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Military

17 September 2001

Text: U.S. Energy Secretary Abraham Says Energy Infrastructure Sound

(Shipments of nuclear materials have been suspended) (670)
U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham ordered that all Energy
Department facilities be placed in high security status and all
shipments of nuclear materials halted following the September 11
terrorist attacks in New York and at the Pentagon.
In a statement released September 12, Abraham said all nuclear
material was secured.
"We monitored key energy infrastructure measures, and we especially
heightened security at nuclear plants, and at refineries, pipelines,
distribution points and along the electricity transmission grid," he
said. "I'm pleased to say that our energy infrastructure remains sound
and reliable."
Most department facilities resumed operations on September 12, but
remained on a high security status. Transportation of nuclear
materials remains suspended.
Abraham also reported that gasoline prices shot up in areas across the
country following the terrorist attacks. "We can report that there has
been no supply disruption to justify such prices," he said, adding
that he has launched an investigation into the price spikes, which
apparently resulted from rumors of major supply disruptions.
Following is the text of Abraham's statement:
(begin text)
U.S. Department of Energy
September 12, 2001
Statement of Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham On Reports of Gas Price
Spikes
"There have been reports of gas stations in some regions of the
country charging as much as $5 per gallon of gasoline based on alarms
of disruptions in the gasoline system resulting from Tuesday's events.
At my direction, the Energy Information Administration has
investigated these reports and the supply situation, and we can report
that there has been no supply disruption to justify such prices.
Throughout the day yesterday, we initiated contact with Governors to
provide this information. And we have asked relevant trade
associations and industry participants to make clear that significant
spikes in gas prices are not justified by the circumstances.
Moreover, I just spoke with Governor Whitman at EPA and have been
informed that her agency is moving forward to waive summer gas
standards, effective today, which should further ensure adequate
supply.
Finally, I would encourage consumers who encounter such unjustified
prices to seek other stations and bring it to our attention via the
Department of Energy Hotline at (800) 244-3301.
Yesterday's attacks necessitated a heightened level of security, at
DOE facilities and throughout our nation's energy supply and
distribution system. I want to give you an update on actions the
Department of Energy has taken to ensure safety for DOE personnel as
well as to ensure the nation's energy security.
Yesterday, I ordered that all DOE facilities be placed in high
security status. All non-essential DOE personnel were evacuated and
sent home. All shipments of nuclear materials were halted.
Nuclear operations around the country were ceased, and nuclear
material was secured.
We monitored key energy infrastructure measures, and we especially
heightened security at nuclear plants, and at refineries, pipelines,
distribution points, and along the electricity transmission grid.
"We also monitored and assessed the nation's oil and gas supply,
including the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. I'm pleased to say that our
energy infrastructure remains sound and reliable.
Today, naturally, we are maintaining an extraordinarily high security
status. At the same time, we have re-opened our facilities and resumed
operations. We are continually monitoring key energy infrastructure
security, and we are continually assessing the status of the nation's
oil and gas
supply. 
In the coming days we will continue to monitor the status of our
security at DOE facilities, as well as to monitor the status of the
nation's energy security. We will consider releasing the hold on
transportation of nuclear materials, but until we make an announcement
to that effect, the shipment of nuclear materials remains halted.
As the President has made clear, we will continue to conduct our
business - which is to serve the American people."
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)



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