Energy and Air Pollution: Usa 1970-2020

The power industry in the United States has entered a transitory period of major changes. Until a more definitive pattern emerges the image of the future of the industry and of the levels of air pollution generated by the industry will remain far from clear. Computer simulations based on the best currently available consensus can reveal patterns of possible future alternatives. Here three scenarios, discussed in detail, demonstrate that the actual course of the industry will depend to a high degree on our choices. Self sufficiency, a highly desirable goal for U. S. energy can be achieved sometime during the 1980’s, but not without massive increases in the use of coal and nuclear power. Absolute shares of these two principal sources will be determined by the relative success of emerging technologies.