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Title: Energy: will 1977 be different

Journal Article · · Resources; (United States)
OSTI ID:7318707

The consensus at Resources for the Future seems to be that: the energy picture in 1977 is likely to continue the surface appearance of normalcy that characterized 1976 and resulted in little progress toward solving long-term energy problems. Four major problems still to be solved are: (1) dependence on foreign energy supplies; (2) inefficient production and use of energy; (3) over-consumption of underpriced energy; and (4) a choice of options to pursue in developing renewable sources of energy. The country's inability to address these problems reflects the economic, social, and political interrelationships they have with energy. Adjustments to price increases by OPEC will affect output levels as OPEC nations resolve their individual differences in favor of either standardized prices or unilateral actions. Energy consumption in the U.S. increased in 1976 (although GNP increased more) as relative energy prices remained steady. Production declined, while energy investments and oil imports increased. Predictions for 1977 call for energy prices to increase but still be underpriced, domestic production and consumption of oil and coal to increase, oil imports to possibly decline, and President Carter's policy to reorganize the government may have a net negative effect because of diverted efforts. (DCK)

OSTI ID:
7318707
Journal Information:
Resources; (United States), Vol. 54
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English