President George W. Bush says the country needs a common sense, realistic energy policy.

The President says finding ways to meet today's energy needs and tomorrow's energy needs will be among his goals in his remaining months in office.  He says the economy depends on it. 

"It's a challenging time," the President says on the current economic climate in the United States.  "I believe the foundations of this economy are strong.  I think with sound policies and the ingenuity of the American people, we're going to emerge better and stronger.  We've done it in the past and we'll do it again this time."

President Bush addressed members of The West Virginia Coal Association on Thursday morning at The Greenbrier Resort.  He talked about the varieties of energy that need to be used more including nuclear, solar and wind energy.

During the speech, the President also called on Congress to clear the way for offshore oil drilling before the August break.  However, the President says there is one key ingredient in any comprehensive energy plan adopted in the United States.

"We need to make sure we've got a reliable supply of electricity.  You can't grow your economy.  You can't provide hope for your people.  You can't afford to spend money on new technologies unless you have a strong economy and part of that strong economy is to make sure we have reliable sources of electricity and there's no more reliable source of electricity than coal."

President Bush says the federal government must build on its investments in clean coal technology.

Buck Harless introduced President Bush at The Greenbrier.  The President traveled from Washington, D.C. to West Virginia with Third District Congressman Nick Rahall on Thursday.