Speakers:  The Honorable Richard Blumenthal (CT Attorney General), Jeff Benedict (author of "Without Reservation") are featured;  they will discuss the potential expansion of casino gambling (Native American) in CT., status report on recognition efforts.

"PANEL: U.S. RUNNING LOW ON ENERGY OPTIONS" - by Dirk Perrefort, HOUR staff writer

"WESTON...Three panelists discussed national energy policies during a discussion sponsored by the Weston League of Women Voters on Friday evening.

"About 50 people attended the event (note: actual number was 64 in the audience).

"The panelists for the discussion held in the Weston Public Library, were Clem Malin, a retired vice-president of international relations with Texaco; Michael Redemer, a venture executive with Chevron Texaco Technology Ventures LLC;  and Andrew Aulisi, a policy analyst with Air and Energy Program Environmental Defense in New York City.

"The discussion revolved around the current energy policies of the federal government, the country's energy usage, and the proposed policies that are currently in two bills before the House and Senate in Washington, D.C.

"'Energy is a complex and critical issue,' said Malin, adding that the country began to create national energy policies after the energy crisis in 1973.  'The common theme among most energy policies has been that market solutions are favored.'

"Redemer said that the total world oil consumption, per day, in 2000 was 65 million barrels.  Of that amount the United States used 18 million barrels per day.  He added that 68 percent of the oil used in this nation is for transportation.

"'We are now importing approximately 60 percent of our oil,' said Redemer.  'About 20 years ago we were importing 40 percent of our oil.'

"Aulisi, who represented the environmental perspective, said that government efforts should be focussed not on increasing supply of fossil fuels but decreasing their demand.

"He said that some of the proposals before federal lawmakers that most environmentalists support include an increase in the gas mileage standards for corporate fleet vehicles.

"'A proposal that environmentalsts don't support,' he said, 'is the opening of the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge for drilling.'"

--30--

THE PANEL:
Government Perspective/will be absent this evening...bills related to this matter coming up for action RIGHT NOW
Shirley Neff
Staff Economist, Senate Energy & Natural Resource Committee
Washington, D.C.

Environmental Perspective
Andrew Aulisi
Policy Analyst and Business Liaison, Air and Energy Program
Environmental Defense Fund
New York, N.Y.

Industry Perspective
Michael Redemer
Venture Executive, Chevron Texaco Technology Ventures, LLC
San Francisco, CA

Moderator
Clement Malin,
Retired Vice President, International Relations
Texaco

The subject of energy suppliers, deregulation and a national energy policy was discussed by Jack Betkoski, a Commissioner of the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC), consultant Donna DeVino and Utility Research Specialist Ginger Teubner Monday evening at Weston Library.  With the advent of Connecticut electrical deregulation looming on January 1, 2004--the price caps are off then--Connecticut legislators may choose to learn from California's unfortunate example.  It is possible that deadlines for "letting the market control the supply" of energy may be moved out into the future.

The effects of PA98-28 ("An Act Concerning Electric Restructuring") are only on the generators, and CT power plants have now been sold off.  Upgrading the "Sooty Six" (Norwalk, Bridgeport, New Haven, Middletown, Devon, and Montville) was not moved forward last legislative session, when the Governor vetoed legislation (to assure that our region would not run out of power and have a California-style shortfall over the summer of 2001).  Right now, the efficiency of the six named existing plants is at a 30% level;  upgraded would bring it to @50%.  For comparison, more advanced technology (cogeneration plants) can be @80% effective in not spewing carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

Strengthening the supply of alternate sources of fuel and expanding the role for the consumer are two differences we will notice in a few years.  To date, less than 1% of users have opted to switch energy supplier so far (since PA98-28 passed).  Future demand in CT is growing, and nuclear energy facilities, now supplying 36% of the State's energy, will be providing 21% in a few years.  Where will the new energy come from?  Proper load management will help reduce demand.  Establishing (finally) a national eneregy policy is another way to answer the question and help solve the problem.  To find out more about energy deregulation and the process involved in selecting a new energy supplier--or deciding not to switch--click HERE.  Stay tuned!

The court appeals panel in Pahang state ruled the sentence on 32-year-old Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno was just. No date was set for the caning, but if it goes ahead, Shukarno will be the first Malaysian woman to be caned.

The case has caused controversy in Malaysia, where Muslims are subject to Islamic law in personal matters. While drinking alcohol is forbidden for Muslims, prosecutions are rare. Analysts say the government fears that the punishment could damage Malaysia's reputation abroad.

Kartika Sari Dewa Shukarno, a mother of two, was arrested for drinking beer in a beachfront hotel in December 2007.

At this time, the invited guest speakers are (and we note that Dr. Patton appeared in Westport Y-men series on this subject...just now (in January 2002):
 

• Dr. Marcie J. Patton, associate professor and chairperson of the Politics Department at Fairfield University, where she teaches Middle Eastern politics, contemporary global issues, third world politics and international political economy;
• Dr. Ralph Coury, professor of history at Fairfield University, specializing in in Modern European and Middle Eastern and Islamic history;
• Dr. James Jones, associate professor of world religeons and African studies at Manhattanville College.

For more information, call 454-4774.

Link to news story about student protest in Hartford...