A new report from the Bipartisan Policy Center calls for a “National Energy Strategy Council” that would coordinate and oversee the efforts of the multiple federal agencies, such as Energy, Commerce, Defense, and Interior, that generate our national energy policy. Chaired by the Secretary of Energy, the council would be “responsible for leading cross-agency coordination for all major energy-related decisions… and for resolving interagency disputes.”
The “energy renaissance” taking place has made such a council all the more important, as opportunities for the economy and national security will be wasted by the current fragmented policy making apparatus, according to the report. The report also calls for a “Quadrennial Energy Review,” which would “review energy objectives, existing policies and programs, and develop specific steps to implement the National Energy Strategy” every four years.
Is a council an effective strategy for driving cohesive national energy policy?
Certainly seems like a good idea given our inability to produce a cogent national energy strategy. If nothing else it puts some additional attention on the issues.
I think having an overseeing group is in principle a good idea, but how that gets funded could pose a new source of political gridlock. I also think such a council would need to consider and address stakeholder concerns from all sides of the policy issue, from industry to consumer affairs to environmental organizations.
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It seems very timely to take a much broader view of energy such as this suggestion for an energy council. I would hope that the other players on the council would be considered peers to DOE and have a significant voice in discussions and policy direction. I would hope that while such a council is considered that a quickly formed informal group begin that work and dialog — assuming that is practical.
It seems very timely to take a much broader view of energy such as this suggestion for an energy council. I would hope that the other players on the council would be considered peers to DOE and have a significant voice in discussions and policy direction. I would hope that while such a council is considered that a quickly formed informal group would begin that work and dialog — assuming that is practical.