ENERGY SUPPLY AND GOVERNMENT POLICY

by Robert J. & William A. Vogely--Eds. Kalter ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 1, 1976

The problem is stated at the outset: ""The energy economy of the United States is based on petroleum and natural gas, and domestic production of both is declining."" In this anthology, professionals in the energy field approach the implications from economic, environmental, and government perspectives. Although they disagree both as to the extent of resources yet available--estimates of US petroleum reserves, for example, range from 458 billion barrels to only 72 billion--and as to how the problem of satisfying energy needs should be approached, they all agree that a clear government policy toward energy is urgently needed. As a step in this direction, they present the pros and cons of such issues as: leasing the government-owned, petroleum-rich outer continental shelf to private oil companies; implementing technologies to reduce the sulfur wastes of coal and, thereby, making an increased use of coal more environmentally acceptable; regulating the price of commercial gas and oil products; and developing nuclear, geothermal, and solar cell energy technologies. Furthermore, as William Johnson points out, government response to these issues so far has been to set up various regulatory and research agencies which have only served to fragment and confuse, rather than clarify, the problem. Though the essays are often highly technical--with complex formulas and needlessly obtuse jargon--those who are studying the energy field will find a broad, if necessarily conflicting, approach to the spectrum of current issues.

Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1976

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Cornell Univ. Press

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1976

Categories: NONFICTION