Threat Assessment: January 3rd - 6th

AGAINST US

Fossil fuels receive over 250 different government subsidies

While renewable energy receives federal subsidies for research and development, fossil fuels' government assistance gets even more help. Research from GigaOm's Adam Lesser found that fossil fuels currently get subsidies from "at least 250 mechanisms," according to a 351-page report from the International Energy Agency. Some of the subsidies are direct, the IEA reported, while others take the form of tax loopholes and spending on related infrastructure. [Grist]