The Word Merchant

The Word Merchant by Stephen Heins explores environmental impacts, energy policies, and the economic dimensions of renewable versus traditional energy sources. It critically examines green energy initiatives, climate change narratives, and the role of fossil fuels, with an emphasis on factual information and questioning mainstream environmentalist perspectives.

Environmental Impacts of Energy Sources Economic Analysis of Energy Policies Debates on Renewable vs. Traditional Energy Critiques of Climate Change Narratives Political and Economic Influences on Energy Environmental Advocacy and Activism Global Energy Security and Infrastructure Ethical and Human Rights Perspectives on Climate

The hottest Substack posts of The Word Merchant

And their main takeaways

Wind Turbines and Microplastics

359 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
  1. Research on microplastics reveals potential harm caused by wind turbines to the environment and human health.
  2. Both political and economic influences attempted to suppress a study that highlighted negative impacts of wind turbines.
  3. Researchers found multiple dangerous particles from wind turbine rotor blades, leading to concerns about environmental impact and the need for further investigation.

The biggest wind energy project on this side of the Earth and its tiny power output

319 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
  1. General Electric's wind project in New Mexico covering 1600 square miles pales in comparison to a nuclear station generating 4 times more carbon-free electricity on just 6.4 square miles
  2. The wind project in New Mexico is described as the largest in the Western Hemisphere but requires vast land use, questioning its efficiency compared to existing energy sources like nuclear power
  3. Examining the land efficiency of energy production reveals the impressive output of the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station in Arizona compared to GE's wind turbines, highlighting the importance of considering different energy sources

Germany Electric Car Sales Plummet 30% As Country Floats Idea Of Weekend Driving Ban!

279 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
  1. Germany electric car sales have dropped by 30%, affecting the country's goal of having more electric vehicles on the road by 2030.
  2. Consumers show hesitancy in purchasing electric cars due to factors like limited range, sparse charging infrastructure, and high upfront costs.
  3. Germany is considering a weekend driving ban to reduce CO2 emissions, which adds uncertainty and challenges to private mobility in the country.

A short note about my Substack work and subscriptions

279 implied HN points • 07 Apr 24
  1. The author has been an energy activist for 25 years and a poet, funding their activism through social security and publishing over 4,000 pieces on Substack in 2 years.
  2. The author's focus is on energy poverty, economic development, sound energy policy, and promoting energy thought leaders through timely and fact-based information.
  3. The author mentions various voices they have published on Substack and expresses a need for subscription help to continue their environmental advocacy.

Stephen Moore: The Biggest Corporate Welfare Scam of All Time

259 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
  1. Some green energy companies pay little to no taxes while receiving significant federal subsidies and benefits.
  2. Despite significant investments in green energy, fossil fuels and nuclear power still dominate the energy sector in America.
  3. The green energy industry is exempt from certain tax regulations, contributing to concerns about corporate welfare and misuse of taxpayer money.
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Doomsday Addiction: Celebrating 50 years of Failed Climate Predictions

219 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
  1. Doomsday predictions related to climate change have been prevalent for 50 years but have often failed to materialize.
  2. Historically, there have been warnings about overpopulation, famine, global cooling, rising sea levels, and catastrophic climate events, but many of these predictions did not come true.
  3. Figures ranging from scientists to politicians have made dire predictions about the future of the planet, but the track record shows a pattern of prolonged warnings that have yet to see fulfillment.

There is no human right to a safe or stable climate, By Judith Curry

219 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
  1. There is no human right to a safe or stable climate according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the European Convention on Human Rights.
  2. Efforts in Europe to establish a new human right to a safe climate have not received international support from the UN or been included in the Paris Agreement.
  3. Mortality statistics show a decrease in deaths related to extreme weather events due to factors such as wealth, better infrastructure, and advancements in technology, challenging the notion of human rights protection against climate change impacts.

EPA Awards Billions From Misnamed Inflation Reduction Act To Orgs Tied To Biden, Dems by Nick Pope

219 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
  1. The EPA awarded nearly $14 billion to organizations linked to the Biden administration and the Democratic Party under the Inflation Reduction Act, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and misuse of public funds.
  2. Among the recipients were Climate United, the Coalition for Green Capital, and Power Forward Communities, each receiving substantial amounts to support green technology and energy projects.
  3. These organizations have strong ties to the Democratic Party and political figures, raising questions about transparency, accountability, and the distribution of taxpayer funds.

The Green Road to Serfdom, by ANDREW STUTTAFORD

199 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
  1. The campaign to reach net zero by 2050 involves central planning, driven by a mix of apocalypticism, puritanism, and criticism of Western achievements.
  2. Efforts for net zero face challenges as voters may resist when costs start impacting them, leading to potential backlash against such policies.
  3. Transitioning to net zero by 2050 could harm economies, infringe on individual freedoms, and be a misuse of resources, potentially necessitating a change in approach to climate change solutions.

Replacing plastics with alternatives is worse for greenhouse gas emissions in most cases, study finds by University of Sheffield

199 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
  1. Research shows that replacing plastics with alternatives may not always be better for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Strategies like demand reduction, efficiency optimization, and reuse/recycling can be more effective.
  2. Plastic products have lower GHG emissions than their alternatives in most cases across various sectors like packaging, construction, and automotive. Factors like lower energy intensity and weight efficiency contribute to this.
  3. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is crucial for understanding the environmental impact of plastic products versus alternatives. Optimizing plastic use, extending product lifetimes, and improving recycling systems are key for reducing emissions linked to plastics.

The Spectator is Right, Climate Alarmist Messaging is Harming People

179 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
  1. Alarmist messaging about climate change can be harmful to people's mental health.
  2. There is no impending catastrophe due to climate change, and studies show alarmist messaging is counterproductive.
  3. Media's coverage of climate change can negatively impact mental health and it's important to balance narratives with factual data.

Climate Cooking: from Roger Pielke Jr. 4 mins ago Charles Rotter

179 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
  1. A narrative influenced by billionaires like Tom Steyer and Michael Bloomberg played a critical role in promoting the extreme climate scenario RCP8.5, shaping climate research and policy.
  2. The misuse of RCP8.5 in reports like "Risky Business" led to flawed economic projections and influenced scientific literature and media narratives, perpetuating exaggerated climate change threats.
  3. Roger Pielke Jr.'s article emphasizes the urgent need to maintain scientific integrity in climate science, highlighting the impact of political and financial interests on shaping narratives and calls for vigilance in upholding scientific standards.

New England’s Remaining Coal Plants To Be Replaced By Costly ‘Renewable Energy Park’ by Thomas Catenacci

179 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
  1. New England's final coal-fired power plants are closing, transitioning to renewable energy parks, impacting reliability and pricing.
  2. The shift from coal to renewable energy sources raises concerns about providing consistent electricity during high demand due to intermittency of renewables.
  3. Inadequate infrastructure to transport natural gas in New England poses a risk to natural-gas-fired plants' ability to perform, impacting energy security.

Trillions in taxpayer subsidies haven’t made wind and solar power cheaper or better for Americans By Bjorn Lomborg

179 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
  1. Wind and solar power's claim to be the cheapest is deceptive due to the need for expensive backup systems when the sun isn't shining or the wind isn't blowing.
  2. The cost of solar and wind energy significantly increases when reliability factors are taken into account, making them much more expensive than other sources of electricity.
  3. The true cost of solar and wind energy is often overlooked, including the expense of recycling spent wind turbine blades and exhausted solar panels, further challenging the idea that they are cheaper alternatives.

New 1.2-GW Natural Gas-Fired Plant Announced for Texas

279 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
  1. A Texas-based energy company plans to build a 1.2-GW natural gas-fired power plant in Lee County, Texas, starting construction in 2025.
  2. Siemens Energy will supply turbines for the new plant, with the capability to operate on hydrogen with minor modifications, aiding in decarbonization goals.
  3. Texas has faced power shortages leading to blackouts, prompting initiatives to increase electricity supply, including new gas-fueled power plants like the one planned in Lee County.

Ex-Advisor To French President Macron Warns Of Green Agenda Revolt, Dwarfing The Yellow Vests

179 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
  1. A former advisor to French President Macron warns that the country may face a major revolt if they continue with the green agenda, exceeding past protests like the Yellow Vests movement.
  2. The advisor criticizes the government for lacking strategic vision and states that France could experience severe financial crises or social unrest due to the green agenda's impact on working-class people.
  3. The growing dissatisfaction with the green agenda in France and Europe has led to populist movements gaining momentum, with public anger forcing policy changes and impacting upcoming elections.

UN Climate Official: Only Two Years Left To Save World; Wants Trillions For Green Schemes by Madeleine Hubbard

159 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
  1. According to a UN climate official, there are only two years left to tackle the environmental crisis, and this responsibility falls on every person on the planet.
  2. Saving the world from the crisis is crucial for achieving other global goals like ending poverty and hunger, making it a top priority.
  3. A significant increase in climate finance is necessary by directing trillions of dollars towards green alternatives rather than traditional energy infrastructure.

A Biologist Shares 2 Environmental Benefits Of Offshore ‘Mega-Windmills’

159 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
  1. Building bigger offshore wind turbines leads to more efficient energy production with less environmental impact.
  2. Larger turbines mean fewer need to be built, reducing construction costs and environmental disruption.
  3. Bigger wind turbines spaced at wider intervals have a smaller atmospheric impact on climate conditions.

The Current Administration Declares War on the U.S. Oil and Gas Industry, by Ed Ireland

159 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
  1. US oil production hit historic levels in 2023, but the current administration is aiming to curb the industry, potentially to gain favor with eco groups.
  2. New regulations are targeting the U.S. oil and gas industry, including increasing costs for leasing federal lands and raising royalties and minimum bids.
  3. Environmental advocates like Earthjustice and Sierra Club back the new rules, while the Independent Petroleum Association criticizes them, stating they could drive mineral production away.

Study: Replacements For Plastic Products Increase Greenhouse Gas Emissions In Nearly All Cases

159 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
  1. Replacements for plastic products often produce higher greenhouse gas emissions than plastic, sometimes by a significant margin.
  2. Plastic products release 10% to 90% fewer emissions across their lifecycle compared to alternatives in most applications.
  3. In some cases, like food packaging, there are no suitable alternatives to plastics, highlighting the importance of being cautious with policies that aim to reduce plastic use.

Net Zero? China Dominates Surge In New Coal Power, Setting Record Capacity Globally by Bloomberg News

159 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
  1. China started construction on 70 gigawatts of new coal plants last year, significantly more than the rest of the world combined.
  2. China's focus on expanding coal power reflects its emphasis on energy security after facing power shortages.
  3. Global coal-power capacity hit a record high, with the majority of the increase led by China, followed by Indonesia and India.

The Coming Electricity Crisis

179 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
  1. Artificial-intelligence data centers and climate rules are straining the power grid, leading to a potential crisis.
  2. Growing demands from new industries like EVs and chip manufacturing are adding stress to the electric grid.
  3. A shift towards renewables is impacting the reliability of power supply, prompting concerns about potential shortages and blackouts.

Left Goes Crazy – Says 2 Years Left to Save the Planet from Warming, By Jim Willis

159 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
  1. United Nations Climate Chief stated that there are only two years left for the world to take action against climate change.
  2. Governments, business leaders, and development banks need to strengthen plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the climate crisis.
  3. Reforms in climate finance, development banks, and global cooperation are crucial to combat climate change and its effects.

The Greening Earth vs Enemies of Climate Truth, by Jim Steele

159 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
  1. The Earth is experiencing global greening, leading to more photosynthesis and resilient ecosystems benefiting from rising CO2 levels.
  2. There is debate between the positive effects of greening on ecosystems versus claims of ecosystem collapse linked to rising CO2 levels, revealing conflicting narratives from climate communicators.
  3. Climate communicators like Rosh use selective data interpretation to push a doomsday narrative about climate change, despite evidence of ongoing greening and improved ecosystem health.

Net Zero and the threat to the rule of law By Andrew Montford

159 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
  1. The European Court of Human Rights ruling requires climate change policies to be implemented, regardless of costs and benefits
  2. Climate catastrophism is compared to a religion and discussed as irrational, operating on fear and potentially corrupting institutions like the legal system
  3. There are significant concerns about the threat the court ruling poses to democracy and the rule of law, indicating a need for awareness and action

I am available to research and report on several energy related sectors, regulations and/or government policies, national or international subjects, or separate companies upon request

159 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
  1. Stephen Heins is available to research and report on energy-related sectors, regulations, government policies, and more upon request.
  2. He has been an energy activist for 25 years, with a focus on energy poverty, economic development, and sound energy policy.
  3. He has published thousands of pieces on Substack, highlighting various energy thought leaders and emphasizing timeliness and facts.

The Latest On International Efforts To Save The Planet Through Climate Litigation April 09, 2024/ Francis Menton

159 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
  1. There are ongoing international efforts involving climate litigation to combat climate change, such as lawsuits seeking to phase out fossil fuel use and stabilize the climate system.
  2. Judicial decisions in climate litigation cases, like the Juliana case in the United States and cases in Europe, demonstrate the intersection of law, climate policy, and constitutional rights.
  3. Challenges persist in these climate litigation efforts, with courts making significant rulings like ordering government actions to combat climate change based on human rights conventions.

Congratulations, climate dumbasses

219 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
  1. Two individuals were charged with felony destruction of government property for a climate change stunt involving dumping red powder on the U.S. Constitution's encasement in the National Archives Rotunda.
  2. The Department of Justice stated that the stunt caused over $50,000 in damage, leading to one of the individuals being ordered to stay away from D.C. museums and public monuments.
  3. The author expressed strong disapproval, stating 'I hope they both rot in jail'.

Endings

159 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
  1. The post is about endings, as indicated by the title and the mention of endings in the content.
  2. The author is Steve Heins, and the post was made on April 8, 2024.
  3. There is a focus on sharing the post through various channels like Facebook, Email, and other platforms.

Walt Whitman

159 implied HN points • 07 Apr 24
  1. The post discusses Walt Whitman and his complexity as a person, mentioning that he contains multitudes.
  2. The post includes images that link to Stephen Heins' profile on Substack.
  3. The post seems to highlight the content of Stephen Heins' Substack which might delve deeper into Walt Whitman's life and work.

US Supreme Court decision on deference could impact oil, gas policies: experts Author Kate Winston

159 implied HN points • 07 Apr 24
  1. The US Supreme Court might limit agency discretion on regulations, affecting how climate and conservation considerations are made for oil and gas projects and leases.
  2. Agencies are already moving away from the Chevron deference, and there are other doctrines that may be more relevant in challenging certain agency regulations.
  3. The potential impact of the death of the Chevron doctrine is debated among experts, with some predicting challenges for industrial regulation and pollution control.

The strange bedfellows slowing a greener US grid

159 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
  1. The U.S. clean energy transition faces obstacles in building high-voltage transmission lines needed to carry power to cities and factories, hindering progress towards clean power goals.
  2. Barriers like federal permitting delays, disincentives for utilities to invest in transmission, and lobbying efforts by utility companies are impeding the construction of necessary transmission projects.
  3. Upcoming federal policy reforms may address these obstacles, aiming to streamline the transmission project process and advance climate policy goals during the Biden administration.

Dems, Media Push New Study Linking Climate Change To Inflation, But Economists Aren’t Buying It

159 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
  1. A new study suggests that climate change could lead to a 3% annual food inflation over the next decade.
  2. Economists argue that inflation is driven more by government interventions aimed at combating climate change than by climate change itself.
  3. The study highlights the potential impact of climate change policies such as increasing deficit spending on inflation.

Backlash Against Wind And Solar Projects Is Real, Global, And Growing by Robert Bryce

159 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
  1. Communities worldwide are rejecting big wind and solar projects due to concerns about landscape destruction and the impact on property values.
  2. The rejection of wind and solar projects is a significant challenge for corporate interests aiming to build large renewable energy projects, as it affects billions in tax credits.
  3. Local communities standing up against wind and solar projects are making an impact, with examples from various countries like the US, France, and Canada.

The California Energy Scam: Newsom’s actions of ‘leaking’ emissions to poorer developing countries

239 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
  1. California, despite having strong environmental regulations, faces challenges like high poverty rates, high taxes, and homelessness.
  2. Governor Newsom's emissions policies indirectly increase global emissions by shifting manufacturing to countries with minimal environmental regulations.
  3. Newsom's actions violate California's legal frameworks like the California Environmental Quality Act and the California Global Warming Solutions Act, impacting affordability over environmental impact.

Facebook Censorship due to a Science Feedback “Fact Check”

139 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
  1. Facebook's fact-checking process has been criticized for being biased and driven by ideology, leading to censorship of content like 'Climate: The Movie.'
  2. Fact checks should focus on verifying facts, not opinions, and the use of biased fact checks can lead to censoring legitimate content based on differing interpretations of data.
  3. The Science Feedback and Climate Feedback websites have been called out for being unreliable and misleading, with examples provided of incorrect fact checks and misinformation.

When are we going to stop treating the Green Industrial Complex like the Fourth Branch of Government?

139 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
  1. There are environmental concerns regarding rocket launches in San Diego County, impacting residents, wildlife, and fishing grounds.
  2. SpaceX and other companies are seeking to increase the number of rocket launches, prompting regulators to question the environmental effects.
  3. The California Coastal Commission has concerns about noise, ocean debris, air quality, and the cumulative impact of rocket launches, leading to a postponement of decisions.

Blackout Costs $12,212 Per Megawatt Hour for Colorado Business The costs of blackouts are real, and they are not spectacular

139 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
  1. Blackouts can cost businesses a significant amount of money - In Colorado, the cost reached $12,212 per megawatt-hour.
  2. The high costs of unreliable electricity are a significant concern - From spoiled food to lost revenue, the impacts can be severe for businesses.
  3. Reliance on weather-dependent energy sources like wind and solar can lead to more blackouts and financial losses - Policies favoring these sources could impact grid reliability and business operations.

The Seattle Times Says Washington State is in a Serious Drought. Is this True?

159 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
  1. The claims made by The Seattle Times about Washington State being in a serious drought are factually wrong. Agriculture in the state, including crops like apples, milk, and potatoes, has actually been thriving.
  2. The cherry crop in Washington State was not affected by a drought as claimed. The issue was caused by a bumper crop in California, leading to lower prices.
  3. Despite concerns of a drought, the precipitation levels in cities like Seattle, Portland, and Yakima have been near normal. River levels are mostly steady, indicating that the region is not in a severe drought.