Sanford Lakoff discusses the effects of the energy crisis of the early 1980s on American life. He envisions worst-case scenarios if America continues to depend on foreign energy resources and speculates on America’s likely relationship with the Middle East if the United States achieves energy independence. He discusses the conditions that led to the crisis, describes proven methods of energy conservation, and concludes by discussing how the crisis has affected American politics and the roles technology will play in the future of energy. Lakoff is joined by John Agresto.
Lakoff, a Fellow at the National Humanities Center and member of the seminar “Energy and the Values of American Democracy” at the Center in 1980-81, was professor of political science at the University of California, San Diego. Agresto was special projects officer at the Center.
This edition of Soundings was conducted by Wayne J. Pond.
