Gas-use tax a poor alternative to deregulation

Journal Article · Mon Aug 08 04:00:00 EDT 1977 · Energy User News; (United States)

OSTI ID:7212449

Lawrence, G H

Federal policies and regulations, especially proposed taxes and existing wellhead price controls, are seen as counterproductive to the exploration and production of new natural gas supplies and as effectively encouraging greater consumption of imported oil. A U.S. policy of not providing financial incentives for natural gas exploration has prompted the natural gas industry to recommend a better climate for the private sector. The industry feels able to continue meeting its priority consumers' needs and warns that the electric power industry cannot follow a no-growth policy and expect to absorb new customers switching from gas to electricity. The author points out that gas as a primary fuel will continue to be cheaper than thermal or nuclear power; that a combination of prudent consumption and the addition of supplemental gas supplies to our reserves will be adequate; and that technological breakthroughs could make pipeline-delivered gas an unlimited long-term energy source. Studies indicate that most industries prefer to continue using gas even if a proposed users tax is imposed. Deregulation is urged as a more appropriate and potentially effective approach. (DCK)

• Research Organization: American Gas Association, Inc., New York
• OSTI ID: 7212449
• Journal Information: Energy User News; (United States), Journal Name: Energy User News; (United States) Vol. 2:31; ISSN EUSND
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
030600 -- Natural Gas-- Economic
Industrial
& Business Aspects
031000 -- Natural Gas-- Legislation & Regulations
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
294003* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Natural Gas
CHARGES
ECONOMIC IMPACT
ELECTRIC POWER
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY POLICY
ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
ENERGY SOURCES
EXPLORATION
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GASES
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INDUSTRY
NATURAL GAS
NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY
PIPELINES
POWER
RECOMMENDATIONS
REGULATIONS
RESERVES
TAXES