Analysis: Bush energy plan fails to excite

WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration is stepping up efforts to meet the nation's growing energy needs amid spiraling oil prices, but some analysts are skeptical about how effective the proposals will be to address the problem.

In his second major speech on U.S. energy policy in as many weeks, President George W. Bush told those attending a conference sponsored by the Small Business Administration Wednesday it is imperative for the United States to reduce its dependence on foreign oil supplies.

"We're not producing energy here at home, which means we're reliant upon foreign nations," Bush said. "At the same time we've become more reliant upon foreign nations, the global demand for energy is growing faster than the growing supply. Other people are using more energy, as well, and that's contributed to a rise in prices."

To provide the country with ample energy, the president acknowledged the need not only to secure more domestic oil production, but also to develop alternative energy sources and boost energy efficiency. Among the tactics he outlined were making more use of nuclear energy, boosting hydrogen research efforts and building new oil refineries on inactive military bases.

Some critics think what Bush is proposing will not result in an immediate decrease in oil prices or boost supply to meet current demand.

"I can see they're trying to be creative ... but they're not addressing the issue of (finite) global supply (of oil) and the problem of climate change," Frank Verrastro, director of the energy program at the non-partisan Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, told United Press International.

He said the administration must look to curb the nation's demand for energy, rather than simply trying to cater to its seemingly insatiable appetite.

"I would give this (policy proposal) a D," said William Lowry, a political science professor who focuses on environmental policy at Washington University in St. Louis.

Lowry told UPI Bush is pushing for "more of the same, with heavy dependence on fossil fuels," while not providing enough incentive for research in renewable energy sources.

He also said if the administration actually were committed to tackling the energy issue, then it also would be looking for immediate solutions, such as raising vehicle fuel efficiency standards and increasing gasoline taxes to encourage vehicle owners to drive less.

•	Analysis: Bush energy plan fails to excite United Press International, Thursday, April 28, 2005 Byline: Shihoko Goto, UPI senior business correspondent

	Story also ran in 2 others:  Washington Times (DC) and World Peace Herald (DC)