Grella is a Washington-area resident, avid sports fan, and senior vice president for Securing America’s Future Energy, an organization that supports expanding domestic energy resources and the electrification of transportation.
America’s energy — still insecure?
Perhaps as insecure and unsound as the Washington Nationals, but I … pull hard for them both. Thus far in 2009, energy security has been relegated to the back seat, with climate policy in the driver’s seat. And while energy and climate are related topics, they are not synonymous, and they must be addressed as such.
What role is your organization playing in the energy debate in Congress?
Securing America’s Future Energy has effectively been making the case for key planks of our comprehensive, integrated National Strategy for Energy Security, which would reduce our economy’s oil intensity and bolster our energy security.
Whatever happened to ‘drill baby, drill’?
The politics of energy surely have evolved over the past few years, particularly after last summer’s surge in oil and gas prices. Previously, Democrats argued in favor of reducing demand and Republicans advocated for increasing supply, but SAFE found its niche by responsibly addressing both sides of the ledger. If there was a silver lining to last summer’s political panic, perhaps it was getting previously reluctant members on the record in favor of domestic development.
You worked on the Hill! What do you miss about it?
Toiling under the Capitol dome was one of my most treasured experiences. And while I used to long for the day my BlackBerry would leave me alone on Sunday mornings, I occasionally wax nostalgic about the era when my phone’s red light always seemed to welcome me back to my desk. On the whole, I now crave consistency over excitement, so I find the private sector to be more sustainable, enjoyable, and conducive to travel, concerts, and sporting events with my wife, Lauren, and friends.
— Julie Mason
