April 25, 2006
Lugar partners with Purdue to convene national Summit on Energy Security
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – U.S. Sen. Richard G. Lugar will convene a summit at Purdue University on Aug. 29 to explore solutions to energy-related national security issues.
The Richard G. Lugar-Purdue Summit on Energy Security will focus on the national security and economic policies facing future American energy demands, with special emphasis on liquid fuels and business and governmental strategies required for development, said Lugar, R-Ind.
Lugar, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called energy the engine of economic prosperity, yet also a challenge to our security, society and environment.
"We must make bold decisions, chart a strategic plan and bring alternatives to market," said Lugar. "America can do this. It must do this. We can do it together.
"We must do it if for no other reason than our own security. A majority of the world's oil reserves are controlled by troubled nations, leaving the world vulnerable to manipulation. As a result, energy dependence undermines human rights, freedom and democracy.
"This problem is compounded with the surge of demand from developing countries such as China and India."
Planners expect up to 1,000 national and state leaders, including state and local government officials, representatives of large and small businesses, and policy-makers, to meet on the Purdue campus in Indiana to discuss national and regional strategies to address the challenges and opportunities. The invitation-only conference is expected to consider national security and economic policies, focus on carbon-neutral and environmentally friendly fuels, and suggest business and government strategies.
"Energy and education top the list of challenges facing this nation and this world," said Purdue President Martin C. Jischke. "At Purdue, we have focused our resources on both.
"Researchers at Purdue are leaders in the development of alternative fuels. Our College of Agriculture has made significant contributions in the area of biofuels, and the College of Engineering is developing new techniques for clean-coal technology. The Energy Center in Discovery Park is bringing an interdisciplinary approach to work in these fields, as well as other alternative energy sources, including nuclear, hydrogen, wind and solar. Purdue also has tremendous strengths in the study of energy policy."
Jischke, who this year was appointed to the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, noted that Lugar brings 38 years of leadership – as both a former mayor of Indianapolis and as a senator for more than 30 years.
"Dick Lugar is the longest serving U.S. senator in Indiana history, and he has played a pivotal role in moving forward comprehensive energy legislation," Jischke said. "Purdue and Sen. Lugar – a dean of the U.S. Senate – make a powerful combination as sponsors of this summit."
Writer: Jeanne Norberg, (765) 494-2084, jnorberg@purdue.edu
Sources: Sen. Richard Lugar, (202) 224-8370
Wallace Tyner, Purdue professor of agricultural economics, (765) 494-0199, wtyner@purdue.edu
Martin C. Jischke, (765) 494-9708, mcjischke@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
Related Web sites:
Purdue Center for the Environment
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