Energy in the United States: environmental and economic values in conflict
- San Diego State Univ., CA
A national energy policy with which most people can agree has failed to emerge since the 1973 oil embargo. The cause is not a lack of reliable data or reasonable goals. Rather, a major divergence exists in the fundamental social vlaues that influence energy decisions. People with environmental values and those with conventional values have disagreed on most energy issues, especially nuclear power. Summarized is a two-year Stanford University study which identified the conflicting value systems and several future energy systems that could evolve, given the influence of each value system. Some recent conclusions are included. Although no compromise between environmentalists and conventionalists is likely, the energy problem is soluble regardless of which bias dominates policy decisions, but only if energy demand growth is arrested. Many efficiency improvements can be implemented without significant lifestyle interruptions. Implementation of these improvements is uncertain due to institutional obstacles and economic distortions.
- OSTI ID:
- 6667834
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-820629-Vol.5-Pt.2
- Journal Information:
- Proc. Annu. Meet. - Am. Sect. Int. Sol. Energy Soc.; (United States), Vol. 5; Conference: American section of the International Solar Energy Society conference, Houston, TX, USA, 1 Jun 1982
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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