The Good, The Bad and the Ugly of Energy Policy

In an effort to sort out the various proposals that have been thrown around and how helpful (or harmful) they would be, I've made an effort to categorize them into one of four categories: most helpful, somewhat helpful, no help and harmful. Hopefully we can come to some concensus so that we can be in sync when it comes to putting pressure on WashingtonI welcome your feedback. Please keep the discussion as non-partisan as possible.


Most Helpful

Long term extension of the Renewable Tax Credits that expire this year - This would be helpful immediately since it would encourage investment in renewable production etc.

Increasing incentives for conservation and efficiency - Could reduce demand almost immediately

Legislation providing for a national electric "superhighway" to carry electricty from the wind corridor east and west to populated areas - This would allow renewable energy to displace natural gas which could then be used for transportation. Investment in wind and solar capacity could start immediately if businesses knew there would be a market.

Legislation encouraging the use of natural gas for transportation - Helpful in the near to medium term to reduce demand for oil

Somewhat Helpful

Legislation encouraging nuclear power generation - Could be helpful in the long run if the process for building new plants starts now. Would take 15 to 20 years before electricity from nuclear hits the market

Legislation removing bans for offshore and ANWR drilling - Marginally helpful in the long run to bring down the price of oil, but doesn't help in the transition to renewable sources. Won't have a huge impact on prices due to the global nature of the oil market.

Increasing fuel efficiency standards for automobiles - This would take a long time to have an effect. As it is the car companies are already playing catch-up in supplying demand for efficient vehicles due to high gas prices. Would have been good 5 to 10 years ago.

No Help

Cracking down on speculators - I know opinions vary on this, but my opinion is that this is mostly a red herring, and little if any reduction in price at the pump would result from tightening rules around futures trading. The primary problem is that demand is driving up the price at the available global supply.

Harmful

Gas Tax holidays - Only prolongs the pain and slows transition to alternatives

Releasing oil from the strategic Petroleum Reserve - Same affect as the gas tax holiday, and harmful strategically when a true oil shortage occurs.