How economic policies provoked the energy crisis

Journal Article · Fri Mar 01 04:00:00 EDT 1974 · Challenge; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/05775132.1974.11470036· OSTI ID:7357663

Leonard, W N

National policies, based on cheap petroleum and heavy consumption, need to end if energy problems are to be solved. Automobile, bus, and truck transportation have been subsidized at the expense of railroads and rapid transit because of low gasoline prices. Inefficient building design, land use plans, and industrial processes have developed from policies of cheap energy. Oil import quotas, tax incentives, and fuel competition have combined to increase low cost petroleum output and stimulate exhaustion of reserves. The Federal Power Commission's effort to keep natural gas prices down to keep it competitive has been a disincentive for natural gas exploration. Not only have low petroleum prices discouraged the use and development of other fuels, but environmental policies have encouraged conversion from other fuels to oil. As oil companies have grown by absorbing other energy sources, they have correspondingly reduced their own petroleum research efforts. (DCK)

• Research Organization: Hofstra Univ., Hempstead, NY
• OSTI ID: 7357663
• Journal Information: Challenge; (United States), Journal Name: Challenge; (United States) Vol. 17:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
293000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
CHARGES
ECONOMIC POLICY
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY POLICY
ENERGY SHORTAGES
ENERGY SOURCES
EXPLORATION
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL CONSUMPTION
FUELS
GASOLINE
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INDUSTRY
PETROLEUM
PETROLEUM INDUSTRY
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS