Energy Policy Decisionmaking, Organization, and National Energy Goals

Energy functions are divided among several agencies with responsibilities in the areas of energy conservation, development of nonrenewable energy resources, and energy price regulation.

In each of these areas, there are needs for better coordination among agencies and for a system of priorities. Energy conservation has not received adequate emphasis because of lack of public concern and insufficient incentives and funding. Programs for development of nonrenewable energy resources were lacking in production goals, estimates of future needs, and effective mechanisms for commercialization of technology. In reference to price regulation, it was felt that prices were too low to encourage energy conservation, and that regulation discouraged energy development. Reorganization of energy functions under a single federal agency as proposed by the Administration would improve the decisionmaking process.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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