A pair of former public officials has announced a working group of energy producers and consumers aimed at developing federal policy recommendations regarding energy.

Former U.S. Sen. John Breaux and former Long Beach, Calif., Mayor Beverly O'Neill announced Dec. 15 they will co-chair the Energy Initiative, which consists of 29 national trade associations representing major energy producers and consumers. The coalition is expected to provide a partnership committed to finding new solutions to America's energy challenges.

"To meet the challenge of an ever-increasing demand for energy, we have to come to a consensus on the most appropriate energy policies and better educate people about the country's energy challenges," O'Neill said.

The initiative consists of a six-month process of deliberations, educational outreach and public meetings culminating in a final report to Congress and the President, according to a release. Working groups will be formed to identify new policy recommendations on specific energy areas assigned to each group.

The working groups include stationary energy supply, such as natural gas, electricity and coal; transportation energy supplies, including ethanol and biodiesel; and conservation, efficiency and environmental protection. Each group will review challenges, current policy impediments, market restraints and other barriers affecting energy production and consumption. Policy recommendations will then be created and sent for approval by the full membership of the Energy Initiative.

The coalition is expected to formulate a final report providing policy recommendations within six months.

Energy Initiative members include:
U.S. Conference of Mayors
American Petroleum Institute
The Apollo Alliance
Interstate Natural Gas Association
American Automobile Association
AFL-CIO Building Trades Division
Agriculture Energy Alliance
Air Transport Association
Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers
American Gas Association
American Institute of Architects
American Iron & Steel Institute
American Public Transportation Association
Consumer Energy Alliance
Domestic Petroleum Council
Edison electric Institute
Federation of American Consumers & Travelers
Independent Petroleum Association of America
Minority Business Roundtable
National Association of Counties
National Automobile Dealers Association
National Conference of State Legislatures
National Governors Association
National League of Cities
National Mining Association
National Ocean Industries Association
Nuclear Energy Institute
Small Business Entrepreneurship Council
The 60+ Association

Dave Nilles is Online Editor for Biodiesel Magazine. Reach him at dnilles@bbibiofuels.com or (701) 373-0636.

Posted: 10:39 a.m. CST Tuesday, December 19, 2006