Our Energy R and D Program: Can We Afford It.
Abstract
Serious deficiencies in the R and D program of the Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) are identified. Data supporting the appraisal are compiled from ERDA publications, the Congressional Record, publications of the Office of Technology Assessment, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and leading scientific journals and newspapers. Congressional action to rectify a fiscal imbalance favoring nuclear over non-nuclear power options is reviewed. Conceptual deficiencies are enumerated, principally ERDA's concentration on energy-producing technologies to the exclusion of R and D on the social implications of those technologies. Sociologic research of NSF is an unacceptable substitute because results will have little impact on ERDA, coming from outside the agency. Other deficiencies include concentration on increasing the supply of energy without equal concern for research to reduce demand, inadequate consideration of international cooperation on energy R and D, and lack of Department of Defense in-put to ERDA program planning. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 08, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA022360
Entities
People
- Garrison Rapmund
Organizations
- United States Army War College