Bush urges Congress to approve energy proposals

WASHINGTON, Feb 10 (Reuters) President George W. Bush today urged the US Congress to approve his energy proposals, saying it was an area with ''great potential for bipartisan cooperation.'' Bush, who has to deal with a Congress led by Democrats for the first time in his presidency, has proposed developing technologies for alternative fuels with the goal of reducing America's gasoline consumption by 20 per cent in 10 years.

Bush said cutting US dependence on oil would reduce pollution and vulnerability to ''hostile regimes'' disrupting oil supply.

''A spike in oil prices anywhere in the world could lead to higher prices at gas pumps here in America,'' Bush said in his weekly radio address. ''And burning oil and gasoline creates air pollution and greenhouse gases.'' Environmentalists have called for mandatory limits on greenhouse gas emissions, which are believed to contribute to rising global temperatures and changing weather patterns. The Bush administration has rejected mandatory caps.

Bush proposed 2.7 billion dollars to expand alternative energy research in the fiscal 2008 budget plan he sent to Congress earlier this week.

''Every member of Congress who cares about strengthening our economy, protecting our national security, and confronting climate change should support the energy initiatives I have set out,'' Bush said.

''By working together to pass energy legislation soon, we can help solve one of the great challenges facing our generation,'' he said.

REUTERS BDP VC2102