In a new Science & Policy Brief, economist Bruce Everett tackles a vital question in determining America’s energy future: are “renewable” forms of energy truly competitive with traditional fossil fuels?

Says Dr. Everett: “The June 25 Wall Street Journal has a news piece by Rochelle Toplensky entitled “Green Energy is Finally Going Mainstream.”  Ms. Toplensky claims that “the cost of renewable energy can now be competitive with fossil fuels.” Unfortunately, her argument is based on one of the oldest and most common economic fallacies: confusing cost and price.