Again, I understand the economics, and I don't recommend endlessly throwing money down a rathole. If a particular alternative energy source looks like a long term loser than defund it. But to say government has no business searching out alternative energy sources ignores a major national security issue: energy dependency on Middle East oil. It is in America's national security to develop a clean domestic energy source for the long term.

Also, keep in mind nuclear energy and many hydro-electric dams were government subsidized initially. They are a part of the energy mix now and thus mena we have to import less Middle East oil.