Making Domestic Energy Affordable: A Memo to President-elect Obama

Publication Date: December 2008

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Ben Lieberman; Jack Spencer

Research Area: Energy

Keywords: Energy regulation; Nuclear energy; Presidential transition

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

President-elect Obama, throughout the campaign, you pledged to find ways to provide relief for the rising energy prices that affect millions of American households and businesses. This was a leading issue for voters, especially during the summer when gasoline exceeded $4.00 a gallon. Though gasoline prices have since plummeted in the global economic downturn, this respite will only be temporary unless you take strong steps now. The nation also faces continued increases in electricity costs and even the possibly of shortages and rolling blackouts, and you should take steps to ensure that new electric generation can meet the nation's need for power.