Energy is a key pillar of our lives–it runs our cars, charges our computers and powers our factories. Globally, energy use is expected to increase 35 percent over the next 25 years, driven almost entirely by demand due to increases in electricity use and vehicle fleets. The growing need for energy around the world is likely to make it an ever more precious commodity–forcing up prices and increasing global instability. Additionally, the world’s energy sector is responsible for approximately 70 percent of global carbon emissions, the direct cause of climate change.

A business-as-usual approach to energy policy threatens global economic competitiveness, national security and the environment. We must fundamentally transform the manner in which we produce, distribute and consume energy if we are to reduce dependence on oil, create jobs, enhance global competitiveness and decrease carbon emissions.