WASHINGTON, DC - In introducing the 12th Annual Energy Efficiency Forum, held here at the National Press Club, John Derrick, chairman and ceo of Potomac Electric Power Co. (Pepco), noted that the subject of energy is now "very topical and important." Signaling that importance was the lineup of lawmakers and federal officials present as speakers.
First up at the forum, cosponsored by the United States Energy Association (USEA) and Johnson Controls, was Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), the new chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Bingaman said that energy is "a bipartisan issue," and the emphasis should be on crafting an energy policy that increases supply and efficiency. But he added that the Bush administration's approach of putting together a plan without the input of Congress was "a mistake."