February 2008 Newsletter

Institute Seeks Greater Public Awareness of Energy Issues

U.S. citizens must increase their awareness of energy issues and seek action from policymakers, according to General James L. Jones (Ret.), President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber Institute for 21st Century Energy. General Jones made his remarks January 28 in Fort Myers, Florida to senior executives of Parade magazine at the publication’s annual conference. “Even with the decline in prices, which is likely a short-term trend, I hope the federal government will finish its job on energy. The United States needs a comprehensive, strategic energy policy that protects families and jobs beyond 2030,” Jones said.

Institute Hosts Shell President Hofmeister

The U.S. Chamber Institute for 21st Century Energy drew 300 people to a February 14th event marking the Shell Oil Company’s release of an energy security white paper. Shell President John Hofmeister released the paper, the culmination of a 50-city tour in 2007. General Jones introduced Mr. Hofmeister and praised Shell for fostering a national dialogue on energy security.  Defining the term is essential for the future of energy policy, General Jones said. “Energy security means families, businesses and governments have a steady supply of fuel and power from a broad range of sources and technologies.” A diverse supply of fuels delivered by an enhanced and secure critical infrastructure will help keep energy affordable and clean, General Jones said.

General Jones Discusses New Energy Security Paradigm

General Jones told a Kansas City, Missouri audience last month that the post-Cold War era has changed the security and energy framework for the world. Speaking to members of the Kansas City Industrial Council on January 25, General Jones said the greatest threat to freedom, security and the global energy supply for the United States and other nations are non-state actors. “I take terrorists at their word when they say they will attack our economies by disrupting the flow of energy,” he said.

Institute Hosts Forum on Future Automotive Technologies

The U.S. Chamber Institute for 21st Century Energy hosted a dialogue for 100 attendees on cutting-edge automotive technologies on Wednesday, January 23.  Biofuels, hybrid and “plug-in” hybrid vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, and advanced internal combustion engines were among the technologies discussed by senior officials from Chrysler, the Edison Electric Institute, Exxon Mobil, Ford, General Motors, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Toyota, and the U.S. Department of Energy.  In summarizing key themes emerging from Future Automotive Technologies, former Energy Under Secretary and Energy Institute policy consultant David Garman said that there are a variety of promising technologies that can reduce emissions and our dependence on foreign oil, but that they can only have a substantial impact if they are widely adopted. General Jones praised all the participants in the seminar for engaging in a dialogue that “should lead the next President and Congress to adopt a comprehensive, common-sense energy policy.”

Institute Applauds President Bush’s Support for Energy

The U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy welcomed President Bush’s focus on promising energy technologies in his 2008 State of the Union address.  “In his State of the Union message, President Bush recognized that the United States must set an example for other countries by leading the development of technologies such as carbon capture and storage,” said General Jones. “The United States must provide global leadership by advancing technologies and policies to diversify our energy sources and solutions while improving the environment,” Jones added.  President Bush also focused on the U.S. record of technological innovation, which Jones said must continue to help satisfy growing energy demand.

In the Headlines

New York Times — US government delays hearing on first new nuclear plant proposal
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/14/business/14nuke.html?scp=4&sq=energy&st=nyt

Washington Post —Threats of power shortages creating new sense of urgency http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/02/AR2008020202554.html

Wall Street Journal — China’s coal demand reverberates http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120275985736359763.html

Fuel for Thought—energy facts to remember. This month, our thoughts focus on oil.
1. Petroleum is the raw material for many chemical products, including pharmaceuticals, solvents, fertilizers, pesticides, perfume, food preservatives, detergents, plastics, deodorants, medicines, explosives, carpets, and contact lenses.
2. The United States imports most of its oil from Canada and Mexico. It gets about 14% of its petroleum from the Middle East.
3. All the world's biggest known oil reserves are in the Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iran.
4. Each American burns 25 barrels of oil a year, each Briton burns 11, each Chinese burns 2.
5. Americans consume 10,000 gallons of oil per second.