John Hofmeister answers questions during his lecture.
As part of UNT's commitment to sustainability, the university recently hosted John Hofmeister, founder and CEO of Citizens for Affordable Energy. After retiring from Shell in July 2008, he founded the nonprofit, grassroots organization, which is dedicated to fostering a national dialogue to address issues surrounding U.S. energy creation and consumption.
Hofmeister met with faculty researchers, toured the campus's scientific and educational facilities and discussed the past, present and future of the U.S. energy industry in a lecture for campus and community leaders.
Speaking about sustainability
UNT brings speakers like Hofmeister to campus to increase awareness and foster dialogue about sustainability issues. Jeff Goodell, author of Big Coal, will speak on campus Oct. 6 as part of UNT's One Book, One Community program. Hofmeister's visit was part of the President's Leadership Series, which educates the campus community about issues impacting the university and its operations.
Hofmeister has been an active voice in the energy industry and supports developing both traditional and renewable energy sources.
More, more, more, more
Citizens for Affordable Energy advocates for the Four Mores:
- more energy from all sources
- more technology for efficiency
- more environmental protection, and
- more infrastructure
In his "Energy Solutions for the 21st Century," lecture, Hofmeister said that in 36 years, the U.S. has increased its dependence on foreign oil from 30 percent to 65 percent. During that same time, the U.S. energy industry has been stymied by the "zigzags" of politics and constantly changing administrations, he said.
He called for the U.S. to depoliticize the energy industry so that the nation can find common ground to solve its energy and environmental problems.
"The energy and the environment can't be dealt with through the political process," he said.
Federal energy regulation
Hofmeister proposes establishing an independent federal regulatory agency, akin to the Federal Reserve Board, to guide energy policy. This agency could determine energy sources, set standards and spur and oversee the development of technology and infrastructure, he said.
Hofmeister also said the future of energy rests in research at universities and the minds of students, a reference to his campus tour where he saw highlights of UNT's energy-related research and initiatives.
Environmental research revolution
As part of UNT's pioneering environmental research, faculty are breaking new ground by creating biodegradable packaging using natural fibers, developing energy-efficient lighting and exploring the use of crops for renewable energy sources.
The university also embraces and promotes eco-friendly practices through its We Mean Green initiative and Office of Sustainability. And since becoming the first large public university in Texas to sign on to the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, UNT is adhering to even tougher environmental standards.
John Hofmeister, center, watches as Brian Wheeler, left, assistant director of Elm Fork Education Center, and a participant in the GoGreen Explorer Camp set up a hydrogen fuel cell by pulling water through the fuel cell using a syringe.
Seeing the future
During his tour, Hofmeister visited Elm Fork Education Center to see firsthand how UNT is engaging young students in sustainability.
Hofmeister watched middle school students in the GoGreen summer camp —one of Elm Fork's 16 Explorer summer camps — demonstrate the use of hydrogen fuel cell technology.
"I witnessed the future of America," he told the audience.
