Energy and Natural Resources Issues

Panelists testified about energy issues. Following prepared presentations, panelists responded to questions from the governors.

In the first panel, Mr. Mankin, Mr. Nunley, and Mr. Mork talked about the natural gas shortage. They said that demand was not going to decrease, and urged increasing domestic production to keep natural gas prices down. They also discussed price projections, the causes of recent natural gas price increases, and the size and location of domestic natural gas reserves.

In the second panel, Ms. Bailey and Mr. Burke talked about Future Gen, a nearly emission-free, coal-fired, electricity and hydrogen production plant. The power plant was a joint venture between the U.S. Department of Energy and private companies. The panelists also discussed the future of power plants, U.S. and world electricity consumption, and hydrogen fuel. They said that coal was abundant and cheap, and urged a focus on building clean coal-fired power plants to protect the environment while meeting the nation’s energy needs.

Finally, Secretary Norton talked about the role of the U.S. Department of the Interior in helping alleviate the natural gas crisis and protecting endangered species. She said that roughly one third of domestically produced coal, oil, and natural gas came from land managed by the department. She discussed the reasons for the increasing price of natural gas, including the increasing number of uses for natural gas, increasing demand, and stagnant supply. The secretary stressed the need for a comprehensive national energy plan to meet the demand for energy and keep prices. close