Industrial Energy Intensiveness and Energy Costs in the Context of Climate Change Policy


 

Publication Date: November 1997

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Energy

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Abstract:

International negotiations are under way regarding measures to stabilize concentrations of atmospheric "greenhouse gas" in order to forestall feared changes in the global climate. In late October, President Clinton announced the U.S. negotiating position. Inasmuch as the burning of fossil fuels produces greenhouse gases, the issue of how stabilization measures would affect major energy-using industries is raised. As shown in this report, the amount, cost, and mix of energy sources used vary widely even among U.S. energy-intensive industries, suggesting a wide range of potential effects.