Securing a Long Term Energy Future
Most of the time, energy is like Rodney Dangerfield, that is it “…don’t get no respect”. Before the energy “crises” of the 1970s, energy was basically a non-issue. Responding to the “crises” propelled energy into a highly visible, high priority public policy issue. But not for long! High energy costs and/or threats of supply shortages occasionally have briefly raised energy’s visibility. But here we are in 2006 with energy costs attracting the attention of almost everyone. Record setting gasoline prices and oil company profits have put the pressure on government to take action. The reality is that while there are some short term palliatives, energy is a long-term problem.
Access Energy in the Public Interest via online Adobe PDF.
Communication Cooperation, Coordination, and Collaboration
Billions of dollars have either been invested and/or managed by state and federal government, non-profits and the private sector since the “crises” of the 1970s. Energy efficiency and conservation efforts have produced significant results. But these investments could be more productive and result in more public benefits if the various parties would engage in the 4 Cs, i.e., in working to achieve a secure energy future by Communicating, Cooperating, Coordinating, and Collaborating. Energy In the Public Interest describes the past and posits a 4Cs future path for achieving our nation’s long term energy future.
Access Energy in the Public Interest via online Adobe PDF.
Why Energy in the Public Interest?
The straightforward answer to “why” is that what I’ve learned during my energy career can be useful to those engaged in doing public interest energy RDD&D. This is especially the case at the state level for those that are publicly funded and have a public interest mandate. Since states make large investments in energy RDD&D but are frequently ignored, I also hope to “educate” people about the role states have played, are playing, and can play in the future.
Having had leadership and management roles and responsibilities at both the national and state levels and in both the public and private sectors as well as experience as a long-time champion of collaboration among the states, the national government, non-profits, and the private sector gives me a rare if not unique perspective and understanding of how to make publicly funded applied RDD&D more productive.
Access Energy in the Public Interest via online Adobe PDF.
Irvin L. (Jack) White
715 Riverside Drive
Riverside Lakes
Waterloo , NE 68069
Fax: 402-315-9712
|
