Swisher has served as head of the American Wind Energy Association since 1989. Prior to that, he held energy policy positions at the American Public Power Association and the National Association of Counties. He also served on the staff of the House Interior Committee's Subcommittee on Water and Power. Swisher has taught energy policy at Georgetown University and the Georgetown University Law Center.
Swisher has a Ph.D. in American civilization from George Washington University and a B.A. from the University of Iowa.
Limited Time Before 2010 Elections It is foolish to think two different packages could be achieved within such a relatively short time. A year ago the strategy of two separate packages made sense – given the amount of time required to build consensus regarding climate, energy legislation could have moved as a high priority on a separate and faster track in the first half of 2009. A renewable energy standard had broad support and could have served as an early stage “down payment” on climate. An energy bill also would have allowed more time and attention for important questions such as… Read more
20 Percent Reduction Achievable What defines a 20% reduction as "too strict"? Certainly not according to what will be required to stabilize global CO2 emissions. Any objective analysis of the proposed legislation has made clear that a 20% reduction is in fact readily achievable with the technology options, both supply side and demand side, that we currently have on the table. The most important thing is to establish a set of market rules - a cap - that will provide industry with the clear guidance necessary to inform investment decisions moving forward. Establish the cap and then turn American capitalism… Read more
High Costs Constrain Nuclear The major barrier is financial in nature. The major barrier facing nuclear power in this country is not nuclear waste or safety concerns or regulatory constraints or public opposition. The major barrier is financial in nature. Getting a new power plant built is in many ways a matter of understanding, managing and pricing risk. Those plants with the lowest perceived risk are the ones that receive investment today. That is a major reason why both natural gas and wind have done as well as they have over the last five years. On the other hand, we have not… Read more
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