Alternatives for Reducing Oil Imports by 1990; and Current Status of Recommendations in 1976 GAO Report
EMD-80-18: Published: Oct 26, 1979. Publicly Released: Oct 30, 1979.
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The United States should move to develop energy alternatives since it is both politically and economically vulnerable to imported oil disruptions. An analysis was requested of alternatives for reducing oil importing by 1990. These alternatives should constitute a balanced energy program including conservation, renewable energy sources, conventional oil and gas, coal, and synthetic fuels.
Conservation and renewables should take a very high priority in the Nation's effort to reduce oil imports. A way of stimulating conservation and renewable energy investment would be to subsidize them on a per-barrel-of-oil-saved basis up to the level of the subsidy for synthetic fuels. An issue deserving special attention in the continuing effort to achieve greater levels of energy conservation is the development of individual consumer habits and attitudes which would result in more efficient personal consumption of energy. In general, widespread use of renewable technologies now is limited by a number of constraints, such as high initial cost, long payback periods, and technical risk. A number of government programs in conventional oil and gas could displace oil imports. The administration is currently phasing out domestic oil price controls by 1981, which would reduce imports by about 1.6 million barrels per day by 1990. Actions aimed at developing unconventional natural gas sources are also taking place. Another energy option which should be pursued is oil import reduction through conversion to coal. Coal conversion action will reduce the quantity of oil and gas used under industry and utility boilers. Synthetic fuels are also an alternative to imported oil. Unfortunately, a synthetic fuels industry will, at least in the medium term, be expensive. However, since it will be complex, capital intensive, and technologically novel, significant sythetic fuels production should not be expected until the late 1980s.
Dec 10, 2020
Uranium Management:
Actions to Mitigate Risks to Domestic Supply Chain Could Be Better Planned and CoordinatedGAO-21-28: Published: Dec 10, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 10, 2020.
Dec 8, 2020
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Offshore Wind Energy:
Planned Projects May Lead to Construction of New Vessels in the U.S., but Industry Has Made Few Decisions amid UncertaintiesGAO-21-153: Published: Dec 8, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 8, 2020.
Nov 19, 2020
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Nuclear Waste Disposal:
Better Planning Needed to Avoid Potential Disruptions at Waste Isolation Pilot PlantGAO-21-48: Published: Nov 19, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 19, 2020.
Oct 29, 2020
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Nuclear Safety:
DOE and the Safety Board Should Collaborate to Develop a Written Agreement to Enhance OversightGAO-21-141: Published: Oct 29, 2020. Publicly Released: Oct 29, 2020.
Oct 15, 2020
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Nuclear Weapons:
NNSA Plans to Modernize Critical Depleted Uranium Capabilities and Improve Program ManagementGAO-21-16: Published: Oct 15, 2020. Publicly Released: Oct 15, 2020.
Jul 24, 2020
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Nuclear Weapons:
Action Needed to Address the W80-4 Warhead Program's Schedule ConstraintsGAO-20-409: Published: Jul 24, 2020. Publicly Released: Jul 24, 2020.
Jun 24, 2020
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National Nuclear Security Administration:
Analyzing Cost Savings Program Could Result in Wider Use and Additional Contractor EfficienciesGAO-20-451: Published: Jun 24, 2020. Publicly Released: Jun 24, 2020.
Jun 9, 2020
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Nuclear Weapons:
NNSA Needs to Incorporate Additional Management Controls Over Its Microelectronics ActivitiesGAO-20-357: Published: Jun 9, 2020. Publicly Released: Jun 9, 2020.
May 13, 2020
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Environmental Liabilities:
DOE Needs to Better Plan for Post-Cleanup Challenges Facing SitesGAO-20-373: Published: May 13, 2020. Publicly Released: May 13, 2020.
May 12, 2020
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Hanford Waste Treatment Plant:
DOE Is Pursuing Pretreatment Alternatives, but Its Strategy Is Unclear While Costs Continue to RiseGAO-20-363: Published: May 12, 2020. Publicly Released: May 12, 2020.
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