B042_greet3.txt

The simple lesson we've learned again and again is that the best way to meet challenges is to stay ahead of them. So the President is taking some new steps to prepare for more cold weather this winter. First, the President is directing the Departments of Energy and Transportation to make extra efforts to keep navigation lanes in U.S. harbors free of ice for ships bringing in heating oil. The President is also asking them to work with states to relieve bottlenecks on our nation's roads, rivers and pipelines. Second, in the Northwest, which is experiencing tight electricity supplies, the President is asking all federal facilities to join those in California that are already reducing their electricity consumption during peak hours. This will help to keep lights and heat on in homes and businesses across the rest. Third, Energy Secretary Richardson has extended an emergency order to power plants providing electricity to California to keep the power flowing in that hard-hit state. Fourth, the President is asking the Small Business Administration to reach out to small businesses with high-energy costs to make them aware of special SBA loans that will allow them to stretch out their energy payments. That could be a big help for businesses trying to get through this cold winter.