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Bush warns of energy backlash

WASHINGTON, June 15 (UPI) -- President Bush warned Congress Wednesday on possible public backlash if it fails to pass comprehensive energy legislation soon.

"My advice is, they ought to keep this in mind: Summer's here, temperatures are rising and tempers will rise if Congress doesn't pass energy legislation."

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The American public knows energy legislation would do nothing in the short term to lower gas prices, "buy they're not going to tolerate inaction in Washington as they watch the underlying problems grow worse."

Bush made the remarks in Washington at an energy efficiency forum.

Bush said the primary reason for rising gasoline prices was a worldwide increase in demand. In the long run, he said, the United States must cut its dependence on foreign energy sources.

According to the Energy Information Administration imported crude accounted for about 58 percent of the country's daily consumption, which currently runs at about 20 million barrels a day.

The administration is touting drilling in Alaska. It also says increased energy efficiency, the use of nuclear power and alternative energy sources are needed to correct the situation.

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