Isn fossil fuel-based energy still a better bargain?
Fossil fuel-based energy is far more costly than most people believe, for at least two reasons. First, fossil fuels are heavily subsidized. Early in the 20th century, our government correctly recognized that a healthy and growing economy required abundant and inexpensive energy. Programs to subsidize the coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear industries were put into effect over the years that currently stand at billions of dollars annually. Those dollars are tax dollars – largely invisible to the average American, but a very real cost that each of us ultimately bear. Second, energy accounting has historically included only the costs of fossil fuel extraction (mining and drilling), transportation to processing and generation facilities, and the capital and operating costs of the generation facilities themselves. A newer energy accounting method has emerged that considers the collateral impact of fossil fuel use on the health of our planet and its inhabitants. It has gained widespread accep
