Industry confused by lack of U. S. energy policy

Industries need a clear national energy policy in order to make forecasts on types and quantities or prices of fuels they can expect to be available. Confusion results from overlapping authority and varied, often conflicting, regulations. Legislation intended to develop energy sources has been counter-productive because of controversy over price regulation and the elimination of tax incentives and potential capital. The stimulation needed for developing energy supplies would come with a free market, which would have the added advantage of price-induced conservation. Recommended government policies include (1) end-use plans for curtailing natural gas, (2) removal of allocation and price controls on petroleum products, (3) a moratorium on new natural gas attachments, (4) conversion of boilers to other fuels, (5) resolution of regulatory and environmental obstacles to electric power development, (6) energy prices based on cost-of-service rather than peak-load or incremental principles, (7) resolution of a route for the Alaskan gas pipeline, and (8) realistic environmental and safety regulations for coal mining. (DCK)