(A) (Y p-f • SUGGESTED REPLY TO LETTERS AND TELEGRAMS REGARDING WEEKEND GAS STATION CLOS NG AND RATIONING. Dear J: As yOu know, the Carter standby gasoline rationing plan now has been defeated in Congress. -I 'have stated often that it is a terrible indictment of the Carter Administration that the President feels the need to submit a plan for gas rationing in peacetime. The fact that another of President Carter's schemes has failed demonstrates that Congress and the public have lost all confidence in the President's and Secretary Schlesinger's energy "planning." Actually, they have no energy plan, although they have had ample time to make substantial progress toward solving the energy crisis we face today. The solution, of course, can lie only in the production of more energy. I am opposed to gasoline rationing in Texas, and seek no authority for rationing at the State level or Sunday closing of service stations. I have, however, ordered a careful look at our supplies in Texas and the drafting of a contingency response plan for allocation of available gasoline supplies in the event of curtailments. It is possible that this plan, when it is developed, may include some provision for alternate-day sales based on odd-even license plates, for staggered service station hours or some curtailment of weekend sales. It is my hope that our supplies • will continue to be adequate and that spot shortages can be met without implementation • of the contingency plan we are evolving. Thank you for passing along your views and suggestions. They will be helpful • to us. Sincerely yours, William P. Clements, Jr. s'.