Series 5, Issue 1
The week of January 11, 2021
Energy Policy: Origins and Opportunities
The week of January 11, 2021
Energy Policy: Origins and Opportunities
All eyes are on the new US presidential administration. Even before President-elect Biden takes office, everyone is wondering what's next for energy policy? The new economic stimulus bill passed by Congress includes roughly $35.2 billion for energy initiatives, with spending split between the Energy Act of 2020 and the Energy for the Environment Act. This unprecedented bi-partisan legislation offers significant funding for big technology initiatives.
To get a sense of what may lie ahead, this issue of Energy Today looks back at energy policies in history, offering some clear lessons. Context matters: all energy policy is embedded in and responsive to the driving concerns of the day. History also reminds us that policy-making is as messy as making sausages. It is also striking how frequently serendipity affects policy outcomes. And, while some successes are not anticipated, even some of the best policies fail.
These energy policies may be unfamiliar, the details unknown, even to friends and family of policy-makers (see below). Indeed, many energy professionals don't know that half of the DoE's annual $30 billion budget is spent on maintaining and guarding the US nuclear arsenal. In addition to articles that explore particular historical acts and initiatives, this issue includes a list of major post-War US energy policies and access to some "cool" energy policy simulators.
Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall spent the better part of her 30-year career working at the US Department of Energy, and she'd grown accustomed to no one understanding what the department actually did. In 2013, when she called home to tell her family that President Obama had nominated her to be Deputy Secretary of Energy (aka second-in-command), her mother said, "Well, you've always had a lot of energy, so I'm sure you'll be perfect for the role."
To get a sense of what may lie ahead, this issue of Energy Today looks back at energy policies in history, offering some clear lessons. Context matters: all energy policy is embedded in and responsive to the driving concerns of the day. History also reminds us that policy-making is as messy as making sausages. It is also striking how frequently serendipity affects policy outcomes. And, while some successes are not anticipated, even some of the best policies fail.
These energy policies may be unfamiliar, the details unknown, even to friends and family of policy-makers (see below). Indeed, many energy professionals don't know that half of the DoE's annual $30 billion budget is spent on maintaining and guarding the US nuclear arsenal. In addition to articles that explore particular historical acts and initiatives, this issue includes a list of major post-War US energy policies and access to some "cool" energy policy simulators.
Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall spent the better part of her 30-year career working at the US Department of Energy, and she'd grown accustomed to no one understanding what the department actually did. In 2013, when she called home to tell her family that President Obama had nominated her to be Deputy Secretary of Energy (aka second-in-command), her mother said, "Well, you've always had a lot of energy, so I'm sure you'll be perfect for the role."
Table of Contents
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The 1975 Energy Policy Act
Excerpted and adapted from Declaring Energy Independence, by Jay Hakes In the spring of 1975, Congress faced a myriad of energy proposals intended to recover from the debacle of another energy crisis. On many, the Members were unable to find concensus or win explicit or tacit public approval. President Ford, meanwhile, called for terminating oil price controls to avoid over consumption and under production of oil, but he also faced stiff opposition. |
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The US-China Shale Initiative
Excerpted and adapted from Windfall: How the New Energy Abundance Upends Global Politics and Strengthens America's Power, by Meghan O'Sullivan David Goldwyn had recently assumed a new post as special envoy for international energy affairs at the US Department of State. He and his team were concerned about China's energy trajectory and the many ways in which the United States and China might clash in the years ahead. Goldwyn's team needed a clever idea... and they had one. |
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Energiewende
Excerpted and adapted from Energy Democracy, by Craig Morris and Arne Jungjohann In the fall of 1990, Christian Union politician Matthias Engelsberger was about to retire after 21 years in German Parliament. Aside from party loyalty, he had little to show for his two decades in the Bundestag. His last session in Parliament was to be held on the 5th of October. It was to be Engelsberger's last, and he aimed to go out with a bang. |
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Energy Efficiency
By James L. Sweeney Since 1973, energy policy discussions have centered on three complex and crucial systems: the economy, the environment, and national security … the “energy policy triangle.” Energy efficiency – defined here as economically-efficient reductions in energy use – affects all three systems by reducing the overall energy intensity of the economy. In other words, energy efficiency is beneficial to the economy, the environment, and national security. |
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Primary Post-War US Energy Policies
By the American Energy Society A survey and summary of major energy policies since the 1950s. |
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Did you miss the energy news you needed to know last week?
Check out Energy Matters (Series 7, volume 1; January 4, 2021). |
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Be sure to join the American Energy Society
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