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

Developers Seek Big Changes to the Mountain Valley Pipelineā€™s Southgate Extension, Amid Sustained Opposition

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 19 Jan 24
  1. Developers of Mountain Valley Pipeline Southgate are planning significant changes to the project to bring fracked gas from Virginia to North Carolina, including halving the length to 31 miles, increasing its physical size, and boosting gas capacity.
  2. Opponents argue that the proposed changes are so different from the original plan that the initial certification should no longer apply, leading to sustained opposition from groups like 7 Directions of Service in North Carolina.
  3. Local political contexts have shifted, with some institutions becoming more supportive of fossil fuel interests, despite continued efforts by grassroots advocates to prevent the pipeline's construction and phase out fossil fuels.

New Mapping Adds 1,000,000 Sq Km to US

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 19 Jan 24
  1. A new mapping effort has added 1,000,000 square kilometers to US territory through undersea mapping, enabling claims to geological and biological resources in areas like the Arctic.
  2. The extended continental shelf (ECS) mapping has potential significances for identifying geological resources and seafloor ecosystems, including possible methane hydrates.
  3. The mapping project, costing tens of millions of dollars, has provided valuable data for scientific research, infrastructure, and decision-making related to the seafloor.

Big Claims About Tiny Numbers Willis Eschenbach

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 19 Jan 24
  1. The paper discussed in the post makes fascinating claims based on precise measurements of ocean temperatures and heat content, highlighting the challenges of determining genders and the limited number of authors in scientific research.
  2. The post raises important questions about the accuracy of measurements and uncertainties in scientific data, showcasing how minor variations in temperatures are presented with extreme precision.
  3. Using the example of Argo floats, the post debunks the idea that limited measurements can accurately represent global temperatures, highlighting the challenges of generalizing data from a small sample size.

POLAR VORTEX Severe Cold from Global Warming? NOPE (Doug Lewin in error)

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 19 Jan 24
  1. Severe cold snaps like the Polar Vortex are not directly caused by global warming, despite some claims linking the two.
  2. Research shows that there is no clear trend in mid-latitude cold extremes despite Arctic warming, highlighting the need for a better understanding of the relationship between the two.
  3. There are concerns about the influence of climate alarmists in pushing for policies that can impact the energy sector, such as the push towards deep decarbonization and Net Zero goals.

A Looming US ā€œCarbon Bombā€In Dubai last month, the worldā€™s governments reached a landmark agreement to ā€œtransition away from fossil fuels.ā€

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 18 Jan 24
  1. World governments reached an agreement to move away from fossil fuels, but the US faces a significant decision on LNG export terminals expansion
  2. Approval of more US gas export terminals could lead to massive greenhouse gas emissions exceeding EU's annual total emissions
  3. Exporting LNG may raise gas prices for US consumers and go against the urgent need to reduce fossil fuel emissions
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Under Biden, The SEC Cranks Up The Climate Alarmist Heat

59 implied HN points ā€¢ 11 Nov 23
  1. The SEC under Biden proposed new rules for public companies to disclose greenhouse-gas emissions and climate risks, a significant shift in regulatory approach.
  2. Commissioner Hester Peirce opposed the proposal, arguing against the need for it, concerns over compliance costs, and inconsistency in data reporting.
  3. There are doubts about the SEC's legal authority to enforce the new climate disclosure requirements and concerns about the costs related to compliance.

BLM proposes to open 22 million acres in Western states to solar development The plan would direct development away from sensitive resources, BLM says, but some environmental advocates disagree.

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 18 Jan 24
  1. The US Bureau of Land Management is proposing to open 22 million acres in Western states for solar development to meet national renewable energy goals.
  2. The proposal includes maps refining areas for solar development in 11 Western states and offers alternative roadmaps with different levels of protection for critical habitats and resources.
  3. Some environmental advocates are concerned about opening pristine lands to solar development, suggesting a focus on reducing energy use and utilizing previously disturbed land for solar projects.

Life among the zombies IRINA SLAV

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 18 Jan 24
  1. Be careful what you wish for, as you might just get it - like in the energy world's 'zombie apocalypse' with relentless push against climate misinformation.
  2. Transition fatigue is growing as more people question the narrative, especially in cases like EV battery issues in extreme cold, raising doubts about the supposed 'green solutions.'
  3. Despite the challenges and pushback, there's hope in stronger mental immunity against the zombie narrative and the ongoing efforts to discredit dissenting voices and realistic views.

Is the World Overbuilding LNG Capacity? ByIrina Slav- Jan 17, 2024, 6:00 PM CST

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 18 Jan 24
  1. The demand for LNG is projected to flatline and decline soon, which could lead to overbuilding of LNG capacity globally.
  2. Concerns are rising about a potential glut in LNG capacity, with reports indicating that natural gas consumption is decreasing in regions like Europe.
  3. Despite worries about peak gas demand in the near future, current strong demand, particularly from countries like China, is driving the continued development of new LNG capacity.

Electric cars suffer ā€˜unsustainableā€™ depreciation in secondhand market Used EV prices drop 23pc in one year, according to Auto Trader

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 18 Jan 24
  1. Electric cars experience rapid depreciation in the secondhand market, with used EV prices dropping by 23% in just one year.
  2. The depreciation rate of electric cars outpaces that of petrol cars, with the value of used electric cars dropping dramatically in the past year.
  3. Manufacturers are offering record discounts on new electric vehicles to stimulate demand, which may further impact the value of used electric cars in the future.

How A Little-Known Group Funded By Dark Money Is Shaping Federal Policy

59 implied HN points ā€¢ 10 Nov 23
  1. Ceres, funded by dark money, has established itself as a powerful federal policymaking player by engaging financial institutions, companies, and policymakers in their left-wing climate agenda.
  2. The group heavily influences American energy policy by pushing for expensive green energy solutions that benefit Chinese companies and drive up electricity costs.
  3. Ceres has raised millions of dollars from left-wing grant-making foundations, operates through various influential networks like the Investor Network and Company Network, and actively collaborates with Democrats in Congress.

The future of forest carbon credits and voluntary markets

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 18 Jan 24
  1. Observers predict 2023 will be critical for voluntary carbon markets, shaping their role in addressing climate change and deforestation.
  2. Concerns persist around carbon accounting and neutrality claims, prompting efforts to enhance consistency and integrity in the voluntary carbon market.
  3. The future of forest-based carbon credits remains uncertain, with debates on the effectiveness of carbon trading, need for decarbonization, and the importance of protecting tropical forests.

On YouTube, climate denialism takes a turn A study of more than 12K videos found that efforts to discredit the climate movement have moved on from whether climate change is real to focus on skeptical

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 18 Jan 24
  1. Climate denialism on YouTube has shifted focus from denying climate change to questioning solutions, activists, and scientists.
  2. Efforts to discredit the climate movement are now targeting the seriousness of climate change and the effectiveness of proposed solutions.
  3. There is a growing trend in climate misinformation to shift focus from denying climate change to undermining solutions and attacking climate science itself.

Energy industry hits back at science panel critical of EPA fracking report ByKyle Feldscher

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 18 Jan 24
  1. The oil industry disputes the EPA's fracking report, stating that the science advisory board's findings are biased towards ideology rather than science.
  2. The EPA's report on fracking's impact on drinking water is criticized by scientists who believe it should focus more on localized incidents in specific areas like Pennsylvania, Wyoming, and Texas.
  3. Industry groups like Energy in Depth and the American Petroleum Institute argue that there is no evidence of widespread drinking water contamination due to fracking and that the EPA's study is based on perception rather than data.

Coming soon: more oil, gas and coal

59 implied HN points ā€¢ 09 Nov 23
  1. A United Nations-backed report warns that coal, oil, and gas production is expected to dramatically increase in the coming years, potentially overshooting the emissions limit for limiting global warming.
  2. Several major countries, including the US, Brazil, India, and Canada, are planning to significantly increase their production of fossil fuels, despite climate pledges and renewable energy goals.
  3. Global leaders face challenges in phasing out fossil fuels, with only a few countries like the UK, Germany, Norway, and China planning to reduce their total output by 2030. Transitioning away from fossil fuels requires credible commitments and global cooperation.

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT Supreme Court set for pivotal cases that could claw back federal administrative power

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 17 Jan 24
  1. The Supreme Court is set to hear cases that could reduce the power of federal agencies, potentially endangering consumer and environmental protections.
  2. The debate revolves around whether courts should defer to federal agency interpretations, raising concerns about the impact on regulations combating pollution and climate change.
  3. The outcome of these cases may affect the balance of power between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, potentially impacting the scope and extent of federal regulations.

E-Bus Loses Power Going Up Hill, Rolls Backward, Crashes Into Row Of Cars

59 implied HN points ā€¢ 09 Nov 23
  1. An electric bus lost power while going up a hill, rolled back, and crashed into a line of cars in San Francisco.
  2. The crash resulted in one person being hospitalized and multiple damaged vehicles.
  3. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with neither the SFPD nor Google providing an explanation for the collision.

The White Houseā€™s Infrastructure Goals Risk Disruption ā€“ By the White House By Michael Ireland & Michael Johnson , Michael Philipps

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 17 Jan 24
  1. A newly proposed EPA standard might hinder the availability of building materials needed for the Biden Administration's infrastructure goals.
  2. Complying with the lower EPA standard could lead to reduced production, potential layoffs, and delays in construction projects.
  3. Investment in U.S. building material production is crucial to meet the demands of the $550 billion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

COLD WAVEINTERMITTENT WIND AND SOLAR The Cold Truth About Renewable Energy in the Pacific Northwest

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 16 Jan 24
  1. Cold weather leads to a surge in energy demand and reduction in renewable energy output, especially wind, causing concerns about energy supply.
  2. Renewable energy sources like wind can become unreliable during peak demand periods, such as cold waves, highlighting the need for more reliable energy sources like hydro and nuclear power.
  3. Efforts to reduce reliable energy sources like hydro and natural gas, and overreliance on renewables, can lead to energy supply issues, especially as the population grows and electric vehicle usage increases.

ā€˜Contorting The Approval Processā€™: Biden Waived Taxpayer Safeguards To Get Wind Farm Built

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 16 Jan 24
  1. Biden's administration waived taxpayer safeguards to make a Massachusetts wind project financially viable, sparking criticisms of bending rules for clean energy projects.
  2. Federal officials granted a waiver on development fees to the 800-megawatt Vineyard Wind project, making it the first utility-scale offshore wind project to deliver electricity to the grid.
  3. Concerns arise over the impacts and financial risks associated with offshore wind projects, especially regarding decommissioning funds and potential consequences for communities and industries.

YouTube making money off new breed of climate denial, monitoring group says

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 16 Jan 24
  1. YouTube is profiting from channels spreading false information about climate change, despite policies against misinformation.
  2. A monitoring group found that climate denial content on YouTube has shifted focus to attacking climate solutions and casting doubt on climate science.
  3. The Center for Countering Digital Hate urges YouTube to update its policies on climate denial content to combat the spread of false information about global warming.

Is the Texas Grid Ready for This Yearā€™s Polar Vortex? By Leonard Hyman & William Tilles - Jan 15, 2024, 9:00 AM CST

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 16 Jan 24
  1. Texas, the Midwest, and the Deep South are expecting extreme cold, starting in the third week of January.
  2. Grid manager ERCOT foresees a high peak electrical demand close to their total capacity, raising concerns about power plant maintenance and reliability.
  3. ERCOT has not implemented demand-side management policies, missing an opportunity to shape system demand and potentially improve grid resilience.

Davos Devotees Deindustrialize Europe In the name of green utopia, political leaders are quietly killing vital energy-intensive industries.

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 15 Jan 24
  1. Political leaders in Europe are driving deindustrialization in the name of a green utopia, impacting vital energy-intensive industries.
  2. The pressure to reach a green vision is causing the destruction of industries that have long been the backbone of Europe's economy.
  3. The shift away from energy-intensive manufacturing is leading to job losses, economic consequences, and a loss of self-sufficiency, pushing production to other parts of the world with weaker regulations and standards.

Energy Lease Hypocrisy: Biden Uses Taxpayer Protections to Prop Up Wind, Gut Oil

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 15 Jan 24
  1. The Biden administration waived financial assurance for decommissioning on an offshore wind project, raising questions about preferential treatment and financial risks.
  2. The offshore wind industry is facing financial challenges with companies pulling out of contracts and facing stock value decreases, questioning the reliability of the sector.
  3. Proposed changes in bonding requirements by BOEM could disproportionately impact small oil and gas developers, potentially benefiting larger companies and raising concerns about industry manipulation.

States with big climate goals strip local power to block green projects More than a dozen states have given themselves the power to override local zoning restrictions that block large-scale renewable

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 15 Jan 24
  1. More than a dozen states are taking power to override local zoning rules that block large-scale green energy projects.
  2. Conflict arises as states seek to have authority over siting large renewable energy projects, leading to a clash with local governance principles.
  3. Opposition to green energy projects often stems from fear of change, misinformation, and desire to preserve views, creating challenges for developers.

Doug Sheridan observesā€¦

59 implied HN points ā€¢ 06 Nov 23
  1. Renewable energy projects like wind farms can be prone to cost overruns, making them economically challenging even with tax credits.
  2. Politicians, like the New Jersey Governor, may face consequences when green-energy projects fail and lead to wasted resources.
  3. The failure of projects like Ƙrsted's could prompt other states to review their own green initiatives and potentially avoid similar pitfalls.

Why renewable energy could help oil-rich Texas weather the winter

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 14 Jan 24
  1. Texas's electric grid is being upgraded with renewable energy sources like windmills, solar panels, and batteries to better handle winter storms and reduce blackouts.
  2. The state has significantly increased its battery storage capacity, constructed more solar and wind power facilities, and expanded demand response capabilities.
  3. Concerns remain about the growing demand for electricity in Texas, the maintenance of fuel supply for power plants, and the need to improve energy efficiency in buildings.

The German farmers are greatly angry and there are a lot of them: An early report from the gathering great farmers' rally in Berlin

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 14 Jan 24
  1. German farmers are angry and protesting in Berlin, with a huge rally expected.
  2. The protest has evolved beyond agricultural issues to broader anti-tax sentiments and dissatisfaction with the government.
  3. Despite the heavy police presence, the atmosphere at the rally is not threatening, with officers showing sympathy towards demonstrators.

The Tyranny of the Urban Majority Being urban doesn't make a state dysfunctional but all of our dysfunctional states are urban. Washington State is among them and city voters are making bad decisions

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 14 Jan 24
  1. Being urban does not necessarily cause dysfunction in a state, but many dysfunctional states are urban.
  2. Large urban areas globally seem to struggle with self-governing effectively.
  3. Proposed bans on gas-powered outdoor equipment in states like Washington raise concerns about practicality, cost, and impact on minority-owned businesses.

Climate Expert Refutes Alarmist Disinformation, with Ron Stein

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 14 Jan 24
  1. Climate expert Ron Stein emphasizes the vital role of oil in enabling modern life, highlighting the challenges of transitioning away from fossil fuels without a solid backup plan.
  2. Issues of national security and reliance on foreign oil are brought to light, particularly in states like California, posing risks in times of political tensions or emergencies.
  3. The complexity of global energy systems is underscored, with a focus on the environmental and ethical implications of clean energy production that heavily relies on minerals sourced from developing countries.

A WISE STEP TO HELP MAINTAIN ELECTRIC RELIABILITY

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 14 Jan 24
  1. The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission raised concerns about Xcel Energy's plan to retire coal-fired power plants, stressing the impact on electric reliability in the region.
  2. Retiring coal plants in the MISO region without adequate replacements is heightening the risk of potential electricity shortages and blackouts in the next decade.
  3. Recommendations include delaying coal plant retirements until reliable replacements are operational to ensure a stable electricity supply across multiple states.

Judith Curry

59 implied HN points ā€¢ 05 Nov 23
  1. Changes in poleward heat transport in the planet's climate are driven by changes in the sun's activity, highlighting the Sun's influential role in global warming.
  2. The ocean, primarily wind-driven, plays a crucial part in transporting heat globally, emphasizing its significance in the Earth's climate system.
  3. Atmospheric circulation, particularly through wind action, is a key factor in heat transport globally, challenging common beliefs about how heat is transferred and influencing climate change over shorter timescales.

The Cost of Politics The Jones Act illustrates the silent tax of special interests on the energy sector.

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 13 Jan 24
  1. The Jones Act demonstrates how special interests impact the energy sector with high costs and inefficiencies.
  2. Government policies like the Jones Act can create unnecessary burdens on industries, like the maritime industry's decline due to lack of flexibility.
  3. Political decisions such as the Jones Act hinder the efficient flow of energy, leading to increased costs and emissions.

Why the U.S. Senate Must Reject Joe Goffman for the EPA

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 13 Jan 24
  1. The U.S. Senate is facing a decision on Joe Goffman's nomination for the EPA, showcasing the importance of exploring his fitness and legal ability to serve.
  2. Goffman has been associated with controversial strategies like 'Law Whispering' in the past, which have raised concerns and been challenged in court.
  3. Questions have been raised about Goffman's involvement in backdoor climate agendas, lack of disclosure, and his role in advising litigants while at the EPA, prompting a closer examination by the Senate.

Updates On The March To The Great Green Energy Future January 12, 2024/ Francis Menton

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 13 Jan 24
  1. Climate change concerns are escalating, with 2023 deemed the warmest year; urgent action is needed.
  2. Transition to green energy faces challenges with high costs of technologies like hydrogen and limited progress in renewable energy adoption.
  3. New York's efforts to meet energy mandates by 2030 are falling short, with fossil fuels still dominating electricity production.

American Petroleum Institute Plans Election-Year Blitz in the Face of Climate Policy Pressure The massive oil industry group will take on Biden policies, argue for fossil fuel expansionā€¦.

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 12 Jan 24
  1. The American Petroleum Institute is planning a strong campaign advocating for fossil fuel expansion amidst climate policy pressure
  2. The API's focus is to highlight the importance of fossil fuels for societal benefits and as part of the greenhouse gas reduction solution
  3. They emphasize the need to continue oil and gas production, supported by innovation and technologies like carbon capture and storage, while addressing climate change

The Chevron Doctrine: what it is and why it matters that the Supreme Court might kill it A conversation with NRDC's David Doniger. DAVID ROBERTS

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 12 Jan 24
  1. The Chevron Doctrine gives administrative agencies latitude in interpreting legislative instructions, with courts deferring to agency interpretations if the law is ambiguous.
  2. Conservative Supreme Court justices have shown hostility towards the Chevron Doctrine, leading to the development of the Major Questions Doctrine which questions agency interpretations with significant economic and political impact.
  3. The balance of power between government agencies, the courts, and Congress in interpreting laws like the Clean Air Act is crucial to understand the functioning and potential limitations of federal regulations.

Lewis Hine

59 implied HN points ā€¢ 02 Nov 23
  1. Lewis Hine was a renowned photographer capturing significant historical moments like Ellis Island immigrants, child labor abuses, and the construction of the Empire State Building.
  2. Hine's work focused on portraying the dignity of manual labor and bringing attention to social issues of his time through his powerful visual storytelling.
  3. Stephen Heins pays tribute to Lewis Hine through a poem, emphasizing the impact of Hine's photographs in telling important stories that words alone could not fully capture.

MAJOR TESLA COMPETITOR CONFIRMS OVER HALF OF ITS DEALERS WILL NOT SELL ITS NEW EVS: ā€˜OUR DEALERS KNOW THEIR MARKETā€™ ā€œEV adoption rates vary across the country.ā€

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 11 Jan 24
  1. Over half of Ford dealers in the US will not sell the company's EVs in 2024, showing varying EV adoption rates across different regions.
  2. Ford faced slowed EV adoption partially due to initial high investments required from dealers for EV infrastructure like charging stations.
  3. Ford plans to expand its EV lineup, aiming to give more dealer opportunities for EV sales and has made significant progress in the EV market with new electric models.