That's why this is a gathering of eagles. Your meetings are more than strategy sessions. They are soul food for the mind, they provide an inspiration for the spirit, and they serve as an affirmation of our enduring struggle and our continuing triumphs. Your workshop here in Memphis is designed to give mayors a better understanding of how you, and the residents of your communities, can use energy more efficiently and cost effectively. For example, if you increase the average fuel efficiency of the automobile fleet by three miles per gallon, you could save one million barrels of oil per day.
Leadership means being able to tackle the tough issues of our times.
We are working to find solutions to the problems associated with electricity reliability. We are trying to develop the best strategies for insuring that our nation and our citizens have a reliable and stable source of electricity. I commend those mayors and local officials around the country who have recognized the importance of this issue. Mayors are on the front line of the ongoing effort to deliver service in a cost efficient manner to the residents of your communities. We have many programs in place that improve the quality of life for the residents of small communities.