WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 21, 2001 — The United States Energy Association (USEA) today released "Toward a National Energy Strategy" that makes recommendations in six major areas to assure that consumers can benefit from an increased supply of affordable energy resources that are available in a ready, reliable and environmentally responsible manner.

The USEA paper, "Toward a National Energy Strategy," was developed by a broad range of energy interests. It recommends six areas of action: enhance energy supplies; encourage energy efficiency and affordable prices; stimulate global energy trade and development; promote energy technology development and long-range research and development initiatives; balance energy use and environmental concerns; and unify the energy policy process.

On releasing the report, Richard Lawson, chairman of the USEA National Energy Policy Committee, said: "Such an energy policy must meet several challenges, including overly burdensome environmental regulations that prevent access to new energy sources; the adverse national security implications of rising oil imports; an energy delivery infrastructure that is aging and increasingly overwhelmed by growing demand; a regulatory process that is often unfair and counter-productive; and a lack of foresight in developing new, more efficient energy technologies and alternative energy sources."

"Economic efficiency, energy security, energy technology and regulation and incentives are the four core principles we believe a sound national energy strategy should be anchored by," said Barry Worthington, executive director, USEA.

Worthington explained that, in many markets, increased demand outstrips reliable supplies. Key industries are being deregulated and technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate. Environmental regulations have grown increasingly costly and complex and, moreover, consumers often express confusion at the array of energy choices now available. In addition, energy companies confront both greater competition and increasing regulatory uncertainty can heavily penalize those companies that expand production to meet the increased energy demands of our growing population and economy.

Industry groups involved in preparing the report were: American Gas Association, American Petroleum Institute, American Public Power Association, Edison Electric Institute, Electric Power Research Institute, National Mining Association, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and Nuclear Energy Institute.

For copies of "Toward a National Energy Strategy," please contact the USEA at 202.312.1230.