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

16 Republican AGs sue Biden administration over LNG exports pause BY NICK ROBERTSON

19 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
  1. 16 Republican state attorneys general are suing the Biden administration over a pause on federal permits for LNG exports, claiming the administration lacks authority and that the ban contradicts Congress.
  2. The Biden administration's decision to pause LNG exports was influenced by pressure from environmentalists and aims to review the nation's investment in this fuel source.
  3. Congressional Republicans have taken steps to challenge Biden's LNG permit ban by introducing bills to strip permit authority from the White House and move it to an independent body.

Bowing To Eco-Groups, Biden Plans To Shutter Dams Providing Clean Energy To Millions

39 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
  1. The White House, in collaboration with Native American tribes and environmental groups, announced plans to breach dams in Washington state to safeguard salmon populations.
  2. The agreement involves $1 billion for wild fish restoration and outlines the replacement of clean energy power by tribes.
  3. Removing the dams could impact clean energy production, potentially increasing carbon emissions and affecting agriculture exports, like wheat transportation along the Columbia River system.

EPA Finalizes Air Rule Targeting Oil and Gas Industry Methane Emissions

39 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
  1. The EPA finalized a rule to reduce methane and other pollutants from the oil and natural gas industry, including standards for new and existing sources.
  2. The rule impacts owners and operators in the Crude Oil and Natural Gas category, covering activities from production to transmission and storage.
  3. Oil and gas source owners/operators should carefully review the rule for compliance requirements and understand the costs associated with the new standards, anticipating increased scrutiny and enforcement actions.

Trans Mountain pipeline warns of 2-year delay over regulatory setback

39 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
  1. Trans Mountain pipeline faces a potential 2-year delay due to regulatory issues: The project's proposed construction changes were rejected by the Canadian energy regulator, risking significant financial losses and schedule setbacks.
  2. Complications arose from hard rock conditions during pipeline construction: Trans Mountain encountered challenging drilling conditions between Hope and Chilliwack, leading to the need for alternative installation plans.
  3. The Trans Mountain expansion project aims to triple crude shipments but faces hurdles: Despite being 97% complete, issues with boreholes, water ingress, and CER approvals continue to pose challenges.

The Phony Climate Promises Of COP28

39 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
  1. COP28 climate agreement lacked explicit commitments from major players like China and oil-producing countries to phase out fossil fuels, despite calls to reduce CO2 emissions.
  2. Transitioning to renewable energy is highlighted in the deal, aiming for a tripling of renewable energy capacity by 2030, but the actual increase in power generation might be smaller due to renewables' efficiency.
  3. The COP28 agreement reflects the divide between global elites pushing for net-zero transitions and the resistance from citizens experiencing rising energy costs and policy backlashes, especially in Europe.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

“We are rapidly crashing”: Global Warming Extinction Claim

39 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
  1. The natural world is resilient and can adapt to abrupt changes in temperature. Historical events, like the Younger Dryas cooling period, did not result in mass extinctions.
  2. The risks of thermal exposure expanding across species' geographical ranges due to climate change were studied, highlighting the importance of mitigation and adaptation actions.
  3. The study on climate change impacts on species did not consider factors like migration or short-term responses, leading to potential overestimation of risks.

We won't see peak oil demand in our lifetime, JPMorgan's top energy strategist says

39 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
  1. JPMorgan's energy strategist predicts we won't see peak oil demand in our lifetime due to strong hidden demand from emerging markets.
  2. The hidden demand is significant and expected to surpass supply, leading to market tightness in the future.
  3. Contrary to other predictions, the strategist believes that unobservable demand from energy-poor nations will steadily outpace predictable supply, causing the market to tighten.

The California Sun is Setting on Exorbitant Rooftop Solar Subsidies

39 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
  1. California's journey with solar net energy metering shows the complexities of energy policy and the need to balance incentives with broader economic impacts.
  2. Recent adjustments in California's net energy metering policies, reducing incentives and adding charges, have resulted in a slowdown in solar installations and job losses.
  3. Critics argue that California may be undermining its renewable energy goals by making solar less accessible, highlighting the fine line between promoting clean energy and ensuring economic sustainability.

The good news from COP28: The failure to agree on Article 6 carbon markets

39 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
  1. At COP28, no agreement was reached on Article 6 carbon markets, which is good news as a bad deal could have jeopardized the Paris Agreement.
  2. Governments at COP28 failed to agree on the details of carbon trading under Article 6.2, leading to concerns about transparency and confidentiality of carbon deals.
  3. Disagreements on guidance for methodologies and carbon removals under Article 6.4 were prominent at COP28, highlighting the challenges in finding common ground on carbon market regulations.

Liberty Energy Inc. Comments on Stay of SEC Climate Rule and Need for Affordable, Reliable Energy to Better Human Lives

19 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
  1. Liberty Energy Inc. challenges the SEC Climate Rule because they believe it will increase costs for the oil and gas industry, resulting in higher energy costs for US consumers.
  2. The company emphasizes the importance of affordable, reliable energy sources for a successful, modern society and an improved quality of life.
  3. They believe that the world needs more affordable, reliable energy options to enhance human lives, and not limitations on energy availability.

Long-shot effort to generate the $5tn needed annually for energy-transition technologies looks to combine carbon credits with the private sector

39 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
  1. Trillions of dollars are needed for forestry projects and renewable energies to fight climate change, with a focus on reducing pollution from oil, gas, and coal.
  2. A proposed long-shot plan involves combining the private sector's financial power with carbon credits to raise the massive amount of capital required for this endeavor.
  3. The plan aims to use carbon credits for projects meeting climate goals, allowing heavy-polluting companies to buy these credits and support green initiatives. Proponents see it as a way to raise significant funds for clean power projects by involving private sector companies.

Climate Change Attribution: The Quest For Truth Amidst The Chaos

19 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
  1. Skepticism towards climate change attribution studies is important, especially when linking specific weather events directly to climate change.
  2. There is significant variability in the Earth's climate system due to various factors like solar radiation, volcanic activity, and ocean currents.
  3. Attributing extreme weather events directly to climate change and predicting their future frequency should be done with caution due to limitations in climate models and the complex nature of the climate system.

EPA’s New Car Emission Standards Doom the Gasoline Car

19 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
  1. The EPA's new car emission standards aim to reduce carbon dioxide emissions significantly by tightening tailpipe standards.
  2. Originally set for 2030, the 85 gram/mile emissions standard has been delayed to 2032, impacting the transition to electric vehicles.
  3. Forcing people to switch to electric vehicles might be challenging, but lower prices would likely boost their adoption.

COP28 Climate Summit Wraps With No Agreement To End Fossil Fuels

39 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
  1. COP28 Climate Summit did not reach an agreement to end fossil fuels. The draft only called for reducing consumption and production in a just manner.
  2. Climate activists criticized the summit for its lack of a rapid fossil fuel phase-out. Some key players, like the UAE host and the UAE national oil company CEO, resisted the phase-out call.
  3. Developed nations are skeptical of agreements that could lead to blackouts and the end of personal transportation, while developing nations insist on rights to exploit natural resources. Achieving a phase-out of fossil fuels would require significant sacrifices globally.

The Climate Summit Starts to Crack a Tough Nut: Emissions From Food

39 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
  1. The food system contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss, and addressing this issue is crucial to combat climate change and hunger.
  2. Efforts at the COP28 climate summit have shown potential progress in addressing food-related emissions through endorsements of agreements to retool the food system and commitments toward agricultural innovations.
  3. To align the global food system with climate goals, actions such as reducing food waste, cutting emissions from livestock, and promoting diverse crops will be necessary, alongside changing habits and policies.

It is morally wrong to blindly adhere to net zero – we must abandon it before it’s too late

39 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
  1. Blindly sticking to the net zero goal is considered morally wrong due to its impracticality and immense cost implications
  2. There is growing international resistance to the net zero target due to its unachievable nature and detrimental impact on people's lives
  3. There is a call for a complete rethink of the net zero strategy, with a focus on proper cost-benefit analyses and input from experts like engineers for more realistic and sustainable solutions

Wrong, CNN, Climate Change Isn’t the Cause of Rising Bear Attacks in Japan

39 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
  1. CNN wrongly claimed that climate change is causing an increase in bear attacks in Japan, but experts have disproved this link.
  2. The increase in bear attacks in Japan is likely due to factors like habitat destruction, habitat changes, and loss along with growing bear populations.
  3. Claims that climate change is impacting acorn production are weak, unsupported by data, and contrary to rainfall and greening trends.

Biden’s newest rule on Auto Emissions set to accelerate the DEATH SPIRAL for auto manufacturers

19 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
  1. Biden's new rule on auto emissions could lead to a rebellion from those needing transportation, and may affect 96% of the world.
  2. The mandate for EVs might not be feasible for those who can't afford them, causing financial strain for auto manufacturers.
  3. Despite the push for EVs, gasoline consumption continues to rise, and implementing EV mandates could be challenging worldwide.

Biden’s lawfare joke ByByron York

19 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
  1. Democrats are hoping that a guilty verdict in a criminal trial involving Trump will sway voters away from supporting him.
  2. The legal actions against Trump have put him under significant financial stress, with millions spent on legal fees and hefty penalties.
  3. Biden's joke about not helping 'Donald' with debt reflects satisfaction with the lawfare efforts against Trump and desire for further legal action.

Starting To Notice That The Energy Transition Is Not Happening March 20, 2024/ Francis Menton

19 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
  1. Many countries have made ambitious pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but the energy transition progress is not meeting targets.
  2. Electricity demand is rising, and there are challenges in integrating wind and solar power to meet the demand, leading to a reliance on natural gas plants.
  3. Despite pledges to reduce emissions, actual progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions is falling short, especially in sectors like electric power that have seen limited emissions reductions since 2005.

CNN: ‘It’s time to limit how often we can travel abroad – ‘Carbon Passports’ may be the answer’ – ‘Drastic changes to our travel habits are inevitable’

39 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
  1. Carbon passports may soon be a reality where travelers have a yearly carbon allowance, rationing their travel based on emissions.
  2. To reduce carbon footprints, some European countries are introducing measures like increased taxes on air travel and bans on short-haul flights.
  3. Changes to travel habits are becoming inevitable as the tourism industry faces criticism for its environmental impact, leading to calls for limitations on tourist numbers.

Lazard’s LCOE/ However, just a quick look at their data shows that solar and wind are clearly not cheaper.

39 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
  1. Lazard's LCOE data shows that solar and wind energy are not necessarily cheaper than fossil fuels, as often claimed.
  2. Solar and wind power require backup due to their intermittent nature, adding to the overall cost.
  3. The cost of using natural gas to backup solar and wind power is significantly cheaper than the actual solar and wind costs, leading to questions about the economic viability of renewable energy sources.

‘Race Against Time’: U.N. Alarmist-In-Chief Calls For Ending ALL Fossil Fuel Use

39 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
  1. The U.N. Chief is urging to end all fossil fuel use as a measure against the climate crisis.
  2. Negotiators at the COP28 climate summit are working towards a deal to significantly limit the use of fossil fuels.
  3. Saudi Arabia has led opposition to the phase-out of fossil fuels, highlighting the challenges in reaching a global consensus on this issue.

COP 28 Is A Really Big Fossil Fuel Trade Show

39 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
  1. COP 28 has become more of a trade show than a climate treaty negotiation, with a focus on fossil fuel production.
  2. The number of attendees at the conference is massive, with over 100,000 registered participants, most of whom are corporate or trade professionals.
  3. The COP event serves as a platform for business deals, networking, and discussions among energy-rich countries and companies, overshadowing the climate treaty negotiations.

Understanding climate tipping points by European Space Agency

39 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
  1. Climate tipping points are critical thresholds in the Earth system that, once crossed, can lead to irreversible consequences.
  2. Small changes in climate can trigger reinforcing loops that push a system from one stable state to a completely different one.
  3. Satellites play a crucial role in monitoring climate tipping points by tracking changes in polar ice sheets, deforestation rates, ocean temperatures, and more.

The Devil Is Once Again In The Details At COP28

39 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
  1. COP28 faces challenges in reaching a consensus on phasing out fossil fuels due to varying interpretations of terms like 'best available science' and 'unabated'.
  2. OPEC and developing nations like China and India resist language that could impact fossil fuel usage, expressing concerns about energy resource scarcity and cost.
  3. President of COP28, Sultan Al Jaber, navigates difficulty as UAE's Industry Minister balancing the inevitable decline of fossil fuels with the country's OPEC membership.

Since 2015, more than 600 renewable energy projects have been halted as a result of local opposition.

39 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
  1. Over 600 renewable energy projects have been stopped since 2015 by local opposition, creating hurdles for green initiatives.
  2. Michigan, New York, California, and Illinois have laws allowing state intervention to override local resistance to renewable energy projects, highlighting tensions between local and state objectives.
  3. Challenges like intermittent energy production, land use conflicts, and eminent domain issues pose significant roadblocks to implementing renewable energy projects in the U.S.

X-Raying the Reality and Origin of a Hollow Phrase: 'Energy Transition'

39 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
  1. The concept of 'energy transition' has been around for decades, originating back in a 1977 speech by President Jimmy Carter, but today, oil, gas, and coal still supply 82% of global energy.
  2. Despite significant spending on wind and solar over the years, the share of global energy supplied by these sources remains relatively low, indicating that a true energy transition faces challenges in meeting demand.
  3. There's a need for more practical and cost-effective approaches to reduce carbon emissions, such as encouraging domestic production of LNG and focusing on nuclear energy and combustion efficiency, rather than relying solely on hollow rhetoric around energy transition.

New York Climate Plan Needs Publicly Funded Spin Doctor

19 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
  1. New York's Climate Act aims for an 85% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050, but faces challenges in energy affordability and reliability.
  2. NY is seeking a public relations outfit with $500,000 annually to maintain a positive narrative about the Climate Act and counter negative viewpoints.
  3. Critics raise concerns about the transparency and feasibility of the Climate Act's costs, as well as NYSERDA's use of public funds for public relations instead of addressing underlying issues.

Regulations czar: Biden turns OMB into ‘Co-conspirator in over-regulation’ by Paul Bedard, Washington Secrets Columnist

39 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
  1. President Biden's administration is accused of hiding the costs of expensive rules and turning regulations watchdogs into collaborators with federal agencies.
  2. The administration is increasing the threshold for revealing high-cost rules from $100 million to $200 million, potentially leading to a wave of costly regulations.
  3. The shift in OMB's role from a watchdog to a partner in implementing progressive goals may result in over-regulation and the lack of supervision on regulators, prompting calls for the creation of an 'Office of No' by Clyde Wayne Crews.

The EPA Is About to Outlaw Your Car BY STEPHEN GREEN

19 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
  1. The EPA is planning to introduce strict new rules that will require a large portion of new cars to be all-electric by 2032, significantly impacting gas and diesel-powered vehicles.
  2. This move by the EPA aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 52% between 2027 and 2032, pushing for a major shift towards electric vehicles in the automotive industry.
  3. Despite billions in subsidies and tax credits for EVs, sales are plateauing, and there are concerns about the readiness of the U.S. for this aggressive push towards electric vehicles.

Biden’s New Eco-Rules Will Force Half Of New Car Sales To Be Electric By 2030

19 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
  1. Biden's new eco-rules aim to make half of new car sales electric by 2030, as part of aggressive emissions reduction efforts.
  2. Regulations target automakers to ensure nearly 70% of all new car sales are zero-emission vehicles in just a few years.
  3. The rules will have industry impacts, with automakers compelled to increase production and sales of electric vehicles to meet set targets.

Chinese Company Buys First Crude Cargo From Canadian Pipeline By Irina Slav - Mar 20, 2024, 3:35 AM CDT

19 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
  1. A Chinese company has purchased a cargo of Canadian crude to be transported via the expanded Trans Mountain pipeline, introducing international competition to the Canadian oil supply.
  2. The Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, set to increase capacity by 590,000 bpd, is eagerly anticipated by the Canadian oil industry despite warnings that it may lead to a short-lived boost in production before capacity is surpassed.
  3. The completion of the Trans Mountain expansion is seen as crucial for Canadian oil producers to access international markets and reduce the discount Canadian crude faces compared to WTI due to transportation challenges.

‘Red Alert’ Alarmism And Debunked Claims Permeate WMO’s 2023 Global Climate Report

19 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
  1. The World Meteorological Organization used a reference period for global temperature before there were reliable measurements, which questions the accuracy of their climate report.
  2. The relationship between temperature and CO2 levels throughout history has not always been straightforward, leading to skepticism about the assumed causal relationship between the two.
  3. Prominent individuals in the field have highlighted the importance of CO2 for plant growth, emphasizing its role as essential for life on Earth.

Despite hand-wringing about Churchill polar bears this year, 2023 wasn’t their worst summer

39 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
  1. Despite concerns about polar bears in Churchill this year, 2023 was not their worst summer.
  2. Media has focused on polar bear struggles due to lack of sea ice in Churchill, despite this, the situation wasn't as dire as it may seem.
  3. Arctic sea ice conditions don't always correlate with CO2 levels, raising questions about the relationship between climate change and sea ice.

Carbon Capture Won’t Save Us From Climate Change

39 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
  1. Carbon capture technology is not a reliable solution for eliminating carbon dioxide emissions.
  2. Direct air capture of carbon may eventually be necessary for sectors where reducing emissions to zero is extremely costly or impossible.
  3. Investing in research on direct air capture technology is crucial for the long run, but the main focus should be on significantly cutting emissions.

A Race Against Time: Unlocking Science to Save Our Planet

39 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
  1. Radical scientific innovation is crucial to prevent the world from reaching a tipping point that threatens all life on earth.
  2. Unlocking scientific research through open access can lead to faster collaboration, innovation, and impactful solutions to major global challenges like climate change and public health.
  3. Resolute political leadership is necessary to mandate open access to taxpayer-funded research findings, accelerating the development and implementation of science-based solutions for a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous world.

Oil Sanctions Never Had A Chance

39 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
  1. Russian oil has been trading above $60 despite sanctions, showing the limitations of sanctions' effectiveness.
  2. Sanctions on oil rarely achieve their intended goals, as shown with Iran, Venezuela, and Russia.
  3. The complexity of global oil trade and the essential nature of oil make oil sanctions a challenging and often ineffective tool in international relations.

The Supreme Court’s Self-Coronation Lisa Heinzerling

19 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
  1. The U.S. Supreme Court is expanding its power at the expense of other government institutions like Congress and regulatory agencies.
  2. The Court, with the latest conservative justices, is reshaping the federal government by limiting the power of Congress to empower administrative agencies to address important issues like climate change and pandemic response.
  3. The Court is currently facing cases that could potentially overturn significant legal precedents like Chevron deference, impacting the balance of power between the branches of government and leading to increased judicial control over government actions.

Pennsylvania's (and New York's) Corrupt Gentry Class Go After Shapiro THOMAS J SHEPSTONE

19 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
  1. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro faced opposition from environmentalists during his speech promoting a hydrogen hub project.
  2. The proposed Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) project, though meant to create jobs and clean energy, met skepticism from environmental groups despite its aim to use renewable sources.
  3. The incident highlights the tensions between economic development, environmental concerns, and community engagement in energy projects like hydrogen hubs.