General Jones Links Next Generation of Biofuels to National Security

General Jim Jones, U.S. Marine Corps, Retired, who now runs the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energy, said we need to accelerate the next generation of biofuels to contribute to national security.  He also called for an acceleration of technologies like plug-in hybrids and for the expansion of mass transit.

“Nations like Venezuela and Iran can use oil and gas as political and economic weapons by manipulating the marketplace,” Jones said.  “Half of our trade deficit goes toward buying oil from abroad, and some of that money ends up in the hands of terrorists.”

Jones pointed out that during the first oil crisis in 1973, the U.S. imported 40 percent of its oil.  Today we import 60 percent. 

“We’re like someone who won’t go to the dentist until he feels pain,” Jones said.

Jones was Supreme Allied Commander of NATO.  His comments were published in “Parade” magazine August 24, 2008.