WASHINGTON -- Transportation in the United States could change with great speed, depending on the pace of technology advancements and the economic viability of alternative fuels and vehicles, according to a report approved and presented to the Secretary of Energy by the National Petroleum Council (NPC) at its 122nd meeting this week.
But sustained and focused efforts by industry and government are essential for progress to continue and accelerate, officials noted.
"This study is unique in its depth, breadth, and use of subject-matter experts," said Clarence Cazalot Jr., chairman, president and CEO of Houston-based Marathon Oil Corp. and chair of the NPC's Committee on Future Transportation Fuels. "I believe this is a very promising technology story and indeed a good news story for America's economy, environment and energy security."
The study, "Advancing Technology for America's Transportation Future," is the NPC's response to a request from Secretary of Energy Stephen Chu. The two-year study involved more than 300 participants from diverse backgrounds and organizations.
"It is important that we have reports like this from the NPC," said Secretary Chu. "We need the voices of all the stakeholders and the most analytically dispassionate analysis of what is going to happen."
Watch the embeded video. Click here to view the report. And click here to view the slide presentation.
The Council also received an update on the NPC's 2011 "Prudent Development" report from D. Clay Bretches, who served as chair of the Coordinating Subcommittee of the North American Resource Development study.
In other action at the meeting, the Council elected James Hackett to serve as chair of the NPC for the traditional one-year term. Hackett is the chairman of the board of Anadarko Petroleum Corp., Houston. A member of the Council since 2002, he has served on several of its study and administrative committees, most recently chairing the NPC study on North American Resource Development.
Charles Davidson, chairman and CEO of Noble Energy Inc., Houston, was elected vice chair of the Council, of which he has been an active member for 10 years.
The NPC is a federal advisory committee to the Secretary of Energy. The sole purpose of the Council is to advise, inform and make recommendations to the Secretary of Energy, at his request, on matters relating to natural gas and oil or to the natural gas and oil industries.
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