Prices Versus Consensus: Energy Policy in the Absence of Public Attitudes

摘要

An ideal energy policy would limit consumption in a manner acceptable to voters. Acceptance of a particular mechanism to restrict consumption, however, needs to be preceded by acceptance of the necessity to conserve. Acceptance of this necessity, and a willingness to vote in accordance with it, require, in turn, a well-formed body of thought in the electorate. The connections between the existence of an energy constraint, a vote for supporters of particular policies, and the acceptance of personal consequences would need to be an integral part of such a body of thought. Unfortunately, analysis in this study of a survey of utility customers reveals that energy attitudes are not related to the important dimensions of attitude and experience among respondents, nor do energy attitudes form any significant dimension of their own. The two principal dimensions concern reservations about political institutions and personal financial pressures. The negative orientation of these important dimensions suggests a challenge to policymakers interested in formulating publicly acceptable energy policies. Negative patterns of attitude and experience do not encourage further acceptance of sacrifices in general. The dissociation of responses concerning energy from principal dimensions of attitude and experience implies that there is not a well-formed body of thought among respondents about energy.These results indicate that coherent, broad policies would be difficult to develop and implement because they cannot be easily communicated to the public. Furthermore, it is likely that particular energy policies will be incorporated into one of the two major dimensions of attitudes and experience, both negative, and opposed accordingly. Policymakers face a challenging situation that could be alleviated only if voters develop a coherent, integrated body of thought on energy issues. 18 references, 4 tables, 5 notes. (ERA citation 07:014721)