Remarks to the Small Business Administration's National Small Business Week Conference

Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, May 2, 2005

As well we will explore ways we can work with like-minded countries to develop advance nuclear technologies that are safe, clean, and protect against proliferation. With these technologies, with the expansion of nuclear power, we can relieve stress on the environment and reduce global demand for fossil fuels. That would be good for the world, and that would be good for American consumers as well.

This strategy will work for our children and our grandchildren. We should have put this in place several decades ago. We haven't had a national energy strategy in this country for a long period of time. I tried to get the Congress to pass it 4 years ago. Now is the time for them to act. For the sake of this country, for the sake of a growing economy, and for the sake of national security, we've got to do what it takes to expand our independence. We must become less dependent. And there's no doubt in my mind that technology is going to help us achieve that objective.

One reason why I believe so strongly is because free societies are able to adjust to the times, and we're the freest of free societies. We're a society where it doesn't matter where you were raised or where you're from. If you've got a dream, you can pursue it and realize your dream.

Our country has always responded to challenges because we've got people with such great imaginations and such drive and such determination. Twenty-five years from now, people are going to look back and say, "I like my hydrogen-powered automobile"--[laughter]--you know, "I produced a little extra energy this year from my home." Our farmers are going to be saying, "'You know, the crop's up, and we're less dependent."

Now is the time to put that strategy in place. Now is the time to do the right thing for America. Now is the time to set aside political differences and focus on what is good for the United States of America. And with your help, we'll achieve that.

God bless you all. Thanks for coming.

NOTE: The President spoke at 2:16 p.m. at the Hilton Washington Hotel. In his remarks, he referred to Marianne Sensale-Guerin, president and owner, Guerin Associates, LLC, and 2005 SBA National Small Business Person of the Year.