Comments on the energy crisis

Conference · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1978 · Proc. Am. Power Conf.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6021669

McCormack, M

A warning first verbalized by Rep. Mike McCormack several years ago is still valid: our national security, the stability of our economic systems, and even the freedom of our political institutions may well depend upon our ability to develop responsible energy policies, and to implement rational programs to carry them into effect. One part of President Carter's energy plan calls for a reduction in the energy growth rate from 3.6% (the contemporary rate) down to 2% per year. Even if that were accomplished, the present domestic energy production capacity must be doubled by the year 2000 assuming little or no available petroleum imports at that time. This need to double the total energy production capacity by the year 2000, or continue with the vulnerability and economic decline associated with oil imports is one of the most frightening aspects of the energy crisis, claims the author. If such goals are to be accomplished, energy policies and programs, at all levels, must be built upon the best scientific, engineering, and economic facts available. While solar research funds have increased 1000 per cent over the last four years, realistically only 3 to 5% of the nation's energy requirements can be supplied by solar energy by the year 2000. Geothermal energy, magnetic fusion, and energy conservation have all had increased funding in recent years. Although the Carter Administration has seriously damaged the Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Program, the Subcommittee on Advanced Energy Technologies has kept funding it. Any future energy plan should look at other environments besides the classic ones - air, land, and water. Nuclear energy was singled out as safer, cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable than coal - our only other domestic energy source.

• Research Organization: House of Representatives, Washington, DC
• OSTI ID: 6021669
• Report Number(s): CONF-780440-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Proc. Am. Power Conf.; (United States) Journal Volume: 40
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
290600 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
293000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
ENERGY POLICY
ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
ENERGY SOURCES
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
NATIONAL ENERGY PLAN
RESOURCE ASSESSMENT