The Energy War
Series Overview
In the 1970s, the U.S. faced an energy crisis so severe that President Jimmy Carter declared it “the moral equivalent of war.” Seeking to curb the country’s dependence on foreign oil, Carter kicked off a legislative melee with the divisive Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 at its center. This epic look at the inner workings of government chronicles the arduous efforts of lobbyists, senators, cabinet members, and the president himself to reach a compromise amid a deeply divided Congress. Directed by legendary documentary filmmakers D. A. Pennebaker, Chris Hegedus, and Pat Powell as a three-part PBS special, THE ENERGY WAR is a riveting immersion into the high-stakes world of DC dealmaking as well as a timely account of the messy realities of lawmaking in a fractious political environment.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
1 Season • 3 Episodes
1979 – 1979
Premiered: Mon, Jan 1, 1979
Creative Production Team
Latest Aired Episode
Season 1, Episode 3: “Final Vote”
Depicts the Herculean effort by the President, Secretary Schlesinger, and congressional allies, to wrest a natural gas compromise and steer it through a formidable coalition of Left and Right, and finally into law.
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Cast & Creators
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Jimmy Carter
Self - President of the USA
Ted Kennedy
Self - US Senator
Gary Hart
Self - US Senator
Pierre Elliott Trudeau
Self - Canadian Prime Minister
Mike Gravel
Self - US Senator
James R. Schlesinger
Self - US Secretary of Energy
Russell Long
Self - US Senator
James Abourezk
Self - US Senator
Lloyd Bentsen
Self - US Senator
Dennis DeConcini
Self - US Senator
Howard Metzenbaum
Self - US Senator
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Chris Hegedus, D. A. Pennebaker, Pat Powell
Michael Penland
Sherry Jones, Nathalie Seaver, Pat Powell
Department Leadership Roster
Chris Hegedus
Director
D. A. Pennebaker
Director
Pat Powell
Director
Sherry Jones
Producer
Nathalie Seaver
Producer
Pat Powell
Producer
Michael Penland
Editor
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Energy War.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Energy War
Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.
What is The Energy War about?
In the 1970s, the U.S. faced an energy crisis so severe that President Jimmy Carter declared it “the moral equivalent of war.” Seeking to curb the country’s dependence on foreign oil, Carter kicked off a legislative melee with the divisive Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 at its center. This epic look at the inner workings of government chronicles the arduous efforts of lobbyists, senators, cabinet members, and the president himself to reach a compromise amid a deeply divided Congress. Directed by legendary documentary filmmakers D. A. Pennebaker, Chris Hegedus, and Pat Powell as a three-part PBS special, THE ENERGY WAR is a riveting immersion into the high-stakes world of DC dealmaking as well as a timely account of the messy realities of lawmaking in a fractious political environment.
How many seasons does The Energy War have?
The Energy War comprises 1 season available to explore.
Who stars in The Energy War?
Key cast members in The Energy War include Jimmy Carter, Ted Kennedy, Gary Hart, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Mike Gravel.
Who created or directed The Energy War?
The Energy War was developed and directed by Chris Hegedus, D. A. Pennebaker, Pat Powell.