By Debra DeHaney-Howard
June 27, 2005

Under the leadership of Conference President Akron (OH) Mayor Don Plusquellic, Augusta (GA) Mayor Bob Young, Chair of the Conference's Energy Policy Committee, officially announced the establishment of the Conference of Mayors' Energy Council. His announcement took place during the Business Council breakfast June 11 in Chicago at the Conference's 73rd Annual Meeting.

In his announcement, Young said, "Mayors are uniquely positioned to develop local energy initiatives that can lead to a more certain and sustainable energy future — a future that considers a reliable diverse fuel supply, establishes energy independence as a buffer against the instability of the Mid-East." While the United States has made remarkable progress on energy issues, mayors alone cannot solve our current problems of skyrocketing fuel prices and the worsening trade balance that threatens our sustainable cities and our standard of living. We need a strong partnership with the private sector to solve our nation's energy challenges."

The newly established Mayors' Energy Council will provide a forum for the exchange of ideas between mayors, other governmental units, and the private sector on the future of our nation's sustainable energy independence. The Energy Council will address a variety of energy issues, including fuel diversity, availability and affordability, energy conservation, energy efficiency, and emerging energy sources and technology. In addition, it will provide information and innovative energy ideas and Best Practices to mayors across the nation.

Young remarked that, "cities are the laboratories for change." Noting the leadership position of mayors, he said, "We need to assert our considerable influence with the public, with industry, with Congress and with the White House and say this is what needs to be done to secure our future, our standard of living and global leadership role. There is a role for traditional and alternative fuels in diverse energy's future. We need to get on with the job of determining the diversity mix and reject the notion that cities have to be victims of the resource decisions made in remote nations."

In concluding his remarks, Young called on the business community to join the mayors in this new energy initiative. Young said, "By convening a diverse group of organizations and private companies with the right experience and knowledge to develop an informed dialogue on a broad array of energy issues, we will be able to define what is practical to achieve and what is desirable to reach for in terms of energy future. The Energy Council will provide substantial public benefits to Conference members and will ensure a safe, affordable and adequate energy supply to fuel our economy, sustain our cities and improve the quality of life."