Report is Important Step in Examining Energy Challenges WASHINGTON, D.C.- General James L. Jones (Ret.), President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber Institute for 21st Century Energy, applauded the National Petroleum Council for their timely report, "Facing the Hard Truths About Energy." The report, commissioned by Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman, examines the challenges the U.S. faces to ensure adequate supplies of energy. "The challenge facing us to guarantee sufficient, reliable, and affordable energy supplies is enormous," said General Jones. "As the report recommends, we must increase energy efficiency, expand and diversify our energy supply, strengthen global and U.S. energy security, and manage carbon emissions responsibly. We all appreciate Secretary Bodman's attention to this critical issue." The report stated that global demand for energy is projected to grow by 50-60 percent by 2030, driven in large part by increased international demand and a growing population. This study, coupled with the International Energy Administration's recent forecast of potential shortages in world oil supplies as soon as 2012, underscores the daunting but not insurmountable challenges facing us. "It is important to stress that when it comes to energy policy, there is no magic bullet or simple solution," said General Jones. "Crafting a comprehensive and responsible energy policy will require input from all stakeholders -- producers, consumers, environmentalists, policymakers, and security experts." The mission of the Institute for 21st Century Energy, an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is to unify energy stakeholders and policymakers behind a common strategy to ensure that America's supply of fuel and power is adequate, diverse, and affordable, while protecting national security and improving the environment. The Institute also conducts international outreach to address global energy challenges. Through a comprehensive, fact-based program of education, advocacy, and consensus-building, the Institute will build support for energy acquisition from traditional and alternative sources, a superior infrastructure to move fuel and power to consumers, increased energy efficiency, and the sound management of global climate change. The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.