Several people and groups who have been stalwart opponents of policies demanded by environmental alarmists in the past appear to have changed their tune in the light of the argument that national security will be enhanced by reducing American dependence on oil. The Cato Institute's Jerry Taylor rejects this argument (see this Wall Street Journal article for a detailed explanation of why), and he will debate Bush I White House counsel C. Boyden Gray on the issue next week. Anyone interested in this debate would do well to attend.

Foreign Oil Dependence and National Security: What to Do?
POLICY FORUM
Thursday, May 5, 2005
11:00 AM (Luncheon to follow)

Featuring C. Boyden Gray, White House counsel to former president George Bush, Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering and Jerry Taylor, Director, Natural Resource Studies, Cato Institute

The Cato Institute
1000 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001

A new left-right coalition of environmentalists, business interests, and former national security officials was launched recently to address America’s dependence on foreign oil. C. Boyden Gray, a member of the Steering Committee for the Energy Future Coalition, argues that promoting alternative-fueled vehicles and energy conservation would make us less vulnerable to enemies in the Middle East. Jerry Taylor argues that foreign oil dependence has no impact on national security and that additional corporate subsidies and consumer regulation will prove counterproductive. Join us for a spirited debate concerning the future of energy policy during the war on terrorism.

Cato policy forums and luncheons are free of charge. To register for this event, please fill out the form below and click submit or email events@cato.org, fax (202) 371-0841, or call (202) 789-5229 by 11:00 AM, Wednesday, May 4, 2005. Please arrive early. Seating is limited and not guaranteed. News media inquiries only (no registrations), please call (202) 789-5200.