By Thomas J. Donohue, President and CEO
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
November 25, 2008
Pragmatic Solutions for America's Energy Security
To aid the president-elect and his team of advisors during this historic transfer of power, the U.S. Chamber's Institute for 21st Century Energy released a
Transition Plan for Securing America's Energy Future. What makes the Institute's plan different from others released in recent years is that it is practical, actionable, and measurable. It details
what our political leadership should implement,
where in government responsibility should lie,
when action should be taken, and
how the president-elect should sequence this plan.
The decline in oil prices over the past two months means that energy issues could be relegated to the backseat of the public policy debate. We must not let that happen. Expanding our energy horizons will do much to drive our economic recovery and create American jobs, industries, and technologies. The Institute's transition plan presents a pragmatic agenda for realizing this goal.
The Institute recommends, for example, that the president-elect immediately create a new White House office to coordinate energy policy. And within the first 100 days, the Institute suggests permanently ending the prohibition on exploration for American energy on and off our shores, expanding emissions-free nuclear power, and ensuring robust investments in clean energy research and development. Implementing each of the plan's
88 recommendations will foster the growth necessary to put the American economy back on track and ensure the competitiveness that supports global leadership and the prosperity of all Americans.
Access to clean, affordable energy is critical to U.S. businesses, economic growth, national security, and global competitiveness. Yet today, this country has no real energy strategy, and the situation is critical. Although we're in an economic downturn right now, energy demand will increase dramatically in coming years. Most experts agree that global energy consumption will increase 50% by 2030. In the United States, it could grow as much as one-third. Without concrete and decisive action, we will reach a point where existing supplies are eclipsed by demand, resulting in soaring prices and energy shortages.
Throughout the presidential campaign and the ongoing transition, President-elect Obama has declared that transforming America's energy economy will be a top priority of his administration. Although we may disagree on some of the specifics, this is an issue on which the U.S. Chamber and the incoming Obama administration can cooperate. We look forward to working with our new president on crafting a comprehensive, long-term energy policy to spur economic growth, create jobs, and preserve our environment.
Originally published 25 November 2008. Reprinted by permission, uschamber.com, November 2008. Copyright© 2008 U.S. Chamber of Commerce - All Rights Reserved.
