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

Wind & Solar 'Green Industry' Fantasyland #2 Rick Dunn, P.E. from Rick Dunn, P.E. - Pro Nuclear, Experience & Common Sense <[email protected]>Mon, Apr 1, 2024 at 2:00 PM

79 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24
  1. Washington and Oregon have historically had low CO2 emissions, but policies focused on eliminating fossil fuels have led to high gas prices and grid instability.
  2. Jay Inslee's push for 'clean energy' mandates risks deindustrialization in the Northwest, as wind and solar cannot provide reliable, affordable energy.
  3. Hydropower has been crucial for the region's economy, but its capacity is maxed out, necessitating a shift towards a nuclear-powered future for sustainability.
  4. States like Germany and California provide cautionary tales of the negative impacts of heavy reliance on wind and solar power.

Biden’s Signature Climate Law Has a Major Achilles’ Heel — And Dems Are Making It Worse

79 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24
  1. Biden's climate bill lacks comprehensive permitting reform, leading to delays and legal challenges that hinder green energy projects.
  2. Democrats proposed a bill including billions for environmental reviews, but Congressional gridlock on reform is slowing progress.
  3. Various green energy projects face legal challenges due to environmental lawsuits, emphasizing the need for permitting reform to streamline processes and ensure project success.

Madness Continues: SEC Approves Climate Rule Forcing Companies To Disclose Emissions

99 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
  1. The U.S. SEC approved a rule requiring companies to disclose their emissions, impacting around 2,800 U.S.-based companies and 500 foreign-based companies operating in the U.S.
  2. The SEC reversed previous decisions regarding Scope 3 emissions reporting, shifting the responsibility for reporting direct and energy-related emissions to the discretion of each company, focusing only on material data for investors.
  3. This decision by the SEC was influenced by stakeholder feedback, where the changes made were seen as a balance between the needs of investors and the concerns of businesses regarding the burden of climate change-related disclosures.

Per the WSJ, Joe Biden's decision to halt new LNG export terminals follows an intense campaign by environmental groups funded by wealthy contributors.

119 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
  1. Wealthy contributors funded an intense campaign by environmental groups that led to Joe Biden's decision to halt new LNG export terminals.
  2. Research on emissions from LNG facilities, US economy impact, and national security also influenced Biden's decision.
  3. Focus on reducing fugitive methane emissions and adopting advanced gas-fired generation technologies to secure LNG's position as a coal alternative.

Green Shareholders Try to Sabotage America’s Energy Industry A wave of destructive proposals began after a 2020 briefing to the Biden transition team.

79 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
  1. Green shareholders are pushing for environmental proposals that may harm America's energy industry.
  2. Shareholders have filed resolutions demanding emissions reductions at major companies like Amazon and Berkshire Hathaway.
  3. Companies should focus on educating investors, maintaining transparency on costs, and asserting their legal rights to handle ideologically driven shareholder proposals.
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Six Warning Signs Climate Scientists Are Lying About Wildfires By Jim Steele

99 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
  1. Fires are driven by local conditions, not a global crisis or climate change narrative
  2. Changes in wildfire frequency are influenced by fire suppression policies and human ignitions, not just climate change
  3. Increased flammability of vegetation is mainly due to local factors like the presence of cheat grass, not global warming

Ford “Drastically” Cutting EV Lightning Workforce Hours

79 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
  1. Ford is reducing workforce hours for EV production due to slower sales, showing a setback in the electric vehicle market.
  2. The shift towards hybrid vehicles is influencing consumer choices as electric vehicle sales struggle to meet industry expectations.
  3. Workers who retrained for EV production at Ford are facing challenges as the company adjusts its strategic vision.

Offshore Wind Now Costs More Than Double the Original Estimates in New York

79 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
  1. Offshore wind costs in New York have more than doubled from original estimates, leading to higher bills for consumers.
  2. New York's solicitations to cover higher offshore wind costs are influencing other Northeastern states to provide new contracts at higher prices.
  3. Offshore wind is considerably more expensive than other forms of electricity, committing states to increased rates for residents in the future.

The EU’s net zero retreat is gathering steam

79 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
  1. Building new gas power plants is seen as necessary despite goals to phase out fossil fuels for power generation by 2035
  2. Gas power plants play a crucial role in balancing renewable energy sources like wind and solar, ensuring a reliable energy supply
  3. Green lobbyists and governments are seen as prioritizing reliable energy sources like gas over unrealistic net zero targets

Rockefellers and Michael Bloomberg: Billionaire activists who don’t want abundant American energy

79 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
  1. The influence of billionaire activists like the Rockefellers and Michael Bloomberg has had a significant impact on Democratic energy policies, pushing them towards the extremes.
  2. The Biden administration's decision to halt new U.S. liquefied natural gas export projects due to activist pressure has negative consequences, affecting national security, employment, and clean energy supply to Asia and Europe.
  3. The Rockefellers have used their wealth to sway public opinion against fossil fuels, leading to potentially counterproductive environmental policies that ignore the importance of natural gas in global energy security and emissions reduction.

Court Strikes Down Biden Rule Forcing States To Set Transportation Climate Targets

79 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
  1. A federal court struck down a Biden administration rule requiring states and cities to set climate targets for transportation.
  2. Judge James Hendrix, a former President Trump appointee, agreed with the Republican-led states that the administration did not have the authority to impose these targets.
  3. The rule aimed to decrease planet-warming emissions and set up a national framework for measuring and reporting transportation-related emissions.

Lawmakers agree to monumental ban impacting cargo transportation: 'Be ready for the challenge'

79 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
  1. Lawmakers in the EU agreed to ban nearly all new diesel trucks by 2040 to combat rising global temperatures. Automakers must progressively reduce emissions of heavy goods vehicles, aiming for 90% reduction by 2040.
  2. Specialized vehicles like garbage trucks and urban buses must transition to zero-emission by 2035 in the EU. This move is a part of the EU's climate goals for 2030 and 2050.
  3. The market demand for electric and hydrogen-powered trucks is expected to increase significantly with the new EU regulations. Manufacturers need to gear up for this challenge against global competitors like Tesla.

Solar for sale: 1,100 acres, $15 million, in the Town of Sharon By Patsy Nicosia

99 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
  1. 1. 1,100 acres with a mix of farmland, solar arrays, and rental properties is for sale for $15 million in the Town of Sharon, New York.
  2. 2. The property is one of the largest working solar farms in New York State, with guaranteed lease payments over $20 million for 25 years.
  3. 3. Local officials express concerns over the sale, calling it the 'second phase' of a Ponzi scheme and highlighting environmental impacts like damage to roads and agriculture.

A first step toward a global price on carbon

79 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
  1. The International Maritime Organization has committed to creating the world's first global carbon price by imposing a fee on shipping companies for every ton of carbon emissions, potentially raising significant funds and driving changes in the industry.
  2. Taxing carbon emissions from ships could have wide-reaching impacts, from affecting the prices of goods like coffee and clothing to influencing the competitiveness of countries reliant on shipping for exports.
  3. The shipping industry's shift towards cleaner fuels and willingness to embrace carbon pricing signals a potential for effective, revenue-generating climate action that could pave the way for broader global policies.

Australia’s carbon credits system a failure on global scale, study finds

79 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
  1. Australia's carbon credits system is failing globally: research shows it's not effectively reducing emissions or addressing the climate crisis.
  2. The most popular carbon offsets technique in Australia, human-induced regeneration, has not improved forest cover as promised, with about 80% of projects showing no growth.
  3. Researchers suggest halting the issuance of carbon credits to regeneration projects in uncleared areas to maintain the integrity of Australia's carbon market and decarbonization efforts.

EPA inks ‘single most important climate regulation in the history of the country Final rule buys carmakers more time to transition to EV production, but environmental groups are still heralding a win

79 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
  1. The EPA finalized a rule to reduce emissions over the next decade, setting the pace for more climate action under the Biden administration.
  2. The rule allows carmakers more time to shift to electric vehicles, with adjustments to meet emission reduction goals by 2032.
  3. This rule is part of a series of climate-related regulations, including updated fuel economy standards, to address environmental concerns and public health issues.

Ex-California Oil Official Says Newsom Administration Pressured Him to Illegally Withhold Drilling Permits

79 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
  1. A former California oil official is heading to trial with a lawsuit claiming the Newsom administration pressured him to illegally withhold drilling permits.
  2. The situation highlights the tension between environmental activism and the regulation of oil and gas activities in the state.
  3. The case also sheds light on the broader push for green policies at both the state and federal level, including controversies around climate-related disclosures and electric vehicle mandates.

Face It: The Energy Transition Ain't Happening February 04, 2024/ Francis Menton

119 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
  1. Many articles highlight the inevitability of the energy transition, but there are challenges affecting its progress, such as shareholder demands in oil and gas companies.
  2. Despite ambitious goals like having 100% EV sales by 2035, there are setbacks occurring, like a decline in EV sales in California, showing the challenges in achieving these targets.
  3. The offshore wind industry in New York is facing financial challenges, indicating struggles with green energy projects even in regions with strong commitments to renewable energy.

Canadian Bill Makes it a Crime to Speak Nice About Fossil Fuels

99 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
  1. A Canadian bill, C-372, proposes criminalizing speaking positively about fossil fuels, with penalties of fines up to $500,000 or even jail time.
  2. The left's extreme views are not limited to Canada, with similar sentiments of restricting free speech and penalizing support for fossil energy seen in other countries.
  3. Instances like the European Central Bank wanting to exclude non-supporters of their green objectives from employment signal a concerning trend of ideological purges impacting diversity and free discourse.

Big Oil Grows Bolder in Transition Pushback By Irina Slav

79 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
  1. Big oil executives are now openly cautioning against a rushed transition from oil and gas to alternative energy sources.
  2. Aramco's Amin Nasser bluntly stated that the focus should be on investing adequately in oil and gas instead of phasing them out.
  3. There is a growing pushback against a rapid transition to full electrification, with challenges like emotional decision-making and the economic viability of wind and solar energy sources being pointed out.

The Guardian Pushes ‘New’ Legal Theory Of Prosecuting Big Oil For Climate Deaths by Linnea Lueken

79 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
  1. Deaths from climate-related causes have actually decreased over time, contrary to claims of worsening conditions.
  2. The proposed legal theory of prosecuting big oil for climate deaths lacks strong evidence and is based on flawed assumptions.
  3. Climate attribution studies, like those focused on hurricanes, do not provide concrete proof of the influences of climate change on extreme weather events.

Michael Mann "Hockey Stick" Update: Now Definitively Established To Be Fraud August 26, 2019/ Francis Menton

119 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
  1. The 'Hockey Stick' graph in climate science shook the world in 1998, showing a dramatic rise in temperatures in the 20th century.
  2. Tim Ball's accusation of fraud against Michael Mann regarding the Hockey Stick graph led to a long legal battle that ended with Mann's lawsuit dismissed and costs awarded to Ball.
  3. The refusal to share data and methodologies, along with discovered data truncation, raised serious concerns about the integrity of the Hockey Stick graph and led to it being labeled as a scientific fraud.

NEW (RMI) ANALYSIS SHOWS DEEP FLAWS IN RESEARCH CLAIMING GAS STOVES CAUSE 12 PERCENT OF CHILDHOOD ASTHMA

79 implied HN points • 24 Mar 24
  1. RMI study lacks an established causal relationship between gas stoves and childhood asthma, making its findings questionable.
  2. Biases in risk estimation and an overinterpretation of public health implications have weakened the validity of RMI's study on gas stoves and asthma.
  3. The study's conclusion about gas stoves causing childhood asthma is based on flawed assumptions, failure to include mitigation strategies, and exaggeration of health risks.

Stellantis announces hundreds of layoffs for white collar workers during 'mass firing' call By Ingrid Kelley and Jack Nissen

79 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
  1. Stellantis announced layoffs for hundreds of white collar workers, including engineers, during a mass firing call after instructing them to work remotely.
  2. The layoffs are part of a move to align resources and focus on EV products, but some speculate that outsourcing to low-cost countries is driving the decision.
  3. The automotive industry, not just Stellantis, is facing challenges due to factors like electrification and labor costs, leading to similar moves by Ford and General Motors.

Claim: “the loss of dung beetles…creating a climate doom loop”

99 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
  1. Insects, especially dung beetles, play a crucial role in the ecosystem as they make up a significant portion of the world's known animal species and are vital to the food chain.
  2. Loss of dung beetles due to climate change can intensify temperature fluctuations, leading to a destructive climate feedback loop.
  3. Introducing dung beetles from regions where they are already adapted to hot climates, like the successful project in Australia, could help sustain dung beetle populations in regions facing climate challenges.

How Germany Is Paying The Price For Net Zero

139 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
  1. Germany faces a significant financial gap of €60 billion up to 2030 in building power generation for net-zero emissions.
  2. The total cost for Germany to approach net zero by 2030 is estimated at a staggering €1.9 trillion.
  3. Germany's transition to net zero serves as a cautionary tale, showing the challenges and costs other countries might face in pursuing similar goals.

Environmentalism Needs a New Playbook By Devin Hartman

99 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
  1. Environmental activism should prioritize results over symbolism in decision-making, considering the true climate and economic impacts of actions.
  2. Copying strategies used to phase out coal may not be effective for the oil and gas industry, as natural gas plays a crucial role in achieving emissions targets and maintaining reliable energy systems.
  3. Environmentalism requires a new playbook that includes evidence-based policy decisions, bipartisan collaboration, market transparency, regulatory reforms, and innovation support to address pressing environmental challenges.

Biden Admin Cited ‘Indigenous Knowledge’ As Reason To Block Oil And Gas Leases WRITTEN BY JOSEPH SIMONSON

99 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
  1. The Biden administration blocked oil and gas leases in Alaska, citing 'Indigenous Knowledge' from Native American communities as a reason for this decision.
  2. There has been a trend in the federal government to incorporate 'Indigenous Knowledge' into scientific assessments, though some watchdog groups have raised concerns about prioritizing subjective beliefs over evidence-based scientific methods.
  3. Various federal agencies are hosting seminars and considering integrating 'Indigenous Knowledge' into decision-making processes, which has sparked debates about the compatibility of such knowledge with federal laws like the Information Quality Act.

“The Rockefeller Foundation Undermining Democracy Every Day of the Week

99 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
  1. The Rockefeller Foundation, through coordinated efforts, played a significant role in pushing the NY Attorney General's office to investigate ExxonMobil, revealing the politicization of law enforcement by environmental activists.
  2. Internal emails exposed the influence of the Rockefellers in prompting investigations into energy companies and using the media to support lawsuits, raising questions about similar undue influence in other states.
  3. The case underscores the undermining of democracy by powerful, tax-exempt foundations engaging in political activities under the guise of charity, highlighting a systemic issue in society.

The Hockey Stick Trial: How Science Died In A D.C. Courtroom, WRITTEN BY RUPERT DARWALL

99 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
  1. A jury found in favor of climate scientist Michael Mann in a defamation suit, giving significance to his iconic 'hockey stick' graph
  2. Criticism arose around Mann's hockey stick graph, indicating problems with selected tree-ring data and statistical techniques
  3. Manipulative efforts were made to suppress criticism and hide incongruities in temperature reconstructions, impacting the paradigm of climate change

Kandrach: Bidenomics on Display in FCC Overreach

79 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
  1. Michael Powell is highlighted as light-handed, well-informed, humble, and smart in his operating style during his FCC days.
  2. Bidenomics is criticized for proposing to outlaw early termination fees for cable or satellite TV subscriptions, which could increase consumer bills and defy federal law.
  3. The FCC plan to regulate pay-TV prices is seen as problematic as it may lead to higher bills for consumers and favor some companies over others, possibly facing legal challenges.

The Conversation Leans on Flawed Polling Study to Claim That Climate Change Influences Elections

79 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
  1. Climate change ranks low on most Americans' list of concerns and is often last in importance compared to other issues.
  2. Despite claims that climate change influences elections, data shows that people prioritize economics, inflation, crime, healthcare, education, and immigration over environmental issues.
  3. The study mentioned in the post lacks evidence to support the idea that climate change significantly affects election outcomes, and the authors seem to overlook other key factors like candidate likeability and voter behavior.

CBD’S TIES TO CALIFORNIA CLIMATE LAWSUIT RAISE BIG QUESTIONS JANUARY 26, 2024 | KYLE KOHLI

99 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
  1. Questions arise around California's climate lawsuit involving CBD, a prominent environmental group with ties to anti-energy billionaires, raising concerns about potential motives behind the lawsuit.
  2. CBD's history of lawsuits across the country to halt various energy projects, including renewable energy initiatives, adds to the scrutiny of their involvement in climate litigation.
  3. The connections between CBD, California DOJ, and other groups like Center for Climate Integrity highlight the intricate relationships influencing climate lawsuits and the potential political motivations at play.

America’s Grid Needs Reliable Power, Not More Muddled Green Schemes

79 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
  1. America's power grid is facing challenges due to explosive demand and the need for reliable power.
  2. States like Georgia, Arizona, Virginia, and Texas are struggling to expand their power grids to keep up with increasing electricity needs.
  3. The shift towards renewable energy sources like wind and solar is facing obstacles, including opposition in some states and the high costs associated with building new high-voltage transmission capacity.

Abandoning natural gas system threatens health and safety of state residents Kory Schuler | Commentary

99 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
  1. Abandoning the natural gas system in New York could affect residents' health and safety as it's being proposed to be replaced by uncertain electrical infrastructure.
  2. The Governor's Affordable Gas Transition Act and proposed HEAT Act aim to discontinue natural gas use, but there are concerns about reliability, affordability, and potential outmigration of residents due to increased costs.
  3. Instead of removing the natural gas system entirely, there should be a focus on understanding the cost and reliability of alternative systems like renewable natural gas and hydrogen to achieve emission goals in New York.

Skeptics’ Climate Arguments Are Inconvenient Facts That Can’t Be Refuted WRITTEN BY PIERRE GOSSELIN ON MAR 14, 2024. POSTED IN NEWS AND OPINION

79 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
  1. The Earth's climate has always changed in the past, suggesting the current warming may be part of a natural cycle.
  2. Climate models are still in their early stages and struggle to accurately predict climate changes due to the complexity of the system.
  3. The sun's activity greatly influences Earth's climate, but this influence is not always fully understood by climate scientists.

Blocking renewable energy is a top state legislative priority for network of pro-fossil fuels think tanks……...”So” By Dave Anderson

79 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
  1. State Policy Network (SPN) and affiliated think tanks funded by fossil fuel interests are working to block renewable energy projects.
  2. Anti-renewable energy efforts involve multiple tactics such as funding campaigns, publishing reports, and influencing state legislative policies.
  3. The network includes various organizations and individuals tied to fossil fuel interests, promoting policies against wind and solar power adoption.

CLIMATE LAWSUITS ONE MILLION DOLLARS, (or maybe not) Steyn Files Appeal

79 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
  1. Mark Steyn is filing an appeal against the Mann v Steyn verdict, particularly questioning the legality of the punitive damage award.
  2. There are issues raised about the bias of the jury in the Mann v Steyn case, including concerns about improper influence and comparisons made during trial.
  3. Steyn highlights the legal foundations for contesting the punitive damage award, arguing that the lack of compensable harm should prevent the collection of punitive damages.

The Success of US Chip Manufacturing Hinges on Our Electric Grid

79 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
  1. US chip manufacturing heavily relies on the stability of the country's electric grid for successful onshoring efforts and to reduce dependency on foreign chip imports.
  2. The exponential increase in electricity demands due to advanced semiconductor manufacturing poses challenges for the US grid's capacity and reliability, especially with the transition to more energy-intensive processes.
  3. The urgency to generate more power is emphasized by recent geopolitical tensions and the potential vulnerability of semiconductor supply chains, underlining the critical need for a robust grid to support domestic chip production.

Trans Mountain Pipeline Makes Canadian Oil Available to World Markets

79 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
  1. Canada's Trans Mountain pipeline expansion will allow Canadian oil producers to access global markets and potentially higher prices.
  2. Previously, the U.S. Midwest benefited from discounted Canadian oil, mostly oil sands, a vast reserve.
  3. By revoking the Keystone XL permit, President Biden redirected Canadian oil to the West Coast and Asian markets, likely leading to price increases.