Science Chic wrote: Fossil fuels started out (and continue to this day) as subsidies, so why not other forms of energy production, especially ones that can pay themselves back like wind and solar and so should go down in price over time? Each region will have its strengths on what's best/most efficient to install, and if we couple it with a grid-wide infrastructure upgrade so we aren't losing a lot of energy to waste it will only benefit the economy, and our own pocketbooks. It's sad that it has to legislated, the energy companies should be implementing this on their own initiative - they stand to gain the most.
Is it true that 85% of Tesla's earnings come from selling CAFE credits to the big three? Just curious.
Thomas Sowell: There are no solutions, just trade-offs.
KodiakJack wrote: I know what point you're getting at here and I agree those tax deductable expenses are not subsidies - they are the same deductable costs every other company gets. But I do think there is a need for real subsidies for renewable energy companies, otherwise we'll be stuck with oil until the limited supply makes that unaffordable and we'll wish we converted sooner.
Yes, that is my point. I don't mind certain subsidies to get things going, but if we are going to subsidize...lets subsidize the research so the end product is actually more cost effective than the current product. Subsidizing the inefficient end product doesn't help anything. All it does is prop up something that doesn't deserve to be on the market.
Too bad future generations aren't here to see all the great things we are spending their $$ on!!
KodiakJack wrote: You kinda messed up my quote but i agree we shouldn't be subsidizing Solyndras or any company that doesn't stand a chance of succeeding.
Whoa...yeah I did! I fixed it though!!
Too bad future generations aren't here to see all the great things we are spending their $$ on!!
"Merkel Calls For Cutting Subsidies For Green Energy
Germany urgently needs to scale back its financial support for the development of renewable energy to contain the spiralling costs of its move to a low-carbon economy, Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday.
Addressing an energy conference in Berlin, Ms. Merkel called for reducing government spending on energy like wind and solar power to keep Germany economically competitive.".......
Germany was very stupid about their spending on solar power. A traditionally cloudy nation, they bought a lot of solar energy panels quickly and paid premium prices for it denying it for sunnier countries like Spain & Portugal.
Thomas Sowell: There are no solutions, just trade-offs.
