Preface
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) is the
independent statistical and analytical agency within the Department of
Energy. EIA provides timely,
high-quality energy information and prepares objective, transparent analyses
for use of Congress, the Administration and the public. EIA does not, however, take positions on
policy issues. Because of EIA’s
statutory independence with respect to the content of its energy information
program, the analysis presented herein is strictly its own and should not be
construed as representing the views of the U.S. Department of Energy or the
Administration.
The model projections in this report are not statements of
what will happen but of what might happen, given the assumptions and
methodologies used. The reference case projections are business-as-usual trend
forecasts, given known technology, technological and demographic trends, and
current laws and regulations. Thus, they provide a policy-neutral starting
point that can be used to analyze policy initiatives. EIA does not propose,
advocate, or speculate on future legislative and regulatory changes. All laws
are assumed to remain as currently enacted; however, the impacts of scheduled
regulatory changes, when defined, are reflected. |