US national energy strategy: Progress and viewpoint
Interest in energy policy is not new. President Eisenhower grappled with oil policy. President Nixon pushed {open_quotes}energy independence.{close_quotes} President Carter attempted the formulation of a comprehensive policy. All failed in one way or another. Efforts to define comprehensive national policy continue. Two years ago President Bush directed the DOE to prepare a {open_quotes}National Energy Strategy.{close_quotes} An energy package was sent to Congress in 1991, but despite compromises among competing interests, the end result was that not enough votes could be garnered to pass the legislation. Another attempt is expected in 1992. A major problem with the previous bill was that in attempting to be {open_quotes}comprehensive,{close_quotes} too many controversial issues were wrapped into a single package. The next attempt is likely to be divided into several bills; some may pass, others may not. Topics that received the most attention in the 1991 session are expected to get equal scrutiny in 1992. These topics include: (1) Mandated automobile gasoline mileage standards-raised required corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) from 24 to 40 miles per gallon. (2) Oil exploration in Alaska`s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (3) Simplified licensing of nuclear power plants. (4) Increased competition in electrical power production. (5) Increase of conservation and renewables development funding beyond the Administration`s proposed level. Concern about the environment, adequate supply of electrical power, and production and conservation of petroleum is the driving force behind consideration of these topics and the major underlying influence shaping debate over energy policy.
- OSTI ID:
- 103332
- Journal Information:
- NUEXCO. Monthly Report to the Nuclear Industry, Journal Issue: 281; Other Information: PBD: Jan 1992
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
An equal opportunity power market
Examining new fuel economy standards for the United States.