WASHINGTON, DC – First District Congressman Paul Ryan today praised President Bush for taking a serious, pro-active approach to this country's energy problems by putting forward a comprehensive energy policy. This morning, the President announced his energy plan to the nation at a speech in St. Paul, Minnesota. The plan emphasizes using cutting-edge technology to promote conservation and diversify the U.S. energy supply.

"For years, our country has not had a comprehensive national energy policy in place and, sadly, we're paying the price for it today. In Wisconsin, and throughout this country, Americans have been suffering from skyrocketing energy prices and supply problems," Ryan said. "From inadequate and aging infrastructure to an inefficient patchwork of regulations that distort our energy market – many factors have contributed to our current troubles. Better long-term planning over the past decade could have yielded smarter, better-informed policy, and prevented some of our present supply problems."

"The President took a critical step today in unveiling an energy policy that can serve as a starting point for tackling our current problems and meeting future challenges," Ryan added. "I look forward to evaluating each of the White House recommendations. No doubt, there will be areas of agreement and disagreement, but by laying out a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to dealing with our energy shortage, the President has provided a basis for debate and action. I look forward to continuing to work with the Administration as well as my colleagues in Congress on these issues."

"People should not have to take out a loan so they can heat their homes or fill their gas tank," Ryan said. "At the same time, affordable energy does not have to come at the expense of our environment. Our quality of life depends not only on a reliable energy supply, but also on clean air, water, and a healthy ecosystem. The policies we develop need to take all these goals into account."