US Senator Richard Lugar challenged America's automakers and citizens to decrease dependency on foreign oil at a Summit on Energy Security.
The day long summit held at the West Lafayette campus focused on foreign oil dependence and alternative fuels. Besides Lugar, Gov. Mitch Daniels and Purdue President Martin Jischke also spoke to a 1000 strong audience. Panel discussions included representative from BP Inc and Ford Motors.
Lugar proposed a series of measures to contain problems including mandates for more flexible-fuel vehicles, boosted ethanol production and usage, and the implementation of stricter vehicle mileage standards and convincing the federal government to enhance alternative fuel production through a progressive loan program.
He said that failure on the part of the nation to bring about a change in the energy policy despite repeated warnings would be more unconscionable given that success would not only contribute towards a better geopolitical climate but also provide restorative economic benefits to farmers, automakers and others.
Back President Bush's course of action in Iraq.