American Gas - May 2010 - (Page 6)

in thE know industry insights Fueling a BusinessFriendly Environment The private sector will lead america out of the economic doldrums—if policymakers will create a climate that incentivizes investment and uses domestic energy. There is no question that economic challenges and job security top the list of America’s concerns. however, Americans also recognize the critical role that energy plays in a strong economy and the benefits of using homegrown resources such as natural gas. The institute for 21st Century energy, an affiliate of the U.s. Chamber of Commerce, is focused on engaging policymakers in the national energy discussion and emphasizing that the nexus between clean, affordable, reliable energy and a strong economy is the ingenuity of the private sector. For the private sector to lead the way, a comprehensive energy policy must be in place that creates a predictable regulatory framework, welcomes investment, encourages the use of all of our vast energy resources, does not pick fuel winners and losers, and lets the market determine what technologies are commercially viable. By establishing an environment that incentivizes investment, we can stimulate economic growth and enhance our energy security. Energy: a Critical Component everyone agrees that to solve our nation’s serious energy challenges, there must be a thoughtful, predictable and realistic transition to a lower-carbon future. However, we also must acknowledge that traditional fossil fuels will play a major role in meeting our energy needs for the foreseeable future. Thus, we should no longer rule out the value of our vast domestic resources such as natural gas. The energy institute has put forward a commonsense energy strategy and made specific recommendations that will put America on the path to energy security, a critical component of a robust economy. A central piece of this strategy requires us to not only diversify our energy mix, but also to use all of our proven domestic resources of natural gas, coal and oil and remove barriers to their production. As the cleanest-burning fossil fuel we have, natural gas is the foundation of a bridge to a lower-carbon future. it is a plentiful, homegrown fuel used by utilities to generate power, by residents for heating and cooking, and by industry as a feedstock for many everyday products. in addition, natural gas is used as a backup power source for renewable technologies such as wind turbines and solar panels. Without the fuel needed to support these alternative sources of energy, the advancement of these technologies is negatively affected. KAREN ALDERMAN HARBERT is president and CEO of the Institute for 21st Century Energy, an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 6 may 2010 AmericAn GAs

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of American Gas - May 2010

American Gas - May 2010
Contents
President’s Message
In the Know
Industry News
To Be the Best
Tech Talk
Priority No. 1: Safety
A Return to Firm Financial Footing
Places to Be
Noteworthies
Marketplace
Advertisers’ Index
Jobline
Facts on Gas

American Gas - May 2010