Securing America’s Energy Future

President-elect Barack Obama announced his national security team today. For National Security Adviser, Obama is nominating General James L. Jones. General Jones is a retired Marine commandant and NATO supreme commander. He has most recently been president and CEO of the US Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energy.

The Institute has recently published a Transition Plan for Securing America’s Energy Future.

For over 40 years, the United States has had an inadequate, contradictory, and shortsighted approach with regard to our energy future. It is time for a strategic change of course. We can no longer ignore the consequences of not having a plan which is bold and comprehensive. Energy is a national security issue, and it is an international security issue of the highest order. Global demand will increase by more than 50 percent between now and 2030 – and perhaps by as much as 30 percent here in the United States. We must develop new, affordable, diverse, and clean sources of energy that will underpin our nation’s economy and keep us strong both at home and abroad. Our energy future must address growing shortfalls in infrastructure capacity and emerging environmental issues.

We are at a defining moment for our nation’s energy future and the United States must now undertake a comprehensive and strategic approach to include both long- and short-term actions to address our growing energy challenges. We are in a race against the clock and complacency is our greatest enemy. If we do not take this challenge seriously, America’s economic prosperity, national security, and global standing will be at risk. The status quo is not only not an option, it is a recipe for failure.

I have been impressed with the team Obama is putting together. General Jones is another good choice.