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Energy
With Gov. John Hoeven (R-N.D.)
Thursday, May 31, 2001; 10 a.m. EDT
Rising gasoline prices coupled with electricity shortages in California have brought energy issues to the forefront of American politics. The new administration is at odds with many Democrats on possible solutions to the nation's current energy woes.
North Dakota Governor John Hoeven was online to take questions and comments on energy policy.
The transcript follows.
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over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Gov. John Hoeven: I think that Bush's energy proposals come at a good time and are a long-term solution to the challenges we face in energy. From our standpoint we think his proposals include important steps to enable us as a state to help supply the nations energy needs.
Somewhere, USA:
Some politicians are expressing interest in nuclear power. Do you believe that this could help some of our nation's energy problems? What do you propose to help the rest of the nation avoid what California is currently going through?
Gov. John Hoeven: First, in regards to nuclear energy, we do not have nuclear energy in N.D, so I do not have a great deal of familiarity with it. It may have a role and should be carefully evaluates. Obviously the waste issue and safety are the biggest challenges.
From our standpoint in N.D. we see tremendous potential with other sources of energy. That includes not only clean coal technology but also natural gas and renewable sources of energy such as wind, ethanol and new products like bio diesel
Clearly a large part of California's problem comes from a deregulation plan that wasn't well structured, we need to make sure that we approach any deregulation in a careful and well thought out manner.
Duluth, Mn.:
Govenor Hoeven: You as a member of a banking family, and as a promoter of economic growth in a state with an aging population--where, or in what investments do you visualize North Dakota's hope for economic survival? (All, of course, with discretionary preservation of the land and the quality of life?)
Certainly a state with a low crime rate, good schools, clean air and sunsets that are like no other, in a sky that goes on forever...North Dakota looks like a prime target for high -tech industries; and families looking for the advantages of a safe environment to raise their children?
Has the Buffalo Commons project advocated for the plains and grasslands, developed any viability in N. D.-- diverse as the B. Commons Project may be?
Politics and populism made for a wild and crazy place in the past. The filibustering Bill Langer comes to mind. Has the political climate mellowed over the years or does a bit of that cross-over spirit still exist? (Jeffords, by the way, would make a fine North Dakotan of the 'old school'?)
..Love North Dakota, love the coulees, the big sky, sunsets and the sight of a russian thistle rolling down a dry road bed...
BUT back to Energy: Are the winds powerful enough, blowing across those prairies, to make a billion wind generators support this nation's needs?
I think the native meadowlark's call, says it all... "Go, go, go fill your teakettle full"... the place of opportunity is waiting, hey?
Gov. John Hoeven: I appreciate the question and clearly it comes from someone who knows our state way. WE do have real opportunities in tourism and enjoyment in the great outdoors. North Dakota is wonderful place for hunting, fishing, recreation and other outdoor adventures.
We can build on these things and still help meet this country's energy needs. N.D. has the cleanest air standards in the country but we are also a leader in clean coal technology. We export 60 percent of our energy and currently are looking at two new power plants. Using clean coal technology to produce more electricity. WE also have the only plant in the country, one of two in the world, that converts coal into natural gas. We want to make sure that any fossil fuel development whether oil gas or coal is done in a way that maintains and protects our environment.
Energy development is an important source of economic development in our state and for our country.
The Dakotas have been referred to as the Saudi Arabia of wind energy. We have tremendous potential for wind issue. Out challenge is getting adequate transmission of the power to the market. That is whey it is vital that we move forward with President Bush's proposals including new regulations that enable de3velopment of additional transmission.
Again, green sources like ethanol and bio-diesel coupled with wind comprise exciting new sources or renewable energy that we need to develop. We have a number of plants that produce ethanol already and we are looking to expand them and produce more.
Annapolis, Md.:
Thanks for taking my question.
The president seems to be exclusively pressing for more energy production with out stressing conservation. Generally I support the president's policies, but I have to disagree here.
For instance, there are too many LARGE cars on the road.
Gov. John Hoeven: I think the president's plan does address conservation very strongly as well as new technology to produce new sources of supply in environmentally friendly manner. Yesterday I was in a plant in Fargo, N.D. The plant GEM (or Global Electric Motors) manufactures electric cars. I believe they are the leading manufacturer of electric cars in our country and it is exciting to see what they are doing in providing an environmentally friendly product. The president's plan encourages development of new products like these and others that will encourage conservation through tax credits and other means.
Laurel, Md.:
If a power shortage were to occur in your state, would you ask for federal intervention?
Gov. John Hoeven: Depending on the circumstances I may ask for federal assistance. Just as California has done. The Bush administration has provided substantial subsistence to California and will continue to do so. I believe there is a fundamental disagreement between President Bush and Gov. Davis as to the best way to solve California's energy problem. President Bush does not believe price caps will help, instead he feels that measures need to be taken to encourage conservation and increase supply.
Washington, D.C.:
Thanks for answering our questions on this important and complicated topic.
I have heard that the rise in gasoline prices and electricity is due to price gauging... but I have also heard that the problem with gasoline is the limited capacity and number of refineries to keep up with what we need in our expanding economy (not to mention all those SUVs). Is it one or the other or both? To what degree?
Also, what could be a solution to California's electricity whole sale prices going through the ceiling? Is it reasonable for the suppliers to be expected to reduce their prices? Don't the enormous profits of these companies allow for it?
Finally, why is it so unrealistic to expect automobile manufacturers to develop SUVs (since obviously no one can live without them to get to the mall and back) that have good gas mileage? I'm sure the capacity / designability is out there... what's holding them back?
Thanks for shedding some light on these issues!
Gov. John Hoeven: Significant part of the increase in gas prices results from our lack of refining capacity in addition to requirements of what are called boutique blends of gasoline for different markets. This situation emphasizes our need to improve infrastructure as well as developing additional sources of supply ion petroleum products as well as other energy sources. The only way we will get lower prices on a long term basis is to develop our infrastructure and sources of supply in tandem with new technology that provides better fuel efficiency and economy. I believe those are the goals of president Bush's energy policy. In our state we are suffering from higher gasoline prices just as folks are everywhere else in our country and it is a problem. It is tough on our farmers, our truckers as well as our motorists in general, but we also recognize that our country didn't get into this situation overnight and we see this challenge as an opportunity for N.D. to participate in the long term solution and create new jobs in our state as well.
Washington, D.C.:
I'm not sure if North Dakota has experienced this, but in general the U.S. has experienced massive population growth in the last 10 years--especially California. How is this affecting the energy crisis? It seems like it might mean that no matter what we do now, if we don't get a handle on population growth, all our efforts to conserve and/or increase energy supply will eventually be overwhelmed by the needs of more and more people!
Gov. John Hoeven: With new technology and ingenuity we can develop addition sources of supply in an environmentally friendly manner and combine them with good conservation measures to meet our needs.
washingtonpost.com:
That was our last question today. Thanks to everyone who joined the
discussion.
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