Bush acts to speed new power plants in California

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush ordered all relevant federal agencies Friday to expedite the review and licensing of new power plants in California, a state gripped in an energy crunch.

Bush issued his order at the request of California Gov. Gray Davis, who already has directed state and local agencies to hasten permit approvals for power plants.

"The federal government should make every effort to work with California and to help its citizens," Bush said in a written statement. "I hereby direct all relevant federal agencies to expedite federal permit reviews and decision procedures with respect to the siting and operation of power plants in California."

The memorandum was issued to the secretaries of Defense, Interior, Agriculture and Commerce, and the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

The president said all expedited actions "must be consistent with statute and ensure continued protection of public health and the environment."

Davis' request that Bush speed up federal approvals to build power plants sparked outrage among environmental groups. Cutting through red tape to approve new plants, environmental groups argue, could bring a risk of endangering the environment.

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