Hagel Statement in Support of Letter to the Next President and Congress by the Institute for 21st Century Energy

Press Release

Hagel Statement in Support of Letter to the Next President and Congress by the Institute for 21st Century Energy
Urges Next President and Congress to Face Energy Crisis

U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel issued the following statement in support of an open letter to the next President and Congress entitled, "Securing America's Energy Future" written by the Institute for 21st Century Energy, an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The letter calls on the next President and Congress to face the challenges of today's long-term energy crisis. It was signed by twenty-seven major foreign policy figures, among them Colin Powell, Henry Kissinger, Sam Nunn, William Cohen and James Schlesinger. The Institute's President is James Jones:

"For decades our country has drifted without a coherent national energy policy. This letter clearly and concisely outlines specific proposals to address our nation's 21st Century energy needs. This is an important document that can help shape the next administration's energy policy and our nation's future.

"America's future energy needs must be addressed with a wider and deeper portfolio of energy resources. We must enhance our efforts to maximize domestic energy production, including environmentally responsible drilling for more oil and natural gas, advance clean coal technology, and renew our commitment to build more nuclear power plants. This effort must also include more investment, research and focus on technology, alternative and renewable sources of energy, conservation, mass transit, and seriously improving our mileage standards.

"We can no longer afford to defer the tough choices in our energy policy. I thank General Jones and all of the Institutes members for their continued efforts and leadership in advocating such a critical component of our nation's prosperity."

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