 The increased emphasis on teaming fit well with Stone & Webster's need to address problems that developed in the energy supply sector in the mid- to late 1960s and was used in the design of synthetic natural gas plants, a liquified natural gas distribution center, and demonstration projects in coal and oil gasification.During the 1970s, major world events—including the OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) oil embargoes of 1973 and 1979, uncertainty in the chemical process industry with respect to feedstock supplies, increasing opposition to the use of nuclear power, and a growing public awareness of environmental issues—brought difficulties as well as new business opportunities for Stone & Webster.The high prices that followed the embargoes, for example, constrained energy demand and thus reduced the need for new electric generating capacity.