In Reply to: Bush's energy polcy writen by wealthy oil executives posted by Greg on March 28, 2002 at 13:26:29:

Greg -- You, the Washington Post, the New York Times, and the L.A. Times have proven once again that you are all left wing, liberal, and totally biased entities when it comes to reporting the facts.

The facts are that Energy and other Bush administration officials specifically contacted environmental groups for input — but many times were rebuffed. This was detailed in the Energy Department documents released on Monday, but ignored by you and the media.

Instead, you again used the occasion to embellish your pre-conceived notion that Bush folks are preoccupied with big oil and big business. The facts are that Energy Department officials did meet with five environmental and consumer groups (the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, the Sierra Club, Environmental Defense, Resources for the Future and the American Wind Energy Association). Five other environmental groups did not respond to a request for comments, including the World Wildlife Fund and Greenpeace.

From an Energy Dept. Press release:
"Beginning March 21, 2001, staff from the former Office of Policy contacted environmental and energy efficiency non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Successful contacts and at least one substantive discussion was held with each of the following NGOs during the last 10 days of March, 2001: Alliance to Save Energy, Environmental Defense, American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, Sierra Club, Resources for the Future, World Resources Institute, Greenpeace, Association for Wind Energy, Tellus Institute. Not all organizations were responsive. Several did not return phone calls and messages. We asked each organization for policy suggestions that might be considered for inclusion in the national plan directed toward energy supply, conservation or efficiency. It was made clear in the course of discussion that we could not guarantee inclusion, but only consideration. In general, we encountered a lack of responsiveness to the offer to submit ideas for NEP consideration, reflected in the paucity of callbacks and the occasional response of ‘check our web site.' (SOURCE: August 10, 2001 DOE letter to GAO.)"

I expect the Energy Secretary to meet with leaders of Energy companies. Guess that surprises others.

More facts: 9 of 19 National Resources Defense Council recommendations (47 percent) were included in the National Energy Plan! And the American Petroleum Institute made 25 recommendations, but the NEP included only 4 of these (16 percent).

Below for more:

• http://www.energy.gov/HQPress/releases02/marpr/pr02052.htm

Follow Ups:

• Re: Factually inaccurate post from Greg Greg 07:37:32 3/29/2002 (1)
  • Re: Factually inaccurate post from Greg Voter 21:53:17 3/29/2002 (0)