Charles Hitch: appraising energy policy

Journal Article · Thu May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1980 · EPRI J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5265145

Hopkinson, J

If the economy has time to adjust, US production will not necessarily shrink in direct proportion to contracting energy supplies, says Charles Hitch, a member of the Electric Power Research Institute's Advisory Council. The period from now to the year 2000 or more is a vulnerable time for the United States. The problem of reducing the US dependence on imported oil is made more difficult by constraints imposed on coal and by public fear of catastrophic outcomes with nuclear energy. Decontrol of oil and gas will allow development of alternative sources of energy and effective conservation, but the windfall profits tax will effectively tax domestic oil at a time when imported oil should be taxed instead. Energy prices must equal incremental, or replacement, costs, according to Mr. Hitch. Energy sources during the crucial near future will be from resources already established as proven and dependable. Renewable, or essentially inexhaustible, resources must take over the energy-supply burden in the future; but for now, Mr. Hitch recommends developing nuclear, synthetics from coal, oil from shale, and other technologies that promise to provide a long-run ceiling for energy costs at about double the present prices. (SAC)

• OSTI ID: 5265145
• Journal Information: EPRI J.; (United States), Journal Name: EPRI J.; (United States) Vol. 5:4; ISSN EPRJD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
292000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Supply
Demand & Forecasting
293000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
DEMAND
ECONOMIC POLICY
ENERGY DEMAND
ENERGY POLICY
ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
ENERGY SUPPLIES
GOVERNMENT POLICIES