Shadow Environment Minister Cole Simons has called for a national energy policy in response to soaring oil prices.

With the cost shooting up more than 100 percent in a year to $100 per barrel, Mr. Simons said Government should aim for 15 to 20 percent of Bermuda's energy supplies to be from renewable sources by 2015.

His comments come after Premier Ewart Brown appeared to suggest more efforts would be made on energy issues by appointing Terry Lister as Minister of Energy, Communications and eCommerce, a new Ministry.

Mr. Simons said efforts were even more important as the Island is threatened by byproducts of global warming such as rising sea levels and increasingly intense storms.

"Bermuda needs to adopt a national energy policy that reduces its near-total reliance on oil-based products for renewable energy," said Mr. Simons in a statement.

"Committing to a national energy policy that promotes the use of renewable energy can help protect Bermuda's competitiveness as a business jurisdiction and ease pressure on consumers who face even higher costs in the years ahead.

"In addition, we believe it is incumbent on Bermuda to do its share in combating global warming — regardless of our small size. After all, there are few countries as completely threatened as Bermuda by the rising sea levels and more intense storm systems that are the byproducts of a warming planet.

"Government must take the lead. It will require working closely with energy producers and suppliers, and the automotive industry, to come up with a realistic strategy, but only Government can set the goals, the agenda and the pace.

"This is a situation in which the national interest is best served by taking an activist stance, not by waiting for something to happen.

"Let's try to shape our future by taking steps to move away from the inevitable dead end of fossil fuels, in pursuit of alternative energy sources that are more affordable and more secure.

"We urge the Government to commit itself to an energy future that is more secure and less costly. The time to look out for the best interest of all Bermudians and future generations is now."