Ladies and Gentlemen, I have a simple yet critically important message for you: America is facing an energy crisis, one that could become the most significant economic and national security challenge of the 21st century. We are living in a time of rising global energy demand, limited new supplies, a decaying infrastructure, and an increasingly polarized and paralyzed national debate on this issue. And everyday Americans who are feeling the pinch of record gasoline prices are demanding action. America requires a long-term common sense energy strategy instead of half measures and contradictions. Policymakers in both major parties must rise above partisan differences and be united in their efforts to develop new energy sources, new technologies, and new jobs here at home. This is an opportunity for America to exhibit its global leadership in innovation, technology, and policy initiatives. The Institute for 21st Century Energy has just released an open letter to the next President of the United States and 111th Congress that lays out the elements for a strategic and comprehensive energy policy. You can be part of this effort by signing our open letter at
www.energyxxi.org/ and urging the next president and the next Congress to adopt principles that put real energy solutions ahead of interest groups and old party politics.
