Bush Pleads for Conservation of Gas -- The 7th Sign?

In a move stunningly out of character for Dubya, in today's press conference he called for citizens to conserve gas in the coming weeks.  Knowing how anathema conservation of anything is to Bush, especially the petroleum that has propped up his sorry career and ultimately landed him in the White House, is it safe to assume that Katrina smashed the Gulf's drilling and refining capabilities at a level that has to date been hidden from the public?  I have been struck by the vagueness of reports on damage done to the refining infrastructure.  Perhaps I need to adjust my tinfoil hat but I can't help but feel there has been alot more damage done than the administration has let on.