Energy: what are the best alternatives

An attempt is made to select the most promising alternatives to petroleum and natural gas. After a review of economic, environmental, and political factors, an increased emphasis on nuclear energy for producing electricity and on coal-conversion technology for liquid hydrocarbons and fuels is proposed. The selection is made on the basis of fundamental technical considerations. A set of guidelines is proposed to serve as the basis for a U.S. energy policy for the next 25 years. (JSR)