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YES, the President has the constitutional authority to convene both houses of Congress in 'extraordinary' circumstances - the energy crisis certainly qualifies as 'extraordinary' to all but the Pelosicrats (who do love to Demagogue over gas prices etc. but won't DO anything about it).

Last time it was done was Pres. Truman in 1948, but it used to be done many times before that. Demagogues will scream but the comparison to Truman shouldd be loudly and firmly invoked. btw, it proved to be a political boon for Truman to do so, as it made him appear strong and decisive when his poll standing and re-election prospects had been fading badly. Pres. Bush obviously is not up for re-election, but his pary and his country desperately need him to deliver a firm kick in the teeth to the vicious Pelosicrats. Make Congress re-convence and DEMAND that they vote on drilling (will make obvious that the Pelosicrats are blocking a vote b/c they know they are in the minority now on this issue due to defections of nervous "blue dog" Democrats.

Demagogues would scream that it was all 'political' but of course everything THEY do is partisan politics in the extreme.

excerpt from US Constitution on President's power to convene both houses of Congress:

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Section 3 - State of the Union, Convening Congress

He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper....