Carter plan dosen't tap full U. S. energy potential

A review of the U.S. energy supply problems and the status of National Energy Plan legislation concludes that the plan is more of a tax bill than a comprehensive program for acquiring adequate energy supplies. While the goals of energy conservation and efficiency are agreed upon, Mr. Sears feels that the energy consumption growth rate may be slowed, but will not be decreased. The bill is criticized for not properly addressing the need to eliminate price controls, provide incentives to discover new oil and gas fields, expedite Federal leases for exploration, remove obstacles to coal conversion and nuclear power, and remove barriers to a free market. Estimates of potential U.S. fossil, geothermal, and other energy sources warrant incentives to find and develop them. Careful planning and cooperation between the government, industry, and the public is needed so the economic laws of supply and demand can operate. (DCK)