Seattle has proven its dedication to using renewable energy sources instead of the costly, climate changing, and less desirable fossil fuels. However, the recent announcements by the government administration is re-shifting the focus. Ironically, fossil fuels are getting more tax breaks than renewables. This could lead to a massive shift in the Seattle regional energy source. Until now, there has been little backlash with these tax incentives, but that could change with this new announcement.
Fossil fuels prioritize use with Seattle industries through corporate partnerships that dabble in publicizing shares. Environmental sustainability relies on the overall management of energy with precise budget cuts. Seattle imposes taxes worth approximately 110 billion dollars, primarily to refinance and improve infrastructure.
The Seattle Times reported that fossil fuel companies receive a tax exemption worth $130 billion. This is due to the government incentives and approved for the fiscal year budget. These tax breaks were expected to remove limits in some budgetary sectors but instead have caused an unexpected shift in the city’s priorities.
These agreements were designed to promote renewable energy use as a priority for both public interest and sustainable power generation; however, this latest announcement minimizes environmental protection compared with alternatives like natural gas. Excessive government spending coupled with such incentives may make it hard for Seattle to sustain environmentally friendly efforts into the future.
Capping Renewable Energy Incentives
Renewable energy sources subsidies in Seattle have received much attention on a global scale. Several countries have capped renewable energy incentives, while others have restricted support to selected technologies. In some cases, they have even introduced subsidies for fossil fuels to counterbalance the impact of incentives given to low-carbon technologies.
The carbon market for vehicles and city lights in Seattle is in trouble. More polluting fossil fuels are receiving more tax breaks than renewable energy sources imposing a substantial danger to the residents of Seattle.
The carbon tax is levied on businesses and residents through utility bills. The program, which has been in place for a decade, provides incentives for eco-friendly behavior, such as low-income families taking part in energy audits and individuals purchasing carbon offsets.
Seattle City Council recently approved tax breaks of up to 10% for the Shell Puget Sound Refinery Corporation if it ships its waste oil to Canadian partners to convert into diesel fuel. Environmentalists have raised challenges against renewable sources to sulfur in gasoline. The social needs of Seattle need to be prioritized above economic development.
Image by Steve Buissinne