U.S. investment in solar lags far behind spending on conventional energy resources.
Federal incentives going to the oil & gas industry have averaged $4.86 billion annually for 100 years, and nuclear has averaged $3.5 billion for 50 years. Meanwhile annual support for all renewables including solar has averaged only $370 million for just the past 15 years. (Source: DBL Investors & AWEA)
U.S. Government support for solar is declining.
Not only have renewable resources like solar energy received far less government support than traditional fossil fuels, but the current levels of support are dropping quickly. We do not see this same trend for fossil fuel industries. (Source: New York Times)
The influence of the fossil fuel lobby is as strong as ever.
Electric utilities lobbying bills are high. We’re talking on the order of $50 to $150 Million a year. This spending earns them the dubious distinction of ranking 3rd among industry sectors that spend the most on lobbying in the U.S. And we’re pretty sure they aren’t lobbying for more solar energy.
