Guy Caruso, Jeffrey Pillon, Allan Bedwell, Peter Smith and Mark Wolfe discuss ways the United States can better prepare for disasters to prevent skyrocketing fuel prices.  

Energy Emergencies, Higher Prices:  What Needs to Be Done?

Wednesday, October 12, 2005
3:30-5:00 p.m. , US Capitol, Room HC – 5

            The Northeast-Midwest Senate Coalition, Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition, Environmental and Energy Study Institute and National Association of State Energy Officials

invite you to a briefing exploring ways the United States can better prepare for disasters to prevent skyrocketing fuel prices.  The nation’s dependence on affordable and reliable energy has never been more transparent.  The energy supply system stretches from region to region, coastline to heartland, as thousands of miles of wires and pipelines deliver the energy we need.  Yet never has the vulnerability of that energy infrastructure been more apparent as Katrina demonstrated--taking down offshore rigs and refineries as gasoline prices spiked to new levels.  The aftershocks continue.  Massachusetts Electric, for example, recently requested a 28 percent rate increase it needs to cover fuel price increases. 

This briefing will focus on the near-term and the essentials—information, planning and programs.  What are energy prices likely to be over the winter?  Can states plan for energy emergencies?  How can that help?  What needs to be done?  What programs and resources are available?  What can Congress do?

The Winter Outlook: 
Guy Caruso, Administrator, Energy Information Administration  Presentation

How Can You Plan and What Difference Does It Make?  
Jeffrey Pillon, Chair, Energy Data and Security Committee, National Association of State Energy Officials    
Insights from the Front Lines: 
Allan Bedwell, Deputy Secretary , Florida Department of Environmental Protection    Presentation

What Can States Do Now to Get Ready?  
Peter Smith, President, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority   Transcript

What Programs and Resources Can Help? 
Mark Wolfe, Executive Director, National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association  

This briefing is open to the public and no reservations are required.  Please feel free to forward this notice.  For more information please call Diane DeVaul , Northeast-Midwest Institute (202-464-4009), or Theresa Murzyn , Environmental and Energy Study Institute (202-662-1884).