Key politicians, labour leaders solidly behind Carter oil plan

Press, 18 July 1979, Page 8

Key politicians, labour leaders solidly behind Carter oil plan

NZPA Washington Key United States Congressmen are promising quick action to help win what President Carter calls the “energy war.” President Carter’s $U5142,200M energy programme, including his decision to set import quotas that would slash United States dependence on foreign oil, was well received in virtually all sections of United States society. Mr Carter’s fellow Democrats, who control Congress, praised his sombre address to the nation as his best speech as President. Republican leaders also generally responded favourably, and the influential labour leader, Mr George Meany, the president of the A.F.L.-C.1.0. confederation who often has been at odds with Mr Carter over energy policy, pledged

his support Mr Meany said the programme was “good, long overdue, and warrants the support of Americans.” The reaction apparently guaranteed Mr Carter’s programme a relatively easy passage, and gave his political fortunes a boost as he strove to reassert his leadership after doubts about his ability, and plummeting popularity' ratings. The White House reported that telephone calls and telegrams were running about 85 per cent in Mr Carter’s favour after his speech urging Americans to unite to overcome a crisis of confidence and beat the energy crisis and soaring inflation. Buoyed by the response to his nationwide address, the President delivered a forceful speech in Kansas City, Missouri, in which he gave details of his energy plans. He also visited Detroit for a speaking engagement. In Detroit, at the annual

convention of the Communications Workers of America, Mr Carter spoke of people saying he was managing the Government, not leading. “I’ve made mistakes,” he said. “I’ve learned my lesson. I will put my faith in the American people. God willing, I will do my best ...” Time after time he repeated his plea for Americans to rally round him. “On the battlefield of energy, this democracy is going to make its stand.” he said. “And on that battlefield, you and I — fighting side by side — will win the energy war.” In Kansas City, he spoke at times in a rapidfire delivery style not seen since his 1976 Presidential election campaign. The main points of his programme would: — Set an oil import quota of 8.2 M barrels a day this year, 300,000 barrels a day less than he agreed tc at

the Tokyo economic summit meeting. Quotas would be fixed each succeeding year so that by 1990 United States imports would be between five and six million barrels a day. — Make 2.5 M barrels of synthetic fuels by 1990. — Provide 52400 M annually over 10 years to offset the burden on poor people of rising costs. The President has arranged White House breakfast talks with Republican and Democratic Congressional leaders to discuss his energy programme. Senator Henry Jackson, Democratic chairman of the Senate Energv Committee, forecast that the Senate would approve the programme before it adjourns for its summer recess on August 3. The Speaker of the House of Representatives. Mr Tip O’Neill, said Congress was in a mood to take swift action.