Energy, Consumption, and the Amorality of Energy Law

Authors

Lincoln L. Davies, S.J. Quinney College of Law, University of UtahFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2015

Abstract

This essay explores the connection between energy consumption and energy law and policy. It argues that the energy law and policy system is configured to promote consumption, almost blindly, so that energy seems nearly infinite and invisible to consumers. This regulatory structure thus creates a kind of amorality for energy consumers. That is, when individuals choose to consume power, those decisions are divorced from their consequences. The essay relies on Pope Francis's encyclical on climate change, Laudato Si', to build its argument, and offers observations about the importance of COP21 in Paris to transform how energy is produced and consumed.

Recommended Citation

Davies, Lincoln L., Energy, Consumption, and the Amorality of Energy Law 109 AJIL Unbound 147 (2015).