Improving Regulatory Effectiveness in Federal/State Siting Actions. Alternative Financing Methods.

摘要

This report reviews the elements of a rational national energy policy. The review is followed by an exploration of alternative financing methods for energy planning. The financing depends on the assignment of lead responsibility for each element of energy policy making and the intergovernmental relationships involved. Several financings are required including Federal general appropriations,State general funds,and applicant fees. The recommended basic financing,however,would follow from a Federal Energy Tax coupled with tax credit provisions for State efforts. A tax of no more than 0.1mill per kilowatt hour enacted at the national level could produce ample funds for (1) an equivalent tax on other fuels based on BTU equivalents; (2) tax credit provision that would transfer up to two-thirds mill per kilowatt hour from the Federal government to States; (3) a bonus incentive for regional planning;and (4) a conservation tax that would encourage a more significant response to conservation.