Overview

Critics of the environmental protection movement frequently blame environmentalists, at least in part, for the energy crisis. While many of these claims are unfounded, it should be recognized that many interrelationships indeed exist. The production and consumption of energy both inevitably result in environmental consequences, and environmental protection measures also have effects on energy production and use patterns. For example, the shift away from coal following the 1970 Clean Air Act Amendments and what is effectively a moratorium on nuclear power plant construction have both resulted in increased oil and gas demand. Other examples originally cited included decreased gasoline mileage due to emission control requirements for new automobiles and delays in Alaskan pipeline construction and offshore drilling efforts.

U.S. energy problems reached crisis proportion with the OPEC oil boycott in October 1973, although many other factors contributed to the dilemma. This situation brought about an almost overnight recognition by the overall American public that energy sources are indeed finite and valuable. Furthermore, the situation pointed out that many of these resources are in short supply, and that significant progress is essential in areas of conservation and development of domestic supplies in order to meet projected demand requirements. Questions about the energy-environment relationship continue to be raised, and energy consideration in environmental assessment takes on an important role. Energy demands again came to the forefront in 2001.

Although the term energy is not specifically used, an easily inferred basis for the inclusion of energy considerations in environmental assessment...