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JUNE 28, 2007 | Commentary by JARED WALCZAK
Energy Depletion
Ed Rendell has been in politics for too long. That is the only way to explain his apparent belief that Harrisburg politicians know more about which alternative energy prospects are best than do the field’s best researchers and innovators.Increasing energy usage and high, though hardly unprecedented, prices at the pump have many Pennsylvani
Recent Blog Posts
JUNE 10, 2011
Biofuel Failure becomes Natural Gas Success
Pat Copple owns a biodiesel plant in Monaca, or at least he did until May when he started to convert his operation into a Marcellus wastewater treating facility. Copple says the biodiesel business was never good, despite the hype from Gov. Rendell and President Obama, who both toured his facility.
With about $1 million in equipment changes, Copple estimates he can refit his plant and take advantage of the growing need for more sophisticated water treatment plants. In other words, even with the wealth of federal and state tax and production incentives for biofeuls, the largely unsubsidized natural gas industry created a better business opportunity.
Apart from biofuel's dependency on subsidies, their production—especially ethanol—has had devastating effects on the poor. We've blogged in the past about how their production creates water shortages and rising food prices.
posted by ELIZABETH STELLE | 03:58 PM | 0 comment
NOVEMBER 23, 2010
Even Al Gore Opposes Ethanol Subsidies
Yesterday, former Vice President and emperor of global warming alarmism Al Gore admitted that it was a mistake to support ethanol mandates and subsidies. Gore blamed the political dynamics, i.e., that the ethanol industry is one of the most powerful special interests around.
Total U.S. ethanol subsidies reached $7.7 billion last year according to the International Energy Industry, which said biofuels worldwide received more subsidies than any other form of renewable energy.
And those subsidies are on top of mandates to produce ethanol. Yet ethanol has also been shown to reduce fuel mileage, increase carbon emissions, increase smog, lead to water shortages, and increase food prices.
Yet not only does the federal government continue to offer tax credits, grants, and mandates to subsidize the ethanol industry, but the state of Pennsylvania does as well. In fact, Pennsylvania lawmakers, after a push from Gov. Rendell, approved a mandate that would require every gallon of gasoline sold to contain up to 10% ethanol—even after the evidence about the harmful effects of ethanol production were clear.
posted by NATHAN BENEFIELD | 11:35 AM | 0 comment
NOVEMBER 13, 2009
Corporate Welfare Goes Green
The solar industry, teamed with congress, is trying to get the Solar Manufacturing Jobs Creation Act passed. This act creates a 30% tax credit for solar manufactures and makes available a cash grant program. What is striking is that the solar industry is seeking this elite handout so it will not have to compete with other renewable energy resources for the $2.3 billion dollars already available through a tax credit.
Here in Pennsylvania $650 million in subsidies are available for alternative energy and conservation projects.
The problem is government should not be manipulating the market. It was a disaster when government forced ethanol into the energy sector; why would this be any different? Legislators should not ignore the signs.
A study in Germany concluded their solar PV industry would "vanish as soon as government support is terminated." Another study found that if the investment tax credits for solar PV development and production tax credits for wind energy in the United States were not continued in 2009, these established industries would lose 77% of their employees.
The fact is that if the solar industry cannot survive without government subsidies then it should not be there; it will neither create lasting jobs nor will it save taxpayers money.
posted by KATRINA CURRIE | 11:49 AM | 0 comment
