Fiddling dangerously while fuel burns. [Effective measures will impose some hardships]

Journal Article · Mon Dec 20 04:00:00 EST 1976 · Time; (United States)

OSTI ID:7123139

Little progress has been made toward either a national or international energy policy in spite of insecure oil supplies and mounting financial deficits in countries around the world. Energy policy development, tangled in problems and suffering from inefficiency, lack of self-discipline, and inertia among policymakers, is a major commitment of the new Carter administration. Conservation efforts to hold down fuel consumption and steps to increase other sources of energy have not been rigorous enough. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is expected to raise prices in 1977, with subsequent increases in inflation and decreases in employment and economic growth. Economic self-interest has divided the OPEC nations into those which can afford to hold back oil production and those needing high productivity for their own economic development. The U.S. will be able to meet higher import prices better than non-oil-producing industrial countries and Third World countries. U.S. conservation efforts are presently offset by increased energy demand, reduced production of oil, and counterproductive merchandizing practices. Effective measures will have to impose some personal hardships on the American people in the form of higher prices and taxes to discourage consumption and finance energy research and development programs. (DCK)

• OSTI ID: 7123139
• Journal Information: Time; (United States), Journal Name: Time; (United States); ISSN TYMEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290400 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Energy Resources
293000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
BEHAVIOR
CHARGES
COST
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ECONOMIC IMPACT
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY POLICY
ENERGY SHORTAGES
ENERGY SOURCES
ENERGY SUPPLIES
FINANCING
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
INVESTMENT
OPEC
PETROLEUM
SOCIAL IMPACT
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
TAXES