Natural gas: the need for a market strategy

Journal Article · · J. Inst. Socioecon. Stud.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6207450

Reilly, W K ^[1]; Schact, H B

---

1. Conservation Foundation, Washington, DC

The authors note that current natural-gas pricing laws multiply economic inefficiencies and waste. Further, immediate deregulation would bring supply and demand into better balance, but would require a humane response in the form of income assistance to the poor. The history of gas-price regulation is one of a distorted two-tier market in which interstate prices were regulated by the government and intrastate prices responded to the market. The authors observe that the effect of the Natural Gas Policy Act, which regulated intrastate gas and deregulated unconventional gas, created a potential for price shocks and shortages. They feel immediate decontrol will encourage conservation and make the US economy more competitive. They also think the government should include home improvement and weatherization programs for the poor in its income assistance to have a long-term benefit. 6 references. (DCK)

• OSTI ID: 6207450
• Journal Information: J. Inst. Socioecon. Stud.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Inst. Socioecon. Stud.; (United States) Vol. 7:4; ISSN JISSD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
030600 -- Natural Gas-- Economic
Industrial
& Business Aspects
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
294003* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Natural Gas
DEREGULATION
ECONOMIC IMPACT
ECONOMIC POLICY
ENERGY SOURCES
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
FINANCING
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
HUMAN POPULATIONS
LOW INCOME GROUPS
MARKET
MINORITY GROUPS
NATURAL GAS
POPULATIONS