Credible sources estimate that taxpayers contribute anywhere from $4 billion to $30 billion annually to the energy sector. These subsidies include tax breaks to the oil and gas industry, special government programs to assist nuclear power utilities, and research programs that encourage coal consumption. In order to provide for our energy needs while protecting taxpayers and the environment, we must eliminate subsidies for civilian nuclear and fossil energy, giving cleaner sources of energy a chance to compete.
The Paying for Pollution 2000 report calls for the elimination of spending and tax subsidies for dangerous and dirty forms of energy. The recommendations listed do not cover all such subsidies and spending. The recommendations would be a major step toward cleaning up energy production and a significant saving for taxpayers.
