Mitigating Socioeconomic Impacts of Energy Development
EMD-82-13: Published: Mar 2, 1982. Publicly Released: Mar 2, 1982.
Additional Materials:
- Full Report:
Contact:
The current emphasis on accelerating the development of energy resources has heightened concern in some communities and regions of the country about their ability to mitigate the social and economic effects associated with such development. GAO studied how three energy rich regions, the Rocky Mountain region, Appalachia, and the coastal zone, were responding to the current and expected impacts of energy development and federal, state, and local resources available to plan for and mitigate the impacts in these regions.
The direct federal role in assisting these communities has changed. The two programs established to assist these communities have had a significant portion of their fiscal year (FY) 1981 appropriations rescinded, no funds have been appropriated for FY 1982, and no funds will be requested for FY 1983. Increases in energy development could result in economic prosperity in the form of increased employment, higher income, and an increased tax base, or they could cause adverse impacts if local governments cannot accommodate the population increases associated with development. Communities situated near energy resources face uncertainties as to the timing and pace of development, and there will be differences in the ability and willingness of states and communities to address the impacts. The Rocky Mountain area and portions of the coastal zone are looking for ways to control development, while Appalachia and other parts of the coastal zone are concerned with out-migration and deteriorating infrastructure. Some communities have been more adversely impacted than others, and communities in all three regions have utilized a variety of federal programs to meet their needs. However, under the President's economic recovery program, some of the programs will be eliminated, some will be consolidated into block grants, and others will experience reduced funding. Communities will have to depend more on alternative sources, including internally generated revenues and state and industry funding. State governments should take the lead in meeting these needs.
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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.
Looking for more? Browse all our products here