Stichting Laka

Publication Laka-library:
Draft country report of the U.S.

Author	NEA, IEA
Date	March 1989
Classification	3.01.0.00/06 (UNITED STATES - GENERAL)
Front

I. INTRODUCTION

1. The United States produces and consumes more energy than all other IEA countries
combined. It is the IEA's largest oil importer in volume terms, but is relatively less 
dependent on energy imports than most IEA countries. In 1988, oil imports accounted 
for about 42% of total oil consumption.

2. A comprehensive statement of the United States' energy policy was outlined in the
fifth National Energy Policy Plan (NEPP-5) of 1986 and the basic energy policy goals 
have been reiterated in two reports in 1987 and 1988 (1) as well as in the Department 
of Energy's Annual Report to Congress. Broadly, the basic energy policy goals are to 
secure an adequate supply of energy at a reasonable cost, by reducing regulatory 
barriers, diversifying resources and increasing alternative energy sources. The 
Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) is seen as an important means of countering 
the impact of oil supply interruptions.

3. The major review of energy policy primarily directed at energy security, which
was completed in March 1987, concludes that, notwithstanding progress already 
made toward long-term energy security, serious implications for United States 
energy security are raised by the increasing dependence on imported oil. The 
President consequently in May 1987 transmitted to Congress his views and 
recommendations on the energy and national security concerns related to oil import 
levels. He urged Congress to adopt quickly certain Administration proposals already 
submitted to Congress, such as repeal of the Windfall Profit Tax, comprehensive 
natural gas reform, approval of the Department of Interior's five-year offshore oil 
and gas leasing plan, and permitting environmentally sound energy exploration and 
development of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Additionally, he asked Congress 
to ensure the future viability of nuclear power through nuclear licensing reform, 
reauthorisation of the Price-Anderson Act, and progress in development of a nuclear 
waste management system. Congress has since repealed the Windfall Profit Tax and 
reauthorised the Price-Anderson Act.

(1) U.S. Department of Energy: "Energy Security - A Report to the President of
the United States", March 1987 and "United States Energy Policy 1980-1988", 
October 1988.

This publication is only available at Laka on paper, not as pdf.
You can borrow the publication or request a copy. When we're available, this is possible for a small fee.