Wind Energy

Kermit the Frog said “it’s not easy being green.” But Kermit didn’t know how easy it would be to appear green.

In the name of appearing “green,” some Ohio politicians and interest groups are embracing public policies that would do little or nothing to protect the environment, yet would cost taxpayers and consumers huge sums.

This Research & Commentary package discusses wind energy and the larger issue of renewable fuels and related portfolio standards, issues on the front-burner in Ohio and around the nation. Inside you will learn:

• Renewable fuels mandates are just another name for corporate welfare subsidies to a handful of companies that are often long on promises but short on results;

• Renewable fuels portfolio standards do not attract or create new jobs, and probably destroy more jobs than they create by raising the cost of energy for businesses and consumers; and

• Government is poorly positioned to identify and direct resources to power generation solutions that balance the interests of consumers, business, and the environment.