Persistent National Energy Issue
Publication: Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering
Volume 114, Issue 1
Abstract
During the energy crisis of the 1970s, governments at the federal, state, and local level were preoccupied with policy decisions impacting every aspect of energy production and use. Today, as the result of reactions to the energy crisis, the national energy market is characterized by abundant supplies of nearly every source of energy at stable or falling prices. The future as projected by governmental agencies, energy companies, and private institutions, however, contains trends that may threaten energy reliability, the competitiveness of U.S. industry, and ultimately national security. A reliable, economical, national energy system remains a fundamental requirement for a strong economy and for public safety and welfare. Despite the current stability of energy prices and supply, maintenance of an adequate energy system will require continuing development of new fuel resources; renewal and expansion of energy conversion and transportation facilities; and continuing improvements in the technologies associated with the industrial, residential, commercial, and transportation uses of energy. Furthermore, because many aspects of the energy industries and energy use continue to be regulated by government, and because imported energy remains a vital part of our national energy supply, public policy will continue to be an important influence in the development of the national energy system. The civil engineering profession plays important roles in every aspect of the energy system, including the production, conversion, transportation, and use of every major energy source. The technical and professional insights of the civil engineer can be significant contributions to the public policy decisions on energy.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
References
1.
Annual Energy Outlook 1986: With Projections to 2000. (1987). Energy Information Administration, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, D.C.
2.
Energy Security: A Report to the President of the United States. (1987). U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, D.C.
3.
Factors Affecting U.S. Oil & Gas Outlook. (1987). National Petroleum Council, Washington, D.C.
4.
1986 GRI Baseline Projection of U.S. Energy Supply and Demand to 2010. (1986). Gas Research Institute, Chicago, Ill.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering
Volume 114 • Issue 1 • January 1988
Pages: 1 - 8
Copyright
Copyright © 1988 ASCE.
History
Published online: Jan 1, 1988
Published in print: Jan 1988
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.