Energy Programs
The Communications Institute's National Energy Project is a multi-faceted effort to heighten understanding of the underlying issues of the world's energy challenges which includes symposiums, research, and publications/online services.
Symposiums were began in 2006 including one in the United States Capitol December 7th. Faculty and panelists discussed the History of the Energy Problem and looked forward to how the new Democratic-controlled 110th Congress would approach the issue in 2007. More programs are being held in 2007 and 2008.
The project includes symposiums, seminars, in-depth written analyses and multi-media. The Institute has published "Energy & America," a DVD that includes footage of the inaugural National Energy Symposium June 15, 2006 at the University of Southern California.
Past Energy programs were held in various locations in the nation in coordination with Institute energy studies.
Themes
The United States needs reliable energy supplies in order to maintain a strong economy. At the same time, the U.S. needs to reduce health, safety and environmental risks. To achieve these goals, policy makers and citizens themselves need to make smart choices based on accurate economic and scientific analyses that approach the problems and opportunities ahead realistically and objectively.
The Communications Institute project on energy will include National Energy Symposiums sponsored by leading academic and research institutions, Congressional Quarterly and The Communications Institute. The inaugural symposium took place June 15, 2006 on the USC campus.
The goal of the symposiums is to provide policy makers, media, as well as leaders in government, business, and the community, the knowledge to make smart decisions required for the future in dealing with our nation’s energy needs.
Program Content
The academic curriculum and project materials will be based on economics, science, and engineering research conducted by many of the leading experts in the world. The Symposiums will cover the following key energy issues:
• The Economics of Energy
• The Technology of Energy
• Energy Sources: Past and Future
• Efficiency in Energy: Cost and Environmental Balance
• Energy Policy for the Future