COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Tapping into America's concern over rising gas prices, President Bush is renewing his call for Congress to act on his energy plan.

On a visit to Ohio, the president said after four years debating his plan to encourage energy production, it's time for Congress to get the job done."

Bush calls soaring fuel bills "legitimate concerns for all Americans." He also says they're hurting small businesses -- and costing jobs.

He spoke after visiting research labs at the Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus.

Afterward, at a nearby auditorium, he argued for two key planks of his energy plan -- the use of so-called "clean coal" technology that reduces sulfur content, and oil drilling in the Alaskan Arctic.

Republicans are hoping their increased margin in the Senate may allow them to finally overcome objections to drilling in the wildlife refuge.

Date published: 3/9/2005

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