After reading the article, I would definitely say that I support the Obama administration’s attempts to get rid of tax breaks and subsidies for oil companies. However, these policies alone will probably not be enough to challenge America’s dependence on fossil fuels. The oil and coal industries have a huge lobbying force, and they are going to react strongly to any policies that do not favor them. However, these policies are necessary because America’s dependence on fossil fuels needs to end.
It was surprising to me that there was even a debate among environmentalists about the effectiveness of subsidies for clean energy. I would have assumed that environmentalists firmly support such subsidy proposals because it provides an incentive for individuals to invest in such technologies. However, this is not always the case and many environmentalists think that all types of energy need to compete on a level playing field. While this is an admirable proposition, I can’t see newer, more eco-friendly energy forms having the power to compete against the massive oil and coal industries.
The article quotes Dr. Kreutzer saying “We know that petroleum and coal survive just fine in places where there are no subsidies. I don’t know if that’s true for wind and solar now, but someday it will be, when the price comes down.” However, from what we have learned thus far in class, we don’t really have the time to wait for that “someday” when prices decline. If we want to act in time to at least lessen the impact of climate change, action needs to be taken now. People respond to incentives, and if we really want to see a change in the energy that Americas utilize, subsidies and tax incentives for the right technologies may be the most practical and effective way to do that.
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