Subsidizing The Sun - Solar
Subsidy Lawsuit:
Jones vs. Grandgent
A Parable
Subsidy Lawsuit:
Jones vs. Grandgent
A Parable
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| Solar Subsidy Lawsuit A Parable by William Shurcliff Two years ago, G. G. Grandgent, President of the Podunk—Onward-and—Upward Association, bought a $10,000 solar collector for heating his domestic hot water. He paid $4000 and the Government subsidy took care of the rest. In the ongoing trial (2nd District Court, Jones vs. Grandgent) these facts have been brought out: The $10,000 system performs no better than various $4000 systems. Maintenance of the equipment has been neglected, and operating efficiency is only half what it should be. The house has 14 rooms, Grandgent is the sole occupant, and he keeps the thermostat at 75°F at all times. He has not fully closed the attic windows or basement windows. He has not had his oil-burner efficiency checked since 1979. He takes long (half-hour) showers and, since installing the solar equipment, has lengthened his showers with the result that there has been no reduction in use of oil etc. He owns two gas-guzzler cars, makes an average of two trips a day to a 10-mile-distant shopping centers, two trips a month to the Atlantic City casinos, and one trip a year across the continent. In summer he takes a 1000-mile cruise in a 40-ft. motor launch that uses one gallon of gasoline per mile. Jones, with a wife and four children, occupies a small house that he himself has insulated and weatherstripped. His home-built thermosyphon solar system, built of salvaged materials, cost very little; he keeps it in top condition. His thermostat is set at 60°F, and his oil- burner efficiency is checked twice each winter. Showers longer than two minutes are forbidden. His car averages 35 mph and is used sparingly. Vacations are spent bicycling. Jones, who is very saving of oil etc., is resentful at having to contribute to the subsidy to Grandgent, who is wasteful of oil etc. Jones has brought suit. Today, in court, Grandgent’s lawyer will explain why it makes good sense for the Government to reward Grandgent with a $6000 subsidy, give Jones no reward, and increase Jone’s taxes in order to help pay for the subsidy to Grandgent. William Shurcliff |