Energy studies out of Spain and Denmark have shown that wind energy is a net jobs loser. These studies cast serious doubt regarding the optimistic claims of wind energy advocates that windmills will help drive the green energy revolution in America by creating jobs and leading us once again into economic prosperity. The energy studies coming out of Europe have also proven to be a serious embarrassment to politicians like President Barack Obama and Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who have made wind and other alternative energy the central tenant of the national and state energy policy. Apparently the U.S. Department of Energy is being used to try and refute these studies.
The Competitive Enterprise Institute just released a report based on documents they obtained through the Freedom of Information Act that show the Energy Department turned to George Soros and his Center for American Progress and other wind industry lobbyists to attack the studies. Among findings reported by CEI is that the Obama administration published a five-page talking points memo assailing the economic assessment written by two pro-wind activists from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, neither of whom are economists. These political attacks have failed to refute the fact that alternative energy mandates and subsidies destroy more jobs than they create.
The U.S. Department of Energy should be providing us with unbiased energy information. All Americans should be concerned when federal agencies are used as a political tool to advance policy objectives of the president or members of Congress. Is it any wonder that trust for government it at such a low point?
Get insightful commentary and the most reliable research on Michigan issues sent straight to your inbox.
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is a nonprofit research and educational institute that advances the principles of free markets and limited government. Through our research and education programs, we challenge government overreach and advocate for a free-market approach to public policy that frees people to realize their potential and dreams.
Please consider contributing to our work to advance a freer and more prosperous state.