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November 2011 Newsletter

November 2011 CEA Newsletter
Issue 56

Looking Back and Looking Forward

It’s been a busy fall here at CEA. In October we hosted our annual meeting, where we reflected on our work of the past year. We also gathered thousands of supporters for our first ever Energy Day – the culmination of months of planning –where we sponsored games and contests and even gave out some scholarship money, all aimed at getting our youth engaged in their future.

Those who took part in Energy Day underscored how we all have the ability to build a better future by imagining one. To cite one example of that creative thinking the event produced, one group of middle school girls won the Energy City of the Future competition by building a model of a city where the streets are lined with solar panels, the buildings are warmed with geothermal heat from the ground, and a broad assortment of natural resources are tapped to fuel a city that runs effectively and efficiently.

Of course, not every day can be Energy Day, literally or figuratively. As important as it is to take a break from the daily grind and think outside the box, CEA is also committed to tackling the energy challenges of today. Over the past several months, CEA has been working tirelessly to help ensure that the United States makes the most of its natural resources. We produced the Open the Gulf campaign featuring real people – from a variety of businesses, often located far from the Gulf – who have been hurt by reduced drilling activity. We’ve also championed the proposed Keystone XL project, which would connect major refiners in the Gulf with key oil producers in Canada, helping ensure a steady supply of oil from a friendly source. And, we’ve consistently been a vocal supporter of shale gas, which is increasingly being recognized as a key fuel of the future.

This work we do day in and day out sometimes feels like an uphill battle. But we continue to champion these causes in order to help ensure that consumers can access affordable energy.

Consumers too, must put in the hard work to ensure they are consuming energy wisely. To that end, our energy tip of the month is a simple task that too many households overlook: Have your furnace or heating system cleaned and inspected before the really cold weather sets in. The relatively small investment in a tune-up is important not only to make sure your heater is safe; it will also improve efficiency, which will pay dividends as those dreaded wintertime heating bills arrive.

David Holt

 

Support Affordable Energy

Nuclear energy supplies over 20% of America’s electricity needs and will continue to play a critical role in powering America.   Thanks to the ingenuity and innovation of tens of thousands of workers from around the world, the American nuclear industry remains the global leader, safely supplying affordable, reliable electricity to millions of homes.

However, the vitality of this important industry is in jeopardy.  Currently, the Department of Energy is seeking to implement a burdensome regulation that could limit the ability of American utilities to continue to supply reliable, affordable electricity.

As our fragile economy struggles to recover, new layers of onerous regulations from Washington bureaucrats such as these will force additional costs onto struggling families and limit the ability of American businesses to serve their customers, create jobs and help grow the economy.

Take Action Now!

 

News and Notes from the CEA Annual Meeting

In a new feature for the CEA Monthly Newsletter, we will begin to bring to our readers a monthly breakdown of what takes place at the CEA monthly meetings. On October 20, CEA held its annual meeting in Washington, D.C.   Over the course of the 2 hour meeting, a number of updates were given by the CEA Board of Directors as well as CEA staff.

At the meeting Chairman Richard Moskowitz provided his 2011 update filled with positive news for CEA in 2011 and beyond.  The first of Chairman Moskowitz’s announcements concerned CEA’s growing membership which has risen to nearly 170 affiliate members as of October 2011.  The composition of CEA’s membership remains a majority consumer per the CEA bylaws.  Currently the affiliate list is comprised of 65% consumers and 35% producers.  CEA has also opened and expanded regional chapters in Alaska, Florida, the Southeast and the Midwest (Please read below for an update of CEA Midwest activity.  Chairman Moskowitz concluded his update with the vote and confirmation of new CEA Board of Directors member, Troy Bredenkamp.  Mr. Bredenkamp comes to the board from CEA affiliate member, Colorado Farm Bureau (CFB)

After the Chairman’s update, meeting attendees were updated on the results of CEA’s Keystone XL campaign.  The State Department’s public comment period on the Keystone XL pipeline concluded on October 9, 2011 and CEA made a tremendous effort to gain support for the pipeline.  CEA’s efforts in collaboration with over 22 state-based organizations garnered a staggering 450,000 comments in favor of the Keystone XL Pipeline.  CEA also drove over 70 witnesses to testify at the 9 public hearings held in September and October.

CEA also provided an update of the newest groups to join CEA’s group of affiliates.  CEA would like to welcome new groups Freedom Solar, LLC, National Tank Truck Carriers and the Gulf Economic Survival Team.

That was just a snap shot of CEA’s Annual Meeting.  Next month we will provide a glimpse into CEA’s November monthly meeting.  Stay tuned!

 

Energy Day 2011 Recap

On October 15, 2011 75 sponsors and partners, over 60 exhibitors and the people of Houston, TX made Energy Day 2011 a can’t-miss event.  The crowd was treated to exhibits that covered all forms of energy from oil and natural gas to solar and hydropower and everything in between.  Of the over 60 exhibits, 43 were occupied by those representing renewable energy or educational groups.  At Energy Day those who participated in and won at an Energy Day Academic Awards Program competition were awarded for their excellence and commitment to energy and education.  Festival patrons were also treated to an appearance by Houston Mayor, Annise Parker who took to the stage to deliver an awe inspiring speech that showcased all of the positive steps Houston-area businesses have taken in energy innovation.  At the end of the day over 12,000 attendees made for a fantastic day that showcased energy efficiency, innovation and conservation.  The official press release detailing Energy Day’s success can be found here.

CEA would also like to take the time to thank all of our partners and sponsors for their contribution to Energy Day.  Without them none of this would have been possible.  Thanks to all of Energy Day’s partners/sponsors:

ABC-13/KTRK-TV, Air Transport Association, American Public Power Association, Anadarko, Apache, ASES Houston Solar Tour, Bug Ware, Inc., Caterpillar, CenterPoint Energy, Children’s Museum of Houston, City of Houston, ConocoPhillips, Consumer Energy Alliance, Consumer Energy Education Foundation, Cooperative for After-School Enrichment (CASE), CSTEM Teacher & Student Support Services, Earth Quest Institute, Eco-Holdings Engineering, El Paso Corporation, Energy People Connect, Environmentally Friendly Drilling Program, eVgo, Foundation for Energy Education, Geophysical Society of Houston, German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern US, Inc., Greater Houston Partnership, Halliburton, Harris County Department of Education, Hess Corporation, Houston Advanced Research Center, Houston Area Land Rover Centers, Houston Community College-Northeast Energy Institute, Houston Geological Society, Houston Independent School District, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Wiess Energy Hall, Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce – Energize! Houston, Houston Renewable Energy Group, Houston Renewable Energy Network, Houston Technology Center, HoustonWorks USA, Ignite Solar, Independent Natural Resources, International Power | GDF Suez, KBR, Inc., Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP), Lone Star College System, Momentum Luxury Group , NASA-Johnson Space Center, National Algae Association, NRG Energy | Reliant Energy, Offshore Energy Center, Purestream, Inc., San Jacinto College – Energy Venture Camp, Schlumberger, Science & Engineering Fair of Houston, Shell, 60 Plus Association, Society of Exploration Geophysicists, Society of Women Engineers – Houston Area Section, Statoil, Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering, Texas Sol Renewable, Texas Southern University, Jesse H. Jones School of Business, Texas TicKids, The Wind Alliance, TransCanada, TXU Energy, United Airlines, University of Houston, University of Texas, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for 21st Century Energy, U.S. DOE Gulf Coast Clean Energy Application Center, Waste Management, Western Energy Alliance, YES Prep Public School

CEA In the News

This month we would like to introduce another new feature to the CEA monthly newsletter called “CEA in the Media” to better highlight for all our consumer-advocates what CEA is doing to continue to ensure a broad understanding that energy, energy prices and energy policies have impacts on all consumers.

October was a very active month for CEA as far as media is concerned.  Throughout the month of October CEA received over 90 media hits from radio, TV, blogs, news articles, press releases and more.  This success is due in large part to CEA’s participation in the Open the Gulf Campaign, Keystone XL comment period and Energy Day.

A few of the highlights of CEA’s recent media success:

  • Open the Gulf Campaign (www.openthegulf.org)
    • An Augusta Chronicle Op-Ed stating the benefits the state of Georgia would receive from a return to normal Gulf production levels.
    • A US News and World Report article detailing the impact the Gulf slowdown has had on jobs and the economy.
    • A Town Hall Op-Ed penned by CEA President, David Holt on the anniversary of the lifting of the moratorium on drilling in the Gulf.
    • National Review ran this Op-Ed which showed how opening the Gulf of Mexico will benefit our nation’s energy security.
    • Keystone XL

That is just a small sampling of CEA’s public presence in the media over the past 31 days.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Craig Koshkin at CKoshkin@consumerenergyalliance.org.

Upcoming Events

German American Chamber of Commerce Presents Das Haus: Building Vision

Das Haus is a traveling pavilion, a North American tour and an ongoing international dialogue about advanced technologies for home construction and solar energy use. The purpose is to share German innovations that have achieved sustainable construction and operational energy savings. Attendees will represent leading organizations and businesses in building materials, architecture, engineering, renewable energy and energy efficiency businesses, universities, and public officials.  It’s about the future of sustainable building and the resources and integration needed to reach that future.

The Das Haus goal is to share inspiration and engage sustainable building experts, associations, and key public officials across North America. From October 2011 to November 2012, the Das Haus pavilion tour, exhibition and accompanying events will travel throughout the US and Canada, making stops in 12 major cities. Be there.

The Das Haus tour will be making its way through Houston, Texas from November 8-17, 2011 at the Houston Permitting Center which is located at 1002 Washington Avenue.  For more information on Das Haus please go to the event’s website: http://dashaustour.com/.

Save Energy This Holiday Season!

As you prepare for the holiday season, use a few of these easy, energy-efficient tips from the Environmental Protection Agency to save energy and reduce waste.

  1. Using a real tree? Contact your local community solid waste department for information on recycling. Alternatively, use a potted tree which can be planted.
  2. Unplug lights and decorations during the day to save energy and make your lights last longer.
  3. Look for holiday greeting cards made from recycled materials.
  4. Use reusable cloth shopping bags for toting holiday purchases rather than paper and plastic bags.
  5. Save gift wraps and ribbons for use on next year’s presents. Wrap presents for others in recycled trimmings you’ve saved.
  6. Use cloth napkins and reusable dishes and silverware for your holiday gatherings rather than disposable paper and plastics.
  7. Purchase rechargeable batteries for electronic gifts.
  8. Donate your children’s older or outgrown toys and books to charities and local libraries.

For more holiday energy saving tips, visit the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s website.

 

CEA Welcomes Freedom Solar as Newest Affiliate Member

CEA Welcomes Freedom Solar as Newest Affiliate Member

HOUSTON – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is pleased to welcome Freedom Solar as its newest affiliate member.

Founded in 2007, Freedom Solar is an industry leading full service solar installation company that provides solar power systems to both homes and businesses. To date, Freedom Solar has designed projects that generate over seven megawatts of power. Freedom Solar handles every aspect of solar power installations from financing to construction and maintenance.

“Freedom Solar is pleased to work with CEA to further the position solar power holds in the mind of energy consumers,” said Bret Biggart, General Manager for Freedom Solar. “Freedom Solar looks forward to engaging in a policy discussion that emphasizes the need for all diverse forms of energy and highlights the important role solar power can play in meeting our country’s growing demand. It is important that we look to the benefits of solar power in order to help reduce our dependence on foreign oil and reduce emissions. By investing in solar power and conserving natural resources we make a significant contribution to preserving the planet for future generations.”

“Consumer Energy Alliance is very proud to partner with Freedom Solar,” said CEA president David Holt. “Providing a place where developers of all forms of energy can come together to discuss this nation’s needs when it comes to energy policy is a fundamental function of CEA, and we are proud to bring another producer of clean, renewable energy to the table. With the specter of high energy prices hovering over our economy it is imperative that we develop a balanced, comprehensive energy policy that includes all forms of energy, including solar power.”

The big picture and the nitty-gritty

We’ve spent the month of October thinking big and encouraging our supporters, along with children everywhere, to do the same. The ability of Americans to imagine, and think outside the box was the inspiration behind our successful Energy Day Festival earlier this month. We know that the United States will require new approaches to old problems in order to meet future energy demands.

We close this month of education and discovery with a reminder of just how great our future energy challenges are. This analysis from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows world energy demand growing at a rapid clip, even as the United States and other industrialized countries achieve advances in conserving energy. The reason is that much of the growth in demand is coming from places that until fairly recently were comparatively small consumers.

As the first figure in EIA’s International Energy Outlook shows, most energy consumption in the coming decades will be from non OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries. What that means for a large fuel importer like the United States, is a lot more players competing for the same resources. The second figure in this data-rich report offers a look at how the world will meet this rising demand and as you might expect, it is based on increased consumption of a range of fuels, both traditional and alternative.

Finally, read a little further and you’ll see just how much natural gas, particularly so-called “unconventional” natural gas, like that produced from shale, stands to contribute to domestic supplies. It contains projections for natural gas production through the year 2035 that show the United States far surpassing other major producers like Canada and China.

The takeaway? Well, we all have our work cut out for us. We cannot peg all our future hopes or plans on a narrow energy strategy or a specific source of energy, but rather, will have to aggressively tap multiple sources. And to make the most of all those sources, we will have to continue to innovate. It’s no accident that the phenomenal increase we are seeing in domestic gas production results from innovations that have enabled us to access gas supplies that past generations could not.

As we saw at Energy Day, our future opportunities with energy are exciting.

Consumer Energy Alliance Welcomes New Member Gulf Economic Survival Team

Consumer Energy Alliance Welcomes New Member Gulf Economic Survival Team

HOUSTON –Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is pleased to welcome the Gulf Economic Survival Team (GEST) as its newest affiliate member.

The Gulf Economic Survival Team is a grassroots, nonprofit organization founded in June 2010 to push for a swift end to the federal moratorium on deepwater drilling.  Since October 2010, when the moratorium was lifted, GEST has served as a facilitator between operators, state government, and the federal government to clarify new exploration and drilling plan and permit requirements, and as an advocate for a heightened permitting pace commensurate with the energy industry’s capacity to invest in the Gulf of Mexico.  On August 12, 2011 GEST released a study, “Restarting “the Engine” – Securing American Jobs, Investment and Energy Security,” conducted by well-respected independent research firm IHS-CERA.  The study concludes that this nation’s economy and energy security would benefit substantially from a robust return of domestic oil and gas drilling in the Gulf.

“Gulf Economic Survival Team (GEST) is proud to announce our new partnership with CEA.  We all recognize that energy is a critical component of America’s economy, and we look forward to joining our voice with theirs in calling for rational energy policy decisions that help restore energy production in the Gulf. Restarting the stalled economic engine of the Gulf of Mexico will help meet America’s urgent needs of job creation, increased tax revenues and higher economic growth—as well as increased energy security,” said GEST Executive Director, Lori LeBlanc.

“Consumer Energy Alliance is pleased to work closely with GEST on energy issues at a regional and national level,” said CEA President David Holt. “Educating producers and consumers on the effect energy policy decisions have on the entire economy is one core goal of CEA.  The production slowdown in the Gulf of Mexico as a result of the permitting delays in addition to the moratorium has had a ripple effect throughout the entire country and we hope to shed more light on those effects in conjunction with GEST in order to further the discussion on forming a balanced national energy policy.  CEA looks forward to working closely with GEST to provide consumers with credible energy information that shows how policy decisions that seem to have a regional focus can more widely affect the entire country.

 

Troy Bredenkamp Joins CEA Board of Directors

Troy Bredenkamp Joins CEA Board of Directors

HOUSTON – Following its recent Board Meeting in Chicago, Illinois, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) announced the newest addition to its Board of Directors: Troy Bredenkamp, who currently serves as Executive Vice President of the Colorado Farm Bureau (CFB), effective immediately.

Prior to his work with the Colorado Farm Bureau, Troy Bredenkamp worked in regulatory affairs with the American Farm Bureau Federation as the Director of Congressional Relations and as the Chief Executive Officer of the Colorado Livestock Association.

“By working with the other Board members CEA will continue to ensure that all forms of energy can compete to meet the needs of American consumers with respect to availability, affordability, reliability and environmental compatibility,” said Mr. Bredenkamp. “CEA has allowed the consumer to have a place at the table when it comes to the discussion of a balanced national energy policy and I am glad to be a part of that.”

David Holt, President of CEA, added: “Consumer Energy Alliance is proud of to announce the addition of our newest board member, Mr. Troy Bredenkamp. Mr. Bredenkamp will help direct CEA in its efforts to showcase the needs consumers and the overall economy has for a balanced, long-term, sustainable U.S. energy policy.  With his direction alongside the rest of the CEA Board of Directors, CEA will continue to strongly advocate for an ‘all of the above’ approach to energy – from oil & natural gas, to wind & solar, to nuclear, to increased efficiency.”

CEA Chairman Rich Moskowitz also welcomed Mr. Bredenkamp: “We are pleased to announce the addition of Troy Bredenkamp to the Board of Directors. His expertise in the regulatory environment will prove invaluable as we look to strengthen CEA’s position in the minds of legislative decision makers as well as the consumers and producers of energy that CEA represents.”

In additional to Rich Moskowitz, Board Chairman, Mr. Bredenkamp joins other CEA Board members including:

  • John Heimlich, Air Transport Association
  • Jennifer Diggins, Nucor Steel
  • Wayne Zemke, Caterpillar
  • David Blackmon, El Paso Corporation
  • Mark Pulliam, Sabre Holdings
  • Dave Harbour, Commission Emeritus, National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners
  • David Holt, Consumer Energy Alliance

CEA Welcomes CSTEM as New Academic Partner and Affiliate Member

CEA Welcomes CSTEM as New Academic Partner and Affiliate Member
Culminates Year-Long Collaboration in Developing & Launching First Ever Energy Day Festival

HOUSTON – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is pleased to welcome CSTEM as its newest affiliate member.

Since 2002, CSTEM has operated as a non-profit organization providing services to teachers and students in areas of communication, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (CSTEM).  Through action research, CSTEM has developed a program that support and service Pre K-12 pipeline teams, enriching the teaching and learning process for both teachers and students around the world. Students find success with STEM, develop leadership skills, learn how to work successfully on a team, explore and discover career opportunities in STEM, and experience learning outside of their school and home community.

“CSTEM is so pleased to work with CEA to further educational and workforce opportunities for young people,” said CSTEM founder and CEO, Dr. Reagan Flowers. “The annual international CSTEM Challenge, and CEA’s Energy Day are just two examples of effective collaborative partnerships of two organizations working together to deliver positive messages about technology, science and education to students. CEA’s mission of expanding the dialogue around our nation needs for every form of energy to meet the demands of the future, affords students everywhere so many exciting opportunities to learn and experience energy in all its forms. CSTEM is committed to the continued development of our programs to engage students in STEM and creating opportunities that build better futures. By joining CEA, CSTEM hopes to be able to reach even more students in an attempt to increase the interest rate amongst students in STEM related fields. Together CSTEM and CEA can bolster educational opportunities for America’s youth.”

“Consumer Energy Alliance has been very proud to partner with CSTEM over much of 2011 to help make Houston’s Energy Day a reality and amplify all of CSTEM good work bringing science and energy-related education to students throughout Texas,” said CEA president David Holt. “Educating young people on the role energy plays in their daily lives is a fundamental function for CEA. CEA is proud of our collaboration with CSTEM and looks forward to doing even more together to provide students with credible energy information and activities that show students how STEM fields can become rewarding careers.”

Energy, youth and our future

One of the many fascinating exhibits the 12,000 guests of Energy Day enjoyed this past weekend was the winning plan – designed by four middle school girls – in the Energy City of the Future competition. The plan, previewed here by CEA’s David Holt, presents a city that makes the most of all of our natural resources, including geothermal power from the ground and solar power from the sun to heat homes and large office buildings.

We’re happy to say Energy Day was a success. Students, teachers, local officials and families saw more than 60 interactive exhibits, many of them illustrating how advances in technology have led to new sources of renewable energy and user-friendly ways to conserve energy, and generally thinking outside of the box when developing ways to power our lives.

Those who took part in the Energy City of the Future competition created a scale model of Houston for the year 2050 that demonstrated how different sources of energy would be developed, used and transported. They also put together supporting marketing campaigns and public service announcements. It was a lot of work and produced some plans that were solidly conceived, both creative and scientific.

We are inspired by the ability of our youth to imagine a brighter future and we are working to help channel their talent to help solve some of the country’s greatest challenges. Over the past year, CEA has partnered with a number of Houston-area educational institutions to encourage broad participation in ongoing science and energy academic competitions. At Energy Day this past Saturday we awarded more than $20,000 in scholarships to students who have shown an interest in energy through their participation in the Energy Capital Academic Program (ECAP).

For more information on the ECAP program, along with photos from Energy Day, visit energyday2011.org. We hope to see you and your families at Energy Day 2012.

CEA: Develop Our Energy Resources to Grow the Economy

CEA: Develop Our Energy Resources to Grow the Economy
Restrictions on responsible development are preventing job creation, hamstringing economic growth

RICHMOND, VA – High energy costs — fueled by limited access to America’s vast energy resources — are holding back economic growth by keeping Americans unemployed and preventing the creation of new sources of wealth.

That was the message of Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) executive vice president Michael Whatley in a speech today at the 2nd Annual Virginia Governor’s Conference on Energy. Whatley listed several examples of how the rising cost of energy impacts the entire American economy:

  • As of October 18th, the United States has sent abroad more than $292 billion for imported oil. Two million barrels of oil per day are being purchased from the Middle East alone.
  • The trucking industry will spend $138.7 billion this year on fuel, which is $37.2 billion more than in 2010. This translates into higher costs for deliverable goods and services, costs that are passed on ultimately to consumers.
  • U.S. passenger and cargo airlines will spend $14 billion more this year on jet fuel than they did in 2010, even with substantial improvements in fuel efficiency that have reduced annual consumption by 12%.
  • High fuel prices disproportionately impact rural families to face longer commutes, as well as rural businesses who must pay more to have goods shipped into and out of their communities.

“The good news is that these policies and their impacts can be reversed,” said Whatley, who also outlined how energy development can help pick up the economy. “A recent study by IHS-CERA projects that returning the permitting rate in the Gulf of Mexico to its normal level would create 230,000 new jobs in the region. Increasing access to U.S. energy resources, according to the American Petroleum Institute, would create 530,000 new jobs and generate $1.7 trillion in new government revenues. And of course, opening up the Outer Continental Shelf off the coast of Virginia for exploration and production would create approximately 1,900 new jobs in Virginia, add $365 million per year to the gross state product, and generate nearly $20 billion in new revenues at all levels of government.

“With unemployment stuck above 9% and the threat of a double dip recession looming, we need more than ever an energy policy that will allow development of America’s vast energy resources – from coal, natural gas, wind and nuclear, to oil, biofuels and solar. This will not only create jobs and grow the economy, but will also ensure that our families, farms, factories, and businesses have access to the affordable and reliable energy that they need.

“We appreciate Governor McDonnell’s leadership on energy issues and appreciate his understanding of the role that energy can play as a job creation and economic growth engine.”

Earlier this year CEA launched Open the Gulf, which details the impacts that high energy costs and the slowdown in drilling in the Gulf of Mexico are having on Americans all across the country. In June, CEA also released a report entitled “Energy, Jobs and the Economy” that detailed sector-by-sector how rising energy prices are slowing down the economy.

More Than 12,000 Attend First Annual Energy Day Festival

More Than 12,000 Attend First Annual Energy Day Festival

HOUSTON – Over 12,000 Houstonians joined Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) and the City of Houston in celebrating the city’s first annual Energy Day Festival at Hermann Square on Saturday, October 15th.  Attendees included students, educators, and local officials who saw over 60 interactive exhibits highlighting a wide range of energy sources and technologies that help to shape Americans’ everyday lives and the Houston economy.  Guests were also treated to live music, as well numerous interactive games and displays.

Houston Mayor Annise Parker attended the event and noted that it helped to certify Houston’s status as the nation’s “Energy Capital.”

“For decades Houston has been a leader in the development of our nation’s energy resources,” said Parker. “Energy Day provided Houstonians, particularly our youth, an opportunity to recognize this historic leadership as well as celebrate the city’s successes in leading the nation in the advancement of renewable energy technology.”

Consumer Energy Alliance organized and supported this important inaugural event. At the conclusion of Saturday’s festivities, CEA President David Holt issued the following statement:

“Energy Day celebrated the importance of all forms of energy in our daily lives and helped educate students about the exciting opportunities that science, engineering and technology can provide for their future. We must give credit to all our participants whose stimulating exhibits and generous scholarship opportunities have sparked the imagination of our students and motivated an entire generation of future generation of energy experts. CEA is extremely pleased with our inaugural Energy Day and looks forward to expanding Energy Day in 2012 and in the years beyond.”

Holt also added: “A vast majority of the exhibits demonstrated how advances in technology have led to new sources of renewable energy, user-friendly ways to conserve energy, and alternative ways to power cars and trucks.  Participants including Ignite Solar, Shell, eVgo, NASA-Johnson Space Center,  and TXU Energy, among dozens of others, attracted thousands of young students eager to learn the science behind these remarkable advances.”

Over the past year, CEA has partnered with other Houston-area educational institutions in advance of Energy Day to encourage broad participation in ongoing science and energy academic competitions. Earlier this year, HISD, CSTEM, Houston Museum of Natural Science, SEFH, Northwest Houston Chamber of Commerce—Energize! Houston, CASE, The University of Houston, HCDE, KIPP, and Lone Star College partnered to form the Energy Capital Academic Program (ECAP) which encourages students to participate in multiple academic challenges and compete for cash prizes. On Saturday, CEA awarded these participants with more than $20,000 in scholarships to help advance their education.

To view photos from Energy Day 2011 or to receive more information about how to participate in next year’s Energy Day, please visit www.energyday2011.org.

The technology of energy and the energy of technology

This Saturday, at Hermann Square Park in downtown Houston, CEA will showcase some of the latest technologies that are letting us find more fuel, produce more fuel, conserve more fuel, and ultimately use energy to improve our lives. We’ve worked hard preparing for Energy Day 2011 because we recognize that our energy future depends on a generation of youth becoming engaged in the business of energy, intrigued by the science of energy and motivated by the power of energy – pardon the pun – to transform our future.

This week, we are also struck by the timing. You may ask, what does the passing of Steve Jobs, a great innovator in technology, have to do with an energy event in Houston. But there are many parallels to be drawn. All of the always on/constant connectivity we have come to expect in recent years, often accessed on technology that Jobs created, is supported, quite literally, by energy.

A question like, “How much energy does the Internet use”, is pretty hard to quantify other than with the answer “An awful lot.” According to one estimate, the data centers that power our technology will this year use 3% of all electricity consumed in the U.S. That’s enough electricity to power 24,000 homes.

The explosion in Internet use at the end of the last century is in some ways like the rise of the automobile in the beginning of the century, in the sense that both were transformative innovations that ran on energy and succeeded because of our ability to continue to access the fuel.

This week as the world reflects on the loss of a high-tech visionary, we are reminded of the power of science and technology not only to expand our lives, but also to inspire us. The energy industry is far more mature than the Internet, and does not enjoy the same “gee whiz” reception as the latest high-tech device. But poke around at this weekend’s Energy Day, and you will find a lot to be wowed about. As the children in the video say, energy makes everything go.

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