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TCS Submits Comments on Draft Solicitation for Advanced Fossil Energy Projects

September 10, 2013 | Letters & Testimony | Energy , Natural Resources

TCS Submits Comments on Draft Solicitation for Advanced Fossil Energy Projects On July 2, the Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Programs Office announced a draft loan guarantee solicitation for advanced fossil energy... Read More

USEC Posts Net Loss in Second Quarter; Seeking Further Taxpayer Handouts

August 08, 2013 | Our Take | Energy

USEC Posts Net Loss in Second Quarter; Seeking Further Taxpayer Handouts The United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC) recently released its midterm financial report and in addition to troubling financials,... Read More

Senate Finance Subcommittee Discusses Energy Tax Reform

August 01, 2013 | Our Take | Budget & Tax , Energy

Senate Finance Subcommittee Discusses Energy Tax Reform The Senate Committee on Finance Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources, and Infrastructure met Wednesday, July 31 to discuss the... Read More

Big Oil Continues to Receive Billions in Taxpayer Subsidies While Profits Soar

July 30, 2013 | Our Take | Energy

Big Oil Continues to Receive Billions in Taxpayer Subsidies While Profits Soar As midyear profit results are released this week, the oil and gas industry is asserting itself once more as one of the most lucrative and... Read More

Letter to Energy & Commerce Committee: Support Comprehensive Review of the Renewable Fuel Standard

July 24, 2013 | Letters & Testimony | Agriculture , Energy

Letter to Energy & Commerce Committee: Support Comprehensive Review of the Renewable Fuel Standard Yesterday, TCS joined 12 other diverse organizations in a letter supporting a comprehensive review of the federal biofuels mandate.... Read More

TCS Testifies on Revenue Sharing before Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee

July 23, 2013 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

TCS Testifies on Revenue Sharing before Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Today, TCS President Ryan Alexander testified before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on proposed state-federal revenue... Read More

Credit Downgrade Likely For Pending DOE Loan Guarantee Recipient

July 16, 2013 | Our Take | Energy

Credit Downgrade Likely For Pending DOE Loan Guarantee Recipient Last Thursday, Moody’s Investor Service released a new credit report finding that Georgia Power Company’s (subsidiary of The Southern... Read More

Important Cuts Fail & Wasteful Subsidies Hang On in House Energy & Water Bill

July 12, 2013 | Our Take | Budget & Tax , Energy

Important Cuts Fail & Wasteful Subsidies Hang On in House Energy & Water Bill Late Wednesday night the House wrapped up debate on the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2014. Several... Read More

Joint Letter to Congress: Trim Fossil Fuel Giveaways in Energy Spending Bill

July 10, 2013 | Letters & Testimony | Budget & Tax , Energy , Natural Resources

Joint Letter to Congress: Trim Fossil Fuel Giveaways in Energy Spending Bill Members of the Green Scissors Campaign sent a letter to Congress today urging cuts to wasteful fossil fuel subsidies.... Read More

Joint Letter to Congress: Support for Amendment to Cut Wasteful R,D&D

July 09, 2013 | Letters & Testimony | Budget & Tax , Energy

Joint Letter to Congress: Support for Amendment to Cut Wasteful R,D&D Taxpayers for Common Sense joined several groups today in urging Congress to eliminate wasteful subsidies for the United States Enrichment Corporation.... Read More

DOE Recommits To Fossil Fuel Loan Guarantees

July 08, 2013 | Our Take | Energy

DOE Recommits To Fossil Fuel Loan Guarantees The Department of Energy (DOE) announced last week it would offer an expanded, second solicitation for advanced fossil energy loan... Read More

Another Vogtle Reactor Deadline Passes

July 02, 2013 | Press Releases | Energy

Another Vogtle Reactor Deadline Passes TCS published a press release today on another deadline passed by DOE to reach an agreement on loan guarantee terms for Southern Company's Plant Vogtle... Read More

USEC Avoids NYSE Delisting—For Now

July 01, 2013 | Our Take | Energy

USEC Avoids NYSE Delisting—For Now Shareholders of the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC) have approved a reverse stock split (artificially raising the share price... Read More

Medicine Bow Liquid Coal Facility on the Rocks

June 27, 2013 | Our Take | Energy

Medicine Bow Liquid Coal Facility on the Rocks Medicine Bow Fuel and Power LLC—subsidiary of DKRW Advanced Fuels LLC—has filed updated construction and development plans with the state... Read More

TCS Statement on President’s Climate Speech

June 25, 2013 | Statements | Budget & Tax , Energy , Natural Resources

TCS Statement on President’s Climate Speech Below is a statement by Ryan Alexander, president of Taxpayers for Common Sense, on the President's Speech on Climate Change.... Read More

Energy and Water Spending Bill Passes Subcommittee

June 18, 2013 | Our Take | Earmarks & Appropriations , Energy

Energy and Water Spending Bill Passes Subcommittee The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies voted today to pass the fiscal year 2014... Read More

Letter to Senate: Oppose Subsidies for Unconventional Fuels in NDAA

June 12, 2013 | Letters & Testimony | Energy , National Security

Letter to Senate: Oppose Subsidies for Unconventional Fuels in NDAA   Oppose Amendments to Defense Authorization Bill that Provide Subsidies for Unconventional... Read More

TCS Testifies on Revenue Sharing before House Natural Resources Subcommittee

June 11, 2013 | Letters & Testimony | Energy , Natural Resources

TCS Testifies on Revenue Sharing before House Natural Resources Subcommittee Today, Taxpayers for Common Sense President Ryan Alexander testified before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and... Read More

Oversight Hearing on Federal Renewable Fuel Standard

June 06, 2013 | Our Take | Agriculture , Energy

Oversight Hearing on Federal Renewable Fuel Standard Yesterday, the House Oversight and Government Reform’s Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care and Entitlements held a hearing... Read More

Not a Check, It’s a Bill

May 31, 2013 | Our Take | Agriculture , Energy , Transportation & Infrastructure

Not a Check, It’s a Bill Federally subsidized crop insurance is on pace to cost at least $27 billion – 57 percent – more than was promised in the last farm bill... Read More

TCS Presents “Subsidizing Small Modular Reactors”

May 30, 2013 | Event Summary | Earmarks & Appropriations , Energy

TCS Presents “Subsidizing Small Modular Reactors” Taxpayers for Common Sense was invited today to present on federal taxpayer subsidies and liabilities surrounding small modular nuclear... Read More

USEC’s Paducah Uranium Enrichment Facility Closing

May 29, 2013 | Our Take | Energy

USEC’s Paducah Uranium Enrichment Facility Closing The United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC) announced Friday it will shut down its Paducah gaseous diffusion plant, a Cold War-era... Read More

TCS Submits Comments on Proposed Oil Shale Management Rule

May 28, 2013 | Letters & Testimony | Energy , Natural Resources

TCS Submits Comments on Proposed Oil Shale Management Rule Earlier this year, the Bureau of Land Management proposed new regulations for royalty collection from oil shale leases on public lands.... Read More

Support McCain-Flake Amendment No. 955

May 23, 2013 | Letters & Testimony | Agriculture , Energy

Support McCain-Flake Amendment No. 955     Support McCain-Flake Amendment No. 955 May 23, 2013 The... Read More

House Subcommittee Discusses BLM Budget

May 07, 2013 | Our Take | Energy , Natural Resources

House Subcommittee Discusses BLM Budget The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and related Agencies held a hearing today to discuss the FY2014... Read More

New Report Casts Further Doubt on Troubled FutureGen Project

April 19, 2013 | Our Take | Energy

New Report Casts Further Doubt on Troubled FutureGen Project A recent report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) questions whether or not the nearly decade long, $1.65 billion FutureGen... Read More

First Award for Small Modular Reactor Program Announced

April 16, 2013 | Our Take | Energy

First Award for Small Modular Reactor Program Announced The Department of Energy (DOE) and Babcock & Wilcox Company (B&W) announced yesterday that a subsidiary of B&W—B&W mPower, LLC—will... Read More

White House Budget Proposes Spending More On Small Modular Reactors, Winner of 2013 “Golden Fleece Award”

April 10, 2013 | Press Releases | Energy

White House Budget Proposes Spending More On Small Modular Reactors, Winner of 2013 “Golden Fleece Award” FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 10, 2013 CONTACTS: Steve Ellis, (202) 546-8500 x126, or... Read More

Diverse Stakeholders Applaud Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Reform

April 10, 2013 | Press Releases | Agriculture , Energy

Diverse Stakeholders Applaud Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Reform Today, a bipartisan set of Representatives introduced a bill to take long overdue steps toward reforming the broken Renewable Fuel... Read More

TCS Analysis of the FY14 Presidential Budget Request

TCS Analysis of the FY14 Presidential Budget Request Taxpayers for Common Sense staff will be combing through the budget over the next several hours and days and bringing to light various... Read More

Second Fossil Energy Loan Guarantee Solicitation Coming Soon

March 26, 2013 | Our Take | Energy

A second Energy Department solicitation for advanced fossil energy loan guarantees is coming soon, according to a recent Government... Read More

Interior punts decision to determine royalty rate on risky oil shale speculation

March 22, 2013 | Press Releases | Energy , Natural Resources

Interior punts decision to determine royalty rate  on risky oil shale speculation TCS released a statement on the Interior Department's proposed rule making on oil shale development... Read More

$15 Billion in Taxpayer-Backed Loan Guarantees Likely to Go Out the Door from Flawed DOE Program

March 21, 2013 | Our Take | Energy

$15 Billion in Taxpayer-Backed Loan Guarantees Likely to Go Out the Door from Flawed DOE Program The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently released their annual analysis of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Guarantee... Read More

Energy Department Announces Second Round of Small Modular Reactor Funding

March 12, 2013 | Our Take | Earmarks & Appropriations , Energy

Energy Department Announces Second Round of Small Modular Reactor Funding The Department of Energy (DOE) announced yesterday a second funding opportunity for its Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Program. The new... Read More

TCS President Statement on Golden Fleece Awarded for Federal Spending on Small Modular Reactors

February 27, 2013 | Statements | Energy

TCS President Statement on Golden Fleece Awarded for Federal Spending on Small Modular Reactors Today we present the Golden Fleece Award to the Department of Energy for providing federal subsidies for small modular reactors or SMRs. ... Read More

Golden Fleece Award Goes to Department of Energy for Federal Spending on Small Modular Reactors

February 27, 2013 | Press Releases | Energy

Golden Fleece Award Goes to Department of Energy for Federal Spending on Small Modular Reactors TCS awarded the Golden Fleece to DOE for wasting taxpayer funds on small modular reactors.... Read More

Big Oil, Big Profits: Industry Tops $120 Billion in 2012

February 05, 2013 | Our Take | Energy

Big Oil, Big Profits: Industry Tops $120 Billion in 2012 As annual financial reports come in, it’s clear the oil and gas industry is looking to continue its decade long trend of being one of the... Read More

TCS Testifies before House Oversight and Government Reform Committee

February 05, 2013 | Letters & Testimony | Agriculture , Budget & Tax , Energy , National Security , Natural Resources

TCS Testifies before House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Ryan Alexander testified before House Oversight and Government Reform Committee... Read More

TCS Moderates Congressional Briefings on Reforming the Renewable Fuel Standard

February 05, 2013 | Event Summary | Agriculture , Energy

TCS Moderates Congressional Briefings on Reforming the Renewable Fuel Standard             February 5, 2013 CONTACTS: Steve Ellis, 202-546-8500 ext... Read More

FutureGen Project Moves Forward: $1 Billion in Taxpayer Funds Still Pending

February 05, 2013 | Our Take | Energy

FutureGen Project Moves Forward: $1 Billion in Taxpayer Funds Still Pending The Department of Energy (DOE) announced the approval of Phase II for the $1.65 billion experimental FutureGen 2.0 Project located in... Read More

Big Oil Boasts High Profits; Subsidies Continue

February 01, 2013 | Our Take | Energy

Big Oil Boasts High Profits; Subsidies Continue Oil and gas companies continue to boast substantial profits while reaping billions in taxpayer-backed subsidies. As of February 1st, four... Read More

House Science Subcommittee Debates Oil Shale Subsidies

December 12, 2012 | Our Take | Budget & Tax , Energy , Natural Resources

The House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing November 30th to discuss the development... Read More

Hall Bill to Create Millions in New Taxpayer Handouts for Oil Shale

December 10, 2012 | Press Releases | Energy , Natural Resources

Last month, Representative Ralph Hall (R-TX) introduced a bill (H.R. 6603) to create $50 million in new taxpayer-funded handouts for oil shale speculation.... Read More

Report shows billions risked on oil shale speculation

November 29, 2012 | Press Releases | Budget & Tax , Energy , Natural Resources

Report shows billions risked on oil shale speculation With fiscal cliff looming, TCS calls for end to government handouts for failed oil shale experiments.... Read More

President Ms. Ryan Alexander Sliding Past Sequestration Statement

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2012 CONTACTS: Steve Ellis 202-546-8500... Read More

House Scuttles Debate on Amendment to Truly Stop Next Solyndra

September 12, 2012 | Our Take | Energy

House Scuttles Debate on Amendment to Truly Stop Next Solyndra The House Committee on Rules decided yesterday to sideline an amendment offered by Representative Tom McClintock (R-CA) to stop all new... Read More

Statement: TCS President on Passage of No More Solyndras Act

September 12, 2012 | Statements | Energy

Today House lawmakers passed the fatally flawed "No More Solyndras Act" enabling tens of billions of dollars in high-risk, costly loan guarantees to move forward. Instead of fulfilling its promise, this misleadingly named bill will... Read More

More Solyndras Act Passes Committee

July 31, 2012 | Our Take | Energy

Today the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the so-called “No More Solyndras Act.” While the bill includes some taxpayer... Read More

Letter to Congress: No More Solyndras Act Fails to Fully Protect Taxpayers

July 30, 2012 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

Letter to Congress: No More Solyndras Act Fails to Fully Protect Taxpayers Taxpayers for Common Sense joined several groups today urging Congress to support changes to the 'No More Solyndras Act' in order to... Read More

“No More Solyndras Act” Moves Forward

July 26, 2012 | Our Take | Energy

The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power voted 14-6 Wednesday to send the “No More Solyndras Act” to the full... Read More

No More Solyndras Act Falls Short for Taxpayers

July 11, 2012 | Our Take | Energy

The House Subcommittee on Energy and Power and the House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a joint hearing today to... Read More

Green Scissors 2012 Finds Environmentally Destructive Federal Programs

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

Senate Finance Committee Meets to Talk Energy Tax Reform

June 17, 2012 | Our Take | 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 | Our Take | 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

Congress Votes to Keep Same Program That Brought You Solyndra Alive

June 11, 2012 | Our Take | Energy

Last week the House of Representatives passed the Energy and Water spending bill that provides funding for the Department of Energy's... Read More

House Cuts $25 Million in Subsidies for Oil Shale

June 06, 2012 | Our Take | Budget & Tax , Energy , Natural Resources

Yesterday the House of Representatives cut $25 million in new funding for oil shale development. Instead of directing more subsidies at... Read More

End USEC Giveaways in Energy and Water Appropriations Bill

June 04, 2012 | Letters & Testimony | Budget & Tax , Energy

Congress is considering spending $100 million on the United States Enrichment Corporation’s (USEC) Piketon, Ohio enrichment project... Read More

Stop the Next Solyndra: Put the Brakes on Troubled Loan Guarantee Program

June 04, 2012 | Our Take | Energy

Reps. Kucinich (D-OH) and McClintock (R-CA) have offered an amendment to stop new loan guarantees from the Department of Energy (DOE)... Read More

Taylorville Energy Center Pulls Plug on its Coal Project

May 22, 2012 | Our Take | 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

House Backdoor Earmarks $150 million for Parochial Boondoggle

May 17, 2012 | Letters & Testimony | Budget & Tax , Energy , National Security

This morning the House voted down an amendment that would have stripped the $150 million added to the National Defense Authorization Act for the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC). ... Read More

Stop $150 million for troubled uranium project in NDAA

May 15, 2012 | Our Take | Budget & Tax , Energy , National Security

$150 million for the United States Enrichment Corporation's (USEC) Piketon, Ohio enrichment facility has been added to the National... Read More

TCS Statement on Sanders-Ellison Bill Eliminating Fossil Fuel Subsidies

May 09, 2012 | Statements | Energy

Thank you, Senator Sanders, for inviting me to join you today. Some of you might be wondering what Taxpayers for Common Sense is doing at... Read More

Problems with DOE Loan Guarantee Program Continue

March 21, 2012 | Our Take | Energy

Last week the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a new report in a series of on-going analyses criticizing the Department of... Read More

Senate Defeats Attempt to Attach NAT GAS Act to Transportation Bill

March 12, 2012 | Our Take | Energy

Today the Senate defeated an amendment offered by Senators Menendez (D-NJ) and Burr (R-NC) that would have provided billions in lucrative... Read More

Ideologically diverse coalition sends letter to Congress: Stop the NAT GAS Act

March 12, 2012 | Letters & Testimony | Energy , Transportation & Infrastructure

Taxpayers for Common Sense Action joined an ideologically diverse coalition in a letter to the Senate urging them to oppose Amendment... Read More

House Committee Discusses Nuclear Safety and Spending

March 09, 2012 | Our Take | Energy

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

TCS Analysis of the FY13 Presidential Budget Request

Last Updated: February 19, 2012 The FY2013 Presidential Budget Request was released this morning (2/13/2012). TCS staff will be posting... Read More

White House Loan Guarantee Review

February 10, 2012 | Our Take | Energy

Today the White House released a 60 day review of the Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Guarantee Program. The review, conducted by former... Read More

New Nuclear Reactors Must Move Forward Without Passing Risk to Taxpayers

February 09, 2012 | Our Take | Energy

For the first time in decades, a new nuclear reactor is getting its federal license to build and operate in the United States. Today, the... Read More

FutureGen Behind Schedule: What’s Happening to Taxpayers’ Billion Dollars?

February 09, 2012 | Our Take | Energy

Despite a billion dollar taxpayer investment and years of commitment by the Department of Energy (DOE), in a United States Energy... Read More

Oil Profits Stay High; Needless Subsidies Continue

February 02, 2012 | Our Take | 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

Counting on Speculative Oil and Gas Revenues to Fund our Transportation Needs is Fiscally Reckless

February 01, 2012 | Our Take | Energy , Natural Resources , Transportation & Infrastructure

Counting on Speculative Oil and Gas Revenues to Fund our Transportation Needs is Fiscally Reckless Today the House Natural Resources Committee considered the energy portions of the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act (the... Read More

An Open Letter to the United States Congress: No Special Tax Treatment for Natural Gas Vehicles!

January 30, 2012 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

Taxpayers for Common Sense joined several groups today to call on Congress to oppose the New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans... Read More

State of the Union Energy Proposals

January 25, 2012 | Our Take | Energy

Oil subsidies must go, but we can’t stop there; Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Guarantee Program will continue to fail; increased... Read More

Diverse Groups Mark Expiration of Ethanol Subsidy

January 03, 2012 | Press Releases | Energy

Taxpayers for Common Sense joins several groups in marking the expiration of the largest subsidy to the ethanol industry, something TCS... Read More

Coalition Holds Press Conference on Illinois FutureGen Project

December 19, 2011 | Press Releases | Energy

               FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACTS: December 19, 2011 Kristina Rasmussen (217)... Read More

This Time, Let the Ethanol Tax Break Expire

December 14, 2011 | Our Take | Energy

The Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit, or VEETC, the largest subsidy to the ethanol industry, is set to expire on December 31st. Last... Read More

Letter and Briefing on the Wasteful, Expiring $6 Billion Ethanol Subsidy

December 12, 2011 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

Taxpayers for Common Sense worked with Congressional allies to get 73 Representatives to sign a letter last week asking Speaker of the... Read More

House Subcommittee Discusses Loan Guarantees

November 30, 2011 | Our Take | Energy

The House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight met as part of an ongoing series of hearings... Read More

Loan Guarantee Program Up for Review

November 29, 2011 | Our Take | Energy

The Department of Energy (DOE) Title XVII Loan Guarantee Program is coming up for some much needed scrutiny after two companies funded... Read More

TCS Testifies on Royalties before House Natural Resources Subcommittee

November 18, 2011 | Letters & Testimony | Energy , Natural Resources , Transportation & Infrastructure

TCS Testifies on Royalties before House Natural Resources Subcommittee Ms. Ryan Alexander President Taxpayers for Common Sense   Written Testimony submitted to the... Read More

Uranium Loan Guarantee Is A Bad Bet

November 02, 2011 | Our Take | Energy

Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantees are and should be under the magnifying glass. On August 31, 2011, the first company to receive... Read More

TCS Letter In Support of S. 1775, the Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act

October 30, 2011 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

Taxpayers for Common Sense Action sent a letter to several senators regarding S. 1775, the Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act... Read More

TCS Statement on DOI’s Plans to Lease Public Lands for Solar Development

October 28, 2011 | Statements | Energy

Statement of Ryan Alexander, President of Taxpayers for Common Sense in response to Department of Interior release of the Supplement to... Read More

Taxpayers for Common Sense Targets Oil and Gas Tax Breaks

October 19, 2011 | Press Releases | Energy

  October 20, 2011 CONTACT: Mike Surrusco: michael@taxpayer.net (202) 546-8500... Read More

TCS Comments on OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sale

October 18, 2011 | Our Take | Energy

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

Action Alert: Senate Set to Vote on Ethanol Amendment [Completed Action]

October 17, 2011 | Our Take | Agriculture , Energy

UPDATE: In 2011, Taxpayers for Common Sense celebrated a major policy win. Congress let the wasteful ethanol tax credit (VEETC) expire... Read More

Solyndra Probe Continues

October 13, 2011 | Our Take | Energy

Today the House continued its investigation of the failed Department of Energy loan guarantee to the solar start-up Solyndra. Today... Read More

Clock Ticking Only On Some of the Risky DOE Loan Guarantees

September 20, 2011 | Our Take | Energy

Today, a portion of the Dept. of Energy Loan Guarantee Program will expire. While that’s good news for taxpayers the trouble is far from... Read More

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

August 02, 2011 | Our Take | Energy

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

TCS Testifies on Revenue Sharing from Offshore Drilling

July 26, 2011 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

Ms. Ryan Alexander President Taxpayers for Common Sense Written Testimony submitted to the United States House of... Read More

Senate Energy Committee Should Not Divert Billions in Royalties from Treasury

July 19, 2011 | Our Take | Energy

 Today, Taxpayers for Common Sense sent a letter to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee asking committee members to oppose... Read More

Regulatory Comments for Office of Natural Resources Revenue Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Federal Oil and Gas Valuation

July 14, 2011 | Letters & Testimony | Energy , Natural Resources

Taxpayers for Common Sense submitted comments to the Office of Natural Resources Revenue concerning Federal Oil and Gas... Read More

Senate Committee Passes Energy Financing Entity

July 13, 2011 | Our Take | Energy

With little debate, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee passed by voice vote a bill to create the Clean Energy Deployment... Read More

Senate Energy Committee Needs to Stop the Clean Energy Deployment Administration

July 10, 2011 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

Taxpayers for Common Sense joined with other groups urging Congress to save taxpayers from footing the bill for billions in risky loans by not creating the Clean Energy Deployment Administration.... Read More

Coalition Letter Supporting Ending Wasteful $6 Billion Annual Ethanol Subsidy

June 12, 2011 | Letters & Testimony | Budget & Tax , Energy

Taxpayers for Common Sense joined a broad and diverse coalition supporting Senators Coburn (R-OK), Feinstein (D-CA), and McCain (R-AZ) and their amendments this week which will end the $6 billion annual, taxpayer-funded subsidies for conventional ethanol which go to Big Oil when they blend ethanol with gasoline. ... Read More

TCS Releases Report on Largest Ethanol Subsidy

June 08, 2011 | Press Releases | Budget & Tax , Energy

Today Taxpayers for Common Sense released a comprehensive report on the largest subsidy to corn ethanol, the Volumetric Ethanol Excise... Read More

Taxpayers for Common Sense’s Ellis weighs in on oil, ethanol tax breaks

June 08, 2011 | Press Releases | Energy

OnPoint E&E TV   SYNOPSIS: As the debate over subsidies heats up, should Congress be considering a complete overhaul of the tax... Read More

TCS post in Blue Dog Research Forum’s “Point and Counterpoint” edition on whether or not to end tax benefits to the Oil and Gas Industry

June 07, 2011 | Our Take | Budget & Tax , Energy

The Blue Dog Research Forum's "Point and Counterpoint" Edition asked the question: Should We End Tax Benefits to the Oil and Gas... Read More

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

June 01, 2011 | Event Summary | 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

Coalition Letter Opposing Clean Energy Deployment Administration

May 25, 2011 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

Taxpayers for Common Sense and a coalition of groups sent a letter to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee calling for them to oppose the Clean Energy Deployment Administration.... Read More

Coalition Letter Opposing NATGAS Act—A Bill to Subsidize the Natural Gas Vehicle Industry

May 22, 2011 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

Taxpayers for Common Sense joined 16 other taxpayer and conservative groups on an open letter to Congress urging them to oppose yet another new energy subsidy. ... Read More

TCS Subsidy Gusher Report Details 16 Billion in Annual Subsidies to Oil and Gas

May 16, 2011 | Press Releases | Energy

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

Democrats target big oil: Experts debate - Washington Post Live Q&A at 2pm

May 10, 2011 | Coming Up | Energy

Democrats target big oil: Experts debate In an effort to create revenue and decrease the deficit, Democrats are pushing to end tax... Read More

TCS Letter in Opposition to H.R. 1380, the NAT GAS Act

May 03, 2011 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

TCS Letter in Opposition to H.R. 1380, the NAT GAS Act Taxpayers for Common Sense sent a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives calling for Congress to oppose H.R. 1380, the New Alternative Transportation to Give American Solutions or NAT GAS Act.... Read More

Letter Supporting Bipartisan Effort to Cut Billions in Ethanol Giveaway

May 03, 2011 | Letters & Testimony | Agriculture , Energy

Taxpayers for Common Sense joined a broad and diverse coalition applauding Senators Coburn (R-OK) and Feinstein (D-CA) for combining their efforts to end billions of dollars in taxpayer-funded subsidies for conventional ethanol by introducing the bipartisan “Ethanol Subsidy and Tariff Repeal Act.”... Read More

TCS Letter to House Speaker John Boehner Agreeing with his Recent Comments on Oil Subsidies

April 25, 2011 | Letters & Testimony | Budget & Tax , Energy

Taxpayers for Common Sense sent a letter to Speaker of the House John Boehner, regarding his recent comments that oil companies "ought to be paying their fair share."... Read More

Updates & Budgetary Gimmicks in the Final Continuing Resolution Unveiled by House Appropriations

The House Appropriations Committee released the final Continuing Resolution (CR) funding the federal government for the rest of the 2011... Read More

TCS Letter to the House & Senate Energy & Water Development Subcommittees: Stop New Authority To DOE Loan Guarantee Program

April 13, 2011 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

Taxpayers for Common Sense along with the George C. Marshall Institute, the Non-Proliferation Policy Education Center, the Competitive Enterprise Institute, and the National Taxpayers Union, sent a letter to both the House and Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittees urging lawmakers to not provide additional loan guarantee authority to the Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Guarantee Program in the Fiscal Year 2012 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill.... Read More

Briefing on DOE Loan Guarantees:: Should Taxpayers Bear the Risks for the Energy Sector with Loan Guarantees?

April 10, 2011 | Event Summary | Budget & Tax , Energy

Taxpayers for Common Sense, National Taxpayers Union, The Heritage Foundation, and the Competitive Enterprise Institute will hold a discussion on the impacts of federal energy loan guarantees on the federal budget and energy markets.... Read More

House Subcommittee Hearing on DOE Loan Guarantees

April 07, 2011 | Our Take | Energy

Taxpayers for Common Sense has been critical of the Loan Guarantee Program since its inception in 2005 and we are pleased that Congress... Read More

Coalition Letter to Congress Calls for an End to Energy Subsidies

March 17, 2011 | Letters & Testimony | Budget & Tax , Energy

Taxpayers for Common Sense along with a coalition of nearly 30 groups sent a letter to Congress calling for an end to energy... Read More

Broad Coalition Supports Senators Efforts to End VEETC

March 11, 2011 | Press Releases | Energy

Taxpayers for Common Sense alongside a broad and diverse coalition of groups sent a letter supporting the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax... Read More

Energy Loan Guarantee Program Under More Scrutiny

March 10, 2011 | Our Take | Energy

Energy Loan Guarantee Program Under More Scrutiny The Department of Energy Inspector General recently released a report faulting DOE... Read More

TCS Testifies at the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

March 03, 2011 | Letters & Testimony | Agriculture , Budget & Tax , Energy

On March 3, 2011 Taxpayers for Common Sense President Ryan Alexander testified at a House Committee on Oversight and Government reform... Read More

Broad Coalition Calls for the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit to Expire

March 01, 2011 | Press Releases | Agriculture , Energy

Taxpayers for Common Sense along with 90 other organizations and associations delivered a letter to Congressional leaders on Tuesday... Read More

Energy Committee Questions DOE on Budget

February 18, 2011 | Our Take | Budget & Tax , Energy

Senate Energy Committee’s Hearing on the President’s FY2012 Budget Request Earlier this week the President released his budget request... Read More

Ongoing Analysis of Debate Over FY11 Continuing Resolution

February 16, 2011 | Our Take | Budget & Tax , Energy , National Security

The House of Representatives is debating a Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government for the rest of fiscal year 2011 (through... Read More

CR Misses the Mark on Loan Guarantees

February 14, 2011 | Our Take | Energy

The House Continuing Appropriations Bill (CR) offers ample fodder for the chopping block. Unfortunately, House Republicans released a... Read More

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

February 03, 2011 | Our Take | 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

Senate Energy and House Natural Resource Committees Examine New Findings on the Gulf Oil Spill

February 02, 2011 | Our Take | Energy

On January 26, the Senate Energy Committee and House Natural Resources Committee both held hearings on the final report produced by... Read More

Legislation Introduced to End Reverse Royalty for Hardrock Mining

January 31, 2011 | Our Take | Energy , Natural Resources

Last week, Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced legislation to eliminate an unnecessary giveaway for mining companies that cost... Read More

Letter to Congress: Where to Start Cutting to Trim the Deficit

January 11, 2011 | Letters & Testimony | Agriculture , Budget & Tax , Energy , National Security , Transportation & Infrastructure

Today Taxpayers for Common Sense delivered to leadership in both the House and Senate a report on how Congress can quickly cut nearly... Read More

Coalition Urges Congress to Oppose Wasteful $10 Billion Increase in DOE Loan Guarantee Authority in Continuing Resolution

December 08, 2010 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

Today, Taxpayers for Common Sense alongside National Taxpayers Union, the Competitive Enterprise Institute, and the Nonproliferation... Read More

Congressional Briefing on Department of Energy Loan Guarantees

November 30, 2010 | Our Take | Energy

(Update 9/30/2010) Today, Taxpayers for Common Sense participated in a discussion on whether taxpayers should bear the risks for the... Read More

Diverse Coalition Calls for Congress to End the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC)

November 29, 2010 | Press Releases | Energy

Taxpayers for Common Sense, together with a diverse coalition of 58 groups, sent a letter to congressional leaders today urging them to... Read More

TCS and the Grocery Manufacturers Association Hold a Briefing on the Impacts and Future of the Corn Ethanol Tax Credit

November 17, 2010 | Event Summary | Energy

Today, Taxpayers for Common Sense along with the Grocery Manufacturers Association held a briefing on the "Impacts and Future of the Corn... Read More

Reforms Proposed by National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform Co-Chairs Unveiled Today

The Co-chairs of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform gave their proposals to fellow Commission members today.... Read More

Third Quarter Results are in and still the same story: Billions in profit, billions more in subsidies to Big Oil

November 02, 2010 | Our Take | Energy

Ten months into 2010 and Big Oil has pumped in billions in profits. So far this year, top oil companies have made nearly $50 billion in... Read More

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Urges Congress to extend $5 billion/year Ethanol Tax Credit

October 21, 2010 | Our Take | Energy

US Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack yesterday urged members of Congress to reinstate the biodiesel tax credit and extend... Read More

TCS Event: Greening the Budget - A Transatlantic Dialogue on Making Environmental and Fiscal Responsibility a Priority

October 20, 2010 | Event Summary | Energy , Natural Resources , Transportation & Infrastructure

Today, Taxpayers for Common Sense participated in a discussion on "Making Environmental and Fiscal Responsibility a Priority." TCS was... Read More

Solar Development Train Leaving the Station, Without Congress

October 20, 2010 | Press Releases | Energy , Natural Resources

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

Press Release: Broad Coalition Opposes Ethanol Industry Proposal, Supports Real Reform

October 11, 2010 | Press Releases | Energy

Today, Taxpayers for Common Sense alongside environmental groups and business associations hosted a conference call with members of the... Read More

Taxpayer Victory: Costly Nuclear Loan Guarantee Shelved

October 11, 2010 | Our Take | Energy

Score one for the taxpayers!  A $7.5 billion Department of Energy loan guarantee for the Calvert Cliffs nuclear reactor near Lusby,... Read More

Hearing on Loan Guarantee Program Raises Concerns for Taxpayers

September 26, 2010 | Our Take | Energy

Last week the Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee held a hearing on the Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Guarantee Program.  The... Read More

TCS Statement on SACE FOIA lawsuit against DOE Loan Guarantee Program

August 10, 2010 | Statements | Energy

  Statement by Steve Ellis, Vice President, Taxpayers for Common Sense at Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Tele-Press Conference... Read More

FutureGen: Massive Clean Coal Project Changes Track, Still Securing $1 Billion Earmarked in the Stimulus

August 04, 2010 | Our Take | Earmarks & Appropriations , Energy

Today, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced that the plan to build “FutureGen” a massive commercial “clean coal” facility in Mattoon,... Read More

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

July 23, 2010 | Our Take | 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 | Our Take | Energy

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

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

July 22, 2010 | Our Take | Energy

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

Clean Energy Development Must Not Clean Out Taxpayer Pockets

July 22, 2010 | Our Take | Energy , Natural Resources

Energy Legislation and Clean Energy Development The House of Representatives took another step closer to considering energy legislation... Read More

Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Passes Energy & Water Bill—Includes $17 BILLION in Risky Loan Guarantees

July 20, 2010 | Event Summary | Earmarks & Appropriations , Energy

 On July 20, the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee approved a whopping $17 billion in new loan guarantees... Read More

House Appropriations Subcommittee Passes Energy & Water Bill—Includes $50 BILLION in Risky Loan Guarantees

July 20, 2010 | Event Summary | Earmarks & Appropriations , Energy

 On July 15, the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee approved a $34.7 billion FY 2011 funding bill. Drafts of the bill are... Read More

Joint Letter to Senate Energy and Water Subcommittee Opposing Any Loan Guarantee Authority in the Appropriations Bill

July 19, 2010 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

Taxpayers for Common Sense released a joint statement to the Senate Energy and Water Development Subcommittee urging members to oppose... Read More

Another Loan Guarantee Putting Taxpayer Dollars at Risk

July 08, 2010 | Our Take | Energy

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

Blumenauer, Menendez Call for an End to Big Oil Subsidies

July 08, 2010 | Our Take | Energy

On June 30, 2010, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) introduced the End Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act to cut a number of subsidies for big... Read More

Abandoned Gulf Wells Could Cost Taxpayers

July 07, 2010 | Our Take | Energy

An AP investigation released yesterday found that in the gulf region alone, there are approximately 27,000 abandoned wells lying... Read More

$36 Billion Dollar Giveaway to Nuclear Industry Causes Meltdown in Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee

June 24, 2010 | Our Take | Energy

As we posted yesterday, the Fiscal Year 2011 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill mark-up scheduled in the Subcommittee was postponed. ... Read More

House Energy and Water Appropriations Bill Mark-Up Delayed

June 23, 2010 | Our Take | Energy

Today the House Committee on Appropriations Energy and Water Subcommittee was scheduled to hold the first mark-up on a Fiscal Year... Read More

Taxpayers Stand to Lose Billions on Risky Reactor

June 21, 2010 | Our Take | Energy

After receiving a 30 day extension, Georgia Power, a Southern Company subsidiary, accepted an $8.3 billion taxpayer-backed loan guarantee... Read More

TCS Statement on BLM’s Setting of Fees for Solar Energy Development on Federal Lands

June 14, 2010 | Statements | Energy , Natural Resources

Today, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released the schedule of rental fees it will charge for development of solar generation... Read More

Senator Seeks Repeal of Billions of Dollars in Subsidies to Oil and Gas Companies

June 08, 2010 | Our Take | Energy , Natural Resources

 Today, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) filed an amendment, 4318, to so-called tax extenders legislation that would repeal $35 billion... Read More

BP Circular Logic on Taxpayer Subsidies For Cleanup

June 01, 2010 | Our Take | Energy

 “And our efforts will not come at any cost to the taxpayers.” – BP advertisement, New York Times, June 2, 2010 BP’s assurance that... Read More

Stop Billions MORE in Risky Treasury-Backed Loan Guarantees in Emergency War Spending Bill

May 26, 2010 | Our Take | Energy

 The Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill being considered today in committee in the House includes an additional $18 billion in... Read More

Federal Oil and Gas Agency Divided

May 20, 2010 | Our Take | Energy

Yesterday Interior Secretary Ken Salazar issued a Secretarial Order dividing the Minerals Management Agency, the federal manager of oil... Read More

War Spending Bill is No Place for More Nuclear Loan Guarantees

May 20, 2010 | Our Take | Energy

 Recent press reports indicate that the Administration and leadership on Capitol Hill have brokered a deal to add billions of dollars... Read More

Senate Climate Bill Loads up Taxpayer Giveaways

May 11, 2010 | Statements | Budget & Tax , Energy

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

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

April 28, 2010 | Our Take | Energy

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

GAO Reports Oil & Gas Royalties Not Measuring Up

April 14, 2010 | Our Take | Energy , Natural Resources

In its latest of many critical reviews, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) this week issued a report criticizing the Department... Read More

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

April 07, 2010 | Our Take | 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

Energy Savers That Don’t Exist

March 29, 2010 | Our Take | Energy

Would you approve a gas powered alarm clock for Energy Star certification without actually reviewing the device to see if the product is... Read More

Bill Introduced to Extend Wasteful Ethanol Tax Credits

March 24, 2010 | Press Releases | Agriculture , Energy

Today Taxpayers for Common Sense joined together with representatives from the Grocery Manufacturers Association, American Meat... Read More

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

March 23, 2010 | Our Take | Energy , Natural Resources

In early March, the Senate Energy Natural Resources (ENR) Committee met to hear testimony from Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary... 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... Read More

Oil and Gas Orphans Cost Taxpayers Millions

February 26, 2010 | Our Take | Energy , Natural Resources

Today the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a detailed report documenting taxpayer costs for cleaning up oil and gas wells... Read More

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

February 22, 2010 | Our Take | 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

Department of Energy Announces Risky Loan Guarantee for Southern Company

February 16, 2010 | Our Take | Energy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 16, 2010 – Ryan Alexander, president of Taxpayers for Common Sense, issued the following statement today in... Read More

Taxpayers for Common Sense Statement: Nuclear Industry Must Pay For Its Renaissance

February 16, 2010 | Statements | Energy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 16, 2010 -- The following is a written statement by Ryan Alexander, President of Taxpayers for Common Sense... Read More

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

February 01, 2010 | Our Take | 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 | Our Take | 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 | Our Take | 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

FY2011 Budget Request: Department of Energy Request

February 01, 2010 | Our Take | 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

Top Nuclear Loan Guarantee Contenders in Financial Shambles

January 29, 2010 | Our Take | Energy

***Updated February 15, 2010*** The Department of Energy announced in December 2009 that they would soon issue Treasury-backed loan... Read More

Joint Letter Urging Administration Not to Increase Risky Loan Guarantee Program

January 29, 2010 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC... Read More

TCS Applauds President’s Commitment to End Big Oil’s Tax Breaks but Disappointed in Call for Nuclear and Clean Coal Subsidies

January 28, 2010 | Statements | Budget & Tax , Energy

Written Statement by Ms. Ryan Alexander, President of Taxpayers for Common Sense: Last night in his State of the Union address,... Read More

Senate Energy Committee Discusses Costly Nuclear Legislation

January 07, 2010 | Our Take | Energy

On December 15th, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee held a hearing on two pieces of legislation aimed at boosting... Read More

Department of Energy Issues the “final rule” on Loan Guarantees

December 07, 2009 | Our Take | Energy

Today the Department of Energy (DOE) released their amended final rule governing the Title XVII loan guarantee program. The program’s... Read More

Taxpayer Risk Soars as Congress Considers Nuclear Option

October 30, 2009 | Our Take | Energy

While Congress considers proposals to funnel billions in loan guarantees for the construction of new nuclear reactors, the costs of... Read More

Oil Companies To Reap More Profits on Backs of Federal Taxpayers

October 04, 2009 | Our Take | Energy , Natural Resources

Taxpayers will likely lose at least $19 billion to oil and gas companies operating in the Gulf of Mexico. Today, the U.S. Supreme Court... Read More

Administration Calls for an End to Fossil Fuel Subsidies

September 24, 2009 | Our Take | Energy

At the G-20 meeting in Pittsburgh today, President Obama and the other G-20 leaders called for an international end to fossil fuel... Read More

TCS Weighs in on Proposed Changes to the DOE Loan Guarantee Program

September 22, 2009 | Our Take | Energy

Yesterday TCS submitted comments to the Department of Energy (DOE) on proposed changes to the Title XVII Loan Guarantee Program. In early... Read More

NEW ANALYSIS: Royalty-in-Kind Program Costing Taxpayers Millions

September 15, 2009 | Our Take | Energy , Natural Resources

Oil and Gas companies have skirted millions of dollars in payments owed to the federal government for the extraction of natural gas from... Read More

Salazar Announces Termination of Royalty-in-Kind Program

September 15, 2009 | Our Take | Energy , Natural Resources

This morning, Interior Secretary Salazar announced that he will end the mismanaged and wasteful Minerals Management Service’s (MMS)... Read More

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

August 04, 2009 | Event Summary | Energy

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

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

July 28, 2009 | Our Take | 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 | Our Take | Energy

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

Contracts for Synthetic Fuels not Included in Senate Defense Bill

July 23, 2009 | Our Take | Energy

Late last night the Senate completed their work on the Defense Authorization bill, S. 1390.  The bill passed with an overwhelming... Read More

Another Huge Year for Oil and Gas Industry Profits

July 16, 2009 | Our Take | Energy

Exxon Mobil likes breaking records. In 2007, it posted the biggest annual profit number reported by any American company ever — $40.6... Read More

TCS Letter to Congress: Protect Taxpayers from Risky Reactors

July 13, 2009 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

Today Taxpayers for Common Sense sent a letter to each member of the House and Senate urging them to oppose any legislative actions to... Read More

House Energy and Water Subcommittee Cuts a Billion Dollars from the President’s Budget Request

June 29, 2009 | Our Take | Energy

Last Thursday, the House Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held their mark-up of the fiscal year 2010 Energy and Water... Read More

House Passes Cap and Trade Legislation

June 25, 2009 | Our Take | Energy

Today, the House took an historic step towards addressing climate change by passing The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009.... Read More

Senate Energy Committee Passes American Clean Energy Leadership Act

June 16, 2009 | Our Take | Energy

Today, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources completed work on the American Clean Energy Leadership Act (ACELA), passing... Read More

Changes to Loan Guarantee Program Adopted by Senate Committee

June 16, 2009 | Our Take | Energy

On June 17, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee adopted S. 949, the 21st Century Energy and Technology Deployment Act as... Read More

Taxpayer Giveaway to Oil and Gas Industries Repealed in Senate Energy Committee

June 15, 2009 | Our Take | Energy

Today the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee narrowly passed an amendment to repeal the outer continental shelf deep water and... Read More

House Agriculture Committee Hearing on Pending Climate Change Legislation

June 14, 2009 | Our Take | Energy

Last Thursday, the House Agrculture Committee questioned Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in a hearing on pending climate change... Read More

House Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing on Department of Energy FY10 Budget Request

June 07, 2009 | Event Summary | Budget & Tax , Energy

On Wednesday, the House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee heard testimony from Department of Energy Secretary... Read More

Massive Increase for DOE Loan Guarantee Program Dropped from Budget Resolution

April 28, 2009 | Our Take | Budget & Tax , Energy

The Conference Agreement on the Budget Resolution that is expected to pass the House and Senate today does not include language... Read More

Senate Adopts Amendment Supporting Massive Expansion of the DOE Loan Guarantee Program

April 02, 2009 | Our Take | Energy

Late last night the Senate passed an amendment to the Budget Resolution supporting a $50 billion reserve fund for the Department of... Read More

The President’s Energy Budget

March 03, 2009 | Our Take | 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

President Cuts Oil and Gas Subsidies

March 02, 2009 | Our Take | Budget & Tax , Energy

The President’s budget highlights, released last week, took the ax to major subsidies to the oil and gas industry. Through the... Read More

Billions in Risky Energy Loan Guarantees Included in Omnibus

February 26, 2009 | Our Take | Budget & Tax , Energy

The Omnibus Appropriations bill that passed yesterday in the House and is expected next week in the Senate includes $47 billion for the... Read More

TCS Presents: Loan Guarantees and You

February 25, 2009 | Event Summary | Energy

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

Senate Holds Hearing on Energy Loan Guarantee Program

February 12, 2009 | Our Take | Energy

Today the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on the Department of Energy Loan Guarantee Program. The program,... Read More

$50 Billion Expansion of Loan Guarantee Program Cut from Stimulus

February 12, 2009 | Our Take | Energy

During conference negotiations over the stimulus bill, the egregious $50 billion expansion of the Department of Energy (DOE) Loan... Read More

Clean Coal Gets Boost in House and Senate Stimulus Bills

January 30, 2009 | Our Take | Energy

Both the House and Senate included increase for clean coal technologies in their stimulus bills. The House provided $2.4 billion for... Read More

Senate Puts Taxpayers on the Hook for More than $50 Billion in Risky Loan Guarantees

January 29, 2009 | Our Take | Energy

This week, both the House and Senate included increases for the Department of Energy Loan Guarantee program in their stimulus bills, but... Read More

Private Industry Finds Coal-to-Liquids too Risky So Why Should Taxpayers Pick-Up the Tab?

December 10, 2008 | Our Take | Energy

A new report today released by the RAND Corporation addresses the costs, benefits and risks associated with commercial development of... Read More

Final Regulations for Oil Shale Leasing on Federal Lands

November 18, 2008 | Our Take | Energy

Despite the federal government’s recognition that “any significant production of oil shale is not likely to occur for a number of years,”... Read More

TCS Statement on Colorado Public Awareness Effort on Energy

November 18, 2008 | Statements | Energy

Statement by Jill Lancelot, Co-founder/Senior Advisor, regarding Colorado public awareness effort on energy.   Statement by Jill... Read More

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

October 30, 2008 | Our Take | 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

New Report Raises Concerns with Royalty-In-Kind Program

October 28, 2008 | Our Take | Energy , Natural Resources

A report released today by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) concludes that the Minerals Management Service (MMS) is at risk of... Read More

Coal-to-Liquid Earmarks DOD Appropriations

September 23, 2008 | Our Take | Energy , National Security

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

Joint Letter to Congress: Don’t Extend Loan Guarantee Program in the Continuing Resolution

September 23, 2008 | Letters & Testimony | Agriculture , Energy

       Congress Can’t Afford to Fund Risky Loans; Don’t Extend DOE Loan Guarantee Program in... Read More

Official TCS Comments on Oil Shale Management - Proposed Rule

September 21, 2008 | Letters & Testimony | 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... Read More

New Report Details Problems with Oil and Gas Royalty System

September 11, 2008 | Our Take | Energy

A new report finds that the federal oil and gas systems inability to adapt royalty rates or lease contracts to market conditions could... Read More

Sex, Drugs, and Mismanagement at the Department of the Interior

September 10, 2008 | Our Take | Energy , Natural Resources

Government officials responsible for the collection of billions of dollars of oil royalties to the federal treasury accepted gifts from... Read More

House Strongly Opposes Funds for Global Nuclear Energy Partnership

July 23, 2008 | Our Take | Energy

The FY09 House Energy and Water Bill specifically denies funds for the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP), a large-scale DOE... Read More

GAO Recommends Congress Limit Loan Guarantees

July 07, 2008 | Our Take | Energy

In a new report released today, the Government Accountability Office recommends Congress limit the amount of loan guarantees issued by... Read More

House Amps Up Energy Loan Guarantees

July 01, 2008 | Our Take | Energy

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

GAO: Gulf Leases Could Cost Taxpayers $53 Billion

June 04, 2008 | Our Take | Energy

A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released today estimates taxpayers will lose up to $53 billion from Gulf of Mexico oil... Read More

Energy Campaign Overview

June 03, 2008 | Our Take | 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... Read More

Bipartisan Group of Senators Call for Taxpayer Protections in New Mining Law

April 23, 2008 | Press Releases | Energy

Washington, D.C. – Today Senators Feingold (D-WI), Sununu (R-NH), Cantwell (D-WA), and Gregg (R-NH) led a bi-partisan push for the... Read More

President Supports Controversial Loan Guarantee Program

February 04, 2008 | Our Take | 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

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

December 06, 2007 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

           Dear Representative, On behalf of our combined memberships, we urge you to... Read More

Examples of Federal Government Loan Guarantee Failures

November 07, 2007 | Our Take | Energy

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

Oppose Blank Check Loan Guarantees in Final Energy Bill

October 31, 2007 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

              Dear Senator, We urge you to oppose the inclusion of language in the... Read More

End Unnecessary Handouts to Big Oil

June 20, 2007 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

            Dear Senator: We are writing to urge you to vote for the Wyden-Sununu Amendment to the... Read More

Take a Bite Out of Oil and Gas Giveaways

June 04, 2007 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

  Dear Natural Resources Committee Member: Taxpayers for Common Sense Action urges you... Read More

Written Testimony Royalties at Risk Hearing before House Natural Resources Committee

March 27, 2007 | Letters & Testimony | Energy , Natural Resources

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

Oral Testimony Royalties at Risk Hearing before House Natural Resources Committee

March 27, 2007 | Letters & Testimony | Energy , Natural Resources

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

Support Funding Cuts for Global Nuclear Energy Partnership

June 21, 2006 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

            The U.S. Senate 724 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C.... 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 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

            Dear Representative: On behalf of the Green Scissors campaign, a coalition... Read More

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

May 15, 2006 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

             Dear Representative, Taxpayers for Common Sense urges you to support... Read More

“Relief” for Oil and Gas A Fiscal Headache for Taxpayers

May 10, 2006 | Our Take | Energy , Natural Resources

“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

Administration Veto Slump Continues

August 07, 2005 | Statements | Energy

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

Give Taxpayers a Break!

July 25, 2005 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

            Dear Energy Bill Conferee, Taxpayers for Common Sense Action, a... Read More

Thank You for Keeping Uranium Subsidies Out of the Energy Bill

July 20, 2005 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

            Dear Energy Bill Conferee, Taxpayers for Common Sense Action, a non-partisan... Read More

Senate Passes Energy and Water Appropriations Bill

June 30, 2005 | Statements | Energy , Transportation & Infrastructure

The following is a written statement from Steve Ellis, Vice President for Programs at Taxpayers for Common Sense on the Senate passage of... Read More

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

June 27, 2005 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

             Dear Representative:  We urge you to support the Sanders-Rohrabacher-Tim... Read More

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

June 22, 2005 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

             Dear Senator,  We urge you to oppose the amendment by Senators Pete... Read More

Oppose the Energy Bill Boondoggle

June 09, 2005 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

            Dear Senator: On behalf of our members, the undersigned groups urge you to... Read More

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

May 12, 2005 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

            May 13, 2005 Dear Senator, Last month, the House of... Read More

House Passes Energy Bill

April 19, 2005 | Statements | Energy

The following is a written statement by Jill Lancelot, President of Taxpayers for Common Sense, on final passage of H.R. #6 – The Energy... Read More

TCS Statement on the Energy Bill

April 19, 2005 | Statements | Energy

The following is a prepared statement by Keith Ashdown, Vice-President of Policy at Taxpayers for Common Sense on H.R. #6: Washington,... Read More

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

April 18, 2005 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

             April 18, 2005 Dear Representative, We urge you to support the... Read More

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

April 12, 2005 | Letters & Testimony | Energy , Natural Resources

April 12, 2005 Dear Representative, We urge you to support the amendments by... Read More

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

April 11, 2005 | Letters & Testimony | Energy

April 11, 2005 Dear Representative, We urge you to support the Doggett amendment to the... Read More

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

June 24, 2004 | Statements | Energy , Transportation & Infrastructure

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

TCS Statement on House Energy Bill Debate

June 14, 2004 | Statements | 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

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

April 28, 2004 | Statements | Budget & Tax , Energy

The following is a written statement by Jill Lancelot, President of Taxpayers for Common Sense, a national budget watchdog on efforts to... Read More

Statement on Introduction of Legislation to Curb Section 29 Abuses

April 27, 2004 | Statements | Energy

The following is a written statement by Aileen Roder, Program Director at Taxpayers for Common Sense on introduction of legislation to... Read More

Statement on S. 2095

February 19, 2004 | Statements | Energy

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

Wyden-Sununu Endorsements

October 31, 2003 | Our Take | 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

August 01, 2003 | Statements | Energy

             For Immediate Release August 1, 2003 A Costly Deal on the Energy... Read More

Senate Votes to Increase Corporate Welfare for the Nuclear Industry

June 09, 2003 | Statements | Energy

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

GAO to Audit Bonneville Power

April 22, 2003 | Statements | Energy , Natural Resources

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

Analysis Finds House Energy Bill Fueled By Pork

April 10, 2003 | Press Releases | Energy

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

Closer Scrutiny of BPA Finances Needed

February 07, 2003 | Statements | Energy

The following is a written statement by Autumn Hanna, Senior Policy Analyst at Taxpayers for Common Sense, a national budget watchdog... Read More

Cost Overruns, Unanswered Scientific Questions Plague Yucca Project

May 06, 2002 | Statements | Energy

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

TCS Blasts Senate on Ethanol Decision

April 22, 2002 | Statements | Agriculture , Energy

Washington, D.C. - The Senate decision today to approve the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) that will increase the use of ethanol to 5... Read More

Bonneville Power Shortchanging Taxpayers

October 30, 2001 | Press Releases | Energy , Natural Resources

Bonneville Power Shortchanging Taxpayers Washington, DC -- Using a controversial interpretation of... Read More

Billions for Big Business in House Energy Plan

July 30, 2001 | Press Releases | Energy

Billions for Big Business in House Energy Plan Washington, D.C. - An energy bill about to be... Read More

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

June 26, 2001 | Statements | Energy , Transportation & Infrastructure

Washington, DC -- Taxpayers for Common Sense would like to applaud Congressman Tancredo for his leadership and defense of taxpayers in... Read More

Statement on Defeat of the Auburn Dam for the Fifth Time in a Decade

June 26, 2001 | Statements | Energy , Transportation & Infrastructure

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

Energy Bill Doles Out Billions to Companies with Record Profits

February 09, 2001 | Statements | Energy

Washington, D.C. -  As early as late February, Senator Frank Murkowski (R-AK) is expected to introduce an energy bill that will direct... Read More

Energy Secretary Richardson Saves Taxpayers $5 Billion: Supports DOE Tritium Decision and Oppose Pork Barrel Opponents

December 23, 1998 | Statements | Energy

Washington, D.C. – Making the best of a bad set of options, Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson courageously saved American taxpayers at... Read More

Weekly Wastebasket

Our weekly reality-check for federal spending. View All

September 13, 2013

Syria: Excuse 535 To Not Cut the Deficit

Volume XVIII No. 37 Possible action in Syria has become the most recent excuse du jour for Pentagon boosters... Read More