An Energy Overview - Governmental Energy Policies

Under President Ronald Reagan

In 1977 President Jimmy Carter, a Democrat, described the energy problem of the time as one that could only be "effectively addressed by a Government that accepts responsibility for dealing with it comprehensively and by a public that understands its seriousness and is ready to make necessary sacrifices." When Republican Ronald Reagan took over the presidency, however, he downplayed the importance of government responsibility for dealing with the energy problem. The Reagan administration sharply cut federal programs for energy and opposed government intervention in energy markets. For example, the administration refused to tax energy imports, which may have stimulated domestic production and conservation. Reagan believed that the expansion of the federal government's role in energy policy was counterproductive and misguided. His administration transferred the center of the decision making process to the states, the private sector, and individuals.

Under President George H. W. Bush

The subsequent Republican administration of President George H. W. Bush continued the Reagan policy of limiting government regulation of the energy industry. In 1991 President Bush unveiled a long awaited energy policy that promised to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil by increasing domestic oil production and the use of nuclear power. Bush's aim was to rely on "the power of the marketplace, the common sense of the American people, and the responsible leadership of government and industry." He planned to achieve this by, among other proposals, producing additional oil from environmentally sensitive areas, encouraging pipeline construction, simplifying the construction permit process for nuclear power plants, and increasing competition in the production of electricity. His proposals did not include governmentdirected conservation efforts or tax incentives.

Conservationists disagreed with President Bush, objecting to increased offshore drilling, especially in the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska. They also wanted to see automobile fuel economy improved and conservation methods stressed, rather than the use of nuclear power.

Under President Bill Clinton

The Democratic administration of President Bill Clinton brought government involvement back into energy and environmental issues, although the major energy bills proposed by this administration were not passed into law by the Republican dominated Congress of the time. Nevertheless, the Clinton administration did increase funds for alternative energy research, mandate new energy efficiency measures, and enforce emission standards. The administration also opened up several areas for oil exploration, including some Alaskan and offshore areas.

Under President George W. Bush

The major energy policy goals of the first term of Republican president George W. Bush were to increase and diversify the sources of America's oil supplies and to make energy security a priority. The Bush administration encouraged efforts to import more Russian crude oil and reopened the American embassy in Equatorial Guinea, an oil-rich nation.