AP: Richardson agrees to book deal on energy policy
June 14, 2007
SANTA FE (AP) — Democratic presidential hopeful Bill Richardson has a six-figure book deal to write about his prescription for making America energy independent and weaning the nation off fossil fuels.
The book — tentatively called "Leading by Example: How We can Inspire an Energy and Security Revolution" — is to be published Nov. 2 by John Wiley & Sons Inc.
Richardson, energy secretary in the Clinton administration, says a "man-on-the-moon" national effort is necessary to end U.S. dependence on foreign oil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Richardson has proposed increasing fuel economy standards for automakers to 50 miles a gallon by 2020, up from the current fleet average of 25 miles per gallon, as well as expanding development of alternative energy sources such as wind, solar and biomass.
As governor of New Mexico, Richardson has won approval of tax incentives to encourage more renewable energy production and issued an executive order setting targets for lowering greenhouse gas emissions in the state.
Kitt Allan, vice president and publisher of general interest books at Wiley, said in an e-mail Thursday that Richardson will be the sole credited author of the book, which will have a suggested retail price of $25.95.
Richardson will receive a six-figure advance against royalties, according to Allan, although financial details were not released.
Like many presidential candidates, Richardson already has written a book. An autobiography, "Between Worlds: The Making of an American Life," was published in 2005 by G.P. Putman's Sons. Richardson wrote that book with Michael Ruby, a journalist who had worked for Newsweek, U.S. News & World Report and Business Week.