Ray Orbach, University of Texas at Austin Presentation

1. Re-Energize the Americas Conference
National and International Energy Technology Policy
Raymond L. Orbach
Director, The Energy Institute
The University of Texas at Austin
orbach@energy.utexas.edu
www.energy.utexas.edu
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2. University of Texas Energy Poll
Energy Management & Innovation Center
University of Texas McCombs School of Business
• Serves as impartial and authoritative source of public opinion on
energy issues
• Data that can be used to inform and guide:
– Discussion
– Business planning
– Debate
– Policy development
• Measure and report on U.S. consumer opinions and attitudes
towards:
– Energy consumption
– Pricing
– Development
– regulation
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3. Reason for Concern
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4. Public confidence in leadership
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5. Our Responsibility
• What struck me particularly from the Poll’s results is the great cynicism that
pervades our nation’s citizenry.
• Regrettably, the poll reveals an atmosphere of distrust on top of a lack of
leadership and consensus, regardless of age or gender or party affiliation.
• Remarkably, when asked who they think is doing the best job on energy issues,
consumers indicate strong support for engineers and scientists, as well as
research institutes and universities.
• As a physicist, it is refreshing to hear an expression of public confidence in the
research community.
• That is a message worth listening to. It is also an obligation for those of us
who have retained the public’s confidence to live up to their assessment.
• Universities also hold a special place in our society – they are perceived to
stand “above the fray” of politics and partisanship. It is our responsibility to
conduct research at our university to add an independent and impartial voice
to the public debate.
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6. Conclusions
www.utenergypoll.utexas.edu
• Institutions of higher learning can – and must – provide consumers what they
need to make informed decisions. Specifically, we have a duty to present
credible information and analysis that promotes realistic and consensual
agreement on what is required for a sustainable energy future.
• This must be based on sound science, underpinning the formation of good
policy and planning--that is our responsibility.
• Results from this first survey also reveal a disenchantment with government at
all levels. This is unfortunate, to say the least, and it bothers me a great deal.
• I believe it is incumbent upon us to assist our elected officials with information
and policy options for energy security for our country. Working together, we
can develop a national consensus and work toward a restoration of public
confidence in our government.
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