National Energy Council: Will Obama Administration Treat Energy Like Security?

Would Barack Obama convene a National Energy Council? The chances appear to be good. Such a council's first task, CAP says, "should be to support the president in preparing energy legislation for delivery to Capitol Hill within 60 days of the inauguration:"

"The Council's mission will be to coordinate the relevant policy of all the agencies of the federal government, outreach with states, localities, and the private sector, and U.S. leadership and partnership in international efforts to reduce global emissions," CAP writes.

Dan Weiss, director of climate strategy at the CAP Action Fund, says the council would be based on the model of the National Economic Council, which Bill Clinton created via executive order in 1993. It would bring together top officials from relevant agencies -- the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Interior, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Agriculture, the Council on Environmental Quality -- as well as leaders from the National Economic Council and the National Security Council, in the interest of coordinating work on energy and climate issues.

John Podesta, who is heading up Obama's transition team, has been in favor of a National Energy Council. His organization, the Center for American Progress, has outlined who they think who would be on a National Energy Council:

* Secretary of State

* Secretary of Treasury
* Secretary of Defense
* Attorney General
* Secretary of the Interior
* Secretary of Agriculture
* Secretary of Commerce
* Secretary of Labor
* Secretary of Health and Human Services
* Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
* Secretary of Transportation
* Secretary of Energy
* Secretary of Homeland Security
* Chair, Council on Environmental Quality
* Chair, National Security Council
* Chair, National Economic Council

RELATED:

National Energy Council thoughts (and more) from Tom Friedman

Who could be involved in Obama's National Energy Council and his cabinet?

AROUND THE WEB:

TNR: Will a National Energy Council Solve the Problem?

GRIST: Transition talk: National Energy Council

CSMonitor: A closer look at Obama's energy plan

Comments

[PlugINCarsRule]

We have to look at "the big picture." Our days of tunnel vision need to cease. Our nation better wake up and smell the coffee. With all our bail outs along with the 168 billion economic stimulus package, that btw did nothing for our economy it is hard to understand why our government can't see the need to bail us out of our dependence on foreign oil. Meanwhile, while we are busy doing the Happy Dance around the lower prices at the pumps, OPEC is planning to cut production to drive prices back up to between 75-100. per barrel. Why don't we invest in America's Energy Independence. It would cost the equivalent of 60 cents per gallon to charge and drive. The electricity used to charge the car could conceivably be generated by solar or wind. Why not invest some of these millions in getting some of these projects set up? Create clean cheap energy, badly needed new green collar jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. What more of a win-win situation could there be? Now there is talk of another stimulus pkg. Don't get me wrong, if you hand me a check I will take it.I just think we are going about this all wrong. I just read a fascinating book by Jeff Wilson called The Manhattan Project of 2009 Energy Independence NOW. We need to look at the "big picture" This book Is the big picture. www.themanhattanprojectof2009.com

[imatoski1]

Please, possibly the most important individual did not even get a sniff...I guess because this guy has been soo buried by the party of the stupids for to long.

We badly need a SCIENCE advisor appointed to a cabinet level position and that brilliant person educated in higher math and science needs to be on this energy committee. Someone adept at applying "the scientific method" to screen out the dead end streets....Hmmm any Carl Sagan's out there?

[uvymopkq]

He must talk to Nancy and Harry first.

[WilliePilgrim]

I'm generally delighted at Obama's election and more and more encouraged to find that he's got genuine geek credentials. Regarding energy, I'm wondering if he ever had the opportunity to watch and comprehend the google lunch lecture a couple of years ago by Robert Bussard regarding new emerging fusion technologies. I know that engineering isn't Obama's strong point but Bussard goes great distance to see that even the non-technical viewer could see where the future of energy production resides...It is one of the great google lunch lectures available at google video.

[OhReallySheSaid]

We know more about the craters and mineral resources on the moon than we know about our own oceans. We know even less about the water aquafiers that our nation depends on for drinking water. The estimates of just how much available water reserves we have are just educated guesses. There has never been a serious scientific study and accounting of just how much water we have in the USA.

Russia, the richest nation in natural resources on the planet, is busy planting claims to the north pole as the ice cap melts and even more resources are revealed. Swiss giant Nestle is grabbing water bottling company it can lay its hands on.

Most wars are wars for resources, and the future will no doubt be filled with these wars as countries scramble for more. Obama the Good can start preparing us for the future by figuring out accurately just exactly what we have.

[Carolab]

Perhaps this is the job Gore was hinting at.

[nibblybits]

It wouldn't be necessary if the House Energy Committee wasn't currently headed by a shill for the auto industry, and therefore for fossil fuels. John Dingell stood in the way for fuel efficient standards and basically drove the Big 3 into obsolescence. He's been doing it for decades, and if Obama is forced to put together a task force, it's to get around Dingell and his obstruction.

[MaximMaximus]

I don't see the point for such a Council if its members will be the replica of the President's cabinet. Such a council should be comprised of technocrats and bureaucrats. The way it is now is like having an economic council with no economists on board. While I agree with the general concept, the Energy Council's structure should be different than the currently envisioned one.

[piggybackmom]

Energy independence is the direction that America needs to move and quickly- or else we will fall behind other nations. We need to start investing in green technology and green jobs. Our education system must start focusing students in this direction by first educating students to think differently from their parents upbringing. All schools across America should have a "green" program to teach conservation. And America needs more students graduating with math and science degrees so that they will be able to fill these new jobs in America.

[worldtuner]

I believe America will have a big wake up call coming, when Obama will not realise the dreams, Yes a change was needed but Obama was the wrong guy, MCcain was the wrong guy, Hilary has a vast experience in International agendas and finance all Obama is got going for him is that he's young and black, other than this he has nothing to offer America.

[Poyda]

Hillary is awesome; really awesome. My only concern with her is that she makes a great offensive linesman, but lacks the full-field vision of a quarterback, which is what a President really needs.

Your comments about Barack suggest that you are not really a Hillary supporter. Educated conservatives were among the first to jump ship and confirm that Barack has a lot more than youth and race to offer.

[Poyda]

Oh. I was right. You aren't a Hillary supporter. Not a single comment in favor of Hillary on your profile, but a comment supporting Palin and mocking Obama's middle name. Please crawl back into your hole.

[hortonhearsawho]

good thing is not young and white, boy then we'd be f*d huh....slow night at the klan house there junior.

[hortonhearsawho]

Nov 4. 2008. you missed it.

[Poyda]

Every time that Obama was asked what his priorities were in office his top priority was 'energy independence', even during the economic crisis. I'm sure others have noticed this too. My prediction (and I'm sure I'm not being too 'out there' in making this 'prophecy') is that President Obama will restore America's economy through a massive new energy infrastructure roll out, New Deal style, which will see millions of green jobs, investment in green technology, and incentives (OK, bailouts with strings attached) for the big three to produce green vehicles.

[Pquilson]

I think you are expecting too much. Mr. Obama cannot do all that by Executive Fiat. He has to have the support of Congress and the American People. What you expect can be done, but it will definitely take more than one or even two terms.

[igotscrewedbynafta]

obama needs to talk about hemp. the dirty little word that no corporate politician dares speak

[Cartoonist-Illustrator]

Since the issue of petroleum is so "up & down", it is certain, the cost for a barrel will soon go up with the onset of winter. It is good though, to see a new president taking the reins and who can hopefully negotiate with those in the Middle East as to getting a start on ironing all of this out. "Cyclicle"is the key word.

http://www.crazygasprice.com

[HarryParatestis]

when you ride alone, you ride with Osama. Please carpool, and ride with Obama

[markbrand]

How about an Office of Global Affects headed by Al Gore.
Energy is a Revolution not an administration.

[nibblybits]

Didn't you hear? Gore doesn't want to be in government again, because he's making so much money in the private sector.

[nibblybits]

Al Gore is too busy being a celebrity and making tons of dough in the private sector to actually do anything for the public.