Despite Solyndra, Continued Commitment to Renewables Still Needed

The recent collapse of solar company Solyndra has sharpened debate over policies to support the development and commercialization of clean, renewable energy in the U.S. Critics of federal programs that encourage growth in the clean energy sector would like Americans to believe that fossil fuels don’t receive any support.

The truth is that today we have found ourselves dependent on fossil fuels because of a century of public subsidies, tax credits and giveaways to oil. Supporters of Big Oil don’t view these supports — such as the Defense Department’s $7.3 trillion-and-counting tab to protect Exxon’s access to Middle East oilfields — as “handouts” or “subsidies.”

These now permanent tax subsidies lopsidedly support the deeply entrenched oil companies, keeping gas prices artificially low and discouraging growth of alternative fuels. Meanwhile, renewable energy currently suffers from the inability to predict whether incentives will be extended every year or two.

Time Magazine reporter Bryan Walsh published an article this week in which he asks the relevant question, “Does the U.S. Spend Too Much on Green Energy — or Not Enough?”

He concludes by saying, “As we develop our renewable energy infrastructure, there will be mistakes like Solyndra along the way — probably lots more — and there will be politically motivated waste as well, just as in every other form of public and private spending. We have to do it anyway. Anything else will leave us with a status quo energy system — and we know the status quo is a recipe for an environmental, political and economic disaster.”

Walsh is absolutely right.

The latest report from the Military Advisory Board starkly demonstrates how our addiction to foreign oil poses a significant threat to our national security. And according to the Union of Concerned Scientists, global warming, air quality deterioration and water pollution are all direct consequences of our fossil fuel dependence.

Fortunately, we have alternatives. American ethanol can deliver today on its promise to provide clean, homegrown fuel to Americans more affordably than any other energy source. However, it can only compete if it has a level playing field, without the permanent entitlements that fossil fuels continue to enjoy at the taxpayers’ expense.

Increasing the number of Flex Fuel pumps at gas stations and Flex Fuel vehicles on the road will give consumers an opportunity to choose their fuel – instead of having that choice made for them.

And, by expanding the market for the current generation of ethanol, we can accelerate private capital investment in next generation and advanced biofuels – ultimately expanding America’s ability to produce even more renewable, cleaner-burning fuel.

A continued commitment to our nation’s entire renewable fuels industry will strengthen our energy security, generate more U.S. jobs that can’t be outsourced and improve our environment.