Get Smart about Comparing Energy Subsidies
August 29th, 2012 by 
Last week we had the pleasure of hosting Doug Koplow, energy subsidy expert extrordinaire and founder of EarthTrack.net, for a webinar to help us all better understand how exactly fossil fuels are subsidized.
In the hyperbole and questionable headlines of an election year, some facts and figures are refreshing. One of the highlights of Doug’s presentation – this handy slide:
The biggest takeaway for us: It’s very difficult to make meaningful comparisons of subsidies across energy technologies. As Doug explained, it’s like comparing apples, oranges, and puppies. Most of the news headlines are based on studies with highly questionable assumptions and major data gaps.
The truth is while clean energy subsidies are under the magnifying glass, enormous fossil fuel subsidies have been baked into our national policies for decades. We believe the purpose of subsidies is to commercialize a technology that is broadly beneficial – subsidies are temporary measures designed to achieve scale and bring down costs. Which begs the question – why are we still subsidizing fossil fuels at all?
Check out the webinar for yourself to get informed so you can explain the facts to your family, friends, and policymakers. You’ll also find the full slide deck here.
Vote Solar is a non-profit grassroots organization working to fight climate change and foster economic opportunity by bringing solar energy into the mainstream.
photo: 401(K) 2012.
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