December 2007 Newsletter

12/1/07

Welcome to our new monthly e-newsletter that will recap recent events hosted by the Institute for 21st Century Energy, raise awareness of important stories about America's energy future, and highlight recent publications.

From time to time, I will even share with you some of my personal impressions as I travel around the country, and across the globe, talking about the energy challenges that face us. In this, our first issue, check out some photos from my recent trip to the coal mines of the Powder River Basin in Wyoming.

I've also been in Wyoming, Russia, and the Czech Republic recently, meeting with government and business leaders and discussing the role energy issues are playing in our national and international security.

At home in the United States, many individuals and families are realizing that energy is a family issue as higher energy prices face us at the gas pump and in monthly utility bills. As both a resource and infrastructure challenge, energy is an issue of fundamental importance to business and to all of us who care about the impact on the environment.

Energy is also a tremendous opportunity for American leadership in a changing world. The Institute for 21st Century Energy intends to provide this leadership by unifying the nation behind a common strategy to ensure that America's supply of fuel and power is adequate, diverse, and affordable, while protecting national security and improving the environment.

Join us in this effort by logging on to our Web site at www.energyxxi.org.

Sincerely,

General James L. Jones (Ret.)
President and Chief Executive Officer
Institute for 21st Century Energy

 

Jones Tours General Motors

On Dec. 10, General James L. Jones (Ret.) took a fact-finding trip to Detroit, where he and U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue rode in alternative fuel vehicles, including a hydrogen-powered Chevrolet Equinox. The SUV, which runs on a fuel cell and a series of batteries, had plenty of horsepower and performed well, the General noted. "I applaud GM in its commitment to move the nation toward cars and trucks powered by hydrogen and other alternative energy technologies," he added.

Jones Visits Coal Country

In late October, General Jones paid a visit to the Southern Powder River Basin Operations of Peabody Energy in Wyoming to see firsthand the vital role coal plays in providing affordable energy to Americans, and in supporting local economies. This visit was the first in a national tour by General Jones to speak to energy industry leaders and to witness first hand energy production and distribution operations. Jones saw one of the largest coal mines in North America, where more than 138 million tons of coal was produced in 2006, keeping lights on in more than 16 million American households by serving more than 117 power plants in 21 states.

The scale of the mines and their operations impressed Jones. "I have a great appreciation for how Peabody Energy and other companies produce coal, which is an abundant and affordable fuel for our nation's power plants," Jones said. "I would encourage all opinion makers to learn more about how energy is generated by visiting mines, power plants and refineries," he added.

Institute Hosts Energy Supply Forum

On October 9, the Institute held its inaugural energy fact-finding meeting, which featured keynote addresses by former Secretary of Energy James Schlesinger and Deputy Secretary of Energy Clay Sell. America's Energy Outlook: How Much Will We Really Need ... How Much Do We Really Have featured three distinguished panels of energy experts who explored economic growth and energy demand, future supplies, and the role of efficiency and technology to meet existing and future energy needs. The dialogue from this meeting will ultimately be used when the Institute rolls out its energy plan in June 2008. The speeches delivered by Former Secretary James Schlesinger and Deputy Secretary Sell are available on the Institute's Web site.

UN Secretary-General Addresses Institute

The Institute hosted United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on October 11 to talk about international cooperation on climate change. Secretary-General Ban, a supporter of the Kyoto Protocol, called for U.S. leadership on the issue, and highlighted the importance of the private sector's role in reducing greenhouse gases. "Action by U.S. business is especially crucial because of your unrivalled financial resources as well as your leadership in technological innovation." After concluding his address, available on the Institute Web site, the Secretary-General took questions from the audience.

Institute Expands Publications

Recently, the Institute issued several new publications that will help create a more energy-literate American public. A paper on Climate Change Options was released as part of the Just the Facts series of basic energy knowledge and addresses a carbon tax, cap-and-trade, and the role of technology and efficiency in addressing the climate change risk. Along with previous Just the Facts papers, it is available on the Institute Web site.

The Institute is also pleased to introduce Save Energy, Save Money: A Consumer's Guide to Energy Efficiency which features a series of energy saving tips that can be easily accomplished in your home or on the road.

Fuel for Thought -- energy facts to remember. This month, our thoughts focus on coal.

1. Coal provides half of all electricity in the United States.
2. On average, each person in the U.S. uses 7,442 pounds of coal annually.
3. Coal is the cheapest power plant fuel, averaging less than one-third the price of petroleum and natural gas.
4. America has a 250-year supply of coal, equivalent to more than all of the oil in the Middle East.
5. Power plants being built today emit 90 percent less sulfur dioxide, particulates, nitrogen oxide, and mercury than the 1970s-era plants they typically replace.

Stay Tuned ...

Watch for a new look on the Institute's web site and other updates on events.

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