Henry Lee

Electricity restructuring and the environment

Abstract Competition may offset many of the enviromental shortcomings of past regulatory regimes, although it is possible that competition will result in older, dirtier coal plants being kept on-line and used more often.

Decision to lease outer continental Shelf Lands

Abstract The process by which a decision is made in many instances limits and shapes the form of that decision. The institutions involved, the timing of their involvement, and the ultimate goal of the process itself are integral factors in determining the substance of a decision. It is the thesis of this paper that the decision to lease areas of our Outer Continental Shelf is determined more by the process of making that decision than by any other factor. This thesis is explored from an historical and an analytical perspective and the conclusion drawn is that the present leasing process limits the scope of alternative decisions. For although the Department of the Interior has demonstrated an increased sensitivity to a broad spectrum of environmental and economic issues in the micro‐decision process, such as specific tract nominations and oil spill prevention, they have remained reluctant to apply this sensitivity to the macro‐decision process, that process which determines the optimal utilization of our o...

NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY FROM STATE AND LOCAL PERSPECTIVES

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses national energy policy from state and local perspectives. As energy prices change, the inclination of state and local governments to intervene in the energy marketplace can also change. If prices continue to decline in real terms, the readiness of governments at both levels to intervene can also decline. Barring a major disruption in oil supplies, state and local governments can perceive energy as a resource constraint rather than a crisis, and this perception can strongly encourage the integration of energy concerns into economic development, transportation, and social welfare policies and programs. No matter what the current political situation can suggest, under certain circumstances, government can continue to involve itself with the issue of energy. As long as energy is a resource constraint, state and local governments must deal with it. The pendulum of public concern is in constant motion. Events, actors, and political forces are continually changing. State and local governments have played a key role in the evolution of energy policy in the United States.

Problems of minority fuel-oil dealers

Claims that minority fuel oil dealers are hampered by severe impediments in the competition for contracts for oil, loan funds from banks, and assistance from the Federal government are explored. Possible remedial actions are recommended. The study focused on the metropolitan areas of Boston, Providence, and New York City. Following the introductory section, the evolving role of minority oil retailers in the Northeast market is reviewed in the second section. The third section examines the specific problems confronting minority dealers, including obtaining start-up capital and finding sources of supply. The fourth section addresses the problems associated with serving the inner-city markets. The fifth section introduces specific recommendations to meet the problems outlined.