Bush: Bring energy measures to a vote

WASHINGTON, July 30 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush called out Congress Wednesday for its inaction on several energy-related measures as the August recess approaches.

While he called on Congress in June to lift its ban on oil drilling on the outer continental shelf, "Democratic leaders in Congress have refused to allow a vote," Bush said in a statement after a cabinet meeting.

Experts indicate OCS exploration could eventually lead to production of up to 18 billion barrels of oil, Bush said.

Opening OCS to exploration requires action by both Congress and Bush, who lifted the executive restriction.

"Bringing OCS resources online is going to take time -- and that means that the need for congressional action is urgent," he said. "I've done my part. And that means the only thing now standing between the American people and these vast oil resources is the United States Congress."

The president also touched on other parts of his energy security policy, including development of shale oil, next-generation technologies for clean coal production and alternative fuels, and wind, solar and nuclear power.

"Every extra dollar (consumers) have to spend because of high gas prices is one less dollar they can use to put food on the table, or to pay the rent, or meet their mortgages," he said.