SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   SHJM 4010

                              AS OF APRIL 1, 1991

Brief Description:  Asking Congress to develop a national energy policy.

SPONSORS:House Committee on Energy & Utilities (originally sponsored by Representatives R. Fisher, Schmidt, Cooper, Wilson, R. Meyers, Prentice, Wood, Heavey, Chandler, R. Johnson, Forner, P. Johnson, Mitchell, Brough, Haugen, Zellinsky, Jones, Kremen, Cantwell, Phillips, Nealey, Paris, Bray, Rayburn, Nelson and Anderson).

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES

Staff:  Dave Monthie (786‑7198)

Hearing Dates:April 2, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Increasing oil imports, particularly from politically volatile regions of the world, place this country in a vulnerable position.

Earlier this year the President announced a new national energy strategy.  Its principal features include increased production of various energy sources and the streamlining of the process for licensing nuclear power plants, including the use of standardized designs.  Some feel that there is a need to pursue all practicable alternatives to oil use, especially increased efficiency in energy use, as well as alternative sources of energy.

SUMMARY:

Congress is urged to enact a national energy strategy and implement measures that will most effectively lead to reduced dependence on foreign oil.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested