US Government Chapter Review Outlines: POLICIES FOR ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Outline Of Chapter 22:

· Federal Government- had a policy of reserving the environment and natural resources of the US.

· National parks- protect areas of wilderness and scientific importance.

· National forests- allow commercial use while preserving the land and water.

· Programs protect wildlife.

· Land use policy and water conservation are concerns of the federal government.

· Pollution protection began in the 1950's and was organized by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1970.

· Water and air pollution, and toxic and solid wastes make environmental problems for Americans and government policy makers.

· energy policy is closely related to environmental policy.

· Fossil Fuels: most important sources of energy, however, supply is finite and they are nonrenewable. Examples- coal, oil, and natural gases.

· OPEC embargo of 1973- pointed dangers of relying on foreign sources of oil too heavily.

· Nuclear Power- offers alternative to fossil fuels, however, nuclear wastes adn nuclear accidnets are problems.

· Energy sources that tap the earths ongoing natural prosesses such as geothermal, hydroelectric, adn wind power, offer renewable sources of energy.

· Solar Power- one possible answer to future energy, however, development costs for any other alternative sources are going to be high.

· Recent Presidents have taken different approaches to solving the energy problems.

· Most Presidents have given weight when formulating energy policy to the concerns of industry thatn to problems of pollution, resource conservation, and safety.

1) Pollutants: chemicals and other damaging substances in the water and air.

2) Ecology: study of relationships of living organisms to their environment.

3) Inversion: occurs when warm air traps a layer of cool air near the ground.

Short answer essay question (which can be answered in a 2-3 sentence paragraph).

Essay: Five recent presidents have taken different approaches to satisfy America's long-term energy needs. Name and describe each president's energy policy.

Nixon's energy policies included becoming energy independent. The goal of conserving was reached when congress extended nationwide daylight savings time. Everyday 130,000 barrels of oil would be saved because of slower driving.

Ford's administration had a law passed to improve gasoline mileage. Grants to the states were approved to encourage conservation. A tax was placed on foreign oil to help discourage imports.

Jimmy carter's goals required the creation of Cabinet level Department of Energy. He also encouraged nuclear energy. A major part included the National Energy Act of 1978.

The Reagan administration wanted to increase deregulation of domestic oil and natural gas, rules of oil were also limited, continual use of nuclear energy and reductions in federal funding of solar energy research.

Bush wanted to revitalize nuclear power as an energy source. He favored drilling off-shore in Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge. It was important to use caution and respect the environment.