Energy Policies of IEA Countries

This report reviews the US Government's energy policy and analyses its implications for the energy trade worldwide and global environmental issues. Topics considered are: general energy policy; energy and the environment; energy efficiency; electricity production, nuclear power; oil, coal and gas; renewable energy; research and development. The report finds that US energy policy is in transition, with the National Energy Policy placing increased emphasis on domestic energy production...
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This report reviews the US Government's energy policy and analyses its implications for the energy trade worldwide and global environmental issues. Topics considered are: general energy policy; energy and the environment; energy efficiency; electricity production, nuclear power; oil, coal and gas; renewable energy; research and development. The report finds that US energy policy is in transition, with the National Energy Policy placing increased emphasis on domestic energy production and economic growth. The US has withdrawn from the Kyoto Protocol and plans to pursue its own approach to the climate change issue. Energy efficiency is an important complement to expanding energy supply, but insufficient to match rising demand. The power crisis in California has slowed progress on market reform. The challenge for the electricity market is to create a small number of regional markets operating under consistent regulatory regimes. The National Energy Policy promotes nuclear energy, but no specific policies are proposed to encourage the construction of new plants. The decision on the Yucca Mountain repository will be important for the future of nuclear power worldwide.