EPISODE · Feb 24, 2026 · 4 MIN
Episode 57: The Truth About Fossil Fuel Subsidies and Energy Costs
from The Clean Energy Edge · host russbp
You often hear that wind and solar only work because of subsidies. But what about fossil fuels? In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates breaks down the long history of fossil fuel subsidies, favorable tax treatment, federal land leasing, and policy support that continues to shape today’s energy markets. Drawing on decades of experience in fossil fuel power generation and clean energy development, Russ explains: • What counts as a subsidy • How taxpayer dollars support oil and gas • The history of federal fossil fuel incentives • Why solar and wind are often the cheapest new sources of electricity today • Why the subsidy debate is often selective This is not a political argument — it’s an economic and structural one. If we’re going to debate energy subsidies, we need to apply the standard consistently.
What this episode covers
You often hear that wind and solar only work because of subsidies. But what about fossil fuels? In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates breaks down the long history of fossil fuel subsidies, favorable tax treatment, federal land leasing, and policy support that continues to shape today’s energy markets. Drawing on decades of experience in fossil fuel power generation and clean energy development, Russ explains: • What counts as a subsidy• How taxpayer dollars support oil and gas• The history of federal fossil fuel incentives• Why solar and wind are often the cheapest new sources of electricity today• Why the subsidy debate is often selective This is not a political argument — it’s an economic and structural one. If we’re going to debate energy subsidies, we need to apply the standard consistently.
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Episode 57: The Truth About Fossil Fuel Subsidies and Energy Costs
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