The Efficacy Of Presidential Energy Policy

From FDR to Barack Obama, occupants of the White House have at least attempted to control how we use energy sources.

Keeping wheels rolling, jets flying, and factories and lights lit are great balancing acts of the modern world–balancing often incompatible and frequently subtle economic, environmental and strategic considerations.
As is the prerogative of every new administration, new policies are put forward. So here we are on the south side of the world’s third global oil price spike, in the middle of a financial crisis, with yet another energy policy debate. To the extent that historical context is useful, let’s step back to look at what history reveals in terms of the signature energy policies of presidents in days of yore.

Forbes