Tax breaks for solar, wind power are subsidies

I read the letters of Bob Turner (July 7) and Twyla Smith (July 14) in response to my concerns about solar and wind power. People don’t understand basic economics. Subsidies are unemployment causes, too long a topic for here.

I encourage people to look into these details themselves. Taxing energy surviving in free markets to support energy that does not is a subsidy despite Mr. Turner’s word games. Taxing anything to support something else is subsidization. He can call it a disincentive all he wants; it is still subsidization. All taxes are disincentives; and should be kept as low as possible.

Mr. Turner admits these reduce economic activity in the sector which funds their goals. If reducing carbon is the goal, why not hydroelectric? It is affordably paid for by ratepayers. Washington has affordable, low-carbon electricity, plentiful water with hydroelectric.

Carbon fees have force of law, which reduces choice. Government money has strings attached. We don’t need this to support energy choices; we can do that individually. The left is scared of free speech, scared of truth. This is why several attorneys general have talked about prosecuting climate change skeptics. This is why it’s touched a nerve with the local Citizens’ Climate Lobby members.

This story was originally published August 12, 2016 at 12:56 PM with the headline "Tax breaks for solar, wind power are subsidies."