Energy Institute Applauds Call For Bold Federal Action

5/9/08

WASHINGTON, D.C.--Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) today urged the federal government to embark on a new 5-year "Manhattan Project" to put America firmly on the path to a clean energy future. The leaders of the U.S. Chamber Institute for 21st Century Energy applauded his effort because they believe the time is now for bold action by Congress and the administration on a comprehensive, common-sense energy strategy.

"Current U.S. energy policy reflects a stovepipe, quick-fix mentality when what we need is a strategic vision and a long term commitment," said General James L. Jones, President and CEO of the Institute. "Senator Alexander has it right when he called upon lawmakers to get serious and soon.  While our energy challenges did not occur overnight and the solutions will not materialize overnight, the time to act is now.  The American public deserves no less and future generations depend on our swift and smart action."

"Meeting America’s energy demand for a growing economy will require diverse sources of energy and a broad range of technologies. Some of those technologies are ready and some are not." The Institute commended Senator Alexander’s call for plug-in hybrid cars and trucks and more advanced biofuels in the transportation sector and carbon capture and storage technology and renewable sources in the electricity sector. Jones noted, "Most of all, we need a new public-private partnership and the funding to deploy these types of solutions throughout our economy."

America is unmatched in the caliber of its academic institutions, research laboratories entrepreneurs, and private industry.  "We have to unleash the real power of American innovation on solving our energy challenge," said Jones.

"Policymakers are rightly engaged in the debate about how to use energy more efficiently and develop clean energy technologies, however, as Senator Alexander points out, the time for talk is over and the call to action by American consumers has been issued.  However, elected leaders owe their constituents sound analyses of the economic and environmental tradeoffs offered by the diverse set of solutions that will transform fuel and power in the 21st Century." 

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