Midwestern Energy Supply Issues: A Survey of State Views

摘要

This survey was designed to identify Midwestern energy problems and possible solutions to those problems. Among the problems identified through the survey were temporary fuel shortages and fuel distribution problems such as those caused by two unusually severe winters and the prolonged coal strike of 1977--78. An additional concern was the availability of fuels and electric-generating capacity over the next 10 to 15 years. Survey respondents cited several factors as having contributed to these temporary and long-term energy supply problems. The current economic situation was linked to the lack of investment in new energy technologies, while environmental factors such as the air pollution associated with coal combustion could prevent energy demands from being met. Planners in Midwestern energy organizations are considering several possible solutions to short and long-term energy shortages, namely: (1) development of innovative energy-supply systems to help meet future demands within existing environmental, legal, and economic constraints; (2) reduction of demand and more-efficient use of existing supplies; and (3) development of laws and regulations. Laws may be used to implement other solution strategies, including conservation and research, or to mitigate adverse environmental impacts that would otherwise constrain the use of some fuels. Severl survey questions focused on stateenergy and environmental policies. (ERA citation 04:038909)