ConocoPhillips CEO proposes energy-price insurance

WASHINGTON, July 19 (Reuters) - ConocoPhillips (COP.N) Chief Executive James Mulva said on Thursday the U.S. government should encourage investment in alternative energy by providing "price insurance" to remove the risk from a drop in conventional energy prices.

He also suggested in a wide ranging speech on energy policy that the government should phase out tariffs on imported ethanol, saying they penalize lower-cost and less carbon-intensive imports. (Reporting by Chris Baltimore)