The Mirage of Oil Protection [Hardcover]

Robert L. Bradley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 30, 1988 | ISBN-10: 0819172022 | ISBN-13: 978-0819172020

The debate over oil tariffs revolves around the question, should consumers pay higher prices now and in the future to prevent an oil supply calamity? A number of economists and industry experts, in addition to many individuals within the industry, have answered the question affirmatively. They have called for a tariff on crude oil and oil products to protect the domestic industry, and, in turn, consumers and the economic and military interests of the nation as a whole, from low-cost and reserve-rich foreign suppliers who do not have our best interests in mind. This book attempts to show that even the most sophisticated arguments for oil protectionism are not convincing. It surveys previous U.S. episodes of energy protectionism to demonstrate the perils of political solutions to competitive problems. The book concludes that oil protectionism will lead not to sustained industry relief but to political and economic struggles within an overbuilt domestic industry. Sustainable industry relief requires market-oriented reforms in the areas of taxation, regulation, and privatization. In an era of lower, volatile prices, only this free-market approach can enhance the health of the domestic industry while respecting the rights of consumers. Co-published with the Cato Institute.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...well-written book by an oil and gas marketing analyst regards government intervention with the operations of the market as self-defeating, usually aggravating the problem to be remedied....The author offers much material in presenting his argument...and good summaries of voluntary and mandatory import restrictions from 1949 to 1973.>>> (Choice )

This book provides a wealth of evidence to suggest that oil tariffs and quotas will do more harm than good. It should be read by anyone who has ever thought that government policy can be used as a tool to make the domestic oil industry stronger.>>>> (Natural Resources Journal )

...an extraordinarily comprehensive analysis....It is essential reading for policy-makers concerned with license fees, tariffs and other policies intended to reinstate protection.>>>> (Dr. William A. Johnson Natural Resources Journal )

Bradley's history of the rent-seeking activities of the oil industry is superb. His attempts to demolish the protectionist arguments are skillful and, in the main, plausible....Even though Bradley has not slain the dragon of protectionism, he has certainly brought the monster to its knees....excellent...>>> (Energy Policy )

Bradley's history of the rent-seeking activities of the oil industry is superb. His attempts to demolish the protectionist arguments are skillful and, in the main, plausible....Even though Bradley has not slain the dragon of protectionism, he has certainly brought the monster to its knees....excellent... (Energy Policy )

...well-written book by an oil and gas marketing analyst regards government intervention with the operations of the market as self-defeating, usually aggravating the problem to be remedied....The author offers much material in presenting his argument...and good summaries of voluntary and mandatory import restrictions from 1949 to 1973. (Choice )

This book provides a wealth of evidence to suggest that oil tariffs and quotas will do more harm than good. It should be read by anyone who has ever thought that government policy can be used as a tool to make the domestic oil industry stronger. (Natural Resources Journal )

...an extraordinarily comprehensive analysis....It is essential reading for policy-makers concerned with license fees, tariffs and other policies intended to reinstate protection. (Dr. William A. Johnson Natural Resources Journal )

Product Details

• Hardcover: 284 pages
• Publisher: University Press Of America (December 30, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0819172022
• ISBN-13: 978-0819172020
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,331,120 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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