In response to a series of major announcements on energy policy today from the White House, Frederick W. Smith, Chairman, President, and CEO of FedEx Corp., and General P.X. Kelley (Ret.), 28th Commandant of the Marine Corps, issued the following joint statement on behalf of the Energy Security Leadership Council, of which they serve as co-Chairs:

“President Bush has made an historic decision to support aggressive, comprehensive, and bipartisan energy reform designed to reduce U.S. oil dependence. While we are pleased the President has incorporated major components of the Council’s recommendations, all of us recognize that the difficult work of achieving enduring change in U.S. energy security has just begun.

“The plan embraced by the President addresses the profound economic and national security risks created by dependence on oil, which fuels 97% of transportation needs and has few readily available substitutes. In particular, the endorsement by the President of reformed and strengthened fuel efficiency standards represents the most meaningful possible advancement to mitigate the potentially devastating consequences of an oil supply disruption.

“In addition to discussions with the Bush Administration, the Council has been working closely with a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers. No individual party or branch of government can effectively address this challenge. Enacting comprehensive and significant legislation will require genuine cooperation between Republicans and Democrats, the House and the Senate, Congress and the Administration. The severity of the problem and the attendant dangers to our prosperity and security demand nothing less.

“A grand compromise between those who favor limiting the growth of oil demand and those who favor expanding oil supply represents the most practical and also substantively the best path forward. Along with better use of alternative fuels, the solutions that address demand and supply offer the most direct and certain route to improved energy security.

“Today and in the preceding months, elected leaders have voiced a new and commendable level of commitment to addressing energy security. Now these words must lead to action. Enactment into law of a national energy policy that dramatically reduces U.S. oil dependence is the only result worthy of the American people. To this objective, the Council pledges its full and vigorous support. The time for action arrived long ago. We must not waste another moment.”

Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization committed to reducing America’s dependence on oil and improving U.S. energy security to bolster national security and strengthen the economy. The Energy Security Leadership Council, a project of SAFE, is an intensive effort by a collection of prominent business leaders and retired senior military officers to build support for a comprehensive, long-term policy to reduce U.S. oil dependence and improve energy security.

Source: Securing America’s Future Energy