Careful policies promote optimism for the long run

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1976 · Surv. Bus.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7345660

Gibbons, J H

Today's energy supply system is based almost totally on oil, gas, and coal. If present consumption patterns persist, the world will be finished essentially with natural gas in about 30 years and petroleum in about 50 years. These two energy resources now account for about 75 percent of all energy used in the U.S. Despite near-record production of coal, its contribution to U.S. energy supply dropped to only about 17 percent in 1970. The U.S. response to energy shortages is summarized. Two approaches used by the U.S. are: (1) shifting to a more-efficient energy-use system, and (2) increasing energy production using domestic supplies. The U.S. energy plan clusters strategies into three time periods: near-term to 1985; mid-term to the year 2000; and far-term after the year 2000. Existing technology will be applied in the near-term; institutional barriers as well as technical problems will be overcome in the mid-term; new technologies will be developed over the long-term. Resources to develop both supply and conservation options should be divided according to their cost-effectiveness. Although the national response to the new energy era is confused, or at least mixed, the author feels there is much reason for optimism, over the long run, for our successfully resolving the problem of energy shortages. (MCW)

• Research Organization: Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville
• OSTI ID: 7345660
• Journal Information: Surv. Bus.; (United States), Journal Name: Surv. Bus.; (United States) Vol. 11:5; ISSN SUBUD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
292000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Supply
Demand & Forecasting
293000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
CONSUMPTION RATES
DOCUMENT TYPES
ECONOMICS
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY POLICY
ENERGY SOURCES
ENERGY SUPPLIES
FORECASTING
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
NORTH AMERICA
PLANNING
REVIEWS
USA