a strong domestic drilling and
producing business is essential to the national security of the
United States of America. And I am confident that America's can-do
attitude and scientific know-how and old-fashioned plain common sense
will prevail. By acting now, we can bequeath a legacy to the next
century of a cleaner, more prosperous and, yes, more secure America.
MORE
- 3 -
Today's legislation is a good start down that path.
Domestically, natural gas can now reach its fullest potential as an
economic, clean and convenient energy source.
And so, I congratulate all the members of the United
States Congress who have worked so hard and, in some cases, so long
to bring this legislation to this desk. (Laughter.) And with that,
it is with great pride that I now sign the Natural Gas Wellhead
Decontrol Act into the law. (Applause.)
END
2:22 P.M. EDT
056096SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
7/25/89
----
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATURAL GAS WELLHEAD DECONTROL ACT
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
89 JUL 25 JUL 25 P4: 38
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 24, 1989
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON
w
FROM:
EDWARD E. MCNALLY EMN
SUBJECT:
REMARKS AT THE SIGNING CEREMONY FOR THE
NATURAL GAS WELLHEAD DECONTROL ACT
I. SUMMARY
Attached for your consideration and review are draft remarks
for Wednesday afternoon's signing ceremony for the Natural Gas
Wellhead Decontrol Act.
11. DISCUSSION
At approximately 2:05 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26, 1989, you
are scheduled to be announced at the East Room for the signing
ceremony for the Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act.
The suggested remarks are brief (approximately five
minutes), and include your announcement that the Secretary of
Energy has been directed to develop a comprehensive National
Energy Strategy. At the conclusion of your comments, there will
be a brief ceremony as you sign the Act into law.
(McNally/Simon)
July 24, 1989, 6:50 p.m.
Draft Four (GAS)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATURAL GAS BILL SIGNING CEREMONY
THE EAST ROOM
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 1989, 2:05 P.M.
Thank you. Thanks all of you. And thanks also to my friend
Jim Watkins, who is off to such an outstanding start at Energy.
To Martha Hesse [[hess-SEE]], for her good efforts at FERC. And
to the forward-looking leaders from both sides of the aisle --
leaders like [my friends Jim McClure and Bennett Johnston, Norm
Lent and John Dingell, Phil Sharp and Carlos Moorhead] -- and
many other leaders here today whose commitment to safeguarding
America's energy and environment have made this landmark
legislation possible.
Natural gas -- methane -- is one of the best fuels on the
world's energy menu. It is clean. It is efficient. It is
abundant.
But for 35 years, consumers and producers of natural gas
have struggled under the burden of oppressive price regulations.
This was directly responsible for the damaging natural gas
shortages of the 1970's -- and for gas market distortions that
exist to this day.
It is instructive to look at what natural gas price controls
brought us. They brought us shortages -- not increased supplies.
They brought us higher gas prices -- not the lower consumer
prices their supporters promised.
2
What was true for oil deregulation in 1981 is also true for
gas deregulation in 1989. Experience shows that deregulation
works to serve consumers and an expanding economy. It is a
tribute to the American political system that, after decades of
disagreement over the merits of gas decontrol, we can gather here
today to state a clear message for all to hear: We have learned
from the past. We are united in the conviction that the best way
to deal with our energy problems and serve the American people is
to let our market economy work.
And so today's legislation represents the bipartisan
attainment of the Administration's first major energy initiative
-- the elimination of an entire system of artificial price
controls for one of America's cleanest energy resources.
This measure reflects a strong bipartisan belief that
eliminating price controls will help this nation take full
advantage of our plentiful domestic resources. Even at today's
prices -- it is estimated that the United States has natural gas
reserves that will take us to the year 2025 and beyond.
Industry and the Department of Energy are responding to this
opportunity with imagination -- seeking to tap new sources of
clean-burning natural gas and developing new uses -- like
powering cars and buses. With prices set by market forces, and
improvements in gas exploration production technologies, natural
gas can help power this nation well into the next century.
It may be said by some that this legislation could only have
happened when energy prices are relatively low. Not true.
3
Legislation like this -- relying on market incentives to produce
domestic energy -- can help keep prices low. It is the best way
to assure consumers of adequate and reliable supplies of clean
energy at the lowest reasonable price.
And this is not just economical legislation -- it is
environmental legislation. Natural gas burns much more cleanly
than other fossil fuels -- and produces little air or water
pollution. And it can play a larger role in our efforts to clean
up our air and water.
The environmental opportunities can be global. With a free
market for this fuel, we can foresee America and the world using
more of it. America and her allies must work together now to
expand the infrastructure to use this fuel. On this continent --
across the Atlantic -- across the Pacific -- these are
opportunities for cooperation that can be helped by a freer
market.
Where we can add diversity, flexibility, economy, and
security to the world's energy picture -- we should do it. And
natural gas is an important element.
But despite today's good news, this is no time for
complacency. Our energy security problem continues.
Conservation achievements are levelling off. Domestic oil
production is continuing its downward trend. Petroleum imports
are increasing. And our need for a cleaner environment is
obvious to all.
4
And so today I have another announcement -- which, like the
deregulation of natural gas -- is good news for America's energy
future.
I am directing the Secretary of Energy to take the lead in
developing a comprehensive National Energy strategy.
We cannot and will not wait for the next energy crisis to
force us to respond. I have asked Admiral Watkins to craft this
strategy in close consultation with the Cabinet and the Congress,
with our cities and our states. Our task -- our bi-partisan task
-- is to build the national consensus necessary to support this
strategy. And to make the strategy a living and dynamic
document, responsive to new knowledge and new ideas, and to
global, environmental and international changes. A keystone of
this strategy will be the continuation of the successful policy
of market reliance.
This task will not be easy. America must balance: Our
increasing need for energy at reasonable prices. Our commitment
to a safer, healthier environment. Our determination to maintain
an economy that is second to none. And our goal to reduce
dependence, by ourselves and our friends and allies on unreliable
energy suppliers.
I am confident that America's can-do attitude, scientific
know-how, and old-fashioned common sense will prevail. By acting
now -- we can bequeath a legacy to the next century of a cleaner,
more prosperous and secure America.
5
Today's legislation is a good start down that path.
Domestically, natural gas can now reach its fullest potential as
an economic, clean and convenient energy source. I congratulate
those of you in Congress who have worked so hard and so long to
bring this legislation to my desk.
And with that -- it is with great pride that I now sign the
Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act into law.
#
#
#