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I agree with John Mosely, but I'd like to add another analogy. Our economic system is heavily regulated and structured, and, despite grumbles, conservatives agree with that regulation more than not. In fact, they ARE the regulators. Similarly, conservative economic theory stands behind our current theory of a rationed money supply that uses a frankly dictatorial system to determine our access to credit. I'm not against that system, btw, I'm just pointing out that conservatives are not being fully honest about their attitudes about regulation and rationing.
It's not a big vs small government thing at all. Their concern is that rationing may create profits for, and concede economic control to, people other than themselves. Romm obliviously proves them right by demanding tax money for his own constituencies, and by pooh-poohing the economic consequences of the actions he advocates. There is political opportunity as the power of conservatism wanes, but only if well-intended actors like Romm broaden their toolbox beyond simplistic technological fixes. Plugging the whole country into an outlet won't solve global warming.
