Bush looks at post-Gustav energy needs

WASHINGTON, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- A follow-up on energy production after Hurricane Gustav hit U.S. Gulf Coast states is as important as pre-storm planning, President George Bush said Tuesday.

Focusing on energy issues, Bush said federal officials were "in the process of assessing any damage done to the infrastructure" but it was too early to offer "a solid assessment."

"There are some encouraging signs," he said in a statement.

During Hurricane Katrina, Bush said, the force of the storm moved the rigs, dragging their anchors across pipelines and damaging the infrastructure.

"We didn't see much of that this time, although I will tell you that it's a little early to be making any forecasts," Bush said.

It's not too early in the post-storm assessment, however, "for the federal government to continue to coordinate with state and local people," Bush said. "We want to make sure that we're in touch with these energy-producing states, to help assess what took place and what needs to happen."