The Four-Decade Quest for an “Energy Independence” Policy: Chasing a Trope Through Time

Since the presidency of Richard Nixon, policymakers have sought “energy independence” as the goal of energy policy. But that goal, unclear to begin with, has grown more opaque over time. “Energy independence” has meant different things at different times with no clear definition. Nevertheless, the g...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of policy history 2021-01, Vol.33 (1), p.93-110
Main Author: GROSSMAN, PETER Z.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ambiguity
Climate change
Critical Perspective
Energy industry
Energy policy
Fossil fuels
Independence
Legislation
Policy making
Presidents
Rhetoric
Self sufficiency
Success
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Summary:Since the presidency of Richard Nixon, policymakers have sought “energy independence” as the goal of energy policy. But that goal, unclear to begin with, has grown more opaque over time. “Energy independence” has meant different things at different times with no clear definition. Nevertheless, the goal is evocative, with symbolism that draws on key narratives from American history. This article argues that the idea of “energy independence” has become a trope and as such a major component of the energy-policy discourse. It describes the shifting (often only apparent) definitions of the trope both in energy-policy rhetoric and in energy legislation, and also explains how the discourse has shifted in recent years due to resource development and the realities of climate change.
ISSN:0898-0306
1528-4190
DOI:10.1017/S0898030620000251