Officials from three Pascagoula companies have been tabbed by Gov. Haley Barbour to be involved in a new effort to promote a long-term strategy for developing energy resources across the state.
Barbour on Wednesday announced the creation of the Mississippi Energy Policy Institute, which will examine ways in which affordable energy can aid statewide economic development. Chevron Corp., Mississippi Power and Gulf LNG are among hundreds of statewide universities and energy industry organizations involved in the effort.
“We want companies to see Mississippi not only as a place with an outstanding workforce but as a location with afforda ble and reliable energy to grow a business,” Barbour said. “The Energy Policy Institute also will provide a platform for our research universities to excel in this area of study.”
Anthony Topazi, president of Mississippi Power, is the chairman of Momentum Mississippi, a statewide public-
private partnership formed in 2004 to promote economic development in the state. The institute is an initiative of the organization, which was also created by Barbour.
“As an energy provider in the state, Mississippi Power has a vested interest in how we expand the economy, create new jobs and provide for the growing energy needs of our customers,” said company spokesperson Cindy Webb. She added that Topazi would now be involved in both entities.
Gulf Live
6/11/9
Magnolia Tribune
