Energy is vital to a country's security and material well being.
Senator Richard Lugar Richard G. Lugar Senator Lugar kicked off the discussion by noting that a wealth of scientific data indicates both the worlds' supply of oil is nearly half exhausted and that with each passing year the demand for petroleum-derived energy increases. Cellulosic ethanol offers real, potential benefits and should compel the United States to make a concerted research effort to realize its promise. Cellulosic ethanol, a renewable fuel derived from grasses, plants, trees, and waste materials offers a positive long term approach to the problem of global warming. Furthermore, Senator Lugar stressed that widespread conversion to the alternative fuel does not assume a shift from the current automobile culture or increased costs. Ethanol is a versatile liquid fuel and can easily be utilized within the existing infrastructure.