Former Secretary of State James Baker speaks on Global Climate Change and American Energy Security

With new energy legislation rapidly making its way through Congress, the Dallas Regional Chamber hosted an Energy Forum on June 18, 2009 to provide information on how such proposals could impact chamber members, North Texas businesses and all energy consumers.

Former Secretary of State, James A. Baker, III, the nation's 61st Secretary of State, delivered the keynote address. He commented on global climate change and American energy security. During his remarks, he suggested a strategy to get other greenhouse gas-emitting nations to regulate their pollution. Secretary Baker stated that American leadership is the only alternative on this issue and that the United States needs to spearhead this effort.

Earlier in the day, Texas Comptroller Susan Combs gave an overview of the estimated effects of cap and trade legislation on the Texas economy. She stated that her office has found that if the proposed cap and trade restrictions were to take effect today, the typical Texas family (3.4 members) could expect to spend up to an additional $1,136 on household goods and services over a year. This could have a potential cost to Texas families of $6.9 billion. After her remarks, Comptroller Combs addressed a number of questions from those attending the forum.

Additionally, two panel discussions focused in more detail on the proposed energy policies and solutions to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. Panel members included: Scott Deatherage, Partner, Thompson & Knight LLP (Cap & Trade); Kevin Hassett, Director of Economic Policy Studies, American Enterprise Institute (Carbon Tax); Luke Bellsnyder, Executive Director, Texas Association of Manufacturers (Impact on Manufacturers); H.B. (Trip) Doggett, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Electric Reliability Council of Texas Renewable Energy and ERCOT) and Bob Shapard, Chairman and CEO of Oncor (Smart Energy Future).

The Dallas Regional Chamber would like to extend a special thank you to Hunt Consolidated, Inc. and Atmos Energy for sponsoring this event. For more information about these issues, please contact Meredith Armstrong at marmstrong@dallaschamber.org.