April 20, 2012 We want to propose a new perspective on “clean
energy.” As environmental studies majors, we have seen the
impacts of fossil fuels and are often the first to advocate
clean energy policies. But what are the true ramifications of
what we advocate? Alex Epstein is the Founder and Director for
the Center for Industrial Progress. He specializes in the energy
debate and takes a fundamentally opposite view of the general
“environmentalist” perspective. In his article “Four Dirty
Secrets about Clean Energy,” Epstein seeks to expose supposed
truths about so-called “clean energy” and clean energy policy.
While it is not necessarily new information, his points provoke
some thoughts about the ultimate consequences that come with
clean energy policies. Epstein’s first Dirty Secret is “If
“clean energy” were actually cheaper than fossil fuels, it
wouldn’t need a policy.” Epstein quotes various clean energy
proponents like Al-Gore who make the claims that renewable
energy sources are ultimately cheaper than f