US energy policy - a broad compromise

摘要

The Bush Administration released its long-awaited national energy policy document on 17 May 2001. "Reliable, Affordable and Environmentally Sound Energy for America's Future", prepared by the National Energy Policy Development Group, contains 105 recommendations covering all major aspects of the energy equation. The report is designed " to promote dependable, affordable and environmentally sound energy for the future", said Vice President Dick Cheney.The Administration is proposing a broad effort to meet the growing US demand for energy, including increased construction of new power plants fuelled by coal, natural gas and nuclear, together with new distribution facilities. The Department of Energy has estimated that the US will need between 1,300 and 1,900 new power plants over the next twenty years. Considerable efforts are also being proposed in the area of energy conservation, efficient improvements and renewable energy, in particular solar and wind power.