Ellison wants to end fossil fuel subsidies
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
DFL U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison introduced legislation Thursday to end all subsidies for fossil fuels.
Ellison said the oil, gas and coal industries will get $113 billion worth of government support over the next decade even as Congress is cutting back subsidies for renewable energy programs. He told supporters in Washington that's not fair.
"We need to come to a very simple idea — that in the competition for resources between the old oil industry and the coal industry and the renewable industry, at least we can have a level playing field," he said.
Ellison said that at a time when food stamps and safety net programs are threatened with cuts, profitable industries should get no support from taxpayers.
Ellison's bill is unlikely to get a vote in the Republican-controlled House.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.
Dear reader,
Political debates with family or friends can get heated. But what if there was a way to handle them better?
You can learn how to have civil political conversations with our new e-book!
Download our free e-book, Talking Sense: Have Hard Political Conversations, Better, and learn how to talk without the tension.
