KNOXVILLE — The U.S. uses 25 percent of the world’s energy. Our nation relies on some hostile governments for oil. Fossil fuels are contributing to climate change.
Jerry Paul Experts realize there’s a problem, but is there finally momentum for real, long-term change? What “speed bumps” will we hit on the road to change — technology, economics, culture or politics?
Jerry Paul, distinguished fellow on energy policy at the University of Tennessee’s Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy, will address these issues in two lectures on April 10.
Paul will speak at a Baker Center luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the UT Visitors Center, near the intersection of Neyland Drive and Kingston Pike. Cost is $15, and reservations can be made by calling (865) 974-0931.
Paul also will speak at 2 p.m. in the Shiloh Room of the Carolyn P. Brown Memorial University Center. This event is free and open to the public.
“In 2005, the U.S. consumed approximately a quarter of the world’s energy, though we had only 4.6 percent of the world’s population. The 55-60 percent of oil we import accounts for the largest portion of the U.S. trade deficit,” Paul said. “It is obvious that the U.S. must adopt a vigorous plan to transform the way we harness and consume energy. This will include new sources, new technologies and new applications of existing technologies. This will require tough policy and funding decisions. We must all be a part of that plan.”
Paul is a nuclear engineer and an attorney, and he formerly served as a state representative in Florida. He served in the U.S. Merchant Marines and the U.S. Navy Reserve, and has worked as a reactor engineer and power plant operator at fossil and nuclear power plants. He served as a member of the U.S. Department of Energy Nuclear Energy Research Advisory Committee and as the Florida representative for both the Southern States Energy Board and the National Conference of Legislators Committees on Environmental and Natural Resources.
Paul has a law degree from Stetson University, a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering from the Merchant Marine Academy, and a post-baccalaureate degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Florida.
For more information about the Baker Center, see http://bakercenter.utk.edu/
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Contacts:
Nissa Dahlin-Brown, (865) 974-0931, Nissa@utk.edu
Amy Blakely, (865) 974-5034, amy.blakely@tennessee.edu