This study surveys the existing literature related to various technical aspects of electric power production, with primary emphasis on the supply of the various fuels used in the production of electricity and on the environmental consequences of energy conversion. It was prepared by the Environmental Policy Division, Legislative Reference Service, Library of Congress, at the request of the Congressional Joint Economic Committee for use as background material in the Committee's investigation of the economic aspects of electric power production. A wide range of issues are identified and discussed, issues classified as operational, economic, technological, environmental, resource, and regulatory. Statistical data and legislative references frequently supplement the narrative material. (BL)