Expressions on Energy
"Americans have always risen to the great challenges of our time, and as we look around, we see that there are plenty of challenges to go around. Now is not the time to relegate energy to the back burner; it is part and parcel linked to the strength and vibrancy of our economy. "
General James L. Jones, USMC (Ret.)
National Security Advisor to President Barack Obama
Former President and CEO, U.S. Chamber Institute for 21st Century Energy
“A comprehensive and integrated energy, security, and environmental policy is both a national imperative and a call to American leadership. ‘Securing America’s Energy Future’—an open letter to the 44th President of the United States and the 111th Congress—provides and excellent framework for the national discussion that must be led by the next President with a sense of urgency. As noted in the open letter, renewed commitment to basic research, innovative technology advances, and workforce development are central to that discussion.”
Susan Hockfield
President, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
“For decades our country has drifted without a coherent national energy policy. This letter clearly and concisely outlines specific proposals to address our nation’s 21st Century energy needs. This is an important document that can help shape the next administration’s energy policy and our nation’s future.”
Chuck Hagel
Former U.S. Senator (R-Nebraska)
“I commend you and the other distinguished signatories of your open letter to the next President and Congress on addressing America’s energy crisis . . . The national energy plan I have proposed—the Lexington Project—is fully consistent with your recommendations . . . You have my full support and appreciation for your actions to secure America’s Energy Future.”
John McCain
U.S. Senator (R-Arizona)
“A balanced approach is required to solve our energy problems; this proposal offers that balance. It recognizes that we must have conservation and production, traditional energy as well as alternative sources. This path presents a chance – by no means certain – of avoiding the shortages, economic dislocations, and environmental disasters that a narrow approach would make probable.”
J. Bennett Johnston
Former U.S. Senator (D-Louisiana)
“While I support the national energy policy principles we’re recommending here today, I fear their implementation will be held hostage by our antiquated system of governing. We are trying to address complex, integrated 21st century problems such as energy, the environment, healthcare and the economy, while relying on a 20th century political structure designed to address isolated management issues. We need a new framework focused on improving governmental coordination and enhancing its collaboration with outside partners if the expectations implicit in the principles announced here today are to be fully realized.”
Admiral James D. Watkins, USN (Ret.)
Former U.S. Secretary of Energy and Chief of Naval Operations
“Few issues present more complex choices, or greater stakes, than America’s energy future – which cuts across every realm of policy from national security to the economy to the environment. Yet for far too long, our energy policy has been inadequate to the challenges at hand. These bipartisan recommendations reflect the essential ingredients of meaningful reform: political unity; comprehensive, balanced scope; and confidence in America itself.”
Thomas F. “Mack” McLarty, III
President of McLarty Associates, Inc. and Former White House Chief of Staff, Counselor to the President, and Special Envoy for the Americas
“These recommendations represent a valuable first step in the much needed establishment of a national energy policy”
Lt. Gen. Brent Scowcroft, USAF (Ret.)
President and Founder of The Scowcroft Group and former National Security Advisor
“Growing global demand and competition for ever more difficult-to-recover and expensive supplies of oil have produced an untenable family of threats to our national security. Apart from the huge transfer of wealth to producer states – a portion of which finds its way to terrorist groups – we must consider how competition for oil affects the political relationship between consumers and supplier-states. We all face the same challenge – to reorient our policies toward alternative, sustainable supplies of energy. This framework provides a balanced approach to get us there”.
Robert C. “Bud” McFarlane
Former National Security Advisor
“America must restart its creative engines for American energy security. We must use our own energy resources, ingenuity and leadership to improve American economic competitiveness, national security, and our standard of living. I¹m pleased to join these bi-partisan leaders advocating sustained action for this essential mission for our future and creatively using affordable, available and reliable energy. Indeed, a free, sovereign and prosperous nation must be able to defend, feed and fuel itself.”
George F. Allen
Former U.S. Senator (R-VA) and Governor of Virginia
“It is time for us to step up and maintain our leadership in the world. This global economy cannot grow at its full potential without securing affordable, available, and clean burning power.”
Donald L. Evans
Former Secretary of Commerce
“The American Gas Association commends the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and its Institute for 21st Century Energy for hosting this event, which highlights the Institute’s blueprint for meeting America’s energy challenges. Our nation is in the midst of an energy crisis and in order to make our future more secure, we need strong leadership and bold ideas. Today, the Institute offered both of these.”
American Gas Association
“As a former military officer, I strongly believe energy is part of our national security and needs to be addressed urgently by the next administration and members of Congress. The open letter advocates a sensible, comprehensive approach that will increase energy efficiency, reduce our dependency on foreign oil, invest in technology, and protect the environment. We must act now.”
Marsha J. Evans
Retired Rear Admiral, U.S, Navy; former National Executive Director,
Girl Scouts of the USA; and former President and CEO, American Red Cross