Consistent effort needed in pursuing energy goals

The United States needs to recognize that having an energy policy does not mean having enough energy, although a declining rate of demand growth and a shift to coal and nuclear sources may appear to be reassuring. Mr. Nicandros projects that current policies will have a negative impact on national energy supplies. He feels that a set of goals for energy policy should (1) set realistic objectives, (2) identify and evaluate tradeoffs, (3) set priorities, (4) avoid counter-productive measures, (5) minimize hardship and dislocation, (6) be consistent, and (7) assign responsibility. The cornerstone of policy should be fuel conservation, followed by gradual increases of energy prices. Conventional energy production must be increased and safety and environmental problems resolved. Accelerated research and development programs are needed to allow increased production of conventional sources and introduction of renewable sources. (DCK)