In 1979 the United States was gripped by an oil crisis after the fall of the Shah of Iran and widespread cuts in Middle Eastern oil production. Prices soared, long queues formed at petrol stations and President Jimmy Carter delivered his notorious “malaise” speech to the nation. He then turned to Charles Duncan, his new energy secretary, to resolve a situation that was threatening his chances of winning re-election the following year.
Duncan, calm and methodical, proceeded to do just that. Together the two friends launched a campaign to wean the US off foreign oil, boost domestic production, develop alternative sources of energy and conserve fuel.
It was a programme ahead of its time, and won few fans in a land of gas- guzzling automobiles,
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