Energy Security Policy Initiative

ENERGY SECURITY ROUNDTABLE AND LUNCHEON

Roundtable: "Reducing U.S. Dependence on Foreign Oil: Lessons From Abroad."
Luncheon: "Energy Security Challenges Facing the Next Administration."

UNLV’s Institute for Security Studies hosted a November 14, 2008, rountable discussion and luncheon focused on energy security issues. The events were attended by more than 100 guests from the energy security, research, government, and public and private sectors.

The roundtable panelists who shared their insights were Dr. Jack Caravelli, fomer Senior Adviser to the U.S. Secretary of Energy and the author of Nuclear Insecurity; Professor Tatsuo Masuda, Adviser to the Chairman, Japan Petroleum Exploration Co. and former President, Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre; Professor Phil Hutchinson, Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and Chairman of Letcombe Technology Ltd.; Dr. Oliver Hemmers, Director of the Office of Strategic Energy Programs at UNLV; and Dr. Dennis Pirages, Dean's Professor of Government at the Department of Political Science at UNLV.

The roundtable began with a welcome by Dr. David B. Ashley, President of UNLV. The panelists were introduced by Dr. Nancy E. Brune, Director of Research at ISS, and the discussion was moderated by Scott B. Smith, Executive Director of ISS.

The panelists addressed four main themes: 1. Is partial dependence on foreign oil really a problem; 2. What strategies are employed by other countries in addressing oil dependence; 3. What is the role of renewable energy; and 4. What proposals might serve as a roadmap for the incoming Obama administration.

Dr. Masuda discussed in great detail the policies and strategies that Japan has implemented to reduce its dependence on imported energy. For a copy of Dr. Masuda's presentation, please click here.

During the question and answer segment of the event, several audience members engaged the panel including Don Reed from Solarenium, a solar energy enterprise; Steve Curtis from UNLV's Harry Reid Center; Chris Hodding, a Federal employee; and unidentified questioners with an interest in nuclear safety and alternative fuels.

The luncheon featured remarks from Dr. Caravelli. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley and UNLV President Ashley were among those who attended the luncheon.

For more information about ISS or its energy security initiative, please call (702) 939-4625 or e-mail the ISS at sharon.savage@unlv.edu.