Department of Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman told the audience at the World Future Energy Summit 2008 that the U.S. is concerned about developing nations' access to inexpensive energy. But taking action by promoting domestic energy efficiency would speak much louder than a few words at a global conference.

Bodman called for increased production because we -- along with the less wealthy nations across the globe -- will use more energy in the future. He implied that OPEC shouldn't manipulate prices because it is inefficient:

And, are we adequately investing in ways to produce fossil energy more cleanly and efficiently?

On this front, it is time to stop doing the things that we know will not help. For example, we know that purposeful market distortions – such as rationing supply, cutting production, or creating price floors and ceilings – do not work.

That may be true, but reducing demand from the world's largest consumer of oil would be even more effective in controlling the price than any expansion of drilling or temporary price manipulation.

Only at the end of his speech did Bodman briefly mention the need for energy efficiency:

To all of this I would just add one final point: we must promote increased energy efficiency.

The biggest source of immediately available “new” energy is the energy that we waste every day.

I believe that improvements in energy efficiency can be achieved – in relatively short order – on a global scale in our industrial and power-generating sectors, our government agencies, our homes, our offices, and our transportation sectors.

Collectively, these measures will not only take some pressure off of demand, but also will improve the health of our shared environment.

If Bodman truly believes this, than the DOE and his boss in the White House must do much more in promoting energy efficiency through incentives and regulations. We can't expect the world to reduce demand through the expansion of alternative energy, installing energy efficient technology and some sacrifice unless we take a leadership role. Don't ask Africa or India to do what the U.S. has not done itself.

The recent raising of CAFE standards is a good start to becoming more energy efficient, but it is small compared to the easily obtained savings from efficiencies in manufacturing, heating and lighting. These must be strongly promoted through marketing programs and tax initiatives. Leading by example is the only way for us to obtain global credibility.