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YOU CAN NOW COMMENT ON STORIES AND POLLS<br />
LET US KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THE ISSUES.<br />
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NEW POLL OVERVIEW:<br />
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The arguments for energy subsidies are:<br />
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1.&nbsp; Security of supply -&nbsp; to ensure adequate supply<br />
2.&nbsp;&nbsp; Environmental improvement -&nbsp; to reduce pollution, including different emissions, and to fulfill international obligations (Kyoto Protocol).<br />
3.&nbsp;&nbsp; Economic benefits - used to stimulate particular economic sectors.<br />
4.&nbsp;&nbsp; Employment and social benefits - used to maintain employment.<br />
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Main arguments against energy subsidies are:<br />
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1. Some energy subsidies counter the goal of sustainable development<br />
2.&nbsp; They may lead to higher consumption and waste.<br />
3. They may create a heavy burden on government finances and weaken the potential for economies to grow.<br />
4. They undermine private and public investment in the energy sector,<br />
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Types of energy subsidies:<br />
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1. Direct financial transfers - grants to producers, consumers, low-interest or preferential loans to producers.<br />
2. Preferential tax treatments - rebates, exemptions on royalties, duties, producer levies and tariffs; tax credit; accelerated depreciation allowances on energy supply equipment.<br />
3. Trade restrictions - quota, technical restrictions and trade embargoes.<br />
4. Depletion Allowance - allows a deduction from gross income for exhaustible resources (oil,gas,minerals).<br />
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NEW POLL QUESTION:<br />
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Should the federal government continue to subsidize the energy industry?<br />
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Yes - Subsidize all energy providers<br />
</span><span style="font-size: larger;">Yes - </span><span style="font-size: larger;">Subsidize only fossil fuel providers<br />
</span><span style="font-size: larger;">Yes - </span><span style="font-size: larger;">Subsidize only &quot;Green Energy</span><span style="font-size: larger;">&quot;</span><span style="font-size: larger;"> providers<br />
No - End all energy subsidizes<br />
Undecided<br />
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TO VOTE IN THIS POLL CLICK ON THIS LINK<br />
<a href="http://www.clinton-countygop.org/content/should-federal-government-you-me-continue-subsidize-energy-industry">http://www.clinton-countygop.org/content/should-federal-government-you-me-continue-subsidize-energy-industry</a><br />
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(To enter your comments click on </span><span style="font-size: larger;">&quot;</span><span style="font-size: larger;">Add new comment</span><span style="font-size: larger;">&quot;</span><span style="font-size: larger;"> after you vote.)<br />
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PREVIOUS POLL QUESTION:<br />
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Should Medicare and Social Security be modified to reflect Romney's proposed changes based on longevity and life expectancy?<br />
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Yes . . . . . . . . . 61% <br />
No . . . . . . . . . .33% <br />
Undecided . . . . . 6%<br />
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NO COMMENTS WERE MADE ON THIS POLL QUESTION:<br />
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