国际英语新闻:Obama Orders Faster Review for Oil Pipeline Projects

On Thursday, the Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives, John Boehner, told reporters that Obama's remarks in Oklahoma were driven by election year politics.

"The president is down here in Oklahoma, taking credit for a part of the pipeline that is going to go through the normal process. It has already gotten its approvals. And this idea that the president is going to expedite this will have no impact on the construction of this pipeline," Boehner said.

In Oklahoma, Obama struck back at critics who say he has not done enough to encourage U.S. oil production.

"Anybody who suggests that somehow we are suppressing domestic oil production isn't paying attention. They are not paying attention," said Obama.

When he speaks about energy, the president underscores the importance of alternative and clean sources, such as ethanol and wind power, and greater automobile fuel efficiency to reduce America's dependence on imported oil.

In Oklahoma, he said gasoline prices are determined by a global oil market influenced by events including tensions in the Middle East, including those involving Iran.

The president is expected to increase the frequency of such cross-country trips, emphasizing what he says are policies that are effective in helping the U.S. economy and creating jobs.