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Show THE WAY TO PUT IT OUT Despite all the confusing talk that emanates from our nation's capital regarding the energy shortage, two facts are undeniably clear: First, there really is a shortage; and second, there's no one obvious target where we can lay the blame. In the early 1970s, most Americans viewed the energy shortage' then with skepticism. Today, however, the facts are too overwhelming overwhelm-ing for anyone to seriously entertain doubts that a shortage exists. Consider the following: Since 1970, the Organization of Petroleum Petro-leum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has raised the price of a barrel of oil 900 per cent (from $1.80 to a minimum of $18.00). In addition, these same countries (with the exception of Saudi Arabia) are refusing refus-ing to produce oil in the quantities they once were, while America ;' seeks to import more oil each year. Moreover, our own reserves are dwindling quickly. Simply put, oil is scarce. Finding a culprit for the shortage is frustrating. There is no one clear-cut villain. So pointing fingers does us little good. What needs to be done, however, is to start living with the ; problem and working our way out of it. Two things are necessary. First, we must conserve the energy we have and, second, we must 1 find new sources of energy. 1 Industry is a leader in energy conservation. The National Associa- ' tion of Manufactures reports that since 1970 industry has reduced its ' energy consumption by 6 per cent while raising its overall production by 11.8 per cent. Such energy efficiency needs to be emulated by all sectors of society. In the area of production, it is illogical to further encumber our oil ' companies with excessive regulations and tax policies at a time when we need them to come up with new forms of energy. Research which costs money should be promoted, not thwarted. In the final analysis, if each of us learns to cpnserve energy better, and if government lawmakers encourage greater production and research, then we will not only overcome the energy shortage but emerge from the fray a stronger and more independent nation. |
