Donovan talks energy security in Norway

Congress member takes part in international conference

August 10, 2017 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

U.S. Rep. Dan Donovan says the nation needs to meet the challenges of finding energy sources in the 21st Century. Photo courtesy of Donovan’s office

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U.S. Rep. Dan Donovan headed to Oslo, Norway this week, but he wasn’t traveling there for a vacation. The representative is taking part in an international conference focusing on such topics as alternative energy sources and policies on fighting terrorism.

The policy conference, called “Energy for America: Opportunities, Challenges and Solutions,” is sponsored by the Aspen Institute Congressional Program, a nonpartisan educational program that offers members of Congress the chance to delve into complex and critical public policy issues with internationally recognized experts.

Donovan, who flew to Oslo on Wednesday, is expected back in his congressional district on Aug. 15, a spokeswoman told the Brooklyn Eagle.

Donovan and other lawmakers at the conference will be discussing issues relating to U.S. energy security, including industry research and development, global market demands and energy defense policies.

The idea is to bring together a bipartisan group of congressional representatives, as well as energy industry experts, to put forth policy ideas to strengthen U.S. energy security and competitiveness, Donovan said.

Donovan (R-C-Southwest Brooklyn-Staten Island) is the chairman of the House Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications. The committee has jurisdiction over anti-terror and emergency preparedness policies.

Donovan said he will use his knowledge of anti-terror and emergency preparedness policies to discuss the importance of safeguarding U.S. energy infrastructure from terrorism, cyber threats, and storm threats.

“To meet the energy needs of the future, Congress must support affordable, reliable, and secure energy solutions,” Donovan said in a statement. “Our energy infrastructure must be able to withstand terror threats and high demand, while also benefiting consumers and creating a more robust energy market. I’m pleased to join my colleagues and leading experts to help develop solutions to meet these challenges, as well as discuss innovative policies that will ensure U.S. energy security for the 21st century.”

The participants will be involved in roundtable discussions focusing on the challenges and potential solutions on energy policy.

The discussion topics are to include: security of the U.S. energy grid, changes in the oil industry, trends in energy technology, opportunities in renewable energy and the effects of geopolitics on energy security.

Donovan cited a U.S. Energy of Department study which reported that cyber threats to the electricity system are increasing in sophistication, magnitude and frequency.