Jimmy Carter

“ New worldwide crude oil production is now and is likely to continue to be at least two million barrels a day less than consumption through the first quarter of 1981. This shortage has resulted in increased petroleum prices, and the combined effects of the shortage and present and future price increases resulting from it may have a major adverse impact on the national economy. ”

“ This Conservation Plan was implemented by me approximately eighteen months ago because it was clear in view of the unstable world production of crude oil that we could not rely on imports to meet our normal demand. ”

“ The war between Iran and Iraq, as well as border tensions between Syria and Jordan and the Soviet actions in Afghanistan, have also greatly increased the threat to other sources of .petroleum supplies in the Middle East. Should other disruptions result, they are likely to be of an emergency nature and to further disrupt the Nation's economy. ”