Presidential Quote Roundup: America's Dependence on Foreign Oil

In response to rising gas prices, President Obama has conceded to Republicans and is proposing an increase in domestic oil production, reports ABC News. President Obama is the most recent of a long list of presidents who have called for an end to America's dependence on foreign oil. Here is a compilation of quotes regarding energy policy from every president since Dwight Eisenhower.

"The United States knows that peaceful power from atomic energy is no dream of the future. That capability, already proved, is here-now-today -- This capability would rapidly be transformed into universal, efficient, and economic usage." -- Part of President Dwight Eisenhower's "Atoms for Peace" speech given to the UN General Assembly Dec. 8, 1953.

"But even under conservative projections, we face a future of critical shortages and handicaps. By the year 2000, a United States population of 300 million - nearly doubled in 40 years - will need far greater supplies of farm products, timber, water, minerals, fuels, energy and opportunities for outdoor recreation." -- From President John F. Kennedy's "Special Message to the Congress on Natural Resources" given Feb. 23, 1961.

Lyndon Johnson -- Johnson's presidency is absent of any type of energy policy, most likely because his administration was engulfed by the war in Vietnam.

"Let this be our national goal: At the end of this decade, in the year 1980, the United States will not be dependent on any other country for the energy we need to provide our jobs, to heat our homes, and to keep our transportation moving." -- Part of President Richard Nixon's State of the Union Address given Jan. 30, 1974.

"We are now paying out $25 billion a year for foreign oil. Five years ago we paid out only $3 billion annually. Five years from now, if we do nothing, who knows how many more billions will be flowing out of the United States. These are not just American dollars, these are American jobs." -- Part of President Gerald Ford's "Address on Energy Policy" given May 27, 1975.

"Tonight I want to have an unpleasant talk with you about a problem unprecedented in our history. With the exception of preventing war, this is the greatest challenge our country will face during our lifetimes. The energy crisis has not yet overwhelmed us, but it will if we do not act quickly." -- Part of President James "Jimmy" Carter's televised speech given April 18, 1977.

"Given our continued vulnerability to energy supply disruptions, certain emergency preparations - such as rapid filling of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve - remain principally a government responsibility. But our basic role is to provide a sound and stable economic and policy environment that will enable our citizens, businesses, and governmental units at all levels to make rational decisions on energy use and production." -- Part of President Ronald Reagan's message to Congress given July 17, 1981.

"As I've pointed out before, conservation efforts are essential to keep our energy needs as low as possible. And we must then take advantage of our energy sources across the board: coal, natural gas, hydro, and nuclear. Our failure to do these things has made us more dependent on foreign oil than ever before." -- Part of President George H.W. Bush's Address before a joint session of Congress given Sept. 11, 1990.

"The nation's growing reliance on imports of oil ... threatens the nation's security." --Part of President Bill Clinton's "Statement on Energy Security" given Feb. 16, 1995.

"Keeping America competitive requires affordable energy. And here we have a serious problem: America is addicted to oil, which is often imported from unstable parts of the world." -- Part of President George W. Bush's State of the Union Address given Jan. 31, 2006

"But over the long term, the only way we can avoid being held hostage to the ups and downs of oil prices is if we reduce our dependence on oil -- That means investing in clean, alternative sources of energy, like advanced biofuels and natural gas. And that means making cars and trucks and buses that use less oil." -- Part of President Obama's Weekly Radio Address given May 7, 2011.