Senators Introduce Quadrennial Energy Review Act

The Quadrennial Energy Review Act of 2013 would authorize a high-level government-wide coordination council to submit a comprehensive review of current domestic capabilities and future energy needs, as well as the resources, technologies, and policy recommendations to meet them. The first Quadrennial Energy Review (QER) would be submitted to Congress by August 1, 2015, and every 4 years thereafter.  The reviews would offer a strategic roadmap to drive innovation in domestic energy sources in order to decrease our dependence on foreign oil and improve economic competitiveness and security in the United States.

 

Several national organizations including the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, Bipartisan Policy Center, and the American Energy Innovation Council support the development of the QER.  The proposal is modeled after the highly-regarded Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR), a legislatively-mandated review of defense strategy and priorities. 

 

“Our energy capabilities will continue to impact economic growth. That’s why we need to fully assess where we are now and where we need to be in the future,” Pryor said. “By developing a long-term coordinated energy policy, I hope our bill will help enhance energy security and create new energy jobs.”

 

“This bill will create a plan for U.S. to lead the world on the next generation of energy technology,” Wyden said. “A comprehensive energy review will give policymakers, employers and researchers a better picture of the best ways to leverage U.S. resources to improve energy security, and move toward a low-carbon economy.”

 

"America’s energy innovators need and deserve a better strategic blueprint to jumpstart our clean energy economy,” Coons said. “A Quadrennial Energy Review would identify a baseline assessment of our technological, economic and national security capabilities. It would then put our federal resources to work to help us better coordinate with the private sector and promote energy innovation.  This is critical component of an all-of-the-above energy policy.”

 

"This is a good first step towards a national energy plan, one that would decrease our dependence on foreign oil by developing our energy resources here at home more efficiently,” said Begich. “The country, and especially Alaska, will benefit from this bipartisan approach to put new technology to good use and keep us competitive in a global economy.”

 

“A clear, long-term plan for our energy future will create jobs and improve our national and economic security through energy independence,” Tester said. “This bill is an important step in developing that plan and ensuring that Montana’s tremendous energy resources help meet our nation’s energy needs.”

 

“Developing sound, science-driven energy policy is a key element to strengthening America’s economic competitiveness and national security through energy independence,” said Heinrich. “There is no doubt that New Mexico’s universities and national security labs will continue to be vital in this endeavor, playing a central role in addressing our future energy challenges and driving innovation in the private sector.”

 

“The United States needs a ‘Do it All, Do it Right' approach to energy," said Udall. "Defining our energy policy with specific priorities is a critical challenge, and this bill creates a transparent review, evaluation and planning process to achieve that goal.”

 

“We need to promote energy policies that put our nation on the path to energy independence. We can accomplish this by using all the resources we have been blessed with to create energy certainty for the future. Our proposal achieves this and it also allows us to utilize our capabilities and resources to provide hardworking Americans with job opportunities,” Boozman said.