Abstract for: The National Energy Dilemma: Models for Policy Evaluation

This study is about gaining a deeper and better understanding of the effects and implications of the current situation in the U.S. energy markets at a macro level. In order to test what macro-level theories might best explain the national situation, the research takes a system dynamics perspective to cope with the behavioral complexity of the problem. Questions to be addressed include what makes the energy markets so volatile? Can the U.S. Government help stabilize these markets by developing and selling some of its energy assets? How can the U.S. Gov. encourage more private investment in renewable forms of energy? System dynamics models are presented to study the U.S. energy situation with a view to gaining a better understanding and to providing useful suggestions for policy.