Energy: a crisis in public policy. [Booklet]
Melvin Laird, with his extensive experience in energy matters, presents a summary of his personal conclusion on the energy situation. He says the ''energy crisis can be solved only after we identify clearly the component problems. We face not a menacing gap between supply and demand but a shortage manufactured by governmental policies at home and abroad. The apparent gap in supplies of energy is a result of artificially high demand because of controlled prices and the continuing disincentives to increase domestic hydrocarbon supplies and move to alternatives. We have in the recent past demanded more energy than producers were willing to supply, but that demand is for energy at low administered prices. For problems created by the government, we must look to government for resolution--not in expanding regulation to correct the past errors of excessive interference with still more programs, but rather in a fundamental reassessment of the role of the government in energy and a much-needed retrenchment. If we can find the wisdom to treat energy supplies as the important commodities they in fact are, and demand of government only that it establish the framework to permit market forces to work, we will both have redressed the energy imbalance and have relearned the crucial lesson of a free society.'' He then sets out a simplified energy policy. (MCW)
- OSTI ID:
- 7095336
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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