Group to focus on Mississippi's role in capitalizing
 on energy resources and developing technologies

Members of the Mississippi Energy Policy Institute say available and affordable energy is vital to the state’s economic success.

During the group’s organizational meeting held in Jackson on Monday, July 13, members had a chance to outline what they believe to be major issues. Of the more than 125 members present, 96 percent believe current energy legislation pass by the U.S. House of Representatives would be harmful Mississippi’s economy.

Governor Haley Barbour said the plan’s cap and trade tax is harmful to businesses and eliminates jobs. The legislation would put a limit, or cap, on the greenhouse gases emitted by companies and force companies to purchase permits if they exceed those limits. The permits would come from companies that surpassed their emissions goals. Governor Barbour said one of the biggest flaws in the plan, proposed by President Barack Obama, is the ability to sell permits outside of the United States.

"If I were trying to design a way to de-industrialize America, it would be the Obama energy policy,” Barbour said at a press conference held after the organizational meeting. “I can't think of a better plan to drive industry — particularly manufacturing — out of the United States."

The Mississippi Energy Policy Institute’s Mission is to conduct research and develop coordinated state level policies that support a reliable and expanding energy portfolio; to understand and engage in the national energy debate; and to take advantage of the market opportunities ensuring Mississippi’s economic development competitiveness.

A Momentum Mississippi Initiative, MEPI will target nine different areas where it believes Mississippi can have an impact on energy. Policies will be developed as committees explore:
• Energy Efficiency and Conservation
• Workforce Needs
• Mississippi and National Energy Policy Impact
• Carbon Capture, Sequestration, and Enhanced Oil Recovery
• Inventory of Energy Resources and Infrastructure
• Renewable Energy Sources
• New Automotive and Aerospace Technologies
• Nuclear
• Smart Grid - communication networks

During the survey, the majority of members said the greatest challenge facing Mississippi today is government interference and the reliance on foreign energy sources. However, MEPI members say 20 years from now affordability for consumers as well as availability of energy will be the biggest challenge.

Former Ambassador John Palmer, the founder of SkyTel, will serve as interim chairman during the group’s formation. In addition to the nine committee chairs, the group’s Board of Directors will also include 5-10 at-large members appointed by Governor Barbour.

Members were asked to list committees they would be interested in serving on and those committees will be formed and begin meeting in the coming weeks. There will be a follow-up meeting of members in September and a public forum is planned for November or December.

For more information, contact Jason Dean of Momentum Mississippi at 601-969-4413

To hear an interview on MEPI with Anthony Topazi, Momentum Mississippi Chair and Mississippi Power CEO