The Best Way to Judge Any Green Energy Policy
Instead of asking questions about cost or reliability, look at what special-interest groups are saying.
The best P.R. of any energy source.
Photographer: AFP/AFPEnergy policy is often judged by three criteria: cost, reliability and effect on carbon emissions. That makes good sense, but I would like to suggest an alternative approach: Ask which green energy policies can get the support of most special-interest groups, and the fewest forces in opposition, and rank them accordingly. That might sound cynical, but given how long and deep the policy failures have run, some cynicism is in order.
The energy sector is remarkably politicized. The current infrastructure could probably not be built under today’s regulatory regime, which may also hinder the development of tomorrow’s green-energy infrastructure. It is not easy to put wind turbines next to the homes of wealthy, well-organized homeowners. So maybe energy policy needs to start with the political questions first.