Energy: our nation's lifeline

Although the energy crisis is real, Mr. Bailey states that the ''government is holding back the domestic production of fuels through a series of devastating laws and regulations.'' He feels that Americans need to understand that the energy situation promises to become a great deal worse, why it is necessary to compromise some environmental goals to achieve energy objectives, and that if we have maximum control over our energy sources we will have more control over our destiny. If Americans understand these things, they will hold their political leaders accountable for timely and appropriate energy development. So far this has not occurred, he says; progress has even been in the wrong direction. While the government recognizes the need to be more independent of foreign energy suppliers and recognizes the role coal must play in achieving that independence, other governmental policies and regulations tend to prevent increased production. Mentioned in particular are: the Clean Air Act amendments of 1970 (most eastern coal will not meet SO/sub 2/ standards), the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 (which reduced productivity by 15 to 25 percent and increased costs by 20 to 30 percent), proposed Federal surface mining and reclamation lawmore » ( strengthened laws in 34 states provide protection of the environment), governmental coal leasing policy (in the west where 80 percent of the coal is federally owned or controlled), the National Environmental Policy Act (which exposes industry to lawsuits, delays) lack of sufficient financial support for coal gasification and liquefaction plants, proposed divestiture of breakup of oil companies (oil companies have provided most of the coal gasification and liquefaction patents). Other constraints to rapid expansion of the coal industry are discussed. (LTN)« less