NSB Seeks Public Comments on Sustainable Energy Recommendations

On April 14, the National Science Board NSB released for public comment a draft report, Building a Sustainable Energy Future, which calls on the nation to lead the fundamental transformation of the current energy economy from one that is dependent on fossil fuel to one that thrives on sustainable and clean energy. The draft NSB report outlines key findings and makes recommendations for the federal government, with specific priority guidance for the National Science Foundation. 

The need for more urgent and more significant action underlies the Board's work. "The [current] scale and speed of adopting sustainable and clean energy technologies fall short of what is necessary to address today's challenges, which will only become more acute with the passage of time," the report says. 

A U.S. responsibility to lead globally on the issue also is stated in no uncertain terms, "U.S. reliance on fossil energy sources has given rise to a global call for a sustainable energy economy."

"Our report calls on the U.S. federal government to take the lead and set an example," said NSB Task Force on Sustainable Energy Co-chairman Jon Strauss.

Key findings:

• The federal government must adopt a forward-looking clean energy strategy that substantially increases investment in sustainable energy technology research; establishes appropriate market conditions to facilitate development and widespread deployment of sustainable energy technologies; educates and trains a workforce to address energy challenges; and advocates energy efficiency and energy conservation measures.
• The unique circumstances of the energy challenge - attempting to transform an already established sector and market with legacy technologies - will require active Federal attention to all stages along the R&D spectrum: basic research, applied research, development, demonstration, market commercialization, and deployment.
• The current energy economy does not adequately value or reward the attributes of sustainable energy solutions relative to those for the use of non-sustainable energy. Institutions of higher education and the private sector must train and retain talented specialists in energy research and skilled technicians in energy-related specialties.
• The United States should develop and lead a coordinated strategy for international involvement in sustainable energy research, development, and deployment - involving active engagement and collaboration with industry in both developed and developing countries.
• The U.S. Government should promote national public awareness of sustainable energy solutions, energy consumption, and energy efficiency. In addition, it should strategically engage with the public to motivate sound consumer action.

Numerous specific recommendations are provided for how the federal government and NSF should address the findings. Among the NSF recommendations is one encouraging stronger partnerships with universities, states and the private sector. The full 61-page document is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/committees/se/pub_comment.jsp. Comments will be accepted via email to: NSBenergy@nsf.gov. The public review and comment period is open until May 1, 2009.