David Friedman’s Substack

David Friedman's Substack explores a wide range of subjects from economic principles and climate change to intellectual debates and law enforcement, emphasizing critical thinking, skepticism towards mainstream narratives, and the interplay of natural and social sciences in understanding human behavior and societal issues.

Critical Thinking and Truth Seeking Political and Economic Theories Science and Climate Change Legal and Ethical Considerations Societal and Cultural Analysis Philosophy and Morality Education and Learning Methods Technology and Society

The hottest Substack posts of David Friedman’s Substack

And their main takeaways

Offshore wind is systematically violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act 10

59 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
  1. Offshore wind sonar surveys in conjunction with offshore wind development are potentially violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act by leading to unauthorized harassment of marine mammals.
  2. The Save the Right Whales Coalition discovered that sonar noise levels used for calculations were much lower than the actual noise levels during surveys, resulting in significantly more unauthorized harassments than authorized.
  3. The potential penalties for unauthorized harassment under the MMPA are substantial, with estimates suggesting billions of dollars in civil penalties, imprisonment, criminal fines, and even forfeiture of vessels involved.

Is “Degrowth” The New Green Growth?

59 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
  1. There is a growing skepticism within the scientific community about the feasibility and desirability of green growth policies promoted by government planners worldwide.
  2. A significant portion of climate experts prefer 'degrowth,' a deliberate reduction in material consumption and economic activity, over 'green growth' for achieving sustainable and just societies.
  3. The division between pro-green growth and anti-growth researchers is pronounced, especially between richer and poorer countries, highlighting contrasting perspectives on environmental and economic priorities.

Biden Admin’s Latest Subsidy Proposal May Undercut Its Own Green Energy Agenda

39 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
  1. The Biden administration's subsidy proposal for the hydrogen industry may hinder innovation and production due to strict environmental constraints.
  2. Hydrogen fuel is seen as vital for decarbonizing heavy-duty transportation and industries like steel and cement, but its production is still in early stages and needs scaling.
  3. The proposed rules mandate that subsidy-eligible hydrogen must be produced using green energy during specific hours, leading to criticism from industry leaders about potential economic unfeasibility.

Walmart Starts Its Electric Semi Truck Transformation

39 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
  1. Walmart is starting to transform its semi truck fleet to electric in Canada, beginning with three electric semi trucks in British Columbia.
  2. The Freightliner eCascadia trucks Walmart is using have a range of 400 kilometers on a full charge and will help prevent the use of over 100,000 liters of fossil fuel per year.
  3. Transitioning trucking fleets to electric powertrains is crucial in fighting climate change, and Walmart's move to electrify its trucks is not just about sustainability but also about saving money.

TWO DAYS AFTER COP28, IEA DELIVERS MORE COAL HARD REALITY

39 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
  1. Global coal demand is on the rise, especially in emerging economies like India and China, despite efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
  2. Coal remains a significant source of electricity generation in Asia, with coal-fired generation set to increase this year.
  3. Efforts to transition to renewable energy and reduce coal use face challenges, highlighting the ongoing reliance on coal for energy needs.
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“Saving the Planet”

59 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
  1. Who will pay damages if 'saving the planet' efforts waste resources? Are those in energy poverty able to seek justice?
  2. Legal battles may arise against various groups if environmental efforts are proven wrong.
  3. Questioning the accountability of green NGOs, governments, media, and universities in environmental actions.

FERC transmission incentives ‘way out of whack,’ drive up consumer costs: Commissioner Christie

39 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
  1. FERC transmission incentives have been overly advantageous, unfairly burdening consumers while benefiting developers.
  2. Commissioner Christie highlights the need to revisit and reform FERC's transmission incentive policies to prevent further escalation of consumer costs.
  3. Lessons learned from the PATH project emphasize the importance of state regulators having the authority to approve transmission projects to avoid unnecessary financial strain on consumers.

Three concerning trends that shaped right-wing media climate change narratives in 2023

39 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
  1. Discredited climate deniers received renewed attention in 2023 from right-wing media, straying further from established science through platforms like Newsmax and Fox News.
  2. Right-wing media justified and condoned violence against climate activists engaging in peaceful protest tactics like blocking roads, framing them as mentally ill and calling for severe punishments.
  3. Conspiracy theorists and right-wing Christian media spread misinformation about extreme weather events, suggesting planned occurrences and interpreting them as signs of religious prophesy, contributing to the spread of falsehoods.

SCOTUS Will Hear Challenge to One of EPA’s Most Stringent Proposed Climate Regs

39 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
  1. The Supreme Court will hear challenges against the EPA's 'good neighbor plan' designed to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from manufacturing and power plants.
  2. The proposed EPA regulation could impact American firms with compliance costs estimated at up to $910 million annually and could lead to significant health and economic benefits.
  3. The upcoming SCOTUS decision on the challenge could have significant implications on the extent of EPA's regulatory authority.

California Roadways

59 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
  1. California roadways heavily rely on gas tax revenues for maintenance, but as EVs replace traditional vehicles, this revenue source will decrease, posing a challenge for funding road repairs.
  2. Governor Newsom's push for EVs lacks a clear plan on how to finance road maintenance as EVs are heavier than traditional vehicles and will cause more wear and tear on roadways.
  3. Transitioning solely to electricity from renewables may not be feasible as fossil fuels are essential for manufacturing products and fuels that support humanity, while wind and solar energy cannot replace these functions.

EU Council Fails to Approve Landmark Nature Restoration Law Mark Segal March 26, 2024

19 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
  1. The EU Council failed to approve a significant Nature Restoration Law due to lack of member state support. The law aimed to restore at least 20% of the EU's land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050.
  2. Several member states, including Hungary, expressed opposition to the Nature Restoration Law citing concerns about overburdening the economy, particularly in the agriculture sector.
  3. The failure at the Council poses a risk to the credibility of the EU in international climate and biodiversity conferences, with little room for renegotiation given the upcoming EU elections in June.

Supreme Court to hear arguments on blocking EPA cross-state smog pollution rule

39 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
  1. The Supreme Court is considering whether to block an EPA rule addressing interstate smog pollution, focusing on the 'Good Neighbor' rule and the reasonableness of its emissions controls.
  2. Opponents argue that complying with the rule would harm industries and citizens, impact electricity generation, and destabilize power grids.
  3. This case highlights the ongoing tension between the conservative-majority Supreme Court and the EPA's authority on environmental regulations.

Degrowth Kills People – Yes, Literally The degrowth movement firmly identifies with social control or ownership of property

39 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
  1. The degrowth movement is associated with social control or ownership of property, posing possible negative implications for human flourishing in the face of scarcity.
  2. Human creativity and innovation have historically helped societies prosper, challenging the narrative that growth must be halted due to dwindling resources.
  3. The debate between sustainable growth and degrowth highlights the contrast between market-based solutions driven by private property ownership and political intervention, emphasizing the role of incentives and feedback mechanisms in human flourishing.

Biden administration takes step toward protecting old-growth trees BY RACHEL FRAZIN - 12/19/23

39 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
  1. The Biden administration is working to protect old-growth trees, which store carbon dioxide and help combat climate change.
  2. The proposed plan limits cutting down old-growth trees for economic reasons but allows ecologically appropriate timber harvesting.
  3. Establishing a 'national intent' to maintain and improve old-growth forests will guide decisions by Forest Service officials and contribute to long-term forest persistence.

'The River Is Essentially Dead': How Enviros' Push To Save Salmon Ended Up Killing 'Hundreds Of Thousands' Of Them, By Nick Pope

19 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
  1. Removing dams intended to save salmon led to the death of hundreds of thousands of young salmon due to changes in water pressure, highlighting the importance of careful planning and execution in environmental projects.
  2. The involved organizations, American Rivers and Klamath River Renewal Corporation, have received substantial funding but are facing criticism for the detrimental impact of the dam removal on the river ecosystem and local property values.
  3. Despite the salmon deaths and negative outcomes, there is an effort to mitigate the damage through funds to help affected locals and adapt measures to prevent more harm to salmon populations during the dam removal process.

Petrol states are hosting climate summits. Maybe that’s not a bad thing? BY ZACK BUDRYK - 12/16/23 6:00 AM ET

39 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
  1. Some are questioning if it's a good idea for major oil-producing countries to host climate summits, like Azerbaijan hosting COP29 in 2024.
  2. Energy experts believe that discussions at these summits, even in petrostates, can lead to genuine change, such as improving urban infrastructures like public transportation.
  3. The U.S. and other significant oil and gas producers should demonstrate leadership in addressing climate change, not just preach to other nations.

Starting To Notice That The Energy Transition Is Not Happening

19 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
  1. Countries have made ambitious pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but progress is not being made as expected or promised.
  2. The demand for electricity is increasing, leading to the need for more power plants that burn natural gas because wind and solar energy sources are not growing fast enough.
  3. The U.S. is struggling to meet its emission reduction pledges, with progress falling significantly short of the targets set for 2026 and 2030, indicating a lack of substantial change in reducing emissions in various sectors.

An EU Carbon Tax Will Upend The Global LNG By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

19 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
  1. The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) may impact the global LNG market by potentially splitting it into two tiers with different price dynamics.
  2. The EU's inclusion of LNG in the carbon border tax could lead to an increase in European gas prices and a shift in market dynamics favoring LNG exporters with lower emissions.
  3. If Europe implements a significant carbon price on LNG imports, it could influence global LNG projects to reduce emissions, but global cooperation will be essential for large-scale industry decarbonization.

Tesla rival faces growing bankruptcy risk It has been a rough period for a number of electric-vehicle makers as demand has been soft.

39 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
  1. Consumers often choose convenience over environmentally friendly options, impacting demand for electric vehicles
  2. Nikola, a Tesla rival, faces a high risk of default based on financial health indicators, warning vendors to mitigate risk
  3. Although Nikola has improved its cash position, it still struggles financially with significant deficits and a negative outlook

ESG in 2024: getting to grips with the new paradigm

39 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
  1. In 2024, companies will focus more on due diligence in their supply chains and value chains to comply with mandatory reporting and disclosure requirements.
  2. Stock exchanges are likely to shift towards a mandatory sustainability disclosure regime aligned with recent and upcoming ESG frameworks.
  3. Global efforts in 2024 will aim for a unified mechanism for carbon pricing and trading, especially with the introduction of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

Climate Policy vs. Social Justice (‘Bloomberg Green’ decries rollbacks)

19 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
  1. Countries are facing pushback against green policies and climate change action, with politicians rolling back regulations and downplaying climate change.
  2. Public sentiment is shifting as climate policies start to directly impact daily lives and personal choices, leading to backlash from far-right politicians who reject climate action.
  3. Leaders are under pressure to balance climate goals with economic concerns, showing that climate policies can increase energy prices and impact household budgets.

Officialdom Responds To Doubts That A Renewables-Based Electricity System Will Work March 24, 2024/ Francis Menton

19 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
  1. The proposed response to the climate crisis lacks feasibility due to the use of wind and solar energy, which is not effective for the energy system.
  2. There are efforts by official agencies to shape public opinion by hiring PR services and conducting misleading information campaigns.
  3. Critics challenge the feasibility of running entirely on renewables like solar and wind, but official responses lack credibility and do not present convincing evidence to support their claims.

Brendan O’Neill: COP28 and the scourge of eco-imperialism

39 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
  1. At COP28, the clash between Western green ideologies and developing nations' need for fossil fuels was evident.
  2. Developing countries like India and China rely on fossil fuels for survival and refuse to phase them out due to economic reasons.
  3. The final agreement at COP28 did not include a promise to phase out fossil fuels, highlighting the divide between Western viewpoints and the reality of global energy needs.

The clean energy backlog barely budged this year. What’s the way forward?

39 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
  1. Connecting new solar, wind, and battery projects to the grid is slow due to massive interconnection backlogs, hindering the transition to clean energy.
  2. Clean energy developers are facing long wait times, with some interconnection requests taking more than three and a half years, delaying gigawatts of planned projects across the country.
  3. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Order 2023 and technological solutions are being pursued to speed up the interconnection process and address the grid expansion challenges.

Carbon price tumbles as investors fret over ‘weak’ impact of COP28

39 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
  1. The price of carbon fell to its lowest level in 14 months after the COP28 summit, leading to concerns about government climate action.
  2. Futures contracts tracking the EU’s emissions trading scheme dropped 4%, reflecting doubts about the effectiveness of the COP28 agreement.
  3. The weak language in the COP28 agreement and the lack of concrete plans for carbon trading contributed to the decline in carbon prices.

Commodities and ESG – Uncomfortable Bedfellows

39 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
  1. ESG guidelines can be costly for companies to adhere to, leading to a shift in financial markets' focus.
  2. Collecting detailed information about commodities, such as energy consumption and employment conditions, is crucial for transparency and consumer awareness.
  3. Tokenization technology can streamline the collection, tracking, and sharing of data about commodities, paving the way for increased transparency and accountability.

With pipeline growth booming, the US agency in charge of safety struggles to keep up Infrastructure law provided $1 billion for new natural gas distribution lines, but the country lacks enough….

39 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
  1. The US agency responsible for pipeline safety is struggling to keep up with the booming growth of pipelines, lacking enough inspectors for ensuring safety.
  2. Despite major federal laws providing funding for pipeline projects, there has been no increase in resources for the Pipeline Safety administration to match the expanding responsibilities.
  3. States play a significant role in monitoring pipeline safety since they employ more pipeline inspectors compared to the federal agency, highlighting the need for better federal funding and support.

BIG TENT IDEAS DAVID BLACKMON: This Agency Is Scrambling To Adjust Its Absurd ‘Peak Oil’ Predictions

39 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
  1. The International Energy Agency is adjusting its forecasts for oil consumption growth after COP28, following a pattern of underestimating global crude demand over the past decade.
  2. Efforts to project crude supply and demand are always uncertain, with the need for constant revisions as seen with the IEA's adjustments to their forecast for 2024 demand growth.
  3. US oil production, advancements in technology, and the decisions of oil-producing nations like Iran and Venezuela play significant roles in influencing global oil prices and supply stability.

COP CONFERENCES Down Memory Lane

39 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
  1. The history of COP conferences shows a pattern of initial breakthroughs followed by mixed outcomes and disappointments.
  2. Major climate conferences like Copenhagen, Cancun, and Paris have experienced moments of success and failure in reaching global agreements on climate change.
  3. Even though the COP conferences have made some progress on climate action, there are criticisms about the effectiveness and urgency of the agreements reached.

UN climate chief pleads for funding as government budgets feel strain -- Attracta Mooney in London

19 implied HN points • 24 Mar 24
  1. The UN's climate change arm is facing severe financial challenges, risking its ability to assist governments in addressing global warming.
  2. The UNFCCC is seeking funding of €74mn for its core budget, but is less than half-funded, impacting operations like communications, executive oversight, and conferences.
  3. As climate change remains a critical global issue, financial strains on governments due to the Covid-19 pandemic and energy crisis pose challenges in prioritizing climate change initiatives.

COUNTING: EXACTLY WHAT AND EXACTLY HOW.

19 implied HN points • 24 Mar 24
  1. Measurement and quantification are fundamental in physical science, often equated with counting.
  2. Numbers in media can be misleading if not presented with clear context and appropriate measurement methods.
  3. In scientific research, it's crucial to ask exactly what was counted or measured and how, ensuring accuracy and meaningful interpretation.

Partisan Science is Bad for Science

59 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
  1. Partisan science can harm trust in scientific institutions and increase political polarization.
  2. Scientific organizations should engage in policy and politics beyond partisan cheerleading for better impact.
  3. Scientists should be cautious about promoting political agendas within scientific institutions to maintain broad public trust.

This Populous Blue State Has A Green Energy Mandate. Experts Say It Threatens Grid Reliability

39 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
  1. New York state's green energy mandate could harm grid reliability due to substituting natural gas with intermittent sources like wind and solar, leading to increased costs and concerns.
  2. The state faced potential blackouts during Winter Storm Elliot in 2022 when natural gas supply was disrupted, emphasizing the need for backup power sources in a renewable-heavy grid.
  3. The closure of the Indian Point nuclear plant in 2021 further strains energy reliability in New York, highlighting challenges in building new nuclear capacity.

Doug Sheridan says

39 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
  1. German politicians faced challenges in negotiating a new budget for the fiscal year after a court ruling revealed hidden costs of the net-zero transition.
  2. The budget adjustments involved cuts to social welfare and subsidies, as well as potential increases in carbon taxes and new taxes on aviation fuel.
  3. The transparency brought by the court ruling sheds light on the tough trade-offs in energy policy and the real costs of environmental initiatives for households.

EU’s green funds are under the guillotine

39 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
  1. EU's green funds, aimed at fighting climate change, are in danger of significant cuts. Originally set at €10 billion, a proposal aims to reduce it to just €1.5 billion, diverting funds to military and immigration needs.
  2. There is a divide among European leaders, with some like France, Italy, and Spain supporting the €10 billion initiative, while others, particularly in the north, are pushing for limited budget contributions for different priorities.
  3. The reduction in renewable energy investments is alarming as Europe struggles to meet climate goals. The compromise to slash the green tech fund signifies a setback in crucial climate funding, creating challenges in clean tech innovation and competitiveness.

More Bias and Exaggeration: Petrochemicals Are Killing Us, a New Report Warns in the New England Journal of Medicine

19 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
  1. Fossil fuels not only drive climate change but also produce toxic chemicals that lead to various chronic and deadly diseases.
  2. The petrochemical industry is rapidly growing, with only a small fraction of chemicals undergoing rigorous safety testing, despite being linked to rising health issues.
  3. Reducing reliance on fossil fuels and harmful chemicals is crucial for both environmental and human health, particularly in low-income communities disproportionately affected by exposure to toxic compounds.

Going Green Gave Hertz A Whole Lot of Hurts THOMAS J SHEPSTONE

19 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
  1. Hertz made a significant investment in an EV fleet that consumers did not want to rent, leading to financial troubles.
  2. The challenges with EVs compared to internal combustion cars include higher upfront costs, higher financing charges, faster depreciation, and more expensive insurance.
  3. Corporate decisions influenced by trends and elite approval may overlook practical concerns and customer needs, leading to detrimental outcomes.

The clean energy transition is here — and so are greenwashing claims

39 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
  1. The clean energy transition is underway with ambitious goals set by the Biden-Harris administration, which has put emphasis on utilities to play a crucial role in renewable energy generation.
  2. Greenwashing, the act of misleading consumers about environmental benefits, has raised concerns and led to legal actions against utilities, emphasizing the need for transparency and truthful communication.
  3. To minimize the potential for greenwashing claims, utilities can take proactive steps such as substantiating claims, coordinating sustainability messaging, and staying informed about evolving regulations.

‘Climate Red Alert’ Nothing More Than Red Herring

19 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
  1. The 'Climate Red Alert' story is based on a false premise as the UN did not reference historical or current real-world data before issuing the report highlighted by the AP.
  2. The claim that 2024 will be another record-hot year is questionable due to the declining El Niño conditions and the short-term focus on yearly weather patterns rather than long-term climate trends.
  3. The media's irresponsible coverage of climate alarm claims, without proper fact-checking, perpetuates misleading information and contributes to public confusion about climate change.

California energy officials vote to extend Diablo Canyon nuclear plant operations

39 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
  1. California energy officials have voted to extend the operation of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant through 2030, providing the state with a crucial source of energy despite concerns over costs and safety.
  2. The decision to extend the nuclear plant's operation serves as a transitional strategy towards renewable energy goals for California's grid reliability.
  3. Supporters argue that the Diablo Canyon plant is essential for preventing power outages and meeting the state's climate targets, while critics raise concerns about potential rate hikes and safety risks associated with the aging facility.