The Clean Energy Edge is your go-to podcast for insightful discussions on the evolving energy landscape. Hosted by industry experts Russ Bates and Brian Scott, the podcast delves into topics centered around clean energy while also exploring broader aspects of the energy sector. From renewable technologies and policy developments to traditional energy sources and emerging innovations, Russ and Brian provide in-depth analysis and real-world insights to help listeners navigate the complexities of the energy transition. Whether you’re an industry professional, policymaker, or energy enthusiast, The Clean Energy Edge delivers the knowledge and perspectives you need to stay informed and ahead in the dynamic world of energy.
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The Clean Energy Edge is your go-to podcast for insightful discussions on the evolving energy landscape. Hosted by industry experts Russ Bates and Brian Scott, the podcast delves into topics centered around clean energy while also exploring broader aspects of the energy sector. From renewable technologies and policy developments to traditional energy sources and emerging innovations, Russ and Brian provide in-depth analysis and real-world insights to help listeners navigate the complexities of the energy transition. Whether you’re an industry professional, policymaker, or energy enthusiast, The Clean Energy Edge delivers the knowledge and perspectives you need to stay informed and ahead in the dynamic world of energy.
Episode 21: The Great Fossil Fuel Handout: 100 Years of Subsidies vs. Clean Energy Truth
The Clean Energy Edge
33 minutes
2 months ago
Episode 21: The Great Fossil Fuel Handout: 100 Years of Subsidies vs. Clean Energy Truth
Opponents love to say “clean energy only survives because of subsidies.” But that’s projection. Fossil fuels have been on government life support for over a century , and the new Big Billionaire Bill just handed them billions more while cutting support for solar, wind, EVs, and storage.
In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates and Brian Scott bring the receipts:
Direct subsidies still in place: Intangible Drilling Costs (~$4B/yr), Percentage Depletion (since 1926), Accelerated Depreciation, and below-market Federal Leasing.
Indirect subsidies hidden in plain sight: $81B/yr military protection of oil routes, $649B/yr in health and climate damages, and liability caps that left taxpayers with the bill for disasters like Deepwater Horizon.
Big Billionaire Bill (BBB): $70B in NEW fossil subsidies, reduced royalties, non-competitive leasing, and expanded nuclear aid — all while slashing clean energy credits.
The real comparison: Fossil fuels and nuclear got 5–10x more support in their first 15 years than renewables ever did. Since 1950, taxpayers have spent ~$846B on fossil fuels vs. ~$200B on renewables (2025$).
👉 Every gallon of gas, every kWh of coal power is already subsidized — you just don’t see the bill. If fossil fuels had to pay their true costs, they’d be anything but cheap.
📌 Subscribe now to The Clean Energy Edge Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for honest conversations on energy, policy, and the future of our economy.
#CleanEnergy #FossilFuels #EnergyPolicy #ClimateTruth #Subsidies #Solar #Wind #EVs #TheGreatFossilFuelHandout
The Clean Energy Edge
The Clean Energy Edge is your go-to podcast for insightful discussions on the evolving energy landscape. Hosted by industry experts Russ Bates and Brian Scott, the podcast delves into topics centered around clean energy while also exploring broader aspects of the energy sector. From renewable technologies and policy developments to traditional energy sources and emerging innovations, Russ and Brian provide in-depth analysis and real-world insights to help listeners navigate the complexities of the energy transition. Whether you’re an industry professional, policymaker, or energy enthusiast, The Clean Energy Edge delivers the knowledge and perspectives you need to stay informed and ahead in the dynamic world of energy.
