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Estimating U.S. Government Subsidies to Energy Sources: 2002-2008
Publication Date: November 2009
Publisher(s): Environmental Law Institute
Author(s): Environmental Law Institute
Funder(s): The Energy Foundation
Funder(s): The Energy Foundation
Topic: Energy (Petroleum industry)
Environment (Pollution and environmental degradation)
Trade (Customs administration and duties)
Keywords: renewable energy sources; foreign tax credit; energy subsidies; fossil fuels
Type: Report
Coverage: United States
Abstract:
The largest U.S subsidies to fossil fuels are attributed to tax breaks that aid foreign oil production, according to research released by ELI. The study, which reviewed fossil fuel and energy subsidies for Fiscal Years 2002-2008, reveals that the lion's share of energy subsidies supported energy sources that emit high levels of greenhouse gases. Fossil fuels benefited from approximately $72 billion over the seven-year period, while subsidies for renewable fuels totaled only $29 billion. A related graphic chart illustrates the findings, and a map prepared by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars depicts Energy Flows in the U.S. for 2007.