Stabilizing and then Reducing U.S. Energy Consumption: Legal and Policy Tools for Efficiency and Conservation

30 Pages Posted: 13 Jan 2007 Last revised: 23 Jul 2015

See all articles by John C. Dernbach

John C. Dernbach

Widener University - Commonwealth Law School

Abstract

Rising global demand for energy, high energy prices, climate change, and the threat of terrorism all point to the need for greater energy efficiency and conservation in the United States. While technological innovation is plainly needed, our laws and institutional arrangements must also play an important role. The United States has scores of legal and policy tools from which to choose to improve energy efficiency and curb energy consumption. This article evaluates a handful of these tools: transit-oriented development; fuel taxation; real-time pricing for electricity use; public benefit funds; improved efficiency in existing residential and commercial buildings; and expanded use of real freight. Greater efficiency and conservation based on these and other tools may allow us to stabilize U.S. energy consumption and then reduce it. As challenging as that goal might be, there is considerable evidence to believe that it is achievable.

Keywords: energy efficiency, energy conservation, energy consumption, sustainable development, climate change, stabilization wedge

JEL Classification: K32, Q30, Q41, Q01

Suggested Citation

Dernbach, John C., Stabilizing and then Reducing U.S. Energy Consumption: Legal and Policy Tools for Efficiency and Conservation. Environmental Law Reporter, Vol. 37, 2007, Widener Law School Legal Studies Research Paper No. 08-26, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=957061

John C. Dernbach (Contact Author)

Widener University - Commonwealth Law School ( email )

3800 Vartan Way
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9380
United States

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
539
Abstract Views
3,254
Rank
94,836
PlumX Metrics