An historical perspective to the Project Independence Blueprint is presented that traces the history of the various major energy sources and examines the reserves, consumption, technology, economics, and government policy towards oil, coal, natural gas, nuclear energy, electric power, and energy sources. The first two sections of the report, Historical Perspective of World Energy and U.S. Energy Perspective, deal with major trends and events influencing all energy sources. The report concentrates on the period from the end of World War II to the eve of the Arab oil embargo. Government policies which have shaped the development of energy production and consumption are stressed.

This report of the Interagency Task Force on Oil Shale examines the prospects for expanding shale oil production to meet the objectives of Project Independence. The study considers production potential; resource requirements such as human, money, and material resources; production constraints; and actions needed to accelerate development. The report also deals with economic factors in increased development of oil shale production; oil shale resource base and ownership; leasing requirements and policy; water demand, supply and quality; air quality analysis; impact on fish and wildlife; and the status of technology.

This report is an analysis by the Interagency Oil Task Force, formed in April 1974, to provide estimates for the potential production capabilities of the oil industry and the resources necessary to achieve these levels of production. The report outlines the possible levels of future production of petroleum liquids from domestic sources, and estimates how much domestic production would result at various price levels under a continuation of pre-1973 policies and, alternatively, under policies modified to give maximum encouragement to domestic oil production. Requirements for capital, equipment, materials, and personnel are also estimated.

This report contains the final technical analysis of the Project Independence Interagency Nuclear Task Force chaired by the Atomic Energy Commission. The task force was formed in April 1974 to provide estimates for the Project Independence Blueprint of the potential production capabilities of the nuclear industry and the resources necessary to achieve these levels of production. The task force evaluated several alternative strategies which assumed various levels of potential production. The report is organized into three sections. The first two sections consists of the introduction and the findings of the Task Force. The third section consist of topical discussions of the major resources (e.g., financial investments, manpower, and materials and equipment) required to achieve the projected production levels as well as subjects associated with nuclear power generation (e.g., environmental effects, public acceptance, research and development).

This report is a technical analysis of the Water Resources Council prepared to determine the degree to which the water resources of the United States will be able to accommodate potential increases in energy production. The study considers the competition of energy-related water requirements with existing or anticipated future water uses for other purposes; accommodation of energy-related water requirements with other competing uses; the magnitude and extent of any water supply shortages, water quality, institutional and other water supply problems (environmental, capital investment, manpower, inter-basin transfer) that may restrict or prevent selected future condition energy development scenarios from being implemented; water-related Federal actions required to overcome problems and constraints of the nature described above; the requirements which need to be placed on hydroelectric power generation capability to assist in meeting the Nation's energy needs.

February issue includes Appendix entitled Directory of United States Government periodicals and subscription publications; September issue includes List of depository libraries; June and December issues include semiannual index