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MAY 21, 2001

President Bush on Friday issued two executive orders in line with the comprehensive energy policy he released last week.

The first directs federal agencies speed up the approval process for refineries, power plants, and other energy facilities. The Bush energy plan estimates anywhere from 1,300 to 1,900 power plants are needed to address current and growing consumer demand.

The second directs federal agencies to consider the affects any of their proposed actions have on energy supplies. Alternatives must be discussed, including one that is more energy supply friendly.

This order is likely to have a more significant impact, as it will require additional work by federal agencies, some of whom produce 5,000-page documents about their proposed actions. As Colorado's Attorney General, Secretary of Interior Gale Norton once testified before Congress that environmental impact statements were becoming too unwieldy.

Get the Story:
Bush Orders Quicker Power Plant Approvals (The Washington Post 5/19)

Get the Executive Orders:
ACTIONS TO EXPEDITE ENERGY-RELATED PROJECTS (The White House 5/18)
ACTIONS CONCERNING REGULATIONS THAT SIGNIFICANTLY
AFFECT ENERGY SUPPLY, DISTRIBUTION, OR USE (The White House 5/18)

Get the Energy Policy:
Reliable, Affordable, and Environmentally Sound Energy for America’s Future (The White House 5/17)
ERRATA: Corrections (The White House 5/17)

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Improved drilling technology cited (5/15)
Millions approved for pro-drilling efforts (5/8)
Good or bad, drilling stays with Natives (5/7)
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Former Interior Secretary: Drill ANWR (4/26)
Campbell: Alaska Natives support drilling (4/25)
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