Summary: Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on energy policy issues, focusing on: (1) energy consumption; (2) increased dependence on imported oil from Persian Gulf sources; (3) uncertainty over the adequacy of future generating capacity; and (4) concern for the potentially adverse environmental effects of energy consumption.
GAO found that: (1) since 1983, U.S. energy consumption has increased by about 16 percent, and an upward trend is expected to continue through 2000; (2) petroleum supplies about 41 percent of total U.S. energy consumption; (3) the United States has become increasingly dependent on imported oil from the Persian Gulf, which has increased vulnerability to potential oil supply disruptions; (4) it was uncertain whether there would be adequate generating capacity to meet future electricity needs; (5) much of the additional generating capacity projected to come online is in early construction stages and might not be completed in time to meet future needs; (6) energy consumption creates potentially serious and costly environmental, health, and safety consequences; and (7) the President has directed the Department of Energy to develop a national energy strategy that would integrate and balance concerns for energy choices against other national concerns, such as environmental protection and economic growth.
