Former Energy Secretary Urges Scientists to Get More Involved in Setting Energy Policy
by Kelly Harrington-Andrejasich (SNL) Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson has a message for scientists: get involved in politics and policymaking.
Delivering a keynote address at the MIT Energy Conference in Boston on March 2, Richardson encouraged students and others in the academic community to get more involved in politics and government. Richardson, who served as energy secretary under President Bill Clinton, said science must play an important role in policymaking, including dealing with issues such as climate change.
…He said advocates of wind, biofuels and biomass should have faith that their future is secure, as countries around the world are making renewable resources the centerpiece of energy policies. He also called for an “even playing field” for renewables and fossil fuels.
“Renewable energy companies aren’t asking for more incentives, but basically saying we want the same tax policies, the same incentives that oil and gas companies get and other energy sources get,” he said. “I think that is a commendable goal.”
Richardson said a comprehensive national energy policy is needed, rather than the current state-by-state approach, which varies by state and leadership. He also called for an international effort on climate involving nations including the U.S., China, India and Germany, along with developing African countries. READ MORE
