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<br />prohibiting the uses of various fuels, requiring energy efficiency stand- <br />ards for automobiles and major consumer appliances, and linking Federal <br />assistance programs to energy conservation requirements. More traditional <br />methods involving taxes and tariffs, loan or grant subsidies, and funds <br />for development of alternative and renewable energy sources continue to <br />provide significant incentives as well. <br /> <br />2.6.1 Early Federal Conservation Programs <br />The only substantive measure implemented in response to the President's <br />1971 call for a national energy conservation policy was the adaption of <br />insulation standards for homes financed by the Federal Housing Administra- <br />tion (FHA).94 In his energy message of April 1973, the President directed <br />the Department of Commerce to establish a voluntary system of energy <br />efficiency labelling for major residential appliances.95 Later that same <br />year, the following were among mandatory and voluntary actions outlined <br />to reduce consumption and avoid impending gasoline and heating oil short- <br />ages.96 <br />. Immediate adaption of energy conservation measures in operations <br />of Federal agencies. <br />. Immediate reduction in flight frequency and civil air speeds. <br />. Reduction of highway speeds. <br />. Voluntary efforts by the general public (i. e., decreased driving, <br />thermostat adjustments, car pooling, etc.). <br />. Development of a consumer information program and establishment <br />of the Office of Energy Conservation. <br />The petroleum shortages experienced during the 1973 OPEC Embargo <br />elicited additional presidential requests for implementation of conservation <br />programs and emergency authorities. As part of its response, Congress <br />enacted the Emergency Daylight Saving Time Energy Conservation Act of <br />197397 instituting year-round requirements, and passed the Emergency <br />Highway Energy Conservation Act in January 1974 to lower maximum speed <br />limits on Federally funded roads. 98 Additionally, Congress authorized that <br />the Highway Trust Fund be opened for use by urban mass transit systems. <br /> <br /> <br />2-32 <br />