Our country shouldn’t apologize for its energy use, but we should make a pact to be more efficient with our use of energy, said the Honorable Clarence H. Albright, Jr., Under Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy, at the Hybrid Truck & Alternative Fuels Summit in Atlanta.
The summit, which addressed how concerns about fuel prices and emissions regulations can be met by hybrid vehicle technology and alternative fuels, was held in conjunction with the National Truck Equipment Association’s (NTEA) Work Truck Show. Under Secretary Albright was the summit’s keynote speaker.
“We are not effectively harnessing all our domestic resources; this needs to change,” said Albright. “We do have resources that can be developed here. I want us to recognize the resources that we have and develop them in ways that are economically and environmentally sound.”
He cited the Canadian tar sands and oil shale as two potential sources of alternative fuel. Albright also mentioned the importance of aerodynamics as an energy conserving technology.
“Aerodynamics is important because for every 2 percent reduction of drag, there is a 1 percent increase in fuel efficiency,” said Albright. He advocates creating a diverse portfolio of fuel options that are “safe, reliable and clean.”
“Diversity is key,” he said.
But, according to Albright, America cannot afford to sacrifice its “get it done” work ethic. It’s a difficult thing to do while maintaining fuel efficiency, but Albright believes it can be done with the private sector and government working together.
