Louisiana Reaction to Bush's Drilling Decision

(AP) - Comments from various state leaders on President Bush's decision to allow offshore drilling:

Gov. Bobby Jindal: "The President's announcement today is a positive signal for Louisiana and our nation. The reality is that we are in an energy crisis that has been in the works for years. We need a comprehensive, balanced energy policy ... that pursues everything simultaneously, from more offshore drilling to exploring nuclear, solar and wind alternative energy sources, and increasing conservation efforts.

"This news today is especially encouraging to Louisiana as we continue to work toward being the energy technology capital of the world. We will pursue incentives and tax policies to position our state as a national leader in reducing our country's dependence on foreign sources of oil."

U.S. Sen. David Vitter: "With this executive order, the president has cleared another hurdle from increasing offshore exploration. Congress must answer the calls of the American people and act now to allow more domestic energy production."

U.S. Rep. Don Cazayoux: "I commend President Bush for ending the executive moratorium on offshore drilling. During a time in which American families are struggling due to the high price of gasoline, we should use all available resources in order to increase our supply of energy.

"In addition to helping ease pain at the pump, expanded offshore drilling will benefit Louisiana, which already leads the nation in offshore drilling. I encourage Congress to follow suit and lift its ban on offshore drilling."

U.S. Rep. Charles W. Boustany: "Families in Southwest Louisiana are struggling, and the President took one small step toward increasing our energy supply and lowering prices at the pump. The President demonstrated real leadership, and now Congress must follow to lift the Congressional moratorium. Lifting the executive ban puts even more pressure on Washington Democrats to follow his lead."