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Energy strategies

Article Abstract:

US policy on energy began to gain importance in the 1970s during the administration of Richard Nixon. Nixon launched several energy conservation projects and reorganized the federal energy bureaucracy. His successor, Jimmy Carter, followed with a similar energy plan in 1977 which included 200 recommendations for energy conservation. Carter wanted to wean away the US from overreliance on oil imports. With the glut in oil and the consequent fall of prices, Ronald Reagan deemphasized renewables as an alternative energy source. Subsidies to such industries using solar or wind power were cut.

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Rethinking the nuclear option

Article Abstract:

The use of nuclear power plants as sources of electricity has always been a controversial issue. While uranium, which mainly powers these plants, is considered plentiful and virtually inexhaustible, resistance to their use is widespread. Research shows that 75% of Americans believe in the necessity of putting up nuclear plants but not in their vicinities. Respondents cite the dangers of radioactive fallout as a chief reason for their reluctance to have such facilities constructed near their homes.

Nuclear power plants, Public opinion

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Utility reform

Article Abstract:

US national and state energy strategies vary in design and concept. While national priority is given to continued development and exploration of conventional sources of energy such as fossil fuels, state authorities led by those in California have been coming up with incentive plans to encourage utilities to save on electricity. Utilities are prodded, instead, to look at natural gas and renewable alternate energy sources at least for the long term.

Electric utilities, Energy use

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