Global Warming, The Moral Equivalent Of War Our progress has been part of the living history of America, even the world. We may make mistakes, but we are ready to experiment. Good evening. Our nation's 39 th president, Jimmy Carter, is currently in hospice care. Our consumption of oil would keep going up every year. We will have to have a crash program to build more nuclear plants, strip mine and bum more coal, and drill more offshore wells than if we begin to conserve right now. They want immediate and permanent deregulation of gas prices, which would cost consumers $70 billion or more between now and 1985. But we've discovered that owning things and consuming things does not satisfy our longing for meaning. It's fitting that I'm speaking to you on an election day, a day which reminds us that you, the people, are the rulers of this Nation, that your Government will be as courageous and effective and fair as you demand Our farmers are the greatest agricultural exporters the world has ever known, but it now takes all the food and fiber that we export in 2 years just to pay for 1 year of imported oilabout $45 billion. Each new inventory of world oil reserves has been more disturbing than the last. On July 15, 1978, the Longest Walka 2,800-mile trek for Native American justice that had started with several hundred marchers in Californiaends in Washington, D.C., accompanied by thousands of supporters. Transcript of Carter's Address to the Nation About Energy Problems It's worse because more waste has occurred and more time has passed by without our planning for the future. . But we do have a choice about how we will spend the next few years. And this year we may spend $45 billion. State of the Union Address 1979. We are only Cheating ourselves if we make energy artificially cheap and use more than we can really afford. Naval Academy, he served in the submarine corps just after World War II. But as I was preparing to speak, I began to ask myself the same question that I now know has been troubling many of you. Jimmy Carter speaks about a national "crisis in confidence" President Carter delivered this speech on the energy crisis in 1977. In 1979, America could still feel the effects of OPECs (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) 1973 cuts in oil production. If this trend continues, the excessive reliance on foreign oil could make the very security of our Nation increasingly dependent on uncertain energy supplies. The first was about 200 years ago, when we changed away from wood--which had provided about 90 percent of all fuelto coal, which was much more efficient. We are only cheating ourselves if we make energy artificially cheap and use more than we can really afford. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency . We must face an unpleasant fact about energy prices. Conservation is the only way that we can buy a barrel of oil for about $2. They will say that sacrifice is fine as long as other people do it, but that their sacrifice is unreasonable or unfair or harmful to the country. The fourth principle is that we must reduce our vulnerability to potentially devastating embargoes. With the exception of preventing war, this is the greatest challenge that our country will face during our lifetime. I do not mean our political and civil liberties. American wisdom and courage right now can set a path to follow in the future. This summer we used more oil and gasoline than ever before in our history. Although journalists and historians say the address ultimately undermined his presidency, the Democratic candidates vying to challenge President Trump in 2020 have much to learn from Carter's . read more. What is being measured is the strength and will of our Nationwhether we can acknowledge a threat and meet a serious challenge together. The first principle is that we can have an effective and comprehensive energy policy only if the Government takes responsibility for it and if the people understand the seriousness of the challenge and are willing to make sacrifices. Die Hard also became read more, John Christie, one of Englands most notorious killers, is executed. Because we are now running out of gas and oil, we must prepare quickly for a third change--to strict conservation and to the renewed use of coal and to permanent renewable energy sources like solar power. But I'm confident that we can find the wisdom and the courage to make the right decisionseven when they are unpleasantso that we might, together, preserve the greatness of our Nation. Our solutions must ask equal sacrifices from every region, every class of people, and every interest group. Those citizens who insist on driving large, unnecessarily powerful cars must expect to pay more for that luxury. "I am a farmer, an engineer, a businessman, a planner, a scientist, a governor, and a Christian," Jimmy Carter said while introducing himself to national political reporters when he announced his campaign to be the 39th president of the United States in December 1974.. As journalists and historians consider Carter's legacy, this prelude to Carter's campaign offers insight into how he . I do not promise a quick way out of our Nation's problems, when the truth is that the only way out is an all-out effort. This is where another major controversy arises. He outlined the creation of a solar bank that he said would eventually supply 20 percent of the nations energy. Point five: To make absolutely certain that nothing stands in the way of achieving these goals, I will urge Congress to create an energy mobilization board which, like the War Production Board in World War II, will have the responsibility and authority to cut through the red tape, the delays, and the endless roadblocks to completing key energy projects. The Congress has recognized the urgency of this problem and has come to grips with some of the most complex and difficult decisions that a legislative body has ever been asked to make. First of all, we must face the truth, and then we can change our course. Tonight I want to have an unpleasant talk with you about a problem that is unprecedented in our history. Thereafter, I was so dismayed by his presidency that I betrayed my natal Democratic Party and voted for Ronald Reagan in 1980. It has been an extraordinary 10 days, and I want to share with you what I've heard. But I think most of you realize that a policy which does not ask for changes or sacrifices would not be an effective policy at this late date. There is simply no way to avoid sacrifice. These changes did not happen overnight. We will protect our environment. Address to the Nation on Energy | The American Presidency Project Our national energy plan is based on 10 fundamental principles. If we wait and do not act, then our factories will not be able to keep our people on the job with reduced supplies of fuel. One is a path I've warned about tonight, the path that leads to fragmentation and self-interest. The energy crisis has not yet overwhelmed us, but it will if we do not act quickly. With God's help and for the sake of our Nation, it is time for us to join hands in America. On July 15, 1979, President Jimmy Carter delivered what became known as his "Crisis of Confidence" or "malaise" speech to the American public on national television. This is not a message of happiness or reassurance, but it is the truth and it is a warning. Last week the Senate sent its version of the legislation to the conference committees, where Members of the House and Senate will now resolve differences between the bills that they've passed. The Congress has recognized the urgency of this problem and has come to grips . Both consumers and producers need policies they can count on so they can plan ahead. These were the promises I made 3 years ago, and I intend to keep them. Point four: I'm asking Congress to mandate, to require as a matter of law, that our Nation's utility companies cut their massive use of oil by 50 percent within the next decade and switch to other fuels, especially coal, our most abundant energy source. In closing, let me say this: I will do my best, but I will not do it alone. FILE - Lillian Carter is flanked by her sons Jimmy, right, and Billy as she met them down at Billy's gas station, where the Carters and neighbors cleaned fish prior to a town cookout, June 26, 1976. It pushes up international energy prices because excessive importing of oil by the United States makes it easier for foreign producers to raise their prices. In the days to come, let us renew that strength in the struggle for an energy secure nation. That path leads to true freedom for our Nation and ourselves. I want to talk to you right now about a fundamental threat to American democracy. to cut in half the portion of U.S. oil which is importedfrom a potential level of 16 million barrels to 6 million barrels a day; This difficult effort will be the 'moral equivalent of war' except that we will be uniting our efforts to build and not destroy. The Arab oil embargo of 1973 sent energy prices soaring, and four years later, the impacts were still rippling through the economy. Looking for a way out of this crisis, our people have turned to the Federal Government and found it isolated from the mainstream of our Nation's life. --to insulate 90 percent of American homes and all new buildings; We can't continue to use oil and gas for 75 percent of our consumption, as we do now, when they only make up 7 percent of our domestic reserves. When we import oil we are also importing inflation plus unemployment. Talk to us about blood and sweat and tears. We are the generation that dedicated our society to the pursuit of human rights and equality. They want lower taxes on their profits. ", And I like this one particularly from a black woman who happens to be the mayor of a small Mississippi town: "The big-shots are not the only ones who are important. In fact, it is the most painless and immediate way of rebuilding our Nation's strength. It's a cause of the increased inflation and unemployment that we now face. ", This was a good one: "Be bold, Mr. President. We have no choice about that. His remarks were broadcast live on radio and television. But the sacrifices can be gradual, realistic, and they are necessary. Within 10 years, we would not be able to import enough oil from any country, at any acceptable price. They are the ones who will suffer most if we don't act. This means that just to stay even we need the production of a new Texas every year, an Alaskan North Slope every 9 months, or a new Saudi Arabia every 3 years. There should be only one test for this program--whether it will help our country. It causes unemployment. Other generations of Americans have faced and mastered great challenges. Never speak ill of the dead, the old saying goes, but Jimmy Carter, 98, still lives. Energy and the National Goals - A Crisis of Confidence - Jimmy Carter : Discuss: Jimmy Carter - Address to the Nation on Energy (April 18, 1977) Discuss: Jimmy Carter - Address to the Nation on Energy (November 8, 1977) Discuss: Jimmy Carter - President Carter's Remarks on Joint Statement at Camp David Summit (September 17, 1978) Discuss Unless we act quickly, imports will continue to go up, and all the problems that I've just described will grow even worse. I hope that each of you will take steps to conserve our precious energy and also join with your elected officials at all levels of government to meet this test of our Nation's judgment and will. Address to the Nation on Energy and National Goals: "The Malaise Speech That price is now almost five times as great as it was in 1973. We could endanger our freedom as a sovereign nation to act in foreign affairs. The sixth principle, and the cornerstone of our policy, is to reduce demand through conservation. Carter's "Malaise Speech" of 1979 (remembering the crisis of With about the same standard of living, we use twice as much energy per person as do other countries like Germany, Japan, and Sweden. But just as we are losing our confidence in the future, we are also beginning to close the door on our past. - Jimmy Carter, Energy Address to the Nation, April 18, 1977. I'll read just a few. And then I left Camp David to listen to other Americans, men and women like you. World oil production can probably keep going up for another 6 or 8 years. The president was scheduled to deliver a speech on July 4 but canceled at the last minute. We must look back into history to understand our energy problem. Working with Congress, we've now formed a new Department of Energy, headed by Secretary James Schlesinger. For the first time in the history of our country a majority of our people believe that the next 5 years will be worse than the past 5 years. We can begin to prepare right now. Each new inventory of world oil reserves has been more disturbing than the last. Our cars would continue to be too large and inefficient. We can decide to act while there is still time. Industry will have to do its part to conserve just as consumers will. producers deserve fair treatment, but we will not let the oil companies profiteer. Columbia Energy Exchange - Jimmy Carter's Energy Policy Legacy on Stitcher The fifth principle is that we must be fair. His remarks were broadcast live on radio and television. We are strong. The history of our Nation is one of meeting challenges and overcoming them. Embed. During the past 3 years I've spoken to you on many occasions about national concerns, the energy crisis, reorganizing the Government, our Nation's economy, and issues of war and especially peace. Now, these 10 principles have guided the development of the policy that I will describe to you and the Congress on Wednesday night. The erosion of our confidence in the future is threatening to destroy the social and the political fabric of America. We waste more energy than we import. Presidential Speeches | Jimmy Carter Presidency The energy crisis has not yet overwhelmed us, but it will if we do not act quickly. Ours is the most wasteful nation on Earth. These are the goals that we set for 1985: In his speech, President Carter called the crisis "the moral equivalent of war" and called on Americans to conserve . Intense competition for oil will build up among nations and also among the different regions within our own country. Our energy plan will also include a number of specific goals to measure our progress toward a stable energy system. Working together with our common faith we cannot fail. Moreover, I will soon submit legislation to Congress calling for the creation of this Nation's first solar bank, which will help us achieve the crucial goal of 20 percent of our energy coming from solar power by the year 2000. The 1973 gas lines are gone, and with this springtime weather, our homes are warm again. President Carter was elected to office several years after the 1973 Oil Embargo, which devastated the gas turbine market in the United State. President Jimmy Carter - Address to the Nation on Energy - YouTube 0:00 / 4:35 President Jimmy Carter - Address to the Nation on Energy MCamericanpresident 10.4K subscribers Subscribe 830. . Second, as I've said before, it's designed to meet our important goals for energy conservation, to promote a shift to more plentiful and permanent energy supplies and encourage increased production of energy in the United States. Unless profound changes are made to lower oil consumption, we now believe that early in the 1980's the world will be demanding more oil than it can produce. Jimmy Carter: "Solar Photovoltaic Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1978 Statement on Signing H.R. Let your voice be heard. "Mr. President," he said, "I don't feel much like talking about energy and foreign policy. Our Nation's economic and political independence is becoming increasingly vulnerable. Danny De Gracia: What Hawaii Legislators Can Learn From Jimmy Carter Our cars would continue to be too large and inefficient. Politics, Carter said, was full of corruption, inefficiency and evasiveness; he claimed these problems grew out of a deeper, fundamental threat to American democracy. He was not referring to challenges to civil liberties or the countrys political structure or military prowess, however, but to what he called a crisis of confidence that led to domestic turmoil and the loss of a unity of purpose for our nation., At a time when Europeans and the Japanese began out-producing the U.S. in energy-efficient automobiles and some other advanced technologies, Carter said that Americans had lost faith in being the worlds leader in progress. He claimed that Americans' obsession with self-indulgence and material goods had trumped spiritualism and community values. I can't be too concerned about other things when I have a 10-year-old daughter to raise and I don't have a job and I'm 56 years old." It feeds serious inflationary pressures in our own economy. They want greatly increased prices for "old" oil and gasenergy supplies which have already been discovered and which are being produced now. Center on Global Energy Policy on LinkedIn: Q&A | The Geopolitics With this new policy, the gross income of gas producers would average about $2 billion each year more than at the present price level. We've recommended that the price, for instance, of new natural gas be raised each year to the average price of domestic oil that would produce the same amount of energy. There are three things that we must do to avoid this danger: first, cut back on consumption; second, shift away from oil and gas to other sources of energy; and third, encourage production of energy here in the United States. We will not be ready to keep our transportation system running with smaller and more efficient cars and a better network of buses, trains, and public transportation. Tonight I want to have an unpleasant talk with you about a problem that is unprecedented in our history. First, it's fair both to the American consumers and to the energy producers, and it will not disrupt our national economy. During the 1960's, we used twice as much as during the 1950's. Tonight I want to examine in a broad sense the state of our American Union--how we are building a new foundation for a peaceful and a prosperous world. Our national security depends on more than just our Armed Forces; it also rests on the strength of our economy, on our national will, and on the ability of the United States to carry out our foreign policy as a free and independent nation. We've always had a faith that the days of our children would be better than our own. Extra to study for big quiz- history Flashcards | Quizlet Unless profound changes are made to lower oil consumption, we now believe that early in the 1980's the world will be demanding more oil than it can produce. The former . It is a crisis of confidence. I ask Congress to give me authority for mandatory conservation and for standby gasoline rationing. This is one reason that I'm working with the Congress to create a new Department of Energy to replace more than 50 different agencies that now have some control over energy. Exactly 3 years ago, on July 15, 1976, I accepted the nomination of my party to run for President of the United States. No one will gain an unfair advantage through this plan. Along with that money that we transport overseas, we will continue losing American jobs and become increasingly vulnerable to supply interruptions. Unlike the billions of dollars that we ship to foreign countries to pay for foreign oil, these funds will be paid by Americans to Americans. The eighth principle is that Government policies must be predictable and certain. Details for: The Library of Congress presents historic presidential There should be only one test for this programwhether it will help our country. In a nation that was proud of hard work, strong families, close-knit communities, and our faith in God, too many of us now tend to worship self-indulgence and consumption. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Jimmy Carter, the only Georgian to serve as president, was born in Plains on Oct. 1, 1924, to Earl Carter, a farmer and businessman, and Lillian Carter, a. Jimmy Carter, "Address to the Nation on Energy," April 18, 1977 (excerpts). It is a true challenge of this generation of Americans. I have seen the strength of America in the inexhaustible resources of our people. Restoring that faith and that confidence to America is now the most important task we face. One problem is that the price of all energy is going up, both because of its increasing scarcity and because the price of oil is not set in a free and competitive market. It is a clear and present danger to our Nation. The corporation will issue up to $5 billion in energy bonds, and I especially want them to be in small denominations so that average Americans can invest directly in America's energy security. These are all controversial questions, and the congressional debates, as you can well imagine, are intense. And we are the generation that will win the war on the energy problem and in that process rebuild the unity and confidence of America. So, the solution of our energy crisis can also help us to conquer the crisis of the spirit in our country. We have more coal than any nation on Earth. But sometime in the 1980's, it can't go up any more. Every gallon of oil each one of us saves is a new form of production. On the battlefield of energy we can win for our Nation a new confidence, and we can seize control again of our common destiny. Our fathers and mothers were strong men and women who shaped a new society during the Great Depression, who fought world wars, and who carved out a new charter of peace for the world. In the late 1970s, the United States faced a variety of challenges, including high inflation, rising interest and unemployment rates, and an energy crisis created by . Our solutions must ask equal sacrifices from every region, every class of people, and every interest group. It is the idea which founded our Nation and has guided our development as a people. Within 10 years, we would not be able to import enough oil from any country, at any acceptable price. These are facts and we simply must face them: What I have to say to you now about energy is simple and vitally important. President Jimmy Carter asks Americans to sacrifice for the sake of greater energy conservation and independence. current level; It's worse because more waste has occurred and more time has passed by without our planning for the future. But our energy problem is worse tonight than it was in 1973 or a few weeks ago in the dead of winter. Although the energy crisis and recession were the main topics of conversation, Carter heard from the attendees that Americans were also suffering from a deeper moral and spiritual crisis. That's why I've worked hard to put my campaign promises into law--and I have to admit, with just mixed success. Too few of our utility companies will have switched to coal, which is our most abundant energy source. This difficult effort will be the "moral equivalent of war," except that we will be uniting our efforts to build and not to destroy. But when this Nation critically needs a refinery or a pipeline, we will build it. We will monitor the accuracy of data from the oil and natural gas companies for the first time, so that we will always know their true production, supplies, reserves, and profits. This major legislation is a necessary first step on a long and difficult road. With the exception of preventing war, this is the greatest challenge that our country will face during our lifetime. Three-quarters of them would carry only one personthe driverwhile our public transportation system continues to decline. And you are also deeply involved in these decisions. As one of the world's largest producers of coal and oil and gas, why do we have this problem with energy, and why is it so difficult to solve? President Jimmy Carter delivered this speech on July 15, 1979, exactly three years after accepting the nomination of the Democratic Party to run for president. We waste more energy than we import. We ourselves are the same Americans who just 10 years ago put a man on the Moon. Play Video. We can continue using scarce oil and natural gas to generate electricity and continue wasting two-thirds of their fuel value in the process. Carter's Presidency Flashcards | Quizlet Pike was instructed to seek out headwaters of the Arkansas and Red rivers and to investigate read more, Spree killer Andrew Cunanan murders world-renowned Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace on the steps outside his Miami mansion. The cost will keep going up. Just as the search for solutions to our energy shortages has now led us to a new awareness of our Nation's deeper problems, so our willingness to work for those solutions in energy can strengthen us to attack those deeper problems. All rights reserved. All Rights Reserved. I believe that the duties of this office permit me to do no less. Point three: To give us energy security, I am asking for the most massive peacetime commitment of funds and resources in our Nation's history to develop America's own alternative sources of fuel--from coal, from oil shale, from plant products for gasohol, from unconventional gas, from the Sun. Ten years ago, when foreign oil was cheap, we imported just 2 1/2 million barrels of oil a day, about 20 percent of what we used. Our imports have more than tripled in the last 10 years. Jimmy Carter November 08, 1977 Source National Archives Amid looming concern regarding the scarcity of oil resources President Carter delivers a message in stark terms, urging Americans to band together in order to eliminate the wasting of energy resources. I've given you some of the principles of the plan. We've always been proud, through our history, of being efficient people. Every act of energy conservation like this is more than just common sense--I tell you it is an act of patriotism. These quotas will ensure a reduction in imports even below the ambitious levels we set at the recent Tokyo summit.
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