CROMWELL — With Connecticut’s—and America’s--energy future at a crossroads, the top official from U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy is in the Hartford area today for the latest stop on its nationwide Energy Reality Tour. Energy Institute president and CEO Karen Harbert told attendees at the “What’s the Deal?” business energy conference hosted by the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) and the Connecticut Power and Energy Society (CPES) that a comprehensive energy strategy that takes advantage of all resources will be needed to meet growing energy needs in Connecticut and across the nation. “Policymakers must consider the long-term consequences of action—and inaction—on energy policy,” said Harbert. “America is in need of more sources of energy, more energy infrastructure, and more jobs. From the fallout from the oil spill in the Gulf to proposed EPA regulations on carbon dioxide emissions, it is critical that the policy decisions made today do not hamper our ability to address our energy challenges tomorrow.” Connecticut’s largest power plant is Millstone nuclear energy plant, demonstrating the benefits of emissions free nuclear power every day. In addition, two of the three Northeast home heating reserve sites are in Connecticut. The oil and natural gas industry are responsible for over 62,000 jobs in Connecticut. “Connecticut’s diverse energy sources, which include nuclear power and natural gas, as well as its strong solar energy capacity bode well for its energy future,” Harbert said. “However, Connecticut will still be vulnerable to increased costs if some of the proposals on the table in Washington are enacted. In addition, energy projects across the nation, include two in Connecticut, are being held up by “green tape” that will hamper our ability to address our future energy needs which is why the business community must remain engaged in energy issues.” Harbert outlined the Energy Institute’s comprehensive energy plan, which includes diversifying America’s energy supply, improving energy efficiency, modernizing and protecting our energy infrastructure, and promoting environmental stewardship. The plan is available at www.energyxxi.org Harbert also discussed the Institute’s first-of-its kind Index of U.S. Energy Security, which provides a quantifiable measurement of America’s energy security from 1970-2030. The 37 individual components used to calculate the Index are based in four primary areas—geopolitical, economic, reliability and environmental. “This summer’s oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico serves as a timely reminder of how complex America’s energy infrastructure is as well as how past energy policies-or lack thereof-have left the U.S. energy system vulnerable,” Harbert said. “The Index will be a valuable tool for policymakers and the public to learn lessons from our past and plan for the future.” The Energy Reality Tour: A National Discussion about America’s Energy Future is an effort to build support for comprehensive action to solve our energy challenges that encompasses nearly 30 states.
The mission of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy is to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders, and the American public behind a common sense energy strategy to help keep America secure, prosperous, and clean. Through policy development, education, and advocacy, the Institute is building support for meaningful action at the local, state, national, and international levels. The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.