For over a century, U.S. taxpayers have been subsidizing the fossil fuel industry, despite the harmful environmental and health impacts associated with burning coal, oil, and natural gas. The federal government has been providing subsidies to fossil fuel companies since the early 1900s, and these subsidies continue to this day.

According to a report by Oil Change International, U.S. taxpayers have spent over $15 billion per year on fossil fuel subsidies in recent years. These subsidies come in the form of tax breaks, direct payments, and other financial incentives that help prop up the fossil fuel industry and make it more profitable.

化石燃料產業辯稱，這些補貼對於促進經濟成長和創造就業機會至關重要；而批評者則認為，這些補貼純屬浪費納稅人的錢，這些錢本可以更好地用於太陽能和風能等再生能源。事實上，研究表明，儘管迫切需要向更清潔的能源轉型以應對氣候變化，但政府對化石燃料的支持遠遠超過了對再生能源的支持。

The fossil fuel industry also receives indirect subsidies in the form of environmental and health costs that are not factored into the price of fossil fuels. For example, burning coal for electricity generation produces air pollution that can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues, costing taxpayers billions of dollars in healthcare expenses each year.

In addition to the environmental and health costs associated with fossil fuels, the industry also benefits from government policies that prioritize fossil fuel extraction and production over renewable energy development. For example, the Trump administration has rolled back regulations on coal mining and drilling for oil and gas on public lands, making it easier for fossil fuel companies to exploit these resources.

美國納稅人持續補貼化石燃料產業，顯然亟需改變。政府若將補貼從化石燃料轉向再生能源，便可加速向低碳經濟轉型，並在清潔能源領域創造新的就業機會。政策制定者是時候採取行動，終止一個多世紀以來支撐化石燃料產業的浪費性補貼了。