The Need for a Political Roadmap: The Story of
American Energy Conservation Policy Since the
1970’s
Robert D. Lifset
Joe C. and Carole Kerr McClendon
Honors College
University of Oklahoma
The Role of Energy Policy in Energy Transitions
Energy Transitions and Society
John E. Sawyer Seminars on the Comparative Study of
Cultures
Boston University
January 28, 2011
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, ARC number 555518 and 555474
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, ARC number 550092
Petroleum Overview
Source: Energy Information Administration/ Annual Energy Review 2009. Figure 5.1
Petroleum Overview, 1949-2009
Estimated Petroleum Consumption by Sector
Source: Energy Information Administration/ Annual Energy Review 2009. Figure 5.13a
Estimated Petroleum Consumption by Sector
CAFÉ- Corporate Average Fuel Economy
• the sales-weighted average fuel economy of a manufacturer's fleet of current
model year passenger cars or light trucks, manufactured for sale in the
United States
• set mandatory fuel economy standards for new cars and small trucks after
the 1977 model year (MY)
• 18 miles per gallon (MPG) for 1978 MY with gradual increases leading to
27.5 mpg for 1985 MY
• A company could sell cars that did not meet the new standards, so long as it
sold a compensating number that got better mileage, to bring the company’s
average up to the requirement.
• if a manufacturer does not meet the standard it is liable for a civil penalty of
$5.50 for each 0.10 mpg its fleet average falls below the standard, multiplied
by the number of vehicles sold in a given model year and reduced by the
number of credits available to the manufacturer
– Credits are earned when a manufacturer more than attains the standard in any
model year and may be banked or borrowed for 3 years on a rolling basis.
Motor Vehicle Fuel Rates
Source: Energy Information Administration/ Annual Energy Review 2009. Figure 2.8
Motor Vehicle Mileage, Fuel Consumption, and Fuel Rates
Ford Pinto
New Light Vehicle Market Shares by EPA
Size Class, 1975–2005
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Light-Duty Automotive
Technology and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 through 2005, July 2005
Some of the Energy Conservation Programs ended by the
Reagan Administration
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solar energy research and development
wind energy and ocean thermal development
research on electric vehicles and methane fueled transport
residential energy efficiency
energy conservation for commercial buildings
consumer education on energy conservation
small scale hydro-electric projects
energy audits by public utilities
Crude oil prices since 1861
Source: BP Statistical Review of World Energy, 2009
Source: BP Statistical Review of World Energy, 2007
Petroleum Imports by Type
Source: Energy Information Administration/ Annual Energy Review 2009. Figure 5.3
Petroleum Imports by Type
“Conservation might be a sign of personal
virtue, but it is not a sufficient basis for a
sound, comprehensive energy policy.”
Vice-President Dick Cheney
April 3, 2001.
Petroleum Trade Overview
Source: Energy Information Administration/ Monthly Energy Review, December 2010.
Figure 3.3a Petroleum Trade Overview
The End