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?