Why not just subsidize renewables instead?
Federal incentives that pay wind and solar generators for each kWh produced, and state “Renewable Portfolio (or Energy) Standards” that mandate increased use of renewable power, have been and will be instrumental in jump-starting these essential sectors. Ditto, going forward, for biofuels. Still, the cost hurdles for renewables remain high. Taxing fossil fuels for their damage to climate is the best way to help renewables grow from their 1-2% niche to a majority share of U.S. energy.
