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

Don’t believe the renewables myth. Wind and solar are not cheap

19 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
  1. Renewables like wind and solar are not as cheap as they are often claimed to be due to high upfront costs and ongoing subsidies to make them competitive with fossil fuels.
  2. The intermittency of wind and solar power creates challenges for grid operators, requiring standby sources of power and mechanisms to balance supply and demand in real-time, all resulting in additional costs for consumers.
  3. Despite the belief that renewable energy will lead to cheaper electricity, the reality is that the overall cost to consumers includes various factors like network costs, balancing costs, subsidies, operational costs, and taxes, making it unlikely for energy prices to decrease significantly.

Global Corporatism Unleashed?

19 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
  1. Climate change is viewed as a corporatist scam by some individuals and there are concerns about international taxes being proposed to address global problems.
  2. There is skepticism about the impact of methane (CH4) on global warming, leading to concerns about drastic measures like killing cows to save the planet, highlighting the need for a measured approach to environmental issues.
  3. The role of CO2 in climate change is scrutinized, with discussions on its impact and the need for factual evidence to support claims made, emphasizing the importance of scientific data in environmental debates.

Jackson Buys 8 Electric Buses For Transit System, But None Are Working

19 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
  1. Jackson purchased 8 electric buses to replace diesel ones, but all 8 are not operational, and the supplier company went bankrupt.
  2. The use of electric buses faced practical challenges, with a decrease in battery performance during winter and low ridership perception, although actual ridership has been growing.
  3. Despite setbacks, efforts are ongoing to transition to more electric buses by replacing the diesel fleet gradually with funding support from grants.

North Carolina Offshore Wind Leases Blocked

19 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
  1. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management blocked two offshore wind sites in North Carolina due to objections from the Department of Defense, disappointing Governor Roy Cooper.
  2. Offshore wind turbines can interfere with radar systems, as reported by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, raising concerns about military readiness and air combat training.
  3. North Carolina aims to lead in offshore wind energy, with set goals of generating 2.8 gigawatts by 2030 and 8.0 gigawatts by 2040, despite rising concerns about the costs and controversies surrounding offshore wind projects.

Data insight: the cost of a wind turbine has increased by 38% in two years

19 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
  1. The cost of a wind turbine has increased by 38% in two years.
  2. The average price of the key critical minerals needed to build a wind turbine has soared by 93% since pre-Covid.
  3. The cost required to build 1MW of wind turbine capacity has increased by 38% over two years, impacting wind industry manufacturers.
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Pipelines Are Limiting U.S. Natural Gas Production

19 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
  1. U.S. natural gas supply has hit a record high, but pipeline constraints are hindering production.
  2. Additional pipeline capacity is needed between 2026 and 2030 for LNG ambitions to be achieved.
  3. The construction of new export terminals is rapidly increasing U.S. LNG exports, making the country a top player in the global LNG market.

‘Double agents’: how US cities, tech firms and universities use fossil fuel lobbyists

19 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
  1. Fossil fuel lobbyists in the US work for a wide range of clients, including liberal cities, tech companies, universities, and environmental groups, creating conflicts of interest and double agendas.
  2. Even progressive-minded cities, environmental groups, tech companies, and universities have ties to fossil fuel lobbyists, which can lead to legitimizing the fossil fuel industry and undermining climate action efforts.
  3. The deep influence of fossil fuel lobbyists across various sectors highlights the need for transparency and scrutiny to avoid conflicts of interest that perpetuate the fossil fuel industry's power and hinder climate progress.

Paper Or Plastic? The Fanatics Tell Us We Can’t Either

19 implied HN points • 18 May 23
  1. The Biden administration and some states are busy banning items like gasoline-powered cars and plastic straws, creating uncertainty about what's allowed.
  2. Environmental activists target both high-profile items like plastic bags and small conveniences such as paper bags, pushing for bans and emphasizing deforestation concerns.
  3. Despite concerns raised about paper products related to deforestation, the paper industry in North America plants trees to replace the ones harvested, with global tree cover growing significantly in recent years.

“Thank You, Big Oil” Campaign Targets Fossil Fuel Companies

19 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
  1. Fossil Free Media has launched a 'Thank You, Big Oil' campaign using billboards to highlight the impact of burning fossil fuels on global heating.
  2. An attribution study found that human-induced climate change made the extreme heatwaves in North America, Europe, and China in July 2023 much more likely, emphasizing the urgency to curb fossil fuel consumption.
  3. Despite commitments to phase out fossil fuel subsidies, governments continue to provide over $1 trillion in subsidies to coal, oil, and gas, reinforcing the need for policy changes to prioritize sustainability and combat climate change.

Why a Repeal of the Chevron Deference Could Effectively Repeal the Green New Deal

19 implied HN points • 06 May 23
  1. The Chevron Deference allows federal bureaucracies to create regulations without court interference, leading to a significant expansion of federal regulations and agencies. This principle has resulted in agencies gaining extensive rulemaking authority due to lack of explicit guidance from Congress.
  2. Repealing the Chevron Deference could impact major policies like the Green New Deal, which heavily relies on the expansion of federal agencies such as the EPA, Energy Department, and Treasury to enforce its agenda.
  3. The Supreme Court case regarding the Chevron Deference, Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, has the potential to greatly influence society by changing the way federal agencies wield power and interpret laws.

WSJ Exposes SEC Chairman Gary Gensler as Anti-O&G Climate Zealot

19 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
  1. SEC Chairman Gary Gensler is pushing for public companies to disclose greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks, facing resistance from Republicans in Congress.
  2. The Wall Street Journal editorial points out discrepancies in Gensler's approach, suggesting that his climate disclosure rule could have negative impacts on the economy.
  3. Concerns have been raised about potential biases in Gensler's climate agenda despite his denial of having one.

Biden and Manchin are wrong about the Mountain Valley Pipeline and Energy Security

19 implied HN points • 27 May 23
  1. Claims that the Mountain Valley Pipeline will help Europe or benefit national security are unfounded, as it is not an export pipeline and would not increase energy security.
  2. US gas export capacity is limited by LNG terminal capacity, not pipelines; building new export terminals will take years and may not provide timely assistance to European allies.
  3. US politicians should prioritize renewable energy and energy efficiency over investing in new fossil fuel infrastructure like the Mountain Valley Pipeline, for community, climate, and energy security benefits.

Yale Study: ESG Investing Isn’t Doing Much For The Environment

19 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
  1. Large oil producers offloading assets to improve green credentials can end up making them dirtier under new ownership.
  2. Companies considered 'brown' in ESG investing become dirtier when starved of capital to avoid bankruptcy.
  3. Solving environmental challenges requires significant investments from a mix of industry players, including both 'dirty' and green companies.

Climate Wars Heating Up in Rural Australia

19 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
  1. Tempers are running high in rural Australia due to climate policy disputes and bullying of landowners.
  2. Residents in rural areas are facing issues like destruction of wilderness for large-scale renewable energy projects.
  3. Concerns were raised about the use of crowd control weapons and the importance of avoiding organizational centralization during a recent meeting in Gympie.

Germany Begins Dismantling Wind Farm for Coal

19 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
  1. Germany is dismantling a wind farm to make way for the expansion of a coal mine, a move that sparked criticism from activists.
  2. RWE had to agree to phase out coal by 2030 in exchange for expanding the mine earlier than planned.
  3. Expanding the Garzweiler coal mine may cause Germany to surpass its climate pledges, as lignite coal is becoming uneconomical compared to renewable energy sources.

The Financial Times recently interviewed Kerry at an editorial roundtable in London

19 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
  1. The Financial Times interviewed Kerry at a roundtable in London regarding climate and energy policy. This discussion revealed a push towards green investments and a call for industry action at COP28.
  2. John Kerry emphasized the urgency of finance in transitioning to green energy and highlighted the need for collaboration between countries and industries to achieve climate goals.
  3. Kerry stressed the importance of accountability, adaptation, and mitigation in addressing climate change. He highlighted the role of the private sector and the need for industry commitments to achieve carbon neutrality.

Renewable Experts: Undeterred and Unmoved by Failed Ideas

19 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
  1. Green ideas can face challenges but continue reemerging in new forms, reflecting the persistence of renewable energy proponents.
  2. Forecasts predicting the death of the grid raised concerns for utilities but continued investment in transmission projects proved beneficial.
  3. Renewable energy experts have shifted from advocating against the grid to recognizing its importance, emphasizing the need for grid enhancements to support renewable resource integration.

Dystopian 'Silo' gives a glimpse of a degrowth world

19 implied HN points • 23 May 23
  1. The dystopian show 'Silo' on Apple TV+ is gaining popularity for its portrayal of a degrowth world set in an underground society where people are restricted and survival is a challenge.
  2. The themes in 'Silo' align with the degrowth movement, emphasizing stasis, scarcity, central control, and limited freedom, reflecting a world where growth is intentionally limited to protect the environment.
  3. The core message in 'Silo' and related to degrowth is the importance of human freedom in generating new ideas, progress, and solutions for future challenges, highlighting the need for liberty in innovation and problem-solving.

ESG investing is dying. That’s not a bad thing

19 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
  1. ESG investing is facing challenges and may be on the decline, but this could lead to a more integrated approach in stock analysis.
  2. There has been a significant drop in assets managed in ESG funds globally due to various factors like geopolitical events and political differences.
  3. The rise in mortgage rates, the influence of Federal Reserve decisions, and the expectation of rates decreasing later in the year are important factors to watch in the housing market.

Air Conditioners Face Regulatory Onslaught For Minuscule Climate Benefits

19 implied HN points • 04 May 23
  1. Biden administration is introducing regulations that are making air conditioners more expensive for consumers.
  2. New EPA rules and Department of Energy efficiency standards are driving up repair costs and upfront equipment expenses.
  3. Regulatory changes targeting air conditioners are motivated by a desire to combat climate change, but may not benefit consumers significantly.

SCOTUS should put the Chevron Doctrine on the ash heap of history

19 implied HN points • 09 May 23
  1. Supreme Court is considering eliminating the Chevron Doctrine, a rule allowing federal agencies to interpret laws as they see fit.
  2. A case involving the National Marine Fisheries Service may lead to changes in the Chevron Doctrine, potentially limiting federal agencies' power.
  3. Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch have expressed concerns about the Chevron Doctrine giving too much authority to federal agencies, hinting at possible changes in the future.

Greece’s Fires: A Human Act, Not Climate Change Catastrophe

19 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
  1. Many of Greece's fires were caused by human actions, not just climate change.
  2. Blaming climate change for disasters can shift focus from individual responsibility.
  3. It's crucial to address immediate human factors to prevent and mitigate disasters.

Europe Getting Cold Feet on Global Warming As Biden Jumps In

19 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
  1. Europe is reconsidering its rush towards net zero carbon goals as the public pushback increases, leading to concerns over economic impact.
  2. European countries like Germany are facing challenges in transitioning to electric vehicles due to energy source limitations and the cost of alternative fuels.
  3. European businesses are looking to shift investments to North America due to concerns over Europe's competitiveness, accentuated by geopolitical risks, inflation, energy costs, and supply chain disruptions.

Energy Appliance Victory! (DC Circuit vs. DOE)

19 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
  1. The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled against a Final Rule from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that would have banned certain commercial boilers, a significant win for energy consumers and the natural gas industry.
  2. The court pointed out DOE's failure to meet clear and convincing evidence standards required by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, which sheds light on the agency's lack of transparency in setting appliance efficiency standards.
  3. This victory challenges the concept of Chevron Deference, highlighting the need for more accountability and careful consideration from government agencies like DOE in their regulatory actions.

Left-Wing Climate Groups Are Helping Biden Craft Aggressive Power Plant Rules

19 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
  1. Left-wing climate groups are assisting the Biden administration in creating strict regulations for power plants to reduce emissions.
  2. The groups involved include Climate Action Campaign, Union of Concerned Scientists, Sierra Club, NRDC, Clean Air Task Force, and Evergreen Action. They advocate for transitioning to a green energy grid and rapid decarbonization of the nation's power grid.
  3. The proposed regulations aim to have 80% of the nation's grid fueled by green energy by 2030, with a goal of being completely carbon-free by 2035. This represents the most aggressive plan to curb power plant emissions in US history.

The World Leader Is Calling Out the Western Climate Hypocrites

19 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
  1. India's power minister defends the country's use of fossil fuels and criticizes the West for hypocrisy in pushing developing nations to abandon them, highlighting the per capita emissions and energy consumption differences.
  2. Renewables like wind and solar have hidden costs, such as the need for expensive battery backups, leading to significant price increases in electricity; availability and affordability of battery raw materials are also concerning.
  3. Countries like India are cautious about transitioning fully to renewables due to the high costs and risks of blackouts, opting to balance fossil fuel use with increasing renewable capacity for reliable energy.

How To Fix The West’s Disastrous Green-Energy Experiment

19 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
  1. The West's rush to embrace renewable energy while abandoning nuclear power and fossil fuels has led to increased electricity prices and energy insecurity.
  2. Lessons from Ontario's green energy disaster show that prioritizing reliability and affordability in energy policy can lead to positive results, as seen in Ontario's decreased electricity prices.
  3. Germany's pursuit of green energy policies at the expense of fossil fuels and nuclear energy has led to economic troubles, with companies like Lanxes and BASF moving production out of the country due to high energy costs and regulations.

47,300 Gigawatt-Miles From Nowhere

19 implied HN points • 26 May 23
  1. The NY Times and DOE are pushing for a massive expansion of the electric grid using a confusing metric of gigawatt-miles, which may not be feasible due to the physical limitations of the current system.
  2. Attempting to quickly build tens of thousands of miles of high-voltage transmission lines within a decade faces challenges like permitting issues, supply chain constraints, and a shortage of skilled labor like electric linemen.
  3. The diffused ownership of the American electric grid with over 3,000 providers and the staggering cost of building new transmission lines present additional obstacles to an extensive grid expansion, making it more practical to focus on utilizing existing infrastructure for decarbonization.

‘Out-Of-Control’ Fire Aboard A Massive Carrier Ship Shows Dangers Of Transporting EVs

19 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
  1. An 'out-of-control' fire on a carrier ship carrying EVs highlights the dangers of transporting electric vehicles. The fire on the ship was burning fiercely, causing casualties and threatening environmental damage.
  2. EV battery fires burn hotter and longer than most fires, making them challenging to extinguish. Mitigation strategies focus on cooling the batteries to prevent further failures.
  3. The incident raises concerns about environmental impact, including pollution from burning synthetic materials and the potential for the ship to capsize, leading to oil spills and debris.

Enough with fossil fuels, Pope says in latest climate appeal

19 implied HN points • 25 May 23
  1. Pope Francis advocates for an urgent transition away from fossil fuels to combat climate change, highlighting the need to repent for ecological sins.
  2. The Pope emphasizes the importance of listening to science and implementing a rapid shift towards renewable energy sources to align with the Paris Agreement commitments.
  3. Francis underscores the detrimental impact of unchecked fossil fuel use, deforestation, and consumerist greed on the environment, urging for immediate action to protect the planet.

Will the UAW strike perpetuate the Death Spiral already mandated for the automobile industry?

19 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
  1. The UAW strike and demands for increased compensation could escalate the already high costs of electric vehicles, making them unaffordable for many consumers.
  2. Potential consequences of the UAW strike include increased American manufacturing costs, a shift to offshore manufacturing, and challenges in lithium supply chains for EV batteries.
  3. The automobile industry faces complexities like shortages of necessary materials, concerns about safe transportation of EVs due to battery fire risks, and the ethical issues surrounding the exploitation of resources in developing countries.

Column: Net zero 2050? That’s nothing – hold my beer

19 implied HN points • 17 May 23
  1. Setting realistic goals is important, ensuring they are achievable and not arbitrary.
  2. Focusing on reliable energy sources and technological advancements is crucial for sustainability and avoiding reliability crises.
  3. It's essential to have energy conversations based on reality and practical solutions to ensure economic stability and environmental well-being.

Doug Sheridan Says

19 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
  1. Europe's global standing has suffered this year due to various factors like slow economic growth, military weakness, and unrealistic world politics approach.
  2. The shift in global power and influence away from Europe towards rising powers in Asia and other regions is significant, affecting global governance.
  3. Europe's decline poses a challenge for the US, as the continent's fading voice in global institutions impacts shared policy goals, particularly in the areas of climate change and other progressive agendas.

Good Riddance, ESG

19 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
  1. ESG investing trend is losing popularity, with even the CEO of BlackRock moving away from the concept.
  2. ESG investing has faced backlash due to politicization, with concerns that it was counterproductive and ineffective.
  3. Governments are now taking more active roles in environmental issues, potentially making individual ESG investing less impactful.

Greenpeace Founder: Anti-Carbon Dioxide Agenda Is a Hoax

19 implied HN points • 10 Jun 23
  1. Renowned environmentalist Dr. Patrick Moore, a co-founder of Greenpeace, claims that the anti-carbon dioxide narrative is a hoax and argues that increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are actually beneficial.
  2. Moore criticizes claims that climate change is solely human-caused as 'propaganda' and 'dangerous', directly conflicting with the green agenda pushed by various global organizations and policymakers like President Joe Biden.
  3. John Kerry, the climate czar for Biden's administration, is calling for radical measures like urging farmers to stop growing food to meet 'net zero' emissions goals, showing a stark contrast to Moore's views on environmentalism and the human impact on the planet.

MSN Pushes Rice, Sugar, Tomato Apocalypse – As Crops Set Records

19 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
  1. Claims of rice, sugar, and tomato crop devastation due to climate change by MSN are contradicted by objective facts showing record-setting production in all three crops.
  2. Anecdotal claims, trading professional opinions, and cherry-picked scenarios cannot negate the concrete data presented by sources like the UNFAO.
  3. Global crop production, fueled by factors like increased atmospheric carbon dioxide, is consistently breaking records and providing abundant food supplies worldwide.

Alarmists Use Calif. To Mandate Nationwide ‘Death By Disclosure’ Scheme

19 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
  1. California's climate disclosure laws can impact nationwide policies by influencing SEC regulations.
  2. Legislation in California, like vehicle emission standards and climate disclosure laws, may become de facto national policies due to the state's market power.
  3. Environmental activists, like Ceres, are pushing for climate disclosures to hold companies accountable for their greenhouse gas emissions, potentially affecting businesses nationwide.

NOAA and the Media Continue to Misinform About Climate Change and Extreme Weather

19 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
  1. NOAA and the media are promoting claims about climate change and extreme weather causing increased damage, but hard data refutes the connection.
  2. Despite the mainstream media's narrative, extreme weather events have not become more common or severe due to climate change, as shown by data and the IPCC's low confidence in such claims.
  3. There is a discrepancy between NOAA and media claims of climate change impacts on weather events and actual scientific assessments, highlighting potential misinformation and media complicity in spreading false narratives.

The Auto Industry In Jonestown

19 implied HN points • 06 May 23
  1. The proposed EPA regulation on automobile emissions aims to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles in favor of electric vehicles, causing potential challenges in implementation and consumer acceptance.
  2. Major automakers are rapidly shifting their focus towards electric vehicles, with ambitious goals to transition their vehicle lineup to zero-emission models, despite challenges faced in EV market share and profitability.
  3. Despite the push towards electric vehicles, evidence suggests ongoing challenges for EV startups and traditional manufacturers in terms of losses, market capitalization, and customer preference, raising concerns about the long-term viability of electric vehicles.