How to Close Down the Department of Energy

Publication Date: October 2002

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

Author(s): John S. Barry

Research Area: Energy

Keywords: Energy and environment

Type: Report

Abstract:

The proposals by Senator Grams and Representative Tiahrt would close down DOE, not just re-invent or re-organize it. This is important because it would prevent future Congresses from simply re-inflating the department’s funding. In contrast, Secretary O’Leary ’s re-invention plan maintains DOE’S inefficient bureaucracy and perpetuates some of the department’s most unnecessary functions. And, although O’Leary’s plan would “save” a reported $14.1 billion over five years, a significant portion of these savings are from asset sales. Once these sales are complete, the Department of Energy--reinvented or not--will continue to exist at little or no savings to taxpayers. The two congressional termination plans, on the other hand, ensure large savings well beyond the next five years.