Addressing the need for greater public education about oil, President Bush announced yesterday during his weekly radio address that April will now be known as National Oil Awareness month.

Recent opinion polls show a decline in the public's understanding of how important oil is in their every day lives. Sixty-seven percent of respondents said they didn't think oil was necessary or important. Seventy-five percent refused to believe that the US is dependent on oil. The president said he is unahppy with these numbers.

We must start today to educate the American public about the importance of oil in our communities - in our lives. I ask you to join me in this - this awareness campaign and celebrate oil in this month of April. It is imperative that we do so in order to preserve our nation's freedom and democracy. Our future depends on it. Oil is your right - your right as an American citizen.

The month long public awareness campaign will kick off with the televised premiere of a new documentary, "The Joys of Oil". Associated educational materials will be available online for K-12 classroom use, including lesson plans and curriculum ideas for teachers. Virtual tours of oil rigs and the offshore drilling process will also be available on the site.

The president has also called on city and state governments to participate with events in their areas. One Texas town has already committed to hosting an Oil Festival culminating with a parade down Main Street, which they have renamed "Oil Road" in honor of the awareness efforts.

National Oil Awareness month is definitely a step in the right direction and clearly sends the message to other countries that Americans value their oil.

UPDATE: April Fools!