Former AMR Chair Robert Crandall, in an open letter for which he is seeking signatories, is calling on President Bush to convene a special session of Congress August 9 to develop a national energy policy. Crandall, who has also called on Washington to develop a national transportation policy, was joined by the Business Travel Coalition in cited the fact that it has been 60 years since such a session was called by President Harry Truman to address rising inflation, a shortage of electrical power and concern about commodity speculation.
The two noted that actions go far beyond stemming speculation and cited efforts by T. Boone Pickens and Al Gore, as necessary steps. “Many in Congress believe that speculation lies at the root of the problem," said the two in a letter to colleagues asking for support. "Our view is that some steps to curb speculation may be necessary; however, simply curbing speculation will not solve our long-term energy problem. Congress’ focus on some meaningful short-term solutions is laudable, but we do not want to squander an unprecedented opportunity to focus our citizens’ concerns and create a critically needed long-term plan."
Those interested in signing the letter by COB July 28, can sign http://tinyurl.com/5n3e8l.