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

It’s Time to Discuss Mount Rushmore of Energy’s Enemies and Their Conflicts of Interest Podcast

59 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
  1. The podcast 'Mount Rushmore of Energy’s Enemies and Their Conflicts of Interest' features discussions about notable figures like Michael Mann, Karl Schwab, Al Gore, and Bill McGibbens.
  2. Stephen Heins played a significant role in raising concerns about the AOL Time Warner merger, advocating for open access to Time Warner's cable lines, which eventually led to impactful changes in the merger.
  3. Heins's involvement in lobbying highlighted important issues in the AOL Time Warner merger, showcasing how individual efforts can influence major decisions in the business world.

Germany: “Renewable Energy Sector Facing The Abyss”…”On The Brink” …Economy Breaking Up

79 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
  1. Germany's move into renewable energies has shifted from a boom to a crisis, with drastic deterioration in the sector's outlook and difficulties in accessing affordable raw materials.
  2. The renewable energy sector in Germany is facing significant challenges, with a 32% decline in the S&P Global Clean Energy Index over the past year while global stock markets have risen by 11%.
  3. The German economy is experiencing job cuts and reduced work hours, attributed to economic uncertainty fueled by rising inflation and construction crises, worsened by government energy policies.

The Green Energy Wall Gradually Coming Into Focus

99 implied HN points • 25 Nov 23
  1. There is growing awareness among voters regarding the feasibility and costs of green energy projects.
  2. Investors are losing interest in sustainable funds, indicating a fading trend of green investments.
  3. Renewable energy projects face challenges in delivering affordable power to the grid, highlighting the limitations of government subsidies.

Canada must ‘leverage the hell out of’ Biden’s LNG freeze: CAPP CEO

59 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
  1. Canada's natural gas market is integrated with the U.S. but lacks export infrastructure, presenting an opportunity.
  2. Biden's freeze on LNG licenses is seen as a chance for Canada to leverage their stringent regulations and environmental progress.
  3. Investment in clean technology and innovation, rather than heavy regulation, is crucial for Canada's energy transition and attracting investors.

DAVID BLACKMON: Globalist Elites Are Getting Battered In Their War On Fossil Fuels

59 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
  1. Globalist elites are facing challenges in their efforts to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources due to various factors like unsustainable debt and industry struggles.
  2. The wind industry is experiencing difficulties with project cancellations, high renegotiated rates, and counties banning wind and solar developments.
  3. The electric vehicle industry is also facing challenges with negative public opinion, concerns about performance, and companies like Ford cutting production due to flattening demand.
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With States Leading on Climate Policy, New Tools Peer Into Lobbying ‘Black Box’

39 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24
  1. States are taking the lead in climate policy, and new tools are being created to reveal 'black box' lobbying efforts at the state level.
  2. Brown University researchers developed HowDoTheyLobby.org to provide a searchable database highlighting lobbying influence in 17 states, shedding light on who is pushing legislation.
  3. Transparency in state lobbying is crucial as it impacts national issues; groups like ALEC can influence national policy by passing laws in multiple states based on successful tests.

The Great Basin (Including Its Only National Park) Is Going To Get Better EV Charging

39 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24
  1. The value of public lands in American culture has evolved over time, transitioning from utilitarian to protective and appreciative.
  2. The Great Basin region was historically undervalued and subjected to various types of exploitation, but is now gaining appreciation for its natural beauty and darkness.
  3. Improvements in EV charging infrastructure, particularly in the Great Basin area, are making it easier for electric vehicles to explore the region's attractions, including the only Supercharger in the area.

A Sound I Can’t Hear

99 implied HN points • 25 Nov 23
  1. The poem describes the powerful, unseen forces of nature that affect the environment.
  2. It portrays the changing seasons in the mountains through vivid imagery and sounds.
  3. The aspens in the poem symbolize the early signs of autumn and how they are attuned to the natural world's signals.

Plan to relocate Line 5 oil tunnel ‘unusual and especially risky.’ Here’s why. | Opinion Ashley Rudzinski

59 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
  1. Relocating Line 5 oil tunnel is considered highly risky due to potential explosion scenarios, including methane entering the tunnel and risks of crude oil leakage.
  2. The design of the tunnel could create abnormal loading on the pipeline seams, increasing the likelihood of pipeline rupture, as highlighted by pipeline safety expert Richard Kuprewicz.
  3. The regulatory oversight for the Line 5 tunnel project is fragmented, with no single agency held accountable for the project's full impact, raising concerns about the overall safety and approval process.

German Government Threatens to Block EU Truck CO2 Law

59 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
  1. The German government, led by the FDP, is considering blocking the EU Truck CO2 Law for the third time, creating uncertainty over new climate targets for trucks.
  2. Truck and bus emissions have a significant impact on Europe's road transport emissions despite forming a small percentage of vehicles, highlighting the urgency for emissions reductions in this sector.
  3. The truck industry is moving towards cutting emissions by specific percentages over the years and resisting loopholes for e-fuels and biofuels like palm oil due to concerns over regulatory uncertainty and sustainability.

EU Cracks Down on Environmental Claims, Although it will take time for Member States to transpose the Directive, some may act early by revising their marketing guidance.

59 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
  1. The European Parliament approved a Directive to improve environmental marketing practices and ban misleading environmental claims.
  2. Businesses making environmental claims must provide clear, relevant, and reliable information about a product's environmental and social aspects.
  3. The Directive prohibits various green marketing activities and imposes transparency requirements to enhance consumer protection.

These companies are trying to bring more trust to carbon credits The market’s reputation has suffered. But these companies think technology could be one answer.

59 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
  1. Several companies are working to increase trust in carbon credits in response to the tarnished reputation of the market.
  2. Greenwashing remains a concern in the carbon offset credits industry, with calls for strict accounting and verification of emission reductions.
  3. Companies like Sylvera, BeZero Carbon, and Calyx Global act as ratings agencies for carbon-reduction programs, assessing integrity and efficacy to restore market confidence.

Climate Sanity Spokespeople

79 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
  1. There's a diverse group of individuals including economists, scientists, lawyers, and more advocating for global energy fairness and practical environmentalism.
  2. Prominent names like Robert Bryce, Michael Shellenberger, and Judith Curry are part of those pushing for good economics and adequate health care.
  3. The list of Climate Sanity Spokespeople features a wide range of professionals dedicated to ensuring electricity abundance for all.

The Mountain Rushmore of Climate Crisis: Al Gore, John Kerry, Michael Mann, and James Hansen. Predictions are their game, although their batting averages are embarrassingly low.

79 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
  1. Al Gore, John Kerry, Michael Mann, and James Hansen are referred to as The Mountain Rushmore of Climate Crisis.
  2. These figures are known for making predictions about climate change, though their accuracy has been questioned.
  3. Organizations like WHO, WTO, UN, and others are suggested to have their last global credibility moment on climate issues.

Guest Post by Robert Bradley of Master Resource.

79 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
  1. HarvardGate and ClimateGate show a pattern of whitewashing scandals by influential organizations to protect their reputation over addressing core issues.
  2. The ClimateGate emails reveal a glimpse of manipulating data, withholding information, and suppressing dissenting voices in the science community for a particular agenda.
  3. The root issues highlighted in the scandals go beyond individual mistakes - they touch upon climate exaggeration and diversity, equity, and inclusion concerns in academic spheres.

Will Net Zero be a Casualty of Green-on-Green Attacks?

59 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
  1. Cracks are emerging in the Net Zero project due to internal attacks among groups guarding the agenda, leading to confusion and challenges in decision-making.
  2. Emphasis on analytical skills for the new Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee highlights the importance of accurate data analysis for effective policy recommendations.
  3. Disagreements and controversies within green energy advocacy groups, like the Labour Party and the Green Party, reveal internal conflicts that may impact the progress of achieving Net Zero targets.

Citigroup Reports Huge Share Of Its Clients Are Not Ready To Reach Key Climate Targets

39 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
  1. Citigroup reports that over 40% of its energy clients are not prepared for the 'net-zero' emissions transition, highlighting a significant gap in climate readiness.
  2. Only 8% of Citigroup's energy sector clients have comprehensive emissions reduction plans and the capability to implement them, indicating a lack of clear strategies.
  3. Financial institutions, including Citigroup, are facing challenges in complying with green regulatory requirements and may need to drop clients, potentially impacting industries dependent on fossil fuels.

ENB #187 How can energy companies survive the new methane regulations?

59 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
  1. The use of advanced technology like Satelytics' geospatial analytics software can help detect issues like hydrocarbon leaks, saltwater leaks, methane leaks, and more, providing timely alerts to industrial customers.
  2. Satellites today can revisit almost anywhere daily, with plans in the future to have satellites revisiting anywhere in the world multiple times an hour, allowing for quick detection and response to issues like methane leaks.
  3. Satelytics is working on expanding its technology to monitor new areas like hydrogen leaks, PFAS tracking, and other chemical constituents, aiming to help industries achieve net zero goals and improve operational efficiency.

Climate Cultists at The Guardian: This Time, It’s Evil Propane

59 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
  1. The article discusses how The Guardian is critiquing the Propane Education and Research Council for marketing propane as 'clean energy,' highlighting the concept of 'greenwashing.'
  2. Propane, a form of fossil fuel, plays a significant role in providing energy for various household needs, especially in developing countries, helping reduce dependence on more polluting fuels like wood and charcoal.
  3. The post challenges the narrative of absolute consensus in climate science and criticizes the demonization of fossil fuels, emphasizing their crucial role in human development and survival.

James Hansen: 2023 Exposed Government Climate Action is Futile

79 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
  1. Humanity's failure to effectively tackle climate change was exposed in 2023, with governments unable to halt global warming.
  2. Young people may need to take charge of the future in the face of political inaction on climate crisis.
  3. Investing in flood and water management projects could be more beneficial than relying on ineffective climate actions like solar panels and wind turbines.

Murphy’s Law: New Jersey Joins Other Blue States In Banning Gas-Powered Cars

99 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
  1. New Jersey will ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035 to combat climate change, with incremental milestones along the way.
  2. Other blue states like California, Vermont, New York, and more have also adopted bans on new gas-powered car sales by 2035.
  3. The ban in New Jersey won't restrict ownership or use of gas-powered vehicles, but it will gradually restrict the number of new gas-powered cars sold in the state.

Dictatorial Control, from COVID to Climate

79 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
  1. The article discusses how some politicians and media outlets accused Trump of dictatorial behavior, while engaging in similar actions themselves, such as battling against opposing views and imposing strict COVID prevention measures.
  2. There are concerns raised about potential dictatorial control in the US government's approach to climate change, including mandates on electric vehicles, leading to potential energy shortages and economic challenges.
  3. The push towards renewable energy sources like wind and solar power is criticized for its potential negative impacts on wildlife habitats, local communities, and the economy, with calls for a rollback on current government decrees.

2023 US wildfire season sees total acreage burned under 3 million, far below 10-year avg. & lowest since 1998

79 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
  1. The 2023 US wildfire season experienced a total acreage burned of under 3 million, far below the 10-year average and the lowest since 1998
  2. Contributing factors to the decrease in wildfires included a mild year in California, with significantly fewer acres burned compared to the 5-year average
  3. Weather conditions in 2023, such as high precipitation levels and cooler temperatures, played a crucial role in limiting wildfire activity in California

JC’s ethics complaint against Michael Mann

59 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
  1. Judith Curry lodged an ethics complaint against Michael Mann regarding defamatory statements he made, severely affecting her academic career
  2. Mann's behavior towards other scientists violates university and professional society conduct codes, yet he remains unpunished and even praised for his actions
  3. The trial discussed in the post resulted in Mann being found guilty, proving Curry's concerns about his defamation

Policy Experts Say the UN Climate Talks Need Reform, but Change Would be Difficult in the Current Political Landscape

59 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
  1. Researchers suggest reforming UN Climate Talks by limiting conference size, reducing conflicts of interest, and introducing enforceable agreements with a voting system.
  2. Calls have been made to hold countries accountable at climate conferences, possibly with economic penalties for non-compliance with promises.
  3. Discussions include reevaluating the grand scale of COP meetings and the need for more focused, smaller talks for effective implementation of climate agreements.

EU Pushes Back Deadline for ESG Reporting to 2026 By Irina Slav - Feb 08, 2024, 3:02 AM CST

59 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
  1. The EU has extended the deadline for ESG reporting to 2026 to give companies more time to prepare and reduce the administrative burden on them.
  2. The purpose of the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive is to allow stakeholders to evaluate the sustainability of businesses in terms of social and environmental issues.
  3. The European Union is also working on regulating ESG ratings providers to ensure that ratings accurately reflect the performance of companies in ESG aspects.

Media Outlet Falsely Claims Climate Change Is Worsening Kansas and Missouri Weather

79 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
  1. A media outlet falsely claimed that climate change is worsening weather in Kansas and Missouri, but there is no supporting data for this claim.
  2. The historical evidence shows that droughts and floods in Kansas and Missouri are not currently worse than they have been historically, despite recent extreme weather events.
  3. Residents of Kansas and Missouri are right to be unconcerned about climate change impacting their weather since there are no worsening trends in extreme weather events in these states.

DECARBONIZING, BUT SLOWLY — 40% of US electricity is now emissions-free

79 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
  1. About 40% of US electricity is now emissions-free, showing positive shifts in energy sources like natural gas, coal, and solar.
  2. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are increasing, with a possibility to surpass coal production soon. Efforts focus on displacing existing facilities, especially coal.
  3. The growth of natural gas in electricity generation is significant for now due to low emissions, but it needs to decrease for the US to meet climate goals. Overall, the US is making progress towards a cleaner energy grid, although the pace is currently too slow for a net-zero grid by 2030.

Permian Methane Emissions Dropped 85 Percent in Last Decade: Study

79 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
  1. Methane emission intensity in the Permian Basin decreased by almost 85 percent between 2011 and 2022, despite a significant increase in oil and gas production.
  2. Flaring intensity in the Permian Basin decreased by 4.5 percent from 2021 to 2022 and by nearly 66 percent since the record flaring in 2019.
  3. USA stands out in reducing emissions globally with an almost 54% decrease in flared volumes from 2019 to 2022, demonstrating proactive methane emission reduction efforts.

Climate Mayors Urge Biden Administration to Finalize the Strongest Possible Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles to Reduce Pollution & Improve Air Quality for Cities

59 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
  1. Climate Mayors are urging the Biden Administration to set strong standards for heavy-duty vehicles to reduce pollution and improve air quality in cities.
  2. Transitioning to electric vehicles like trucks and buses can cut emissions, enhance air quality, and decrease fuel and maintenance costs.
  3. The support of federal regulations and incentives is crucial in accelerating the adoption of heavy-duty electric vehicles for a cleaner, healthier future.

COAL PLANTS STAYING ONLINE BECAUSE AI NEEDS SO MUCH POWER

59 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
  1. The booming AI industry is significantly increasing energy demands, straining the electricity grid and leading to old coal plants staying online.
  2. AI data centers are more energy-intensive due to specialized processing units, putting pressure on energy companies to meet the technology's needs.
  3. The energy demand of the AI industry is expected to triple by the end of the decade, highlighting the challenges of integrating renewables and expanding the energy grid.

EU Farmer Blockades Represent a Serious Setback for EU’s Climate Agenda DAVID THUNDER

59 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
  1. Farmers across Europe are protesting against environmental targets, bureaucracy, and regulations that they argue harm their competitiveness in the global market.
  2. The European Commission has made short-term concessions to farmers to quell protests, but their long-term environmental goals are in conflict with the demands of the farming community.
  3. The EU-wide farmer protests have successfully brought attention to the impact of environmental regulations on farming and set a precedent for future protests in response to climate policy decisions.

Biden Climate Crusade Targets Four More Major Appliances

79 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
  1. The Biden administration is targeting major appliances for stricter regulations as part of a climate change agenda, impacting appliances like gas stoves, dishwashers, air conditioners, washing machines, and furnaces.
  2. Consumers may experience longer cleaning times and poorer performance due to energy and water use limits on appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. The regulations aim to benefit the environment but might inconvenience users.
  3. The new regulations on appliances like air conditioners and furnaces are increasing costs for homeowners and introducing potential safety risks, posing challenges especially for low-income households with older homes.

Congress, Courts Enable Energy Fantasies And Climate Tyranny, by Paul Driessen

59 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
  1. The left side of the political spectrum is pushing for significant changes in various aspects of American society through bureaucratic power, legal actions, and court decisions.
  2. The growth of the federal workforce and regulations has shifted power from Congress and the Judiciary to the Executive Branch, resulting in vague laws and increased agency influence.
  3. The Supreme Court's Chevron deference doctrine allows federal agencies to expand their control, but recent cases might lead to a change in this deference, potentially reducing agency power imbalance and encouraging clear laws.

Thanks, Associated Press, For Reporting on E.U. Farmers’ Victory over Harmful Climate Regulations

59 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
  1. Farmers' protests in Europe are influencing the European Union to abandon environmental proposals that would harm agricultural productivity, leading to positive outcomes for food production in Europe.
  2. Pesticides play a crucial role in improving crop yields by protecting produce from insects, helping European farmers stay competitive with cheaper imports from less regulated countries.
  3. Backtracking on extreme 'green' demands by the European Commission shows that public protest and disruption are influencing policymakers and steering them towards prioritizing food production over stringent climate policies.

World squanders over 1 billion meals a day - UN report

39 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
  1. UN report reveals over 1 billion meals are wasted daily, leading to hunger issues and economic/environmental concerns
  2. Food waste is a global issue, with 60% occurring at the household level, impacting climate change, nature loss, and pollution
  3. Strategic partnerships and public-private collaborations are essential to reduce food waste and tackle associated challenges while driving global progress

How Electric Vehicles Are Losing Momentum with U.S. Buyers, in Charts

79 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
  1. Electric vehicle sales in the U.S. have shown rapid growth but have recently stagnated, leading to concerns in the industry.
  2. Challenges in electric vehicle adoption in the U.S. include high prices, uneven demand across states, and longer sales times than traditional vehicles.
  3. Other large car markets like China and Europe have seen higher percentages of electric vehicle sales, with analysts attributing this to earlier and more aggressive promotion of EVs.

Arizona utility regulators vote to kill renewable standards

59 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
  1. Arizona utility regulators voted to repeal the state's energy efficiency and renewable standards, going against the trend of expanding such standards in most states.
  2. The decision raised concerns among solar industry advocates, as Arizona is the only state known to completely scrap renewable portfolio standards, potentially discouraging industry growth and job creation.
  3. Commissioners debated the costs and benefits of the mandates, with some pointing to the substantial investments made by ratepayers and others highlighting the significant returns and benefits delivered by renewable energy standards over the years.

Canada’s New Democratic Party’s Loathsome Pitch To Criminalize Climate Dissent

59 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
  1. Canada's New Democratic Party is proposing a bill to criminalize promoting fossil fuels, which could lead to jail time and hefty fines.
  2. The bill aims to prevent the public from being misled about the hazards of fossil fuels, but it raises concerns about stifling free speech and legitimate economic discussions.
  3. The proposal has sparked debate over the balance between environmental advocacy and individual rights, highlighting the challenges in regulating climate dissent.

No, Los Angeles Times, Climate Change Is Not ‘Supercharging’ the Latest Winter Storm

59 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
  1. Short-term weather patterns should not be conflated with long-term climate change, which requires analysis over at least 30 years.
  2. Natural climate patterns like El NiĂąo and La NiĂąa have been occurring for millions of years and are not solely driven by recent human-caused climate change.
  3. The latest IPCC report does not provide evidence to support the claim that climate change is currently affecting heavy precipitation or marine heat waves.