Dallas, Texas (SMU) – June 23, 2008 – Geoffrey Orsak, Dean of the SMU School of Engineering, has been appointed by Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman to the National Petroleum Council beginning 2008.
“Energy continues to be central to the economy and strength of our nation. I look forward to helping shape our country’s future by providing the Secretary of Energy with the best available information on how our educational system can have a positive impact on the oil and gas industry,” says Dean Orsak.
The National Petroleum Council is a federal advisory committee to the Secretary of Energy. Most recently, upon the request of the Secretary, the Council produced the landmark study entitled “Hard Truths: Facing the Hard Truths about Energy,” representing a comprehensive view of global oil and natural gas through the year 2030.
In selecting members of the council, the Secretary of Energy seeks well-balanced representation from all segments of the oil and gas industries. The council also includes members from academic, financial, research, Native American and public interest groups.
The National Petroleum Council will hold its next meeting September 17, 2008, in Washington, D.C.
About the SMU School of Engineering
SMU’s School of Engineering, founded in 1925, is one of the oldest and influential engineering schools in the Southwest. The School offers eight undergraduate and 29 graduate programs, including both masters and doctorate levels.
A private university located in the heart of Dallas, SMU is building on the vision of its founders, who imagined a distinguished center for learning emerging from the spirit of the city. Today, 11,000 students benefit from the national opportunities and international reach afforded by the quality of SMU’s seven degree-granting schools.
About the National Petroleum Council
The National Petroleum Council is a federally chartered and privately funded advisory committee that represents the views of the oil and natural gas industries and advises and makes recommendations to the Secretary of Energy. The Council was established in 1946 at the request of then President Harry S. Truman. More information about the National Petroleum Council can be found on the organization’s Web site at www.npc.org
