For more than 40 years, Koch companies have been committed to free societies and free-market principles, which are the foundation of the U.S. Constitution. History demonstrates that greater economic freedom in a society not only fosters advances in innovation, productivity and prosperity, but in environmental protection and quality of life. Our commitment transcends politics and political parties, and we commend policymakers from any party who uphold Constitutional principles and support fiscal responsibility. To learn more about our history of support for free-market principles and our role in furthering these ideals, read a Q&A with Dr. Richard Fink on the importance of economic freedom in the Washington Examiner. Koch's consistent opposition to subsidies reflects our commitment to free-market principles. As Charles Koch, chairman and CEO of Koch Industries, Inc. said in an op-ed to the Wichita Eagle, “Unfair programs that favor certain companies – such as the current well-intentioned but misguided suggestion that the natural-gas industry should receive enormous new subsidies – don’t just happen. They are promoted, in large part, by those seeking to profit politically, rather than by competing in a market where consumers vote with their wallets.” Koch companies support those who champion free-market principles and who search for sound, market-based solutions that contribute to the betterment of society. Koch companies and Koch foundations do not support all organizations claiming to advance free-market principles. For example, neither Koch companies and foundations nor members of the Koch family have ever contributed to FreedomWorks.
A consistent, principled effort
Commenting on the NAT GAS Act (H.R. 1380) currently being debated in Congress and promoted by T. Boone Pickens, Dr. Richard Fink echoes this, saying: “Koch has consistently opposed subsidies that distort markets. We maintain that the marketplace, while not perfect, is the best mechanism for allocating resources to consumers. People deciding what fuels to purchase, instead of the government, is best for consumers and our country. Likewise, if natural gas vehicles are truly advantageous and economically efficient, then consumers will demand that they be developed without political mandates that exhaust more taxpayer dollars."
Fink continues, "We do not question T. Boone Pickens’ intentions or integrity in this debate. We recognize his experience in the energy markets and take him at his word that he thinks this is a good idea. However, we believe history has demonstrated over and over that these subsidies end up undermining the long term prosperity of the country. For these principled reasons, we oppose this bill to give tax incentives to buyers and makers of natural gas-powered vehicles and related infrastructure. We also consistently oppose subsidies for all other fuels whether or not we benefit from them." Supporting education, research and advocacy
