NAS and NAE hosting energy summit March 13-14

WASHINGTON -- Today, the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering kicked off a two-day summit convened to examine the increasing importance of energy policy to the nation's security, economic vitality, and environment. The summit, intended to stimulate discussion among experts with diverse points of view on energy issues, will inform a study under way called "America's Energy Future: Technology Opportunities, Risks, and Tradeoffs." Those who cannot attend the event may watch or listen to a live webcast at http://national-academies.org.

"Over these two days we are bringing together many of the nation's foremost leaders and experts on energy and related economic, environmental, and geopolitical issues; their insight will help lay the foundation for a comprehensive study on options for managing energy use wisely in the 21st century," said NAS President Ralph J. Cicerone.

"Our nation's future prosperity and security depend on access to clean, affordable, safe, and sustainable sources of energy," added NAE President Charles M. Vest. "Our immediate goal is to provide policymakers with accurate technical and economic facts regarding various existing and potential energy technologies."

Highlights of today's agenda include a discussion of current U.S. energy policy by SEN. JEFF BINGAMAN, D-N.M., chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources; a look at the geopolitical context of the nation's energy supply by JAMES R. SCHLESINGER, chairman of the Mitre Corp. and a senior adviser at Lehman Brothers; and closing remarks by U.S. Energy Secretary SAMUEL BODMAN. Sessions will also examine coal, nuclear power, biofuels, and hydrogen, as well as the implications for automotive fuel economy.