John Tobin gave oral and written statements on the need for public awareness of energy issues if the nation expects to have a sustainable NEP and if the EERE expects to see an appropriate budget. However, as a part of public awareness this message must:

•           Define conservation as eliminating waste, not a process of self-depravation.

•           The public has earned a life style that consumes energy.  “Conspicuous       Consumption” sounds bad, but is not wasteful, if that consumption is efficient.

•            Technological progress toward efficiency is a sound investment.  However, policy makers and the public must be aware of the fundamental economic consequences that will result from such progress.

-                      Costs will be lower.

-                      Therefore, demand will increase.  The net result is increased total consumption, but more efficiently on a BTU per dollar of GDP basis.

•            Realistic expectations must be presented for renewables and new technologies.

Government does have a role in lowering the price of energy to the public.  The current environment with changing regulations and taxation creates an environment of uncertainty that is reflected in a risk premium and volatility in price.  Stable policy will result in lower costs, which will be passed on to the consumer.

The ELP also recognizes that the messenger is just as important as the message.  Therefore, the ELP wants to see a coordinated effort from the DOE to lead all aspects of the energy industry to make core investments in balanced public informational programs as an integral part of National Energy Policy.

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