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Propagandistic Research and the U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Efficiency in Ordinary Life and Renewables in Electricity Production

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  • Daniel Sutter

Abstract

I treat two cases of what I believe can be characterized as research propaganda attributable to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The first concerns the extent to which Americans are mindful of energy efficiency in their cars, appliances, homes, and machinery. The second concerns the mandating of the use of renewable fuels in electricity production. I contend that the DOE-based research is unsound and that the unsoundness rises to the level of propaganda.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel Sutter, 2017. "Propagandistic Research and the U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Efficiency in Ordinary Life and Renewables in Electricity Production," Econ Journal Watch, Econ Journal Watch, vol. 14(1), pages 103–120-1, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:ejw:journl:v:14:y:2017:i:1:p:103-120
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. ARTHUR Rosenfeld & CELINA Atkinson & JONATHAN Koomey & ALAN Meier & ROBERT J. Mowris & LYNN PRICE, 1993. "Conserved Energy Supply Curves For U.S. Buildings," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 11(1), pages 45-68, January.
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    7. Michaels, Robert J., 2008. "A National Renewable Portfolio Standard: Politically Correct, Economically Suspect," The Electricity Journal, Elsevier, vol. 21(3), pages 9-28, April.
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    9. Dreyfus, Mark K & Viscusi, W Kip, 1995. "Rates of Time Preference and Consumer Valuations of Automobile Safety and Fuel Efficiency," Journal of Law and Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 38(1), pages 79-105, April.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    energy; energy efficiency; Renewable Portfolio Standards; alternative energy; propaganda;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q48 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Government Policy
    • Q42 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Alternative Energy Sources
    • H1 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government

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