Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), chairperson of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, recently chaired a hearing to examine the importance of energy innovation to economic growth and long-term U.S. competitiveness.
Murkowski opened the hearing by outlining the broad importance of innovation to national success. "Whether we are looking to bolster our energy supply or reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, innovation will need to be front and center and recognized as our best solution," she said. "We have already seen how new, innovative technologies can reduce our reliance on costly diesel fuel, but we have the potential for so much more. New technologies, whether renewables or micro-reactors, will be able to make a real difference in local economies."
Murkowski also highlighted rural innovation, which can deliver big benefits for small communities. "As we consider energy innovation, we want to place special emphasis on our rural areas," she said. "We don't just [innovate] because we have to, but because we're pioneers -- we like breaking new trail."
Isaac Vanderburg, CEO of Launch Alaska, testified that increased investment in R&D efforts makes sense from both public and private sector perspectives. "This approach to energy innovation can support sustained economic growth and competitiveness for communities throughout the U.S. while also rising to the challenges posed by climate change," he said.
Among the ideas Vanderburg endorsed is the restoration and modernization of the DOE's Arctic Energy Office, which is statutorily authorized but was largely disbanded by the previous administration.
The hearing also featured testimony from Dr. Brian Anderson of the National Energy Technology Laboratory, Dr. John Deskins of West Virginia University's Bureau of Business and Economic Research, Dr. David Hart of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, and Lee Ragsdale Jr. of the North Carolina Electric Cooperatives.
For more information, visit www.energy.senate.gov or call (202) 224-4971.
