WILMINGTON, DE—At the 2006 Governors Energy Forum today, Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner released the NGA Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) Governor's Guide to Energy Assurance. The document aims to help governors ensure the security of the energy infrastructure in their states and respond effectively to energy emergencies.

In the aftermath of the hurricanes that devastated the Gulf Coast in 2005 and the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, governors increasingly are aware of the need for a comprehensive energy plan. As the chief executives of their states, governors are responsible for preparing for and responding to energy emergencies within their borders. However, their ability to ensure the security of the energy sector, which is largely privately owned, is limited by a lack of regulatory and statutory authority.

The Governors Guide to Energy Assurance provides governors and other state officials with an overview of the nation's energy sector and its general vulnerabilities; a discussion of the roles and responsibilities of state and federal governments and the private sector in planning for and responding to energy emergencies; and recommendations—based on state experiences—for ensuring energy supply and reliability and responding effectively to energy disruptions. Effective practices have been identified in several states across the spectrum of energy assurance, including preparedness/mitigation, response and recovery.

"The production facilities, transportation networks and distribution infrastructure that comprise the nation's energy sector represent a key economic asset for the United States and a significant national vulnerability," said Gov. Minner. "This guide will assist governors in their efforts to secure energy assets within their states."

"As chief executives of their states, governors play a role in protecting their residents from electrical blackouts, oil and gas shortages and other energy-related crises," said NGA Vice Chair Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty. "In coordination with state energy officials, homeland security advisors, emergency management officials, federal agencies and the private sector, governors should develop and implement strategic plans designed to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from disruptions to the energy supply."

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Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association (NGA) is the collective voice of the nation's governors and one of Washington, D.C.'s most respected public policy organizations. Its members are the governors of the 50 states, three territories and two commonwealths. NGA provides governors and their senior staff members with services that range from representing states on Capitol Hill and before the Administration on key federal issues to developing and implementing innovative solutions to public policy challenges through the NGA Center for Best Practices. For more information, visit www.nga.org.