Energy policymakers, regulators, consumers, and producers face critical policy and investment choices in the decades ahead. In many markets increased demand outstrips reliable supplies. Key industries are being deregulated. Technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate. Environmental regulations have grown increasingly costly and complex.
Consumers often express confusion at the array of energy choices now available.
And energy companies confront both greater competition and unforgiving financial markets that can heavily penalize those companies that expand production to meet the increased energy demands of our growing population and economy. Economic efficiency is maximized when competitive markets guide decisions affecting global energy supply and demand. Energy security . Energy security is best achieved through diverse supplies of all forms of domestic and international energy. Similarly, contingency plans are needed to mitigate energy supply disruptions, and these US plans can be enhanced through international cooperation.