(24a) Energy Security and Affordability in the 21st Century

Hofmeister, former President of Shell Oil Company, and founder of the non-profit association, Citizens for Affordable Energy, tackles two of the most critical concerns facing industry today ? energy availability and affordability. While green energy is helpful, it's inadequate for the demands of the future. Technology and innovation are important elements, but do they offer realistic solutions right now? Add in an aging infrastructure as a potential disabler to economic competitiveness and the picture is bleak. But it's not all doom and gloom, and it seems the answers are well within our reach. According to Hofmeister, investment in the traditional energy base is the path to a competitive affordable energy supply. And as an added bonus, necessary environmental protections can be value adding to the economy if managed wisely.