Saying that the U.S. faces a “darker future” if it doesn’t boost its domestic energy supply, President Bush unveiled his long-awaited proposal today to open more federal lands to oil and gas drilling, build many more power plants, and increase the production of nuclear power in the country. Under the plan, Bush will issue one executive order requiring federal agencies to consider the impact on energy supplies whenever issuing a regulation and another requiring agencies to expedite permits for all energy-related projects, effectively setting aside some clean-air rules in order to increase energy production. The White House peppered the plan with provisions about alternative and renewable energy sources, in the apparent hope of building support for the plan. One provision would give a significant tax credit to consumers who buy gas-electric hybrid cars.
