1970's energy crisis

Towards the beginning of the 1970's the U.S. had major concerns regarding the environmental welfare of the country. The term "environmentalism" came into use due to the "hippy" movement and protests of the late 1960's. Amongst the many concerns of the nation was over consumption of oil, as U.S. production had been decreasing. In just 3 years (1970-1973) U.S. foreign oil imports had raised from 22% to 36% and due to the Watergate Scandal, the Nixon Administration lacked the strength to enforce consumption policies. However, in 1973, due to religious and political conflicts, the mideast placed an oil embargo on the U.S. With oil production on the decline and oil consumption rapidly rising, the nation fell into a state of panic. Oil prices went through the roof, lines were forming outside of gas stations and people were blaming the Arabs and the government for the crisis. The crisis had many effects on the nation including: the creation of the Federal Energy Office and the Federal Energy Administration. Some effects have even lasted all the way into the present, including: our use of energy efficient cars, energy and "being green" awareness and a high percentage of foreign imports. Although the embargo only lasted 6 months, and it wasn't incredibly devastating, it completely changed the American view on energy and over consumption. The flawed policies of the government, as well as the over consumption of oil sent the country into the oil crisis, and although it was not seriously devastating, the effects have lasted into the present day.

http://cr.middlebury.edu/es/altenergylife/70's.htm