Norton: "we need responsible energy production.".

Publication: Oil and Gas Investor

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COPYRIGHT 2005 Hart Publications, Inc.

Bush energy plan takes shape ... energy access ranks high on the administration's priority list.

Conservation and efficient use of energy, increased research into renewables and strong supplies of conventional resources remain strong points in President George W. Bush's plans.

"The independent producers of America play a vital role in that plan," said Interior Secretary Gale Norton at the Midyear meeting of IPAA.

The president has repeatedly tried to open the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Now, the Senate has passed ANWR legislation.

Meanwhile, Norton said, she is working to improve oil and gas production from federal lands. The reasons for the energy emphasis are clear. The California blackouts showed that need, and the terrorist attack of September 11 demonstrated that need, she said.

For many years, the United States has been the dominant buyer in the energy market, but now a dramatic competition has emerged for energy supplies. According to the International Energy Agency, China and India will more than double energy use in the next 25...

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