Energy Investing For Dummies
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The laws of nations, states, and local entities have a great impact on the movement of energy markets. They address every aspect of the industry, including

  • Energy consumption

  • Energy distribution

  • Energy production

And they do it through

  • Conservation guidelines

  • Incentives

  • International treaties

  • Legislation

  • Subsidies

  • Taxation

Every country, and even every U.S. state, has different policies. Here are a few examples of how global energy policy affects energy markets, including examples from major users, plus there are tools for you to explore these policies on your own.

Though the United States has no formal, overarching energy strategy, it has passed a series of energy acts that affect various markets, the most recent of which is the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Its major provisions include

  • Accelerated research of clean energy technologies

  • Energy savings in building and industry

  • Improved standards for appliances and lighting

  • Improved vehicle fuel economy

  • Increased production of biofuels

Hundreds of pages long, this act called for incentives for hybrid and electric vehicles, conversion from incandescent to high-efficiency light bulbs, a production minimum for biofuels, and much more. Established car companies, makers of conventional light bulbs, and fuel providers saw the act as a risk, but to the informed investor, it was a reward.

High-efficiency lighting maker Veeco Instruments (NASDAQ: VECO) is up more than 75 percent since the act passed. Electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla Motors (NASDAQ: TSLA) has more than doubled since its initial public offering (IPO) in mid-2010.

To find out more about energy policy in the United States, including strategy and tax incentives, check out the following resources:

About This Article

This article is from the book:

About the book authors:

Nick Hodge is the founder of the Outsider Club, a community of retail investors looking to take personal control of their finances, and managing editor of Early Advantage, an investment advisory service that focuses on energy and resources. Jeff Siegel is an analyst and writer specializing in energy investing, with a focus on alternative and renewable energy. Christian DeHaemer is managing editor of the investment newsletter Crisis & Opportunity, and publishes a weekly column in Energy & Capital. Keith Kohl is the analyst and chief investment strategist for the investment advisories Energy Investor and Oil & Gas Trader.

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