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

Estimating the Impact of Regulation on Business Tyler Hoguet

19 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
  1. Federal regulators have imposed numerous environmental rules directly on U.S. businesses, without considering cooperation with states and private sectors.
  2. Studies show that the cost of regulatory compliance affects medium-sized firms more than small or large businesses.
  3. A new method measures regulatory costs for businesses, showing that medium-sized firms face regulatory compliance costs nearly 40% higher than small or large firms.

EV Purchases Stall In Germany; Trends Show Sales Falling Far Short Of 2030 Target WRITTEN BY PIERRE GOSSELIN ON FEB 26, 2024.

19 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
  1. Sales of electric vehicles in Germany have stalled, and the country is far from reaching its 2030 target of 15 million EVs.
  2. Consumer skepticism towards EVs remains high due to factors like high prices, limited range, and inadequate charging infrastructure.
  3. Low demand for used EVs further adds to the challenges faced by electric vehicles in Germany.

Biden-Backed Direct Air Capture Facility Can Remove The CO2 Equivalent Of 200 Cars A Year

39 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
  1. A Biden-backed direct air capture facility in California can remove the CO2 equivalent of 200 cars annually.
  2. The company is set to receive substantial federal subsidies for carbon capture and repurposing.
  3. Direct air capture (DAC) technology, while promising, is still considered unproven and potentially emits more CO2 than it captures.

Keep an Eye Out for AI “Climate Bots” Haunting the Web

39 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
  1. AI 'climate bots' are posting false comments on climate change articles online, using similar structures and narratives to push a specific agenda.
  2. These AI climate bots are different from typical online bots, as they aim to sell a narrative rather than a product or service.
  3. The rise of AI climate bots is a concerning development in the battle of information online, potentially fueled by various entities including governments and climate alarm groups.

As we noted last week, the extraordinary verdict in the Mann v Steyn case might have the ironic effect of drawing attention to Mann’s nastiness and political rhetoric in ways that harm his reputation.

19 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
  1. The Mann v Steyn case verdict may ironically draw attention to Mann's negative behavior and political rhetoric, potentially harming his reputation.
  2. Criticism of Mann's conduct may reflect poorly on the scientific establishment if they rush to defend him.
  3. The lawsuit outcome highlights the fine line between opinion and scientific misconduct, with implications for free speech and scientific debate.
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Trump wants to unravel Biden’s landmark climate law. Here is what’s most at risk.

19 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
  1. Trump's advisors and associates have indicated that dismantling Biden's landmark climate law, the Inflation Reduction Act, would be a top priority if he wins the presidential election, potentially stalling the nation's shift to cleaner industries and efforts to cut greenhouse-gas pollution.
  2. The IRA unleashes substantial federal subsidies for renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, and more, being a key component of the US plan to meet climate change commitments under the Paris agreement.
  3. Repealing the IRA is a major goal among conservatives, with specific targets like tax credits for EVs and clean power projects appearing vulnerable, potentially affecting the nation's emissions trajectory and economic growth.

As The Transition To Green Energy Crumbles, Funding For The Climate Scare Soars

39 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
  1. The transition to green energy is facing challenges and setbacks, such as the cancellation of wind projects and crashing stock values of solar companies, indicating the looming collapse of the green energy movement.
  2. Despite the struggles of green energy, funding for climate change initiatives is soaring, with major environmental organizations shifting their focus and resources to climate-related programs.
  3. Environmental groups are cutting funding for programs on toxic chemicals, wildlife protection, and nuclear missions to prioritize climate change, reflecting a significant shift in donor contributions towards climate-centric causes.

June 14-15, 2012: Rockefeller-funded organizations hold conference in La Jolla, Calif., to brainstorm how they could use racketeering laws against ExxonMobil.

39 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
  1. Rockefeller-funded organizations organized a conference in 2012 to discuss using racketeering laws against ExxonMobil, involving activists like Naomi Oreskes and Peter Frumhoff.
  2. Multiple instances show the coordination between activists and politicians to push for investigations using laws like RICO, with efforts extending to contacting state attorneys general and collaborating with outside groups.
  3. The #ExxonKnew campaign involved various actions, including leaked memos revealing strategies to portray Exxon as corrupt, efforts to conceal collaboration details, and multiple lawsuits against major oil and gas companies for climate change impacts.

Oil and gas profits triple under Joe Biden even as industry decries him Myles McCormick in Houston and Jamie Smyth in New York

19 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
  1. Oil and gas profits for top US producers nearly tripled under President Joe Biden, despite industry criticism of his policies.
  2. US oil and gas production has seen significant growth under Biden, breaking records and bolstering exports.
  3. The energy industry's success over the past years has more to do with market fundamentals than with specific presidential policies.

The 2023 State of Corporate ESG: How companies are embracing ESG for resilience and growth

39 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
  1. Businesses are accelerating ESG strategies by investing in third-party solutions to address environmental and social risks, and enhance data management and analysis.
  2. ESG commitments are now linked to financial success, with supply chain disruptions potentially costing significant revenue loss.
  3. Advancements in AI are facilitating better ESG data analysis, helping companies make informed decisions for financial growth and resilience in a complex global landscape.

Who Will Pay for All the Carbon Removal? By Ed Ballard

39 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
  1. Individuals like Kilian Jornet are funding carbon removal efforts to offset unavoidable emissions
  2. The cost of removing carbon from the atmosphere is high, potentially reaching trillions of dollars
  3. To address the significant challenge of carbon removal, governments and deep-pocketed companies may need to step in to provide funding

Emergence of impact accounting: The journey to apply monetary values to environmental, social & human capita

19 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
  1. Impact accounting is a new discipline that applies monetary values to environmental, social, and human capital in ESG reporting.
  2. Collaboration between public and private sectors is crucial for implementing monetary value to impact through standardized principles.
  3. Challenges exist, such as data quality and varying units of measurement, but incorporating comprehensive impact accounting can lead to increased resilience and competitiveness for organizations.

Nothing Got Built

39 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
  1. There's a sense of disappointment with the misinformation around fracking and climate change.
  2. The writer questions the effectiveness of environmental activism and criticizes mainstream media and green organizations.
  3. Despite significant financial investment, there's a perception that little tangible progress has been made in addressing environmental issues.

‘Regulation Through Litigation’: Under Biden’s Lawfaring Eco-Politics, ‘Sue And Settle’ Is Back

19 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
  1. Biden administration has revived the 'sue and settle' tactic where advocacy groups sue federal agencies for not enforcing laws, leading to private agreements that set new regulations without public input.
  2. Critics argue that 'sue and settle' allows government agencies and environmental groups to advance agendas outside normal democratic processes, potentially leading to increased power and control for agencies like the EPA.
  3. This practice has become part of a broader concept called 'lawfare,' where political parties and advocacy groups aim to achieve their objectives through legal battles rather than elections or legislation.

Climate change is throwing the water cycle into chaos across the U.S.

19 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
  1. Climate change is disrupting the water cycle, affecting how water moves between the ground, oceans, and atmosphere.
  2. Extreme weather events like floods, droughts, and contaminated water supplies are becoming more common across the U.S. due to disruptions in the water cycle.
  3. Human activities, combined with climate change, are putting stress on the water cycle, impacting water availability, storage, and quality in various regions.

Claim: Climate Change is Causing Cholera Outbreaks

19 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
  1. The claim that climate change is causing cholera outbreaks may not be accurate, with political incompetence potentially being a crucial factor.
  2. Water purification methods like using sea salt and electricity can help make water safe to drink, suggesting feasible solutions for countries facing cholera outbreaks.
  3. It's important for governments to prioritize funding for water, hygiene, and sanitation to prevent cholera outbreaks, emphasizing the need for adequate support and resources in crisis situations.

Global Warming Headlines

39 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
  1. Scientist warns of Earth crossing the warming threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius, indicating the critical state of global warming.
  2. Renowned climate scientist, James Hansen, reveals that climate change is escalating and we are at risk of surpassing vital climate targets.
  3. To control global warming and restrict it to 1.5°C, urgent measures are needed within the next six years to achieve net zero emissions, underlining the pressing timeline.

ESG Roars over America

39 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
  1. The focus is on discussing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in America to shape the country's energy future.
  2. Encouraging open dialogue and debate about ESG is crucial for creating a sustainable and responsible energy sector.
  3. Steve Heins emphasizes the importance of including all of America in conversations about ESG and its impact on the world's future.

ChatGrid: A New Generative AI Tool for Power Grid Visualization

19 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
  1. ChatGrid is a new generative AI tool designed to simplify data interaction for grid operators in real time.
  2. The tool allows users to query information about the power grid, such as generation capacity and power flow, through simple questions.
  3. Developed by the Department of Energy's ExaScale Computing Project, ChatGrid uses synthesized data to protect real-life grid information and aims to help operators interact with big datasets more intuitively.

Here’s Where Biden’s Climate Law Is Working, and Where It’s Falling Short

19 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
  1. Electric vehicles sales are booming as expected, but renewable power is not growing quickly enough to meet emissions reduction goals.
  2. The Inflation Reduction Act aimed to cut America's greenhouse gas emissions by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 through tax credits and investments in clean energy technologies.
  3. Obstacles like supply chain issues, permitting delays, and local opposition are hindering the rapid deployment of renewable energy sources required to meet emission reduction targets set by the law.

Herd of Giant Puppets Trekking 20,000KM to Hilight the Climate Crisis

19 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
  1. A herd of giant animal puppets is traveling 20,000km to raise awareness about the climate crisis
  2. The project aims to spark a new global conversation by creating a visceral engagement with the climate emergency
  3. The herd will feature dozens of puppets representing migrating animals and intends to provoke new ways of thinking about climate change

Scientists under arrest: the researchers taking action over climate change

19 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
  1. Climate scientists are becoming activists to push for urgent action on climate change, feeling that the lack of response to dire warnings is unacceptable.
  2. Research shows a growing number of scientists engaging in activism, such as protests and civil disobedience, to advocate for meaningful change.
  3. Despite concerns about negative consequences, many scientists are increasingly vocal and engaged in activist actions, driven by a sense of urgency to address the climate crisis.

Enbridge Wants Line 5 Shutdown Order Overturned on Tribal Land in Northern Wisconsin

19 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
  1. Enbridge is attempting to overturn a shutdown order for Line 5 pipeline on tribal land in Northern Wisconsin using a legal tactic based on a 1977 pipeline treaty between the U.S. and Canada.
  2. Legal scholars argue that century-old treaties between the Bad River Band and the U.S. government should take precedence over the 1977 pipeline treaty invoked by Enbridge.
  3. The ongoing legal battle raises key environmental and tribal rights issues and involves negotiations between the U.S. and Canada, potentially impacting oil flow between the two countries.

SUE MICKLEY, A HEALTH AND ENERGY RESEARCHER OF 30 YEARS, JOINS JASON SPIESS, AND STEPHEN HEINS, NOTES FROM A PREVIOUS WEEKLY WORD EPISODE

39 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
  1. Sue Mickley, a health and energy researcher, emphasizes the importance of using state health data for accurate results in studies.
  2. Full disclosure of funding sources in environmental/health/energy studies is crucial to reveal any potential biases from public and private sectors.
  3. Mickley's research highlights the positive impact of properly harvested shale oil on communities, improving economics, healthcare, and mortality rates.

Here is an example of sycophant Energy journalism.

39 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
  1. Global warming is accelerating, and experts warn that the world is dangerously warming quicker than expected.
  2. Reducing pollution can actually speed up global warming, creating a challenging 'catch-22' dilemma.
  3. Studies show that environmentally friendly cooling technologies could hold potential in addressing and reducing global warming.

Air pollution sparks alarm, dims World Cup cheer in India

39 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
  1. Toxic air pollution in India, specifically in New Delhi, is reaching severe levels, raising public health concerns.
  2. The deteriorating air quality is impacting major events like the cricket World Cup, with players expressing worries about breathing difficulties.
  3. Efforts like banning diesel buses and halting construction activities are being implemented to address the pollution crisis in Indian cities.

Doug Sheridan concludes…

39 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
  1. The challenge of maintaining electricity supply during windless nights or long wind lulls is a significant barrier to achieving Net Zero goals.
  2. Storing enough electricity to cover demand during periods of low renewable energy production would require unaffordable quantities of storage according to the Royal Society.
  3. Relying on interconnections for electricity transfer between regions faces challenges, including potential non-zero-emission electricity and the need for surplus generating capacity in precise locations.

Largest Wind Farm Maker Abandons E. Coast Projects As Costs Explode

39 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
  1. Orsted, the largest offshore wind farm developer, has abandoned US projects due to supply chain issues, rising interest rates, and lack of certification, recording a high impairment charge.
  2. The cancellation of major wind projects has led to a significant drop in shares for Orsted, affecting the green energy market.
  3. Analysts view Orsted's situation negatively, with concerns about balance sheet deterioration and potential capital increase.

Big Oil Sticks To Core Business Despite Lower Q3 Results

39 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
  1. Exxon is focused on growing its oil and gas business, evident by its acquisition of Pioneer.
  2. Despite weaker-than-expected results, Big Oil companies like BP and Chevron remain optimistic about their core business and are making expansion plans.
  3. Major oil companies are prioritizing their oil and gas operations over low-carbon energy initiatives, signaling a shift back to traditional fossil fuels despite global efforts to promote alternative energy sources.

US Offshore Wind Industry Comes Roaring Back, Part Infinity

19 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
  1. US offshore wind industry is making a significant comeback after facing challenges and setbacks.
  2. Whale deaths in New Jersey were wrongly linked to wind turbines, when actual causes were boat strikes and fishing gear.
  3. The development of floating offshore turbines marks a new wave in the US offshore wind industry, bringing new opportunities and areas of growth.

The evolution of ESG: How environmental justice is strengthening the movement

39 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
  1. ESG investing has gained significant attention and value since 2020, leading to corporations leveraging ESG reports to enhance their brand and market value despite some anti-ESG sentiments.
  2. The concept of environmental justice, at the intersection of 'E' and 'S' in ESG, is gaining prominence due to increased focus on fair treatment for all individuals in environmental decisions and policies.
  3. Companies should incorporate environmental justice into their ESG initiatives to avoid legal implications, meet regulatory requirements, and ensure sustainable operations that do not negatively impact the communities where they operate.

NCAR Study: Otis Rapid Hurricane Intensification was Not Driven by Climate Change

39 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
  1. NCAR researchers found that there are at least two different modes of rapid hurricane intensification, which require specific conditions to occur.
  2. One mode involves symmetric intensification due to favorable conditions like warm waters, while the other involves bursts of thunderstorms triggering rapid intensification even in unfavorable conditions.
  3. Understanding these different modes of rapid intensification could lead to better forecasting of dangerous hurricanes in the future.

In the Green-Steel Race, the Biggest Producers Are Laggards Green steelmaking is becoming a reality—just in the wrong place

39 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
  1. Green steelmaking is on the rise, supported by regulations, climate-tech investments, and demand for low-carbon products like automobiles.
  2. Biggest steel producers like China and India are still heavily reliant on traditional, polluting blast furnaces, hindering the transition to greener technologies.
  3. Experts predict that Chinese steel production may eventually shift towards using electric-arc furnaces and scrap steel, which could be a cleaner alternative to blast furnaces.

Dear Subscribers and Energy Allies

39 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
  1. Need for financial help and paid subscriptions to organize and archive Substack Recommendation work for global energy equity
  2. Continued energy activism by a 79-year-old with a desire to contribute to energy history
  3. Diverse range of posted authors and focus areas on regulatory issues, energy sectors, and energy/environmental reports with 2371 Substack posts in the last 17 months

Our Take, with Doug Sheridan

19 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
  1. The proposed EPA rule on carbon capture and green hydrogen is seen as potentially harmful to fossil fuel plants due to technology limitations and regulatory issues.
  2. Experts and federal agencies have expressed concerns about the lack of feasibility and cost-effectiveness of these technologies mandated by the EPA.
  3. The EPA's push for these technologies may have significant consequences on grid reliability, energy supply, and economic impacts, raising questions about the agency's approach.

Severe Drought Erased Climate Progress in the Northwest in 2023 Power emissions rose in the region due to drier conditions and less hydro output

19 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
  1. Severe drought in the Northwest caused a rise in power emissions due to drier conditions and decreased hydro output.
  2. Climate change-induced droughts are impacting hydropower output, leading to the increased burning of coal and gas in the region.
  3. Droughts in the Western US are threatening carbon-free power goals, with a consistent decrease in hydropower output over the last two decades.

Biden Signs Order for 24-7 Surveillance of all US Citizens?

39 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
  1. Biden signed an order for 24/7 surveillance of all US citizens, sparking concerns about loss of privacy and freedom.
  2. The introduction of a 'digital dollar' could lead to total government surveillance and control over citizens' spending, with potential for negative impacts on personal freedoms.
  3. By subscribing to the 'Strategic Intelligence' newsletter, individuals can gain insights into threats, investment opportunities, and wealth protection strategies during times of crisis.

White House goes all in on responsible innovation and artificial intelligence

39 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
  1. The White House is emphasizing responsible innovation and artificial intelligence, aiming to lead the way in managing the risks of AI.
  2. The executive order highlights the importance of public interest technology and its connection to beneficial and responsible AI development.
  3. AI's impact extends to critical infrastructure, equity, justice, civil rights, and necessitates new transdisciplinary research and scholarship.

How Kelcy Warren’s Pipeline Dream Powered a Nation

39 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
  1. Kelcy Warran's Energy Transfer transports a significant portion of the country's natural gas and crude oil, impacting global oil supply.
  2. Warren's bold, agile, and inventive style led Energy Transfer through transformative acquisitions and expansions in the midstream sector.
  3. Energy Transfer's evolution from a small intrastate natural gas pipeline operator to a major midstream powerhouse was driven by strategic acquisitions, diversification, and a focus on market needs.