Public Policy

Public Energy Policy Options

Discover these easy-to-read summary reports on the pros and cons of available public policy options in the energy policy arena. Report topics include:

A Comprehensive National Energy Policy

For over 30 years, presidents and other politicians have discussed the need to wean our nation from dependency on foreign sources of energy. While the economic threat has always been present, it has now grown darker as global oil supplies struggle to meet exploding demand from fast developing economies such as China and India, as well as additional demand growth from developed economies. The foreign policy and national security implications of global energy insecurity have become more complicated and critical over time. And we are just now beginning to understand the effects of our current energy use on our natural environment.

While there is no one “silver bullet” energy resource solution, and while some tough choices must be made, significant changes in energy policy are urgently needed in view of the national energy crisis. A “do nothing” approach spells certain economic disaster as free market forces harshly correct our economic reliance on cheap energy sources (as their true costs are revealed). Any responsible, sufficiently comprehensive national energy policy will 1), empower and enforce greater energy responsibility, and, 2) create an economic environment that can support industry investment in energy efficiency and a sufficient energy resource portfolio.

To learn more about key ingredients and available options for energy resources, visit the Energy Source Comparisonssection of this website. As for proposed comprehensive national energy policies, some have been put forth by several reputable organizations, and are available below:

To help us create greater energy literacy for all sectors of our democracy so we can act more responsibly, click here.