Ignoring externalities IS subsidy - Krugman

So it’s worth pointing out that special treatment for fracking makes a mockery of free-market principles. Pro-fracking politicians claim to be against subsidies, yet letting an industry impose costs without paying compensation is in effect a huge subsidy. They say they oppose having the government “pick winners,” yet they demand special treatment for this industry precisely because they claim it will be a winner.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/07/opinion/krugman-here-comes-solar-energy.html

Streetsblog Capitol Hill » Dealbreaker: Senate Rejects House Budget Due to Lack of Car Subsidies

Streetsblog Capitol Hill » Dealbreaker: Senate Rejects House Budget Due to Lack of Car Subsidies: "if Democrats really want to meet important environmental goals, just imagine how much good they could do by spending that $1.5 billion to implement better bus systems or provide emergency assistance to transit agencies struggling to keep up with higher ridership."

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LGF Pages - Coal tax credits cost Oklahoma more than $60M in 8 years

LGF Pages - Coal tax credits cost Oklahoma more than $60M in 8 years: "As coal prices surge around the world, Oklahoman tax payers continued to support corporate welfare to the coal industry to the tune of 15k per year for every coal related job in OK - this has gone on 23 years. Do coal companies making huge profits really need taxpayer support?"

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