Brookings Mountain West presents "U.S. Energy Policy: The Burdens of the Past and Moving Forward“ a talk by John Banks, Nonresident Fellow, Foreign Policy, Energy Security Initiative.

Since the oil embargo of 1973, the United States has struggled to implement a sustainable and comprehensive national energy policy.  Forging a consistent policy approach has been complicated by more recent emerging trends: how to combat global climate change, the continued emergence of viable alternative energy options, and the hydrocarbon renaissance.  This presentation will discuss several major themes that have impacted energy policy-making since the 1970s and how they are reflected in key issues debated in the current election year.  It will then pose some thoughts on how to move away from the burdens of the past and move forward. 

John P. Banks specializes in working with governments, companies and regulators in establishing and strengthening policies, institutions, and regulatory frameworks that promote sustainable energy sectors, with a particular focus on emerging markets and electricity. He has worked in over 20 countries. Mr. Banks is also an adjunct professor for electricity markets at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and for energy policy at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service.