Energy Conservation: An Expanding Program Needing More Direction

Since 1977, the administration has repeatedly emphasized the importance of conservation to a national energy policy. Department of Energy (DOE) officials have stressed that conservation is the administration's highest priority energy program. Congress has also recognized the need to move the Nation toward greater energy efficiency through the passage of three major pieces of energy conservation legislation. However, a lack of consistent, specific planning and direction from the Federal Government in the energy conservation area has limited the success of the Nation's efforts to conserve energy.