U.S. releases strategic plan to address energy challenges

The U.S. government on Monday released a five-year strategic plan to address energy challenges.

Under the plan, the U.S. government will seek to deliver results along five strategic themes that include energy security, nuclear security, scientific discovery and innovation, environmental responsibility and management excellence.

"The plan addresses overall goals for developing and deploying new clean energy technologies, reducing our dependence on foreign energy sources, protecting our nuclear weapons stockpile, and ensuring that America remains competitive in the global marketplace," the Department of Energy (DOC) said in a statement.

"The thrust of the plan is founded on innovation through science-driven development of new technologies," said the statement.

The plan, that has been outlined in President George W. Bush's Advanced Energy initiative, again outlines commitments to energy diversity and efficiency through a host of clean fuels and new technologies, including bold new initiatives in nuclear, coal, biomass, and solar energy.

It also renews and extends the DOC's commitment to the environment, both resolving legacy nuclear waste and supporting a future of cleaner energy.

To meet the pledge to the national security interests of the United States, the DOC's plan details a path that will ensure a reliable and responsive nuclear weapons stockpile and advance the goal of global nuclear non-proliferation.

"The Department of Energy's strategic plan outlines a path forward to enhance our clean energy options and advance national security interests while protecting the health and safety of our workers and the public," said Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman on Monday.

"Building on the Department's rich and diverse history and the President's initiatives, this plan details the steps necessary to keep our commitments, embrace innovation, and work together to ensure safe, secure, and environmentally responsible operations," he added.

Source: Xinhua