2008-09-09 23:50:04 -

- The Smart Energy Policy Coalition Media Contact: Joe Caruso, 202-337-0808 jcaruso@gloverparkgroup.com The Smart Energy Policy Coalition, comprised of the nation's leading financial trade associations, today launched a new advocacy campaign aimed at refocusing the nation's energy debate on "real solutions for real problems." The campaign, anchored by a new website, www.SmartEnergyUSA.org and print advertising in D.C.-based publications, calls on

Congress to reject proposals sold as "quick fixes" that would actually impede energy markets. Rather than impose overly restrictive rules that could have unintended consequences, global markets will respond more favorably to a comprehensive solution that addresses the root causes of high energy prices.

"The high cost of energy is affecting all Americans, but enacting proposals that would impede the energy markets is not the solution," said a coalition representative, Scott DeFife. "The overwhelming majority of economic experts agree that market, monetary, and supply-demand fundamentals determine global energy prices. Congress should address these root causes, because without doing so, America will continue to face a serious energy crisis for decades to come."

The first ad of the campaign, entitled "20 reasons" highlights the top 20 reasons experts believe energy prices are high, including stagnant supply, increasing global demand, the relatively weak U.S. dollar and an under-investment in alternative energies. The ad is available for download at www.SmartEnergyUSA.org/press.html.

The coalition website also includes information about the energy markets - how they work and the important role they have in providing liquidity and stability to the U.S. economy.

About The Smart Energy Policy Coalition

The Smart Energy Policy Coalition, comprised of the nation's leading financial services trade associations, seeks to ensure that our nation's serious energy crisis is met with an equally serious energy solution that addresses the root causes of high prices and does not impede the efficiency of global energy markets. Members include:

-- Futures Industry Association, www.futuresindustry.org

-- Financial Services Forum, www.financialservicesforum.org

-- Financial Services Roundtable, www.fsround.org

-- Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, www.sifma.org

-- International Swaps and Derivatives Association, www.isda.org

New Website, Ads Highlight Root Causes of Energy Crisis, Warn of
the Dangers of Quick-Fix Proposals That Target Financial Markets
Instead of Supply-Demand Fundamentals