Subsidizing Oil and Coal Over Alternative Energy

The federal government gives more research and development subsidies to fossil fuels than clean energy technologies. But, why?

1 minute read

June 24, 2012, 9:00 AM PDT

By Andrew Gorden


Columnist Phillip Bump of Grist writes on the counterintuitive role federal subsidies play in the energy industry. When comparing research and development subsidies for fossil fuels versus those for cleaner renewables, Bump finds, "[f]ossil fuels received far more research and development subsidies...than did clean energy projects."

This should come as a surprise to many, as the federal government, and government in general, is often viewed as renewable energy's main proponent. Additionally, and from an international standpoint, as Bump writes, "if we want to position the United States as a leader in the emerging clean energy sector, we can't let existing energy systems both kill research and development for clean energy and block attempts to internalize their own costs."

Best put, "[i]magine if your little store was trying to compete with Walmart and the government was giving Walmart far more money than you."

Tuesday, June 19, 2012 in Grist

Sweeping view of Portland, Oregon with Mt. Hood in background against sunset sky.

Oregon Passes Exemption to Urban Growth Boundary

Cities have a one-time chance to acquire new land for development in a bid to increase housing supply and affordability.

March 12, 2024 - Housing Wire

Aerial view of green roofs with plants in Sydney, Australia.

Where Urban Design Is Headed in 2024

A forecast of likely trends in urban design and architecture.

March 10, 2024 - Daily Journal of Commerce

Cobblestone street with streetcar line, row of vintage streetlights on left, and colorful restaurant and shop awnings on right on River Street in Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah: A City of Planning Contrasts

From a human-scales, plaza-anchored grid to suburban sprawl, the oldest planned city in the United States has seen wildly different development patterns.

March 12, 2024 - Strong Towns

Aerial View of Chuckanut Drive and the Blanchard Bridge in the Skagit Valley.

Washington Tribes Receive Resilience Funding

The 28 grants support projects including relocation efforts as coastal communities face the growing impacts of climate change.

March 18 - The Seattle Times

Historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles with large "Pan American Lofts" sign on side of building.

Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly

The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.

March 18 - Beverly Press

View from above of swan-shaped paddleboats with lights on around artesian fountain in Echo Park Lake with downtown Los Angeles skylien in background at twilight.

LA's Top Parks, Ranked

TimeOut just released its list of the top 26 parks in the L.A. area, which is home to some of the best green spaces around.

March 18 - TimeOut

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.