Learn More in Energy

TCS RSS Feed RSS

Taxpayer Risks with the Loan Guarantee Program

April 07, 2011 > Updated: August 28, 2012 | Energy , Natural Resources

Taxpayer Risks with the Loan Guarantee Program The Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantee program carries extremely high taxpayer risk, potentially jeopardizing billions of taxpayer dollars if energy project loans default.... Read More

Energy Tax Breaks Catch Ride on Fiscal Cliff Train

January 03, 2013 | Energy

Energy Tax Breaks Catch Ride on Fiscal Cliff Train At the 11th hour lawmakers and the White House agreed to a deal on the fiscal cliff. While the deal was crafted to address urgent tax... Read More

Oil Shale: Failing Taxpayers for Decades

December 19, 2012 | Energy , Natural Resources

Since the early 20th century, the federal government and private industry have attempted to commercialize oil shale but after years of... Read More

Subsidizing Oil Shale: Tracing Federal Support for Oil Shale Development in the United States

November 29, 2012 | Energy , Natural Resources

Subsidizing Oil Shale: Tracing Federal Support for Oil Shale Development in the United States With fiscal cliff looming, TCS calls for end to government handouts for failed oil shale experiments.... Read More

Loan Guarantee Program 101

October 16, 2012 | Budget & Tax , Energy , Natural Resources

Loan Guarantee Program 101 A basic primer on the Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Guarantee Program and answers general questions on the history, administration, and overall effect of the program.... Read More

Coal Subsidy Database

October 15, 2012 | Energy

Over the years the coal industry has received billions in federal subsidies, in a variety of forms including direct grants, loan... Read More

Green Scissors Campaign 101

Green Scissors Campaign 101 A basic primer on the Green Scissors campaign and answers general questions about the history and goals of the coalition.... Read More

Sliding Past Sequestration: $2 Trillion in Common Sense Cuts to Avoid the Fiscal Cliff

Sliding Past Sequestration: $2 Trillion in Common Sense Cuts to Avoid the Fiscal Cliff In the summer of 2011, Congress sent the President a bill that acknowledged failure. Instead of swallowing hard and coming up with... Read More

Not So “Supercritical” Spending

September 28, 2012 | Energy

Coal-fired energy production is one of the oldest and most profitable industries in the world. Yet despite decades of success, the well-established coal industry remains on the federal dole. ... Read More

Taxpayer-Backed Loan Guarantees for Liquid Coal: Medicine Bow, Wyoming

September 18, 2012 | Energy

(Originally Posted December 2011, Most Recent Update: September 2012) In 2008, Medicine Bow Fuel & Power LLC applied for a $1.7 billion... Read More

Analysis of FY13 Continuing Resolution: Special Carve-outs

September 10, 2012 | Energy , National Security

H.J. Res. 117 — Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2013 was released this morning (9/11/2012). TCS staff will be posting relevant documents and analysis as we digest this proposal over the coming days.... Read More

DOE Loan Guarantees: Overview, Risks, and More

September 03, 2012 | Energy

Created in Title 17 of the 2005 Energy Policy Act, the Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Guarantee Program has received increased scrutiny with the default of a loan guarantee to the solar start-up company, Solyndra.... Read More

Big Oil Makes Top Dollar

August 12, 2012 | Energy

Big Oil Makes Top Dollar The first half of 2012 has brought more multi-billion dollar profits for major oil companies. So far, these companies have raked in more... Read More

Department of Energy Loan Guarantees: $8 Billion Allocated for Fossil Fuel Projects

August 02, 2012 | Energy

While the program was intended for emerging energy technologies, mature industries like coal and nuclear are eligible as well. Congress provided the program with funding in several areas including advanced nuclear reactors, renewable and energy efficiency, front-end nuclear fuel cycle technology, and advanced fossil fuels.... Read More

Coal Industry Profits

July 26, 2012 | Energy , Natural Resources

For centuries the federal government has been in the business of providing billions in subsidies to coal companies in order to ensure... Read More

Green Scissors 2012

June 26, 2012 | Agriculture , Energy

Green Scissors 2012 Left-Right coalition identifies practical steps Congress could take to slash deficits, save natural resources.... Read More

MOX Misses the Mark

June 19, 2012 | Budget & Tax , Energy , National Security

MOX Misses the Mark Despite the ever-increasing price tag, incessant delays in progress, and known safety risks, the Department of Energy continues to pour federal subsidies into the Mixed Oxide Fuel (MOX) program year after year. ... Read More

Senate Finance Committee Meets to Talk Energy Tax Reform

June 17, 2012 | Budget & Tax , Energy

The Senate Committee on Finance held a hearing last week on tax reform and its impacts on energy policy. Among the four witnesses from... Read More

Dept. of Energy Offers USEC $280 Million Handout

June 13, 2012 | Energy

Dept. of Energy Offers USEC $280 Million Handout In yet another attempt to revive the struggling United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC), the Department of Energy (DOE) has offered... Read More

Taylorville Energy Center Pulls Plug on its Coal Project

May 22, 2012 | Energy

It appears that one of the top contenders for a loan guarantee under the Department of Energy program has decided to abandon original... Read More

Department of Energy Loan Guarantees: Uranium Enrichment

May 15, 2012 | Energy

The Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Guarantee Program was created in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to provide Treasury backed loan... Read More

House Committee Discusses Nuclear Safety and Spending

March 09, 2012 | Energy

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development met Wednesday to discuss the FY2013 Office of Nuclear Energy budget... Read More

Big Oil Tops $150 Billion in Profits in 2011

March 01, 2012 | Energy

With annual financial reports being released this time of year, the oil and gas industry is looking to continue its decade long trend of... Read More

Oil Profits Stay High; Needless Subsidies Continue

February 02, 2012 | Energy

It appears the oil and gas industry is looking to continue its decade long trend of record profits. As of February 2nd, Chevron, Exxon... Read More

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Too Costly for Taxpayers

January 18, 2012 | Energy

Carbon capture and storage (CCS), also referred to as carbon capture and sequestration, is the process of separating carbon dioxide (CO2)... Read More

The Department of Energy FutureGen Initiative

December 19, 2011 | Energy

The latest iteration of the Department of Energy’s FutureGen project (find a timeline here) is a federal initiative to finance and... Read More

DOE Renewable and Energy Efficiency Loan Guarantees

December 05, 2011 | Energy

The Department of Energy loan guarantee program that backed Solyndra, a solar panel manufacturer which went bankrupt on August 31, 2011... Read More

Taxpayer-Backed Loan Guarantees for Liquid Coal: Medicine Bow, Wyoming

December 01, 2011 | Energy

Taxpayer-Backed Loan Guarantees for Liquid Coal: Medicine Bow, Wyoming The Medicine Bow plant has been repeatedly delayed over eight years. Putting the full faith and credit of the U.S. government behind this costly and risky project is fiscally reckless. ... Read More

FutureGen Project Timeline

November 30, 2011 | Energy

FutureGen Project Timeline • February 2003: Bush Administration announces initiative to develop zero-emissions “clean coal” power plant.... Read More

Cashing In: Biofuels Industry Buys Congress’s Continued Support

November 09, 2011 | Agriculture , Energy

Cashing In: Biofuels Industry Buys Congress’s Continued Support Taxpayers for Common Sense today released a report detailing the heavily subsidized biofuels industry's political clout. The biofuels... Read More

Big Oil, Big Profits

October 30, 2011 | Energy

Another quarter, another unsurprising set of reports of huge profits for the oil companies. Continuing to be some of the most profitable... Read More

Department of Energy Loan Guarantee Program: Uranium Enrichment

October 23, 2011 | Energy

The Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Guarantee Program was created in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to provide Treasury backed loan... Read More

Action Alert: Senate Set to Vote on Ethanol Amendment

October 17, 2011 | Agriculture , Energy

It is time to end the wasteful tradition of subsidizing the corn ethanol industry. Taxpayers for Common Sense joined a diverse coalition of... Read More

TCS Comments on OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sale

October 17, 2011 | Energy

Today, Taxpayers for Common Sense submitted comments to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease... Read More

Department of Energy Loan Guarantee Program: Update on Loan Guarantee Applicants

October 04, 2011 | Energy

Passed as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Title XVII Loan Guarantee Program has $34 billion in... Read More

Department of Energy: Loan Guarantee Program Overview

September 19, 2011 | Energy

Created in Title 17 of the 2005 Energy Policy Act, the Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Guarantee Program has received increased scrutiny with the default of a loan guarantee to the solar start-up company, Solyndra.... Read More

Common Sense Cuts

Taxpayers for Common Sense has been working hard to meet the challenge of that the so-called Super Committee is facing - $1.2-1.5... Read More

Super Cuts for the Super Committee

Taxpayers for Common Sense has been working hard to meet the challenge of that the so-called Super Committee is facing - $.12-1.5... Read More

Green Scissors 2011

Taxpayers for Common Sense joined environmental, consumer watchdog, and free-market groups today to release Green Scissors 2011, which... Read More

Myth v. Fact: Oil and Gas Companies’ Effective Tax Rate

August 12, 2011 | Energy , Natural Resources

Oil and gas companies have complained that they pay an effective tax rate of 41%.... Read More

Another Report Points to Taxpayers Losing Billions On Risky DOE Loan Guarantees

August 02, 2011 | Energy

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) recently released a report on federal loan guarantees for nuclear power plants, which seriously... Read More

Big Oil, Big Corn: An in-depth look at the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit

August 01, 2011 | Energy , Natural Resources

Big Oil, Big Corn: An in-depth look at the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit Big Oil, Big Corn: An in-depth look at the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit Corn has been subsidized since the 1930s, but it was... Read More

No Deal on Ethanol for Taxpayers

July 19, 2011 | Energy

A small group Senators are attempting to snatch fiscal defeat from the jaws of taxpayer victory on ethanol subsidies. Last month the... Read More

$14 Trillion U.S. Debt Leaves No Room for Treasury-Backed Loan Guarantees for Energy Projects

May 31, 2011 | Energy

WASHINGTON, D.C.///June 1, 2011///With Congress poised to move forward on more taxpayer-backed loan guarantees for nuclear, wind, solar,... Read More

Subsidy Gusher

May 16, 2011 | Energy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Taxpayers for Common Sense (TCS) released “Subsidy Gusher: Taxpayers Stuck with Massive Subsidies while Oil and... Read More

The Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit: History and Current Policy

April 29, 2011 | Agriculture , Energy

The Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC) is the largest subsidy to corn ethanol, the most common biofuel in the U.S. The tax... Read More

The President’s FY2012 Proposed Cuts to Fossil Fuel Subsidies

April 14, 2011 | Budget & Tax , Energy

In keeping with President Obama’s call to end fossil fuel subsidies, the latest budget proposal includes several significant cuts to oil,... Read More

Common Sense Cuts—$900 billion in savings over 10 years

The time has come for Congress to begin a serious discussion about how it is going to correct the current budgetary path into deeper and... Read More

TCS Budget Cut List for the 112th Congress: Energy

February 10, 2011 | Budget & Tax , Energy

Energy Total Cuts: $42 billion Taxpayers have been subsidizing the same mature, polluting energy technologies for decades. Many... Read More

TCS Recommended Budget Cut List No. 2: Total Cuts $205+ billion

The time has come for Congress to begin a serious discussion about how it is going to correct the current budgetary path into deeper and... Read More

TCS reaction to Sen. Manchin (D-WV) Statement on Coal Subsidies

February 03, 2011 | Energy , Natural Resources

We all know that lawmakers are allowed the occasional stretching of the truth, but at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources... Read More

TCS Recommended Budget Cuts for the 112th Congress

The time has come for Congress to begin a serious discussion about how it is going to correct the current budgetary path into deeper and... Read More

Fair Market Value for Wind and Solar Development on Public Land

January 06, 2011 | Energy , Natural Resources

Fair Market Value for Wind and Solar Development on Public Land A review and analysis of the laws and regulations governing the collection and use of revenues from commercial energy development on federal lands and is a guide for policy-makers to use in developing appropriate policies for wind and solar energy projects.... Read More

Common Sense Reforms for the 112th Congress

As the dawn of the 112th Congress draws near, there are several reforms Congress should enact, regardless of which party is in control.... Read More

Solar Development Train Leaving the Station, Without Congress

October 20, 2010 | Energy , Natural Resources

Congress’ failure to make any progress on energy policy this session is costing taxpayers.... Read More

Green Scissors 2010

Taxpayers for Common Sense joined a number of environmental and consumer groups and a bipartisan slate of Representatives today in... Read More

Senate Appropriations Committee Passes Energy and Water Bill—Includes $17 billion in Risky Loan Guarantee

July 23, 2010 | Energy

On July 22, the Senate Committee on Appropriations passed the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill. The $34.97 billion bill... Read More

Taxpayer Victory—Senate Strips Energy Loan Guarantees from Emergency Spending Bill

July 22, 2010 | Energy

Late yesterday the Senate rejected the House passed Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Bill, which included $18 billion in new loan... Read More

New Report Finds DOE Loan Guarantee Program Riddled with Problems

July 11, 2010 | Energy

 The Government Accountability Office released a new report today, finding that the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Guarantee Program... Read More

Another Loan Guarantee Putting Taxpayer Dollars at Risk

July 08, 2010 | Energy

On Wednesday, AREVA, a French nuclear power conglomerate, accepted a Department of Energy conditional loan guarantee of $2 billion for... Read More

Federal Loan Guarantees for Nuclear Reactors: Details of the Current Applicants

June 21, 2010 | Energy

On February 16, 2010, the Department of Energy offered the first conditional nuclear loan guarantee of $8.3 billion to Southern Company... Read More

Fool Me Once–Energy Legislation Should Include Royalty System for Wind and Solar Projects on Taxpayer Lands

June 20, 2010 | Energy

The Gulf of Mexico oil spill has refocused Congress’ attention on energy and climate legislation. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid... Read More

Oil and Gas Industry: A Decade of Record Breaking Profits

June 14, 2010 | Energy

Big Oil has made Big Money over the last decade. In fact, the last five years proved to be some of the most profitable for any U.S.... Read More

Senate Climate Bill Loads up Taxpayer Giveaways

May 11, 2010 | Energy

Today Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) will release their long awaited climate legislation, the American Power Act.... Read More

Energy Department Wants $9 Billion More in Taxpayer-Backed Nuclear Loan Guarantees

April 28, 2010 | Energy

Yesterday at a Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, Energy Secretary Chu said an additional $9 BILLION in... Read More

House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Discusses Funding for Different Energy Sectors

April 07, 2010 | Budget & Tax , Energy

On March 17th, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development donned green ties for St. Patrick’s Day and met to... Read More

Details on the President’s Proposed Fossil Fuel Cuts

March 30, 2010 | Energy

In keeping with President Obama’s call to end fossil fuel subsidies, the latest budget proposal includes several significant cuts to oil,... Read More

Secretary Salazar Reiterates ‘Taxpayers Must Receive Fair Return’ for Our Natural Resources

March 23, 2010 | Budget & Tax , Energy

Analysis of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Full Committee Hearing March 3, 2010 In early March, the Senate Energy Natural... Read More

The Department of Energy Loan Guarantee Program: History and Taxpayer Risk

March 11, 2010 | Energy

Title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 authorized the Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Guarantee Program to provide loan guarantees for... Read More

Senate Energy Panel Discusses Presidentメs Proposed Budget Cuts, Increases

February 22, 2010 | Energy

On February 4th, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee held a hearing on the President’s FY2011 Department of Energy... Read More

Top Nuclear Loan Guarantee Contenders in Financial Shambles

February 15, 2010 | Energy

  ***Originally Posted January 29, 2010***  The Department of Energy announced in December 2009 that they would soon issue Treasury-backed... Read More

FY2011 Budget Request: Department of Energy Request

February 01, 2010 | Budget & Tax , Energy

The Presidents fiscal year 2011 (FY2011) budget request includes a $28.4 billion discretionary budget for the Department of Energy (DOE).... Read More

FY2011 Budget Request: President Terminates Yucca Mountain, Increases Funding for Other Nuclear Projects

February 01, 2010 | Energy

The President’s budget ends funding for the Yucca Mountain project, which was intended to be a permanent nuclear waste disposal site.... Read More

FY2011 Budget Request: Administration Triples Risky Loan Guarantees for Nuclear Reactors

February 01, 2010 | Energy

The President’s FY2011 budget proposal triples funding to the Department of Energy Loan Guarantee Program.  This includes $36 billion in... Read More

FY2011 Budget Request: President Expands Cuts to Fossil Fuel Subsidies

February 01, 2010 | Energy

Similar to last year’s budget request, the Fiscal year 2011 budget request eliminates several longstanding oil and gas subsidies.  TCS is... Read More

Congressional Budget Office Analysis Confirms Senate CEDA Jeopardizes Billions of Taxpayer Dollars

December 10, 2009 | Energy

The American Clean Energy Leadership Act of 2009 (ACELA), S. 1462, as approved by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in... Read More

Senate Version of The Clean Energy Deployment Administration (CEDA)

December 10, 2009 | Energy

Both the House and Senate have proposed the creation of the new federal financing entity known as the Clean Energy Deployment... Read More

Coal to Liquids: A Costly Gamble

December 07, 2009 | Energy

Discovered by German scientists during World War II, the Fischer-Tropsch process – referred to by the Department of Energy as... Read More

Department of Energy Loan Guarantee Program

December 07, 2009 | Energy

What are federal loan guarantees? Federal loan guarantees allow borrowers to receive a loan from an independent or federal lender with the... Read More

The Amazing Waste: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Funding

November 06, 2009 | Energy

Despite being expensive, inefficient, and ineffective, hydrogen fuel cell technologies have received more than $1.4 billion in federal... Read More

Oil and Gas Royalties: Relief for Oil and Gas Companies, a Fiscal Headache for Taxpayers

November 03, 2009 | Energy

Oil and gas companies that drill offshore or on public lands are required to pay for the oil and gas they remove in the form of royalties. However, because of out-dated energy policy and mismanagement of royalty collection, oil and gas companies often pay little to no royalties to the owners of the resources—U.S. taxpayers. At a time when oil companies have experienced five years of record profits, there is no need to subsidize the industry with royalty holidays. With prices at more than $80/barrel, and predicted to increase, the industry has ample incentive to produce more oil without taxpayer subsidies. ... Read More

Department of Energy Loan Program

October 07, 2009 | Budget & Tax , Energy

What are federal loan guarantees? Federal loan guarantees allow borrowers to receive a loan from an independent or federal lender with... Read More

UPDATE: The President’s 2010 Budget: Reining in Oil and Gas Subsidies

September 24, 2009 | Energy

The president’s fiscal year 2010 budget repeals several long-standing oil and gas subsidies, saving an estimated $31.7 billion over the next ten years.i In addition, general tax and subsidy reforms will save $108.5 billion, largely from subsidies that benefit the oil and gas industries. For nearly a century, taxpayers have provided billions of dollars in subsidies to the oil and gas industry, this proposal takes the first step toward reining in decades of giveaways.... Read More

Nuclear Power Subsidies

August 04, 2009 | Energy

Since the nation began using nuclear energy, the federal government has provided billions in subsidies to the industry. More than $85... Read More

Taxpayers at Risk: Expansion of Nuclear Loan Guarantees Could Cost Billions

August 04, 2009 | Energy

This fall, Congress is poised to consider an energy financing entity that would allow for the distribution of extensive loan guarantees and... Read More

House Committee on Science and Technology Hearing on Advancing Technology for Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing

July 28, 2009 | Energy

Last month, the House Committee on Science and Technology held a hearing on nuclear fuel reprocessing. The hearing covered a range of... Read More

DOE Halts Plan for Commercial Reprocessing:  Global Nuclear Energy Partnership Shelved

July 27, 2009 | Energy

The Obama Administration has put the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) on hold until further notice. GNEP, an international... Read More

Oil and Gas Industry Profits

July 16, 2009 | Energy

Another Huge Year Exxon Mobil likes breaking records. In 2007, it posted the biggest annual profit number reported by any American... Read More

Department of Energy Loan Guarantee Program 2009 Briefer

June 19, 2009 | Energy

Title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 authorized the Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Guarantee Program to provide loan guarantees for... Read More

Coal: A Long History of Subsidies

June 10, 2009 | Energy

Subsidies to the coal industry began in 1932, when the federal government allowed companies to deduct a portion of their income to help... Read More

TCS Fact Sheet: Coal Industry Profits

June 07, 2009 | Energy

In 1932, the federal government began giving subsidies to the coal industry in order to help the industry recover initial capital... Read More

Ethanol Subsidies: Too Much for Too Little

April 29, 2009 | Energy

Through a combination of subsidies, trade restrictions, and government mandates a handful of corporate agribusinesses and oil companies... Read More

The President’s Energy Budget

March 03, 2009 | Budget & Tax , Energy

The President’s budget released last week includes $ 26.3 billion for the Department of Energy, a $2.1 billion increase over 2008 and... Read More

TCS Presents: Loan Guarantees and You

February 25, 2009 | Energy

  Today TCS explained the basics of the Department of Energy's loan guarantees program at an Institute for Energy and Environmental... Read More

Joint Letter on DOE Loan Guarantee Plan

January 16, 2009 | Energy

On behalf of our combined memberships, we urge you to ensure the Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Guarantee Program is not granted... Read More

Nuclear Subsidies Past and Present

December 12, 2008 | Energy

Since the beginning of nuclear energy the federal government has provided billions in handouts to the industry. More than $85 billion has... Read More

Analysis of Energy Tax Provisions Included in the Economic Stabilization Act of 2008

December 05, 2008 | Energy

The following is a summary of the non-consumer energy tax breaks included in H.R. 1424, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.... Read More

Oil and Gas Subsidies: Overview

November 14, 2008 | Energy

Taxpayer subsidies to the oil and gas industry have played a major role in U.S. energy policy since 1916. Two of the largest tax breaks,... Read More

Nuclear Reprocessing

October 31, 2008 | Energy

Nuclear fuel reprocessing is the process of collecting nuclear waste to recover and reuse plutonium and uranium. Despite decades of... Read More

Oil and Gas Companies Continue Receiving Billions in Taxpayer Subsidies while Reaping Record Profits

October 30, 2008 | Energy

As was the case for much of the last decade, profits for major oil and gas companies continue to skyrocket.  Exxon brought in over $14... Read More

Coal-to-Liquid Earmarks DOD Appropriations

September 23, 2008 | Energy

Today the House passed a Continuing Resolution and a minibus that included the final FY09 Defense spending bill, which had 6 earmarks for... Read More

Official TCS Comments on Oil Shale Management - Proposed Rule

September 21, 2008 | Energy , Natural Resources

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed rule for Oil Shale Management. Taxpayers for Common Sense (TCS) is a non-partisan... Read More

FY2009 Appropriations Bills: TCS Analyses and Earmark Databases

The following are links to TCS's analysis and database for each of the FY09 appropriations bills. (Note: With the exception of House... Read More

Royalty-in-Kind:  A Costly Complication

September 10, 2008 | Energy , Natural Resources

Under intense pressure from the oil and natural gas industry, the Minerals Management Service (MMS)1 started the Royalty-in-Kind (RIK)... Read More

Clean Coal Projects: Cleaning Out the Pockets of Taxpayers

September 08, 2008 | Energy

Since the late 1970’s, the federal government has funneled billions of dollars into “Clean Coal” technology and programs designed to make... Read More

House Amps Up Energy Loan Guarantees

July 01, 2008 | Energy

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established the Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Guarantee Program to grant loan guarantees for innovative... Read More

Oil and Gas Subsidies, Profits and Production: Colorado and Across the Nation

June 22, 2008 | Energy

This is the first in a series of state specific analyses Taxpayers for Common Sense is completing on energy industry subsidies, profits and... Read More

Energy Campaign Overview

June 03, 2008 | Energy

TCS fights to keep unnecessary subsidies, loopholes and tax breaks out of America's energy policy For more than a decade, TCS has led the... Read More

TCS Agriculture Program

June 01, 2008 | Agriculture , Energy

Taxpayers for Common Sense works with a broad range of groups to enact significant farm policy reform. With the farm bill up for... Read More

Coal Subsidies: Energy Policy Act of 2005

May 25, 2008 | Energy

The coal industry received more than $9 billion in loans, research funds, tax breaks and other subsidies in the Energy Policy Act of 2005. ... Read More

President Supports Controversial Loan Guarantee Program

February 04, 2008 | Budget & Tax , Energy

The administration’s 2009 budget for the Department of Energy Loan Guarantee Program requests $38.5 billion in loan guarantee... Read More

Golden Fleece Award

From surfing subsidies to the Great Wall of Bedford, Indiana, Wisconsin Senator William Proxmire’s Golden Fleece Award protected... Read More

Nuclear Subsidies General Fact Sheet

December 10, 2007 | Energy

Since the beginning of nuclear energy the federal government has provided billions in handouts to the industry. Nuclear power has received... Read More

Maintain Congressional Oversight and Stringent Budget Cap on DOE Loan Guarantee Program

December 06, 2007 | Energy

Dear Representative, On behalf of our combined memberships, we urge you to support stringent budget caps on the Department of Energy... Read More

Examples of Federal Government Loan Guarantee Failures

November 07, 2007 | Energy

Increasing reliance has been placed on federal government-backed private loan guarantees as a vehicle to fund private business enterprise.... Read More

Oppose Blank Check Loan Guarantees in Final Energy Bill

October 30, 2007 | Energy

Dear Senator,  We urge you to oppose the inclusion of language in the final energy bill exempting the Department of Energy (DOE) Loan... Read More

End Unnecessary Handouts to Big Oil

June 20, 2007 | Energy

Dear Senator: We are writing to urge you to vote for the Wyden-Sununu Amendment to the energy bill currently being debated by the Senate.... Read More

Take a Bite Out of Oil and Gas Giveaways

June 04, 2007 | Energy

Dear Natural Resources Committee Member: Taxpayers for Common Sense Action urges you to oppose amendments to weaken key provisions in... Read More

Oral Testimony Royalties at Risk Hearing before House Natural Resources Committee

March 27, 2007 | Energy

  Good morning Chairman Rahall and distinguished members of the committee.  Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.  My name is... Read More

Written Testimony Royalties at Risk Hearing before House Natural Resources Committee

March 27, 2007 | Energy

  Good morning Chairman Rahall and members of the committee.  Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.  My name is Ryan Alexander... Read More

Analysis HR6 - Energy Policy Act of 2003

December 01, 2006 | Energy

The current 768 page, 5 inch thick energy legislation is fueled by pork and will do very little to reduce energy prices or increase... Read More

Protect Federal Taxpayers from Billions in Lost Revenue from the Oil and Gas Industry

July 23, 2006 | Energy

Dear Senator,   Taxpayers for Common Sense Action (TCS Action), a non-partisan budget watchdog organization, urges you to oppose S.... Read More

Protect Federal Taxpayers from Billions in Lost Revenue from the Oil and Gas Industry: Oppose the Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act

June 25, 2006 | Energy

Dear Representative,  Taxpayers for Common Sense Action (TCS Action), a non-partisan budget watchdog organization, urges you to oppose H.R.... Read More

Support funding cuts for the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership

June 21, 2006 | Energy

The U.S. Senate 724 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator: Taxpayers for Common Sense Action strongly urges... Read More

Cut Subsidies for Big Oil: Support the Sanders-Hinchey Amendment to H.R. 5522, the FY 2007 Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill

June 07, 2006 | Energy

Dear Representative:   On behalf of the Green Scissors campaign, a coalition of environmental, taxpayer and consumer groups, we urge you... Read More

Preserve Language to End Royalty Relief for Oil and Gas Industry in Interior Appropriations Bill

May 15, 2006 | Energy

Dear Representative,   Taxpayers for Common Sense urges you to support language added to the House Interior Appropriations Bill by... Read More

‘Relief’ for Oil and Gas A Fiscal Headache for Taxpayers

May 09, 2006 | Energy

“Now, we don’t think oil companies need tax incentives or subsidies to drill for oil at $70 a barrel, or for that matter at $25.”  Wall... Read More

Oil and Gas Royalty Relief Fact Sheet

April 27, 2006 | Energy

“Relief” for Oil and Gas A Fiscal Headache for Taxpayers “Now, we don’t think oil companies need tax incentives or subsidies to drill... Read More

Oppose Energy Bill II-Gasoline for Americaメs Security Act

October 04, 2005 | Energy

Oppose the $5 Billion "Energy Bill II" The ink has hardly dried on the bloated federal energy bill (Energy Policy Act of 2005), and yet... Read More

Top Ten Worst 2005 Energy Bill

September 03, 2005 | Energy

The 10 worst provisions of the 2005 Energy Bill.  To read the fact sheet, click here.

Administration Veto Slump Continues

August 07, 2005 | Energy

Washington, D.C. – The following is a written statement by Jill Lancelot, President of Taxpayers for Common Sense on the President signing... Read More

Give Taxpayers a Break!

July 25, 2005 | Energy

Dear Energy Bill Conferee, Taxpayers for Common Sense Action, a non-partisan budget watchdog group, urges you to omit the Senate-passed... Read More

Thank You for Keeping Uranium Subsidies Out of the Energy Bill

July 20, 2005 | Energy

Dear Energy Bill Conferee, Taxpayers for Common Sense Action, a non-partisan budget watchdog group, thanks you for keeping the $30... Read More

Senate Passes Energy and Water Appropriations Bill

Washington, D.C. - The following is a written statement from Steve Ellis, Vice President for Programs at Taxpayers for Common Sense on the... Read More

Oppose Subsidizing Chinese Nuclear Plants with U.S. Tax Dollars

June 27, 2005 | Energy

Dear Representative:   We urge you to support the Sanders-Rohrabacher-Tim Ryan-Paul-Kucinich amendment to H.R. 3057, the FY 2006 Foreign... Read More

Oppose the Domenici/Landrieu Amendment to Rip Off Rest of Country for Few States

June 22, 2005 | Energy

Dear Senator,     We urge you to oppose the amendment by Senators Pete Domenici, Mary Landrieu, and others to divert $1 billion in federal... Read More

Oppose the Energy Bill Boondoggle

June 09, 2005 | Energy

Dear Senator: On behalf of our members, the undersigned groups urge you to oppose the Energy Policy Act of 2005. We strongly believe... Read More

Nuclear Subsidies in 2005 Energy Bill

May 24, 2005 | Energy

Energy Bill December 2007 For more than a half century the federal government has provided billions in handouts to the nuclear power... Read More

Oppose the ‘Powered by Pork’ Energy Policy Act of 2005

May 19, 2005 | Energy

Dear Representative, Taxpayers for Common Sense Action (TCS Action), a non-partisan budget watchdog group, strongly opposes H.R. 6, the... Read More

Demonstrate Your Commitment to Fiscal Responsibility: Oppose H.R. 6

May 12, 2005 | Energy

May 13, 2005 Dear Senator, Last month, the House of Representatives passed a $92-billion piece of legislation full of subsidies, tax... Read More

House Passes Energy Bill

April 19, 2005 | Energy

Washington, D.C. - The following is a written statement by Jill Lancelot, President of Taxpayers for Common Sense, on final passage of H.R.... Read More

TCS Statement on the Energy Bill

April 19, 2005 | Energy

Washington, D.C - The following is a prepared statement by Keith Ashdown, Vice-President of Policy at Taxpayers for Common Sense on H.R.... Read More

Stop Oil and Gas Royalty Holiday in the Gulf of Mexico; Support the Grijalva Amendment to Strike Section 2005

April 18, 2005 | Energy

Dear Representative, We urge you to support the Grijalva amendment to strike Section 2005 from H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act of 2005,... Read More

Stop MTBE Producers from Passing the Buck: Support the Capps Amendment to Strike MTBE Transition Assistance and Safe Harbor

April 12, 2005 | Energy

Dear Representative, We urge you to support the amendments by Representative Capps to strike “safe harbor” and transition assistance for... Read More

End the 25-Year-Old Synfuels Scam: Support the Doggett Amendment

April 11, 2005 | Energy

Dear Representative, We urge you to support the Doggett amendment to the tax portion of the energy bill, which would end the decades-old... Read More

Energy Policy: Legislative Proposals in the 109th Congress

January 21, 2005 | Energy

This report discusses the 109th Congress legislative proposals on issues concerning Ethanol and MTBE Arctic National Wildlife Refuge... Read More

Agriculture-Based Renewable Energy Production

January 04, 2005 | Energy

This report gives brief background information on agriculture-based renewable energy sources as well as describes the economic and energy... Read More

Energy Policy: The Continuing Debate and Omnibus Energy Legislation

December 23, 2004 | Energy

PDF Description: CRS report on the background and analysis of The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), Other Non-Tax Energy, Production... Read More

Energy Efficiency: Budget, Oil Conservation and Electricity Conservation Issues

December 01, 2004 | Energy

This report presents an analysis of energy efficiency goals and standards as presented by the DOE. It also includes information on DOE... Read More

World Oil Demand and the Effect on Oil Prices

August 17, 2004 | Energy

World Oil Demand and the Effect on Oil Prices

Missed Opportunity on Energy & Water Spending Bill; House Pads Corps Water Budget

Washington, D.C. – The following is a prepared statement by Steve Ellis, Vice President at Taxpayers for Common Sense on the House Energy &... Read More

TCS Statement on House Energy Bill Debate

June 14, 2004 | Energy

Washington, D.C. - The following is a written statement by Jill Lancelot, President of Taxpayers for Common Sense, on the energy bill... Read More

Stop Attempts to Resurrect Dead Energy Bill: Oppose H.R. 4503

June 13, 2004 | Energy

Dear Representative:   Taxpayers for Common Sense Action (TCS Action), a nonpartisan, budget watchdog group, opposes H.R. 4503, the Energy... Read More

TCS Statement on Efforts to Add Energy Amendments to Internet Tax Non-discrimination Act of 2003

April 28, 2004 | Energy

Washington, D.C. - The following is a written statement by Jill Lancelot, President of Taxpayers for Common Sense, a national budget... Read More

Statement on Introduction of Legislation to Curb Section 29 Abuses

April 27, 2004 | Energy

Washington, D.C. - The following is a written statement by Aileen Roder, Program Director at Taxpayers for Common Sense on introduction of... Read More

Statement on S. 2095

February 19, 2004 | Energy

Washington, D.C. - The following is a written statement by Aileen Roder, Program Director at Taxpayers for Common Sense on S. 2095: Much... Read More

A Total Rip-off: Taxpayer Dollars Wasted on the Energy Sector

December 31, 2003 | Energy

Nuclear energy, once widely hailed as ‘too cheap to meter,” has become one of the most expensive sources of electricity, due to the high... Read More

Energy Bill Industry by Industry Cost Breakdown

November 18, 2003 | Energy

Taxpayers for Common Sense Analysis of H.R. 6 by Energy Type or... Read More

Analysis of Authorized Spending in Energy Bill (2003)

November 16, 2003 | Energy

Taxpayers for Common Sense Analysis of Authorized Spending in Energy Bill Report (H.R. 6) Click Here to read this analysis.

Wyden-Sununu Endorsements

October 31, 2003 | Energy

Title IV, Subtitle B of S. 14 provides federal loan guarantees to build six new nuclear power plants at an estimated cost of $14 to $16... Read More

A Costly Deal on the Energy Bill

July 31, 2003 | Energy

CATEGORY: ENERGY & MEDIA TAGS: statement, Jill Lancelot, energy bill, Senate, tax breaks, energy subsidies TITLE: A Costly Deal on the... Read More

Senate Votes to Increase Corporate Welfare for the Nuclear Industry

June 09, 2003 | Energy

Washington, D.C. - The following is a written statement by Jill Lancelot, President of Taxpayers for Common Sense on the Senate decision to... Read More

Analysis of Senate Energy Bill of 2003

May 02, 2003 | Energy

PDF Description: As the Senate brings their energy policy legislation to the floor this week, it is clear that their bill is as filled with... Read More

GAO to Audit Bonneville Power

April 22, 2003 | Energy

Washington, D.C. - The General Accounting Office (GAO), the investigative arm of Congress, has alerted the Bonneville Power Administration... Read More

Analysis Finds House Energy Bill Fueled By Pork

April 10, 2003 | Energy

Washington, D.C. -- The House of Representatives today passed a new energy bill loaded with billions of special interest provisions and... Read More

Oppose the Energy Policy Act of 2003

April 09, 2003 | Energy

Dear Representative, Taxpayers for Common Sense Action (TCS Action), a non-partisan, budget watchdog group, strongly opposes the "Energy... Read More

TCS Action Letter to the House Energy and Commerce Committee

April 01, 2003 | Energy

Dear Energy and Commerce Committee Member, Taxpayers for Common Sense Action (TCS Action), a non-partisan, budget watchdog group, strongly... Read More

Oppose Tax Break for Alaska Natural Gas in Energy Bill

April 01, 2003 | Energy

 Dear Finance Committee Member: Taxpayers for Common Sense Action (TCS Action), a non-partisan budget watchdog group, has major concerns... Read More

Analysis of H.R. 6 ヨ Energy Policy Act of 2003

March 11, 2003 | Energy

PDF Description: The current 768 page, 5 inch thick energy legislation is fueled by pork and will do very little to reduce energy prices or... Read More

Closer Scrutiny of BPA Finances Needed

February 07, 2003 | Energy

Washington, D.C. - The following is a written statement by Autumn Hanna, Senior Policy Analyst at Taxpayers for Common Sense, a national... Read More

Cost Overruns, Unanswered Scientific Questions Plague Yucca Project

May 06, 2002 | Energy

Washington, D.C. - Statement by Jill Lancelot, Legislative Director at Taxpayers for Common Sense for the May 7th YuccaMountain Press... Read More

Energy Polluter Poised to Reap $62 Billion in Taxpayer Handouts

January 31, 2002 | Energy

WASHINGTON, DC-Government subsidies to oil, coal and nuclear power industries could double if the Senate passes the House energy bill (H.R.... Read More

Bonneville Power Shortchanging Taxpayers

October 30, 2001 | Energy

Using a controversial interpretation of a federal repayment credit provided to Bonneville Power to restore endangered salmon, the... Read More

Billions in Energy Subsidies, Tax Breaks Approved by House

August 01, 2001 | Energy

  Investigation Reveals Weaknesses in Federal Firefighting Funding for Wildfire Management Could be Wasted, Misused, Says... Read More

Billions for Big Business in House Energy Plan

July 30, 2001 | Energy

Washington, D.C. - An energy bill about to be debated in Congress would do nothing to solve America's energy woes and would dish out more... Read More

Statement on defeat of the Auburn Dam for the fifth time in a decade

Last night Congress struck down the $2.5 Auburn Dam project for the fifth time in a decade through a major bi-partisan effort. The Auburn... Read More

Army Corps of Engineers Reform and Community Relations Improvement Act of 2001

Taxpayers for Common Sense would like to applaud Congressman Tancredo for his leadership and defense of taxpayers in introducing this bill... Read More

EPA Letter to California Governor Gray Davis on ethanol

June 20, 2001 | Agriculture , Energy

Letter from EPA Administrator Whitman to California Governor denying their request for a waiver from the oxygen content requirement of the... Read More

Analysis of Bush Administrationメs energy task force report

May 16, 2001 | Energy

Analysis of Bush Administration’s energy task force report released on May 17, 2001, by Cena Swisher, Program Director. Taxpayers for... Read More

Oil and Gas Subsidies Overview

December 13, 1901 | Energy

Subsidies for oil and natural gas began in 1916 with the federal government creating its first tax breaks for oil and gas production.... Read More

Nuclear Subsidies Overview

December 13, 1901 | Energy

There is a long tradition of providing massive subsidies for nuclear power in the U.S. Between 1948 and 1998; more than $66 billion was... Read More

Weekly Wastebasket

Our weekly reality-check for federal spending. View All

February 15, 2013

Engineering Boondoggles

While Washington is wringing its hands about the automatic across-the-board budget cuts known as... Read More