Synthetic fuels: should the government subsidize nonconventional energy supplies

Journal Article · Mon Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · Regulation; (United States)

OSTI ID:5850832

Joskow, P L; Pindyck, R S

The government's proposal to subsidize the commercialization of synthetic fuels as a way to supply the energy gap is questioned because of the high costs to consumers of giving the government rather than private industry the responsibility for assessing the economics of new technologies. A more general form of government participation is recommended instead of direct subsidy of specific alternative fuels, although the question is asked whether any involvement is truly warranted. The President's plan for involvement is examined and the rationale for subsidies on the basis of reducing US dependence on imports and on the uncertainties of commercialization is found to be unjustified.

• Research Organization: Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge
• OSTI ID: 5850832
• Journal Information: Regulation; (United States), Journal Name: Regulation; (United States) Vol. 3:5; ISSN REGUD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
295000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Hydrogen & Synthetic Fuels
299000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Unconventional Sources & Power Generation
COMMERCIALIZATION
ENERGY POLICY
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
FUELS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
MARKET
PUBLIC POLICY
SUBSIDIES
SYNTHETIC FUELS