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Difficulty: EasyEnvironmentalism and the Energy Crisis

"The lines at the gasoline stations are a daily reminder that the era of unlimited resource consumption is ending. We must now choose between unrestricted industrial growth and the preservation of our natural environment, finding a way to balance our economic needs with the health of our planet."
— Editorial, The New York Times, 1973

Which of the following historical developments during the 1970s was a direct policy response to the concerns expressed in the excerpt?

  1. A
    The total withdrawal of United States diplomatic ties with nations in the Middle East
  2. B
    The complete removal of federal regulations on coal mining and oil drilling
  3. The implementation of federal fuel economy standards for automobilesAnswer
  4. D
    The creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority to provide cheap public power

Answer

The implementation of federal fuel economy standards for automobiles
The correct answer is the implementation of federal fuel economy standards for automobiles. In response to the 1973 OPEC oil embargo, which caused fuel shortages and inflation, the federal government enacted conservation measures. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 created the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards to reduce energy consumption by mandating higher fuel efficiency for passenger vehicles.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the stimulus context and the time period.
The excerpt from 1973 describes the domestic impact of the energy crisis (lines at gasoline stations) and the debate over balancing industrial growth with environmental protection.
Understanding the historical context of the 1970s energy crisis and environmental movement is necessary to identify the correct policy response.
2
Identify the direct governmental policy responses to the oil shortages and energy conservation needs of the mid-1970s.
The federal government implemented conservation measures, most notably the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards in 1975 to mandate more fuel-efficient automobiles.
Connecting the problem (gasoline shortages and energy dependence) to the specific policy solution (automotive fuel economy standards) identifies the correct option.

Key Concept

Governmental policy responses to the 1970s energy crisis and the balance between environmental protection and energy conservation.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Environmentalism and the Energy Crisis

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