Letter from Darrell M. Trent, acting director of the United States Office of Emergency Preparedness, to Governor Askew about gasoline shortages, May 10, 1973

Energy policy

Power resources

Gasoline supply

Energy conservation

Letter from Darrell M. Trent, acting director of the United States Office of Emergency Preparedness, to Governor Askew, dated May 10, 1973, regarding gasoline supply shortages and conservation measures. Trent's letter states two enclosures, but enclosures are not included.

United States. Office of Emergency Preparedness

State Archives of Florida, Series S969

1973-05-10

Trent, Darrell M.

United States. President (1969-1974 : Nixon)

letters (correspondence)

eng-US

text

s969_b01_f05_x01

Late 20th-Century Florida (1968-2000)

Tallahassee (Fla.)

Leon County (Fla.)

Washington (D.C)

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s969_b01_f05_x01_01

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Politics and Government

Florida. Governor (1971-1979 : Askew)

United States. President (1969-1974 : Nixon)

United States. Office of Energy Conservation and Environment

Askew, Reubin O'Donovan, 1928-2014

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20504
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
MAY 10 1973
Honorable Reubin Askew
Governor of Florida
State Capitol
Tallahassee, Florida 32304
Dear Governor Askew:
I am writing to tell you of our concern about tight gasoline supplies in the coming weeks, and to offer my cooperation and that of the other agencies of the President's Joint Board on Fuel Supply and Fuel Transport, in your preparations for actions to lessen the impact of any such shortages that occur.
As you know, the Joint Board monitors the fuel posture of the Nation and warns of difficulties that may develop in the distribution of these vital commodities. The Board also coordinates Federal efforts to assist the States in meeting these problems.
I am grateful for the very effective relationships established, during the period of the fuel oil shortages last winter, between the offices of many State Governors and the Regional Field Boards, which also act on behalf of the Joint Board. These relationships were instrumental in keeping both the State and Federal Governments informed on the developing situation, and, in many instances, resulted in coordinated efforts to resolve specific problems. I trust that these cooperative relationships will continue.
Gasoline inventories are significantly below the levels of last year at this time. This situation will be more difficult this summer in view of a projected 5.4 percent increase in demand. Our projections suggest that supplies will be adequate for the country as a whole, but that spot shortages are likely to develop in some areas. I do not now anticipate, however, that rationing by the Federal Government would be used this summer to deal with the shortages of supply.
In the event of a serious localized shortage of gasoline, certain steps could be taken by the local authorities to mitigate its impact. Some of these steps entail allocations

of fuel to ensure the continuation of essential services of a community. Others involve conservation measures which the gasoline user can be urged to adopt. Some State governments have already prepared or are proposing legislation to take actions in case of a gasoline supply emergency. There may be some States, however, that have not begun their planning and, hence, I am enclosing for your consideration, a list of possible gasoline conservation measures, prepared in conjunction with the Department of Transportation.
As President Nixon noted in his message to Congress on energy, a new Office of Energy Conservation is being established in the Department of Interior to seek means of reducing demands for energy. That office will be working closely with your State and local officials.
In closing, we wish to highlight the activities of the ten Field Boards, which are the regional counterparts of the Joint Board. These existing Field Boards include representatives of a number of Federal agencies, and will be monitoring the on-going fuel situation, coordinating Federal actions, and working closely with your representatives to assist them in dealing with fuel problems occurring within the State, so that essential fuel needs of all consumers can be met.
The Field Board in your area will keep you informed on the national fuel and energy situation as we approach the high demand period ahead. For your information, a copy of the Survey of Fuel and Energy Problems for Spring and Summer, 1973, which was prepared by the Joint Board, is enclosed.
Sincerely,
Signed
Darrell M. Trent
Acting Director
Enclosures (2)

In the 1970s, the United States and other nations around the world faced an energy crisis. With a decline in domestic production of oil and an increase in consumer demand, the United States became reliant on importing fuel, especially from Middle Eastern countries.
In 1973, members of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) placed an oil embargo on the United States in response to President Nixon’s support of Israel during the Yom Kippur War.
With energy shortages and skyrocketing prices, the United States had to create strategies for conserving fuel. President Nixon even created a new agency called the Federal Energy Office, later the Federal Energy Administration. Other tactics included reducing highway speed limits to 55 miles per hour, and putting the country on year-round Daylight Saving Time.
Although the oil embargo was lifted in March of 1974, the impacts of the crisis were felt throughout the rest of the decade. The United States was in an economic recession until 1975, and the country experienced a second energy crisis in 1979 in the aftermath of the Iranian Revolution.