ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the elements of consensus in the energy debate and on patterns of decision by end-users of energy. It argues that the common emphasis on disputed projections of depletion of oil and gas and disputes over siting of energy facilities obscures fundamental choices and developments that are already under way. All across the country energy supply facilities have encountered major opposition founded in environmental concerns--air quality, water quality, water quantity, and aesthetic impacts. Despite an appearance of impasse, the shape of the energy future for the nation is being given clear form by decisions that are being made at the present time. While attention focuses on disputed elements of energy policy, there is nevertheless increasing consensus among informed observers about some basic circumstances which all choices must confront. The distribution of costs and benefits of energy facilities, as well as aggregate costs and benefits, figures strongly in controversies.
