"Energy is the linchpin of our economic future -- in the U.S. and throughout the world. The stability of global markets, the capacity of developing countries to meet the aspirations of their growing populations, the health of the Earth's environmental systems, and our children's future quality of life -- all will be affected by how we produce and use energy. Much is at stake in getting it right."

"Energy issues challenge us to think long term -- in time scales that require considerable foresight, competent planning, and the ability to adapt and regroup when things don't turn out as planned. Decisions we make now will have a lasting impact. Consider, for example, that most power plants are built to last for 40 years or more. Buildings and homes often last fifty to two hundred years or more (350 where I live in historic Lexington, MA!); major appliances inside our homes, such as heating systems or refrigerators, will last seven to twenty years."

"Technology and innovation move us forward as people on earth. Environmentally benign fuel cells ... for [American space missions] ... may be the next great innovation to power our cars and our homes. A concerted public and private effort will make huge reductions in global climate change impacts for our nation and our world. All we need is the will."

"Renewable energy is far more abundant than fossil fuels are, and modern technology makes it possible to turn the energy of sunlight, wind, biomass, and ocean currents into useful energy forms such as electricity and hydrogen. An age of oil was inconceivable at the dawn of the 20th century -- until the invention of oil drilling, refining, internal combustion engines, etc. So too with renewables in the 21st century. ... The dominant economies of the 21st century will be those that are at the forefront of a new energy system -- inventing and building fuel cells, wind turbines, hydrogen pipelines, solar cells, etc. Already, renewable energy markets are growing at 20-30 percent per year, creating billions of dollars of revenues and hundreds of thousands of jobs."

"Energy is fundamental to U.S. domestic prosperity and national security. In fact, the complex ties between energy and U.S. national interests have drawn tighter over time. The advent of globalization, the growing gap between rich and poor, the war on terrorism, and the need to safeguard the earth's environment are all intertwined with energy concerns ... Yet the current debate about U.S. energy policy is mainly about tax breaks for expanded production, access to public lands, and nuances of electricity regulation -- difficult issues all, but inadequate for the larger challenges. ... The staleness of the policy dialogue reflects a failure to recognize the importance of energy to the issues it affects. ... What is needed is a purposeful, strategic energy policy, not a grab bag drawn from interest-group wish lists."

"Over the next decade we can reduce greenhouse gases in real terms, not illusionary ones. As a privately held family company, I will tell you we will not abdicate our ethical responsibility to the environment."

"It would be hard to imagine a more striking disparity than that between the world community's low-keyed response to [international scientific] projections [on global warming] and its agitated reactions to remote risks of far less harm. ... Optimism toward the possible outcomes of future research cannot justify this ostrichlike behavior. ... Our ties to other people, though attenuated by distance and time, never completely disappear. We are, to quote John Donne ..."involved in mankind." ... It is natural that we should feel a sense of responsibility toward grandchildren and great-grandchildren not yet born. And since the descendants of every human being now alive will suffer from consequences of interaction that we disregard now, does it not follow that we must act now?"

"Scientists are beginning to understand climate as a complex interactive system that is affected by everything from the emission of greenhouse gases, to deforestation, to the condition of Arctic and Antarctic glaciers. ... One thing we have to keep in mind: While these might only be worst-case scenarios, many of the conditions and processes scientists think might trigger them already are present or under way. Global warming is at least as important an issue as gay marriage or the rising cost of Social Security. This is an issue that cannot, and must not, be ignored any longer."

"Making greenhouse gas reduction integral to our business processes will allow us to create value in a world where carbon emissions have a cost, as well as fulfilling our responsibilities to society. An important step is working with those who share this vision to develop commercial technologies, methods and products for reducing our own and our customers' greenhouse gas emissions."

"Global warming is a serious threat. There is overwhelming evidence that increasing amounts of carbon dioxide [and other gases] are heating up the Earth's climate and that inaction could be disastrous. ... [I]n this case, doing what will earn respect and support around the world is also in our own best environmental and economic interests and is the right thing to do. Even if, despite all the evidence, one chooses to remain a skeptic on climate change, taking action today -- as an insurance policy -- is the only wise course of action. As the mercury rises, so does the need for a creative solution."

"[The overwhelming majority of atmospheric scientists around the world and our own National Academy of Sciences are in essential agreement on the facts of global warming and the significant contribution of human activity to that trend. Suggesting otherwise may be good domestic politics, but it is not playing square with the American people. ... To my mind, to oppose environmental protection is not to be truly conservative. To put short-term financial gain ahead of the long-term health of the environment is a fundamentally radical policy, as well as being unethical. ... [I]t was the leadership of the United States, both at home and abroad, that helped move the world through positive and cooperative engagement to new levels of environmental commitment and achievement. We need to find that road again; it is the only path to a sustainable future for humanity."

"Keep in mind that it was the American government that put a man on the moon. It was the American government that built the interstate highway system. And it was the American government that invented the Internet and created the electronics revolution. American companies are the best in the world at finding solutions to problems. The energy issue is one where the American government must step up to the plate."

"I want to put a better engine in your SUV, not take it away."