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

Another Candidate For The Greatest Scientific Fraud Of All Time? By Francis Menton

119 implied HN points • 31 Mar 24
  1. The climate-data-alteration fraud is significant because it supports a multi-trillion-dollar effort to transform the world economy by restricting energy production.
  2. The LNT hypothesis of linear no threshold for disease causation, especially cancer, is questioned for being based on intentional fraud, impacting costly environmental regulations.
  3. The LNT hypothesis suggests even small doses of harmful chemicals or radiation are dangerous, while evidence shows the body's repair system can handle small mutations well, raising doubts about the hypothesis.

EPA releases long-awaited greenhouse gas emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles

119 implied HN points • 31 Mar 24
  1. EPA finalized greenhouse gas emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles to tackle emissions for climate and public health benefits.
  2. The new rule sets standards for model years 2027-2032, covering various heavy-duty vehicles and providing flexibility with compliance packages of different technologies.
  3. Medium and heavy-duty vehicles contribute significantly to emissions and pollution, impacting public health, but the EPA's rule aims to reduce emissions by over 1,000 million metric tons by 2055 for climate benefits.

Is it still news if it's old? the Michigan media's amnesia on battery boondoggles

119 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
  1. News should be about new events, and we should be mindful of calling out when old ideas are sold as news.
  2. Journalists need to provide context and not just echo what politicians want us to hear.
  3. It's important to remember past failures and not let history repeat itself, especially in the realm of political events.

Another push for electric vehicles

119 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
  1. New emissions standards aim to make electric vehicles half of all new car sales by 2032, requiring a sevenfold increase in EV sales within eight years.
  2. The Biden administration's push for electric vehicles faced resistance from auto workers, manufacturers, and salesmen due to concerns about costs and practicality in rural areas.
  3. There are debates over the benefits of these new emissions standards, with questions about actual climate change mitigation, strain on the power grid, and environmental impacts of increased mining for battery minerals.

Our Take 3: Any chance the real consequence of this decision is to confirm concerns that Europe is headed hopelessly toward an unworkable ecocracy?

99 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
  1. Courts ruling on climate cases can influence corporate and financial sectors to consider climate change as a human rights issue.
  2. The decision by the European Court of Human Rights may set a precedent for other international courts to deliberate on government accountability in protecting citizens from climate change.
  3. The ruling raises questions about the direction Europe is heading in terms of environmental policies and governance.
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The elephant in the room that no one wants to discuss is that crude oil is the foundation of our materialistic society

159 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
  1. Crude oil is the foundation of our materialistic society, being the basis of all products and fuels demanded by the global population.
  2. Wind turbines and solar panels only generate occasional electricity and do not manufacture products for society, highlighting the importance of the supply chain reliant on fossil fuels.
  3. All electricity generation today, including from renewables like wind and solar, is based on oil derivatives manufactured from crude oil, essential for modern infrastructure and daily products.

The Real Victors of the ECHR Climate Decision are Green Billionaires

99 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
  1. The ECHR climate decision benefits Green billionaires and lawfare activists like Greenpeace and Client Earth who push for their elite views through legal battles.
  2. Climate catastrophism poses a threat to democracy and the rule of law, with judicial activism influencing climate-related verdicts.
  3. Wealthy individuals and foundations, including Greenpeace and Client Earth, are funding efforts to shape the judiciary in favor of climate change narratives, impacting legal decisions in both Europe and the United States.

Grid interconnection queues jumped 27%, to 2.6 TW, in 2023, led by solar, storage: DOE lab Solar

99 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
  1. Grid interconnection queues increased by 27% to 2.6 TW in 2023, with solar, storage, and wind projects making up 95% of the capacity.
  2. More than 1 TW of solar and battery storage are in the interconnection queues, followed by wind and gas-fired generation.
  3. Completion rates vary by project type, with gas at 31%, wind at 20%, solar at 13%, and batteries at 11% from 2000 to 2018.

Data From Nonexistent Temperature Stations Undergird Trillion-Dollar Climate Policies by Katie Spence

99 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
  1. NOAA fabricates temperature data for over 30% of USHCN reporting stations that no longer exist, calling them 'ghost' stations.
  2. Temperature readings from these nonexistent stations are replaced using data from surrounding stations, impacting the accuracy of NOAA's climate reports.
  3. The USHCN data plays a crucial role in shaping climate policies, despite the challenges of missing stations and altered temperature data.

Scope 3 Emissions standards group roiled by carbon controversy

99 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
  1. Some companies are looking to use carbon offsets for emissions cuts, but there is controversy around the quality and impact of these offsets.
  2. The Science-Based Targets Initiative faced internal backlash for considering allowing carbon markets for scope 3 emissions reductions.
  3. The decision by the board of the Science-Based Targets Initiative regarding carbon markets has caused significant division within the organization.

Smoke and mirrors

99 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
  1. Companies often rely heavily on carbon offsetting to avoid accountability for a large portion of their emissions, hindering progress on climate action.
  2. Many companies have insufficient targets to reduce emissions, with only a few having plans to surpass the 50% reduction mark by 2030.
  3. The overreliance on voluntary reporting frameworks has led to gaps in holding companies accountable for their emission reduction targets.

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT Biden administration cuts costs for wind and solar energy on public lands BY RACHEL FRAZIN

99 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
  1. The Biden administration has finalized a rule that significantly reduces costs for developing wind and solar energy on public lands.
  2. The fee cuts for energy production are expected to decrease by 80% through the year 2035, with additional cuts scheduled in the following years.
  3. The administration aims to streamline the process for issuing rights to build wind and solar projects in designated 'priority areas' and has approved enough renewable projects to power 12 million homes.

EU Parliament Adopts Law to Establish Carbon Removal Certification System ENVIRONMENT/ GOVERNMENT Mark Segal April 11, 2024

99 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
  1. The EU Parliament adopted a law to establish a certification system for carbon removal. This aims to increase carbon removal usage, address greenwashing concerns, and promote trust in carbon removal technologies.
  2. Carbon removal solutions range from industrial projects to natural sinks. Financing for these projects can come from sources like carbon credits, creating a need for a verification system.
  3. The system proposed by the European Commission under the European Green Deal includes criteria to ensure quality and comparability of carbon removals. However, environmental groups criticized the rules for being vague and open to greenwashing.

Judith Curry

99 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
  1. Judith Curry discusses the lack of a human right to a safe or stable climate.
  2. Stephen Heins provides a platform for this discussion on his substack.
  3. Readers can engage in the conversation through comments and social media sharing options.

Emails Show Biden WH Pressured Snopes To Change Its Fact-Check Rating On Gas Stove Ban, by Thomas Catenacci

99 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
  1. Biden administration pressured Snopes to change its fact-check rating on a potential gas stove ban, causing public controversy.
  2. After Snopes initially gave a 'mixture' rating due to a statement by a CPSC official, they updated it to 'false' following pressure from CPSC and White House officials.
  3. The situation revealed how government officials utilized media to influence narratives, emphasizing the importance of transparency in considering regulations and the truth for the public.

Renewable energy funds see outflows on concerns over growth, policies STU TURLEY

99 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
  1. Global investors are moving away from renewable energy sector funds due to concerns about growth prospects and policy uncertainty.
  2. Renewable energy funds experienced significant outflows in the first quarter of the year, indicating a shift in investor interest.
  3. Challenges such as high interest rates, uncertainty in future energy policies, and political factors may impact the progress of the renewable energy sector.

Three greenhouse gases, three all-time highs

99 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
  1. The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is now more than 50% higher than before the industrial revolution and continues to rise due to burning oil, coal, and gas.
  2. Methane emissions are booming and its atmospheric levels are now over 160% higher than pre-industrial times, with agriculture being a major contributor.
  3. Nitrous oxide, another potent greenhouse gas, associated with food production, is on the rise due to nitrogen fertilizers, manure, and even aviation.

BP Shareholders Unhappy With Green Strategy

119 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
  1. BP's biggest shareholders are unhappy with its shift to green energy, indicating a growing backlash.
  2. Activist investors like Bluebell Capital are calling for BP to prioritize oil and gas production over renewable energy schemes.
  3. Investor revolt is brewing as shareholders express dissatisfaction with BP's net zero commitments.

Robbin’ The Hood: Biden’s EV Agenda Takes From The Poor, Gives To The Rich by Nick Pope

99 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
  1. Biden's EV agenda benefits the wealthy with subsidies, while negatively impacting average consumers and the used-car market.
  2. As EV prices decrease due to subsidies, prices of traditional gas-powered cars will rise to compensate, affecting lower-income households.
  3. The regulations and spending to promote EV production are causing American manufacturers to lose billions on their EV product lines, leading to consequences that disadvantage lower-income consumers.

Climate Homicide: The Latest Attempt to Blackmail Us Into Totalitarianism THOMAS J SHEPSTONE

99 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
  1. The concept of 'Climate Homicide' is being used to target fossil fuel companies and push for drastic measures like restructuring and seizing property.
  2. There is a concern about a cultural war and the need to fight back in the same aggressive way as the opposition, with decisions being described as 'sue or be sued, jail or be jailed.'
  3. Powerful entities are pushing for extreme actions like pressuring fossil fuel companies into committing financial suicide through legal maneuvering, showcasing a dangerous escalation of tactics.

MYTH BUSTING – ARE CORPORATE SCOPE 3 EMISSIONS FAR GREATER THAN SCOPES 1 OR 2? APRIL 2, 2024, BY MICHAEL GILLENWATER

99 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
  1. Corporate Scope 3 emissions cannot be directly compared with Scopes 1 or 2 because of different measurement methodologies and timelines.
  2. Scope 3 emissions are often reported as larger due to duplication across companies and aggregation of multi-year emissions into a single reporting year.
  3. The approach to assigning responsibility for Scope 3 emissions is flawed, treating all corporate activities as interventions and diluting accountability.

Renewable Energy Gap Characterization

99 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
  1. Transitioning to 100% renewable energy presents challenges in ensuring reliable electricity during periods of low wind and solar availability.
  2. A new category of generating resources called Dispatchable Emissions-Free Resources (DEFR) is needed to address gaps in renewable energy production and maintain grid stability.
  3. Implementing DEFR technologies for a reliable energy transition requires substantial planning, collaboration, and may involve challenges such as technology availability and deployment time.

Why Are Companies Reneging on Emissions Reductions? In February 2024, three major investment companies stepped back from efforts to limit climate-damaging emissions.

99 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
  1. Several major companies have recently backed out of commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, raising concerns about climate change.
  2. The lack of government policies on corporate emissions makes it easy for companies to break their promises, with only a small percentage actually meeting climate targets.
  3. Government policies like the Inflation Reduction Act and methods such as carbon pricing and mass protests are crucial in holding companies accountable and driving them towards cleaner practices.

Scientists Now Modeling Climate Change On Made-Up Planets To Push Global Doom

119 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
  1. Some scientists are creating climate change models on fictional planets, raising questions about data sources.
  2. There's a theory called the Great Filter that suggests climate change could be a major obstacle for advanced civilizations, leading to mass extinctions.
  3. Climate models are being used to predict scenarios of sustainability or collapse on hypothetical planets with varying population and environmental trajectories.

To The Surprise Of No One, Electric Vehicle ‘Euphoria Is Dead’

119 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
  1. Many automakers are scaling back or delaying their electric vehicle plans due to various challenges like high costs, long charging times, and inadequate infrastructure.
  2. Hybrid vehicles are gaining more popularity as they offer the benefits of both electric and gas-powered engines.
  3. Electric vehicle sales are expected to increase, but challenges like battery range, charging infrastructure, and costs still need to be addressed.

The Crude Life, ESGU Partner to Honor National Poetry Month

99 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
  1. The partnership between The Crude Life and ESGU aims to promote creative writing and honor National Poetry Month.
  2. Poetry is highlighted as a valuable form of literature that can convey thoughts and stories in lyrical arrangements of words.
  3. Stephen Heins, a respected poet and researcher, emphasizes the importance of caring about individuals in the oil and gas industry.

GAO says gas pipeline regulator needs to do more to implement safety regulations

99 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
  1. The US PHMSA issued rules in 2019 and 2022 to strengthen natural gas transmission safety regulations, but lacks adequate plans for implementing them.
  2. PHMSA rules require operators to inspect more pipeline mileage and improve pipeline characteristic data to reduce risks around the 300,000-mile pipeline network.
  3. The Government Accountability Office recommends that PHMSA evaluates additional data needs from operators, develops a plan for implementing the 2022 final rule, and updates its Final Rule Implementation web pages.

Biden’s Billions Have Led To Only A Handful Of EV Charging Stations Nationwide by Nick Pope

99 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
  1. Despite a significant allocation of $7.5 billion for EV chargers, only seven stations have been built in four states so far, falling short of the intended national network.
  2. The slow progress in building EV chargers coincides with the administration's stringent emissions standards for various vehicle classes, set to increase EV sales.
  3. Logistical challenges like specific location requirements and permitting processes have contributed to the delayed expansion of EV charging infrastructure across the country.

You ‘no longer’ have ‘a choice’! Watch: Kerry’s daughter Vanessa Kerry: ‘We must accept that there is no other way forward than to phase out our reliance on fossil fuels.

99 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
  1. It is crucial to phase out our reliance on fossil fuels to address the climate crisis.
  2. Mitigation and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions are no longer options, but necessities.
  3. Climate change poses a significant health challenge in the 21st century, impacting various aspects of human well-being.

No Federal CO2 Tax! (H. CON. RES. 86) By Robert Bradley, Jr.

99 implied HN points • 31 Mar 24
  1. A carbon tax would increase energy prices, negatively impacting American families and businesses.
  2. The carbon tax would particularly burden the poor, elderly, and those on fixed incomes.
  3. Implementing a carbon tax would lead to job losses, reduced economic growth, and harm America's global competitiveness.

Stopping Line 5 could ‘never happen fast enough,’ says U.S. Interior Secretary

99 implied HN points • 31 Mar 24
  1. The U.S. Interior Secretary emphasized the urgency of stopping Line 5 due to environmental concerns and its impact on Indigenous communities.
  2. There is ongoing debate between different parties regarding the shutdown of Line 5, with Enbridge arguing against it citing public interest.
  3. Haaland highlighted the importance of prioritizing nature-based solutions, Indigenous knowledge, and community involvement in addressing climate change for a more equitable future.

Big Oil Criticized for Falling Short of Net-Zero Goals

99 implied HN points • 31 Mar 24
  1. Climate Action 100+ criticizes Big Oil for falling short of net-zero preparedness criteria.
  2. Global oil and gas demand remains strong, challenging the transition to renewable energy.
  3. Transition details and costs for moving away from oil and gas are proving more complex and expensive than originally thought.

The great carbon offset scam

99 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
  1. Australia's largest carbon offset project type is failing, experts believe the system should be investigated for corruption.
  2. Hundreds of projects are getting carbon credits for sequestration that is not real or additional, making the safeguard mechanism ineffective.
  3. Strong forces are at play to maintain the flow of carbon credits from low-integrity projects, impacting credit prices and profitability of fossil fuel projects.

Department of Energy awards $750 million to monumental project that could change the transportation industry: '[This] will be felt across the nation for generations to come'

99 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
  1. The Department of Energy allocated $750 million for hydrogen research and development to produce clean hydrogen and reduce pollution from transportation and industries.
  2. Hydrogen technology could power a variety of applications, from ships to planes, if produced efficiently using electrolyzer technology.
  3. Investments in clean hydrogen projects aim to significantly reduce energy-related pollution, boost U.S. manufacturing capacity, and lower the cost of clean hydrogen by 2031.

Old King Coal at COP28: Uninvited Guest or Star of the Show?

199 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
  1. Global coal demand is rising, especially in developing countries like India and China, despite the push for coal reduction at COP28.
  2. Historically, fossil fuels, including coal, have been essential for economic growth and improving living standards worldwide.
  3. Developing nations like South Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam are continuing to prioritize coal for affordable power generation, while coal usage remains significant globally despite efforts to promote renewable energy.

CERA WEEK: “Mythical” Renewables Will NOT Solve the Climate Crisis

99 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
  1. Renewable energy alone cannot solve the climate crisis as it has limitations and requires mining of non-renewable resources.
  2. Addressing energy poverty while reducing emissions is possible by asking the right questions and embracing a mix of energy sources.
  3. Collaboration among climate and energy experts, investors, and advocates is crucial to finding solutions to complex climate challenges.

Behavorial Scientists Aren’t Just Wrong About How to Win Over Electorates to Crackpot Progressive Policies; Their Evident Contempt for the Masses Has Contributed to the Global Populist Revolt

99 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
  1. Behavioral scientists are criticized for their evident contempt for the masses, which is seen as contributing to the global populist revolt.
  2. There is a growing skepticism towards using behavioral science to influence public opinion, especially regarding policies like Net Zero and climate change.
  3. The effectiveness of behavioral scientists in shaping public behavior and opinions is questioned, as their methods and impacts remain limited and controversial.

The Guardian Peddles Climate Doom Over Mild Midwest Winter, Ignores Natural Causes

119 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
  1. Ice cover across the Great Lakes has been declining since the early 1970s, with this year's average mid-February ice cover being significantly lower.
  2. Natural causes like El NiĂąo and the absence of persistent blocking patterns have contributed to the mild winter in the American Midwest this year.
  3. Climate change attribution may not be accurate as several natural factors play a significant role in determining weather patterns, and declining extreme cold can actually benefit human survival.

Vaclav Smil and the Value of Doubt A ruthless dissector of unwarranted assumptions takes on environmental catastrophists and techno-optimists.

119 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
  1. Vaclav Smil is known for dissecting unwarranted assumptions about global issues like energy, agriculture, and climate, challenging environmental catastrophists and techno-optimists.
  2. Smil's skepticism towards achieving climate goals like 'net zero' by 2050 is rooted in his belief in scientific facts and real-world challenges, rather than wishful thinking.
  3. Smil highlights the importance of doubt and rationality in navigating complex issues like transitioning away from fossil fuels and addressing climate change, cautioning against the extremes of catastrophism and techno-optimism.

LIBBY EMMONS: White, rural Americans aren't the problem, it's the coastal elites who hate them that are the true threat to democracy by: Libby Emmons 03/01/2024

119 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
  1. White, rural Americans are portrayed as a threat by coastal elites who label them as racist, anti-immigrant, and conspiracists.
  2. Coastal elites accuse rural Americans of being anti-democratic and suppressing the free press, while justifying violence themselves.
  3. Rural white Americans feel misunderstood and disrespected, as they prioritize love of country, family, and independence.