Witnesses at a hearing on multi-purpose energy initiatives testified about U.S. oil consumption, reliance on foreign sources of fuel, as well as planning and building a better infrastructure to support alternative energy sources. They also talked about security concerns related to reliance on foreign oil, global climate change, and the economic benefits of alternative fuels. 

T. Boone Pickens, in the first portion of the hearing, suggested that the government invest in building an infrastructure for wind power generation and provide incentives to private business to operate wind power generation facilities. He said the move could potentially reduce consumption of natural gas that could be used for transportation purposes. The second panel responded to Mr. Pickens' proposals and focused on national security and transportation aspects of U.S. energy policy.


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