The Energy Problem: Self-sufficiency or invulnerability aspects

Technical Report · Fri Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1980

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5474338· OSTI ID:5474338

Wilkins, Jr., J. Ernest ^[1]

---

1. EG and G Idaho, Inc., Idaho Falls (USA)

Energy policy introduced or planned by the present administration as well as that of past administrations dealing with self-sufficiency is discussed. Mr. Wilkins believes that penalizing a subset of the American populace, such as cutting out some of the air conditioning or the individually chauffeured automobiles, will not result in an answer to the energy problem. But he is optimistic about the contribution that adjusting air-conditioning temperatures and limiting the size and weight of automobiles will make on energy consumption. The willingness of the American public to make such significant changes in its social habits will depend to a considerable extent on the leadership and guidance furnished by the political leaders, but will perhaps be determined to an even greater extent by economic pressures, real or imagined. He then discusses the cost of energy. The issues involved in utilizing the enormous supply of coal that the US has and the development of nuclear power are cited. Noting that there are risks and costs associated with any benefit, Mr. Wilkins feels that reactor manufacturers, utilities, government agencies, and the various committees of Congress fail to recognize the essentially political nature of the opposition to the use of nuclear energy. (MCW)

• Research Organization: EG and G Idaho, Inc., Idaho Falls (USA)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-C-07-1570
• OSTI ID: 5474338
• Report Number(s): IDO-1570-T35
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
293000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
COAL
DEMAND
ECONOMICS
ENERGY
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY DEMAND
ENERGY POLICY
ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
ENERGY SOURCES
ENERGY SUPPLIES
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
EVALUATION
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
NORTH AMERICA
NUCLEAR ENERGY
RISK ASSESSMENT
USA