Wald Is Part of Task Force To Study Energy Alternatives

A New York-based group of scientists has set up a task force to examine and publicize the possibilities of energy sources other than fossil fuels and nuclear energy, and to develop methods for conserving already existing energy stores.

George Wald, Higgins Professor of Biology and a member of the task force's steering committee, said yesterday, "I'm involved with the task force because I'm active in the area of conservation as an opponent of the present system of nuclear power."

Wald said that his role in the task force will be to collect, interpret and publicize the alternatives which the task force's energy experts develop.

The task force, which receives funds from the Scientists' Institute for Public Information, is composed of representatives from the fields of agriculture, labor, business and science because it will stress the effects new energy politics will have on these areas, Barry Commoner, director of the task force, said yesterday.

The task force will publicize its work through written reports, public meetings--such as the seminar on energy it gave to members of Congress and their staff last week--and in special issues of Environment, a magazine published by the Institute, Commoner said.

Summer Set-Up

The group was set up this summer, he said.

The task force is necessary because "people in the establishment are happier when they know more than anyone else does about energy, because then they do not have to debate their position," Commoner said, adding, "We want to open up a debate."