Secretary says conservation and efficiency are vital.(Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham)(Brief Article)

WASHINGTON DC--If the United States doesn't realize significant energy conservation and efficiency gains over the next two decades, "It won't make any difference how much oil we recover in Alaska or how many new power plants are built. We won't be able to keep up with the demands of a dynamic and growing economy," Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham told an audience at the 13th Annual Energy Efficiency Forum held June 12 at the National Press Club here.

In a notably upbeat speech that dealt heavily with energy efficiency, new technology, and renewable energy--to the exclusion of new energy production and related tax incentives contained in the President's energy plan--Abraham said, "The critics who say our plan depends on drilling our way out of future energy problems have it all wrong. The reality is that we are going to depend on conservation and energy efficiency, and we are going to look to our laboratories and to the genius of the private sector for the new technologies that will deliver on this promise."

The energy secretary related that, according to projections by the Energy Information Administration (EIA), of the additional 76 quads (quadrillion Btu) of energy needed over the next two decades, about 45 to 50 quads--or almost two thirds--can be offset by gains in energy efficiency and conservation.

The shortfall of 25 to 30 quads of energy still needs to be addressed by increased supply, the secretary noted.

"I think the most exciting energy breakthroughs are ahead of us. Many are in the realm of energy efficiency and renewable energy. In fact, they have to be," Abraham stated.

An energy-efficiency improvement brings superior environmental advantages compared to even the most benign forms of energy production, he added.

Energy efficiency and increasing use of renewable energy resources have always been an important part of the president's energy plan, Abraham insisted. "Of the 105 energy recommendations 54 of them pertain ...