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

Ford A New Casualty of State Planning and Corporate Wokeness

19 implied HN points • 15 May 23
  1. Ford Motor Company incurred significant losses in their EV business, making around $66,446 loss per electric vehicle sold in the first quarter of 2023.
  2. Auto industry giants like Ford and GM are cutting thousands of jobs, shifting focus to leaner structures and electric vehicle production.
  3. Despite ambitions for electric vehicle dominance, consumer skepticism towards EVs remains due to pricing, lack of charging infrastructure, and overall convenience compared to traditional vehicles.

The Political Agenda of the IPCC

19 implied HN points • 22 May 23
  1. The IPCC has transitioned from a scientific assessment to embracing a political advocacy agenda centered around 'transformational change.'
  2. The concept of 'transformational change' means a fundamental reorganization of societal systems, including changes in policies, technologies, lifestyles, and governance.
  3. There is a stark contrast between the IPCC's current political agenda and its previous role as a neutral scientific assessment body, highlighting the need for reform or a clear decision between scientific assessment and advocacy.

New York Urgently Needs To Confront the Contradiction of Trying To Electrify Everything While Also Eliminating Fossil Fuels

19 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
  1. New York is facing a contradiction in trying to electrify everything while eliminating fossil fuels, causing an urgent need to address this issue before a potential catastrophe.
  2. The current electricity generation in New York heavily relies on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, with inadequate plans to replace them as the state moves towards eliminating them.
  3. Proposed electricity mandates in New York City pose a challenge as they significantly increase demand for power without concrete plans to enhance the electric grid's capacity, potentially leading to insufficient electricity for essential needs.

2) Ross Clark: Europe is turning against Net Zero

19 implied HN points • 18 May 23
  1. Europe, including Britain and the EU, is showing signs of diverging on climate change policies with a shift away from green initiatives. UK remains firm on net-zero targets while EU is reconsidering its stance.
  2. France's President Macron believes Europe has advanced enough in passing green laws and fears that pushing ahead will result in European disinvestment. Macron's shift in tone is influenced by the US's focus on green investments.
  3. Net-zero laws are facing criticism for possibly harming industries and posing economic sacrifices. There is concern about the real benefits of green initiatives and the financial burden they might place on households in the UK.

Nevada’s largest – and only second – wind farm just got 70k acres from BLM

19 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
  1. Nevada's largest wind farm, Stagecoach Wind, will cover 70,000 acres in White Pine County and provide electricity for 145,000 households annually.
  2. The permitting process for clean energy projects, like Stagecoach Wind, highlights the need for serious reform to meet ambitious energy goals.
  3. Nevada has abundant potential for clean energy with initiatives like geothermal lease sales, aiming to make the state a leader in renewable energy production.
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Doug Sheridan Writes

19 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
  1. President Biden's focus on green industries involves funding EV production and addressing resulting distortions.
  2. The Biden administration is offering $12 billion to help auto companies transition to EV production, with a preference for projects that retain union jobs.
  3. Despite efforts to boost EV production through subsidies and incentives, the transition may lead to job losses in gas-powered auto assembly and affect the competitiveness of US automakers.

Exxon Mobil issued its first public statement that burning fossil fuels contributes to climate change in 2006, following years of denial.

19 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
  1. Exxon Mobil publicly acknowledged in 2006 that burning fossil fuels contributes to climate change after many years of denial.
  2. Internally, Exxon strategized to downplay concerns about climate change and even supported research that questioned mainstream climate science findings.
  3. Exxon's former CEO, Rex Tillerson, sought to influence discussions on climate change, downplayed the severity of climate impacts, and suggested against dramatic reductions in fossil fuel consumption.

Extreme Heat and Aging Power Grids Are a Deadly Combination

19 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
  1. Extreme heat can pose a serious health risk, particularly in areas with aging power grids.
  2. Heat waves can lead to deadly consequences, such as increased emergency room visits and fatalities, especially when combined with power grid failures.
  3. US energy infrastructure faces challenges from extreme weather and an aging grid, resulting in more frequent and prolonged blackouts. It is important for individuals to make preparations for emergencies like power outages.

How Did The Global Warming Scam Survive ‘Climategate’?

19 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
  1. In 2009, 'Climategate' revealed manipulation of data and suppression of opposing scientific views in the realm of global warming, raising questions about the integrity of climate academia.
  2. The global warming theory heavily relies on models like Michael Mann's 'hockey stick' graph, which contradicts historical climate data and places undue emphasis on human influence over natural climate drivers.
  3. The continued survival of the global warming 'scam' post-Climategate points to powerful actors perpetuating an agenda through fear and misinformation, ultimately driving towards goals like wealth redistribution and population control.

Why EPA’s New Gas Power Reg Will Get Struck Down by Court

19 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
  1. Critics predict that EPA's new regulations targeting natural gas-fired power plants will not survive legal challenges because they have been widely opposed by utility companies, states, senators, and grid operators.
  2. The proposed regulations from EPA, focusing on carbon emissions reductions and alternative power sources, are deemed legally vulnerable due to unproven technologies like carbon capture and green hydrogen.
  3. Concerns are raised about the high economic costs, potential grid instability, and health/environmental impacts of implementing the EPA's ambitious power plant rule, which surpasses Congress's intended scope for EPA regulation.

Study claiming no evidence of ‘climate emergency’ withdrawn after heated campaign

19 implied HN points • 28 Aug 23
  1. An international study claiming no evidence of a 'climate emergency' was withdrawn due to a heated campaign involving top climate scientists.
  2. The study provided a long-term analysis of extreme events but was criticized for not referencing the IPCC Sixth Report AR6.
  3. Despite the withdrawal, the authors successfully published an updated version in a different scientific journal, disputing predictions of increasing natural disasters due to global warming.

Evil Subsidies: The Kingdom of Inefficiency

19 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
  1. Synthetic fertilisers have lifted many out of poverty, but heavy government subsidies have led to environmental damage and need to be reformed for a more efficient and productive future.
  2. The World Bank report suggests phasing out wasteful agricultural and hydrocarbon subsidies, highlighting the need for subsidy reforms to benefit the poor but causing potential economic impacts and tradeoffs.
  3. Addressing subsidy issues could involve setting limits on fertiliser use, leaving hydrocarbons untouched, and considering the impacts of subsidy reforms on various economic sectors and populations.

“Not dark yet, but it’s getting there”

19 implied HN points • 26 May 23
  1. Lord Frost delivered a lecture questioning if Net Zero is compatible with mass prosperity, highlighting concerns about economic impacts and uncertainties in predictions.
  2. The current approach to achieve Net Zero is criticized for being wasteful, damaging, and economically inefficient, with implications for economic decline and governmental ineffectiveness.
  3. There is a need for a possible reevaluation of current renewable energy methods, spurring a conversation about exploring more efficient and cost-effective solutions to tackle climate change while considering economic impacts.

Michael Bloomberg Dials Up a War on Plastics

19 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
  1. Michael Bloomberg is investing heavily to prevent the construction of petrochemical plants as part of his climate activism efforts, particularly focusing on plastics and packaging industries.
  2. Despite Mr. Bloomberg's successes in shutting down coal plants, the fight against petrochemical plants is proving to be more challenging due to economic interests, profitability of the industry, and job impact concerns.
  3. Critics, including industry representatives and local economic development groups, argue that Mr. Bloomberg's approach is too aggressive and could harm areas in need of economic growth, emphasizing the importance of petrochemicals in modern life.

Lessons From China On The Planned Economy

19 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
  1. The Chinese economy's 40-year boom may be stalling out, potentially heading towards a major crash due to tightening state control and regulatory crackdowns.
  2. Lessons from China's misdirected capital spending in areas like useless high-speed rail stations and failed electric car initiatives serve as warnings for other countries, such as the U.S., on the dangers of state-directed economic policies.
  3. China's economic model, based on issuing debt to sustain unproductive projects, has led to an illusion of productivity while hollowing out the economy - a cautionary tale for countries like the United States.

Climate Hysteria And The Media’s Complicity

19 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
  1. Natural disasters happen regularly, but sensationalizing them as climate change exacerbates the issue.
  2. Media outlets contribute to a 'climate emergency' narrative that influences various aspects of our lives.
  3. There is a concern about climate activism's impact on youth, with reports of 'climate anxiety' among students and a push for climate indoctrination in schools.

DC Hearing Exposes Corrupt Climate Litigation Financing by the Left

19 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
  1. A Congressional hearing has unveiled corrupt third-party litigation funding in the climate sector, showing how big donors and foreign entities influence legal battles for their own gains.
  2. There are concerns about the lack of transparency and the potential for third-party funders to control litigation outcomes, highlighting a significant problem in the justice system.
  3. The issue of third-party litigation funding extends beyond just oil and gas, impacting various industries and raising calls for mandatory disclosure regulations to address the growing threat.

ESG ETFs fail to shine over past 10 years

19 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
  1. ESG ETFs have not outperformed traditional ETFs over the past decade, despite claims of delivering better returns by focusing on environmental, social, and governance criteria.
  2. Analysis suggests that ESG ETFs have marginally underperformed their non-ESG counterparts, with only a brief outperformance in 2020.
  3. The small underperformance of sustainable funds could be due to fee differentials, and ESG ETFs show substantial tracking error from mainstream indices, potentially providing reassurance to non-financial focused investors.

The farmers challenging the EU’s green agenda

19 implied HN points • 05 May 23
  1. Farmers in the EU are facing challenges as regulations push for greener agricultural practices, which could impact their traditional way of farming and economic viability.
  2. The EU's Farm to Fork strategy aims to significantly reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers, increase organic production, cut agricultural emissions, and rewild some farmland, which is causing resistance from farmers.
  3. European farmers are feeling the pressure from multiple policies, market demands for sustainable practices, and the need to balance environmental concerns with maintaining their livelihoods.

Mike Bloomberg Spending $85M to Block Petrochem Plants in M-U, Gulf

19 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
  1. Michael Bloomberg is investing substantial amounts of money to close coal plants and reduce gas plant capacity in the U.S. as part of his Beyond Carbon initiative.
  2. Bloomberg is now also directing funds towards blocking the construction of new petrochemical plants, facing challenges due to the booming and profitable nature of the petrochemicals industry.
  3. Despite opposition from industries and local communities, Bloomberg's efforts have had some success in halting the construction of new plants through legal and activist interventions.

International Energy Agency oil demand claims: Their headlines may please the masters, but the data usually says something else

19 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
  1. The International Energy Agency's headlines may try to please high-level decision-makers, but the actual data often tells a different story.
  2. Forecasting energy trends long-term is challenging due to the dynamic nature of the field, global growth, and unexpected supply-demand dynamics.
  3. Despite efforts by the IEA to align with emission reduction goals, real-world events like new oil and gas projects and coal demand growth challenge the feasibility of their projections.

America passed the EV ‘tipping point’ — but many buyers still want gas

19 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
  1. Electric vehicles are predicted to skyrocket once they make up 5-10% of new car sales, possibly reaching up to 80%
  2. Despite America hitting the EV tipping point, many buyers still prefer gas-powered vehicles due to concerns about charging infrastructure and convenience
  3. Both partisan divides and concerns about charging infrastructure are factors influencing the adoption of electric vehicles in the United States

World’s largest companies stall climate action despite promises

19 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
  1. Many of the world's largest companies struggle to meet their climate change commitments due to high costs, slow technological advancements, and political pressures.
  2. Companies rely on carbon credits to offset hard-to-reduce emissions, but the lack of trust in voluntary carbon markets is a significant challenge.
  3. The initial stages of decarbonization might be simple, but true transformation towards sustainability proves to be quite challenging for companies.

Of EVs, Heat Waves, And Emissions

19 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
  1. Range anxiety is a major concern for consumers of electric vehicles, impacting sales and leading to the creation of large batteries that defeat emissions reduction.
  2. Policies around electric vehicles may prioritize luxury and profits over actual emissions reduction, potentially leading to inefficient use of resources.
  3. Subsidies for EVs and policies surrounding them may not always result in a net reduction in CO2 emissions, as they can still promote increased consumption of fossil fuels.

Last Independence Day

19 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
  1. Gladys Lucille Harmon Heins had a significant impact on her son's life, being known for her sweetness, generosity, and fiery personality.
  2. The poem captures the emotional journey of dealing with death, reflecting on cremation, heritage, and scattering ashes in the Rockies.
  3. The author's final tribute involves promising his mother to scatter her ashes in the Rocky Mountains, moving beyond the traditional grave for her last Independence Day.

Germany’s Lindner blasts EU over ‘enormously dangerous’ green plans

19 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
  1. German Finance Minister criticized the EU's strict clean energy rules for buildings, warning of potential backlash and far-right empowerment.
  2. The renovation directive in the EU's 'Green Deal' aims to fully decarbonize buildings by 2050, but faces challenges and controversies in negotiations.
  3. There's a growing push within the German government, especially led by Lindner, to oppose certain EU green laws to prevent alienating voters and handle domestic political conflicts.

Biden Admin Is Crippling America With No Tangible Benefit For The Climate

19 implied HN points • 11 May 23
  1. Government initiatives for climate change may not yield tangible benefits for America.
  2. Spending trillions to reduce only a tiny fraction of global temperature increase by 2100 seems inefficient.
  3. Policies aimed at climate change might lead to economic burdens and societal sacrifices without significant impact.

Doug Sheridan Writes

19 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
  1. Conservative governments have embraced the idea of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, despite it being an unconservative concept.
  2. British politics has been slow to adjust post-Putin's invasion of Ukraine, and now there's a shift from virtue signaling to complaints about energy policies.
  3. The talk in both urban and rural settings has turned from boasting about electric vehicles to criticizing the lack of Conservative plans to address the changing energy landscape.

After 15 Years Of Permitting, TransWest Wind Transmission Project Is Still 5 Years From Going Live

19 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
  1. The TransWest Wind Transmission Project will bring power from Wyoming to California, taking 15 years to permit and approve with construction still 5 years away.
  2. To reach net zero targets by 2050, the US will need to increase transmission capacity significantly, which could be challenging due to the long permitting and construction timelines.
  3. There are difficulties with permitting large transmission projects, with opposition often leading to delays, and reforming the permitting process could help expedite construction.

GOP, Dems urge Biden To Defend US Businesses From Europe’s Eco Regs

19 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
  1. A bipartisan group of lawmakers is urging the Biden administration to protect U.S. businesses from potentially harmful European environmental regulations.
  2. The EU's 'Deforestation-free Regulation' has raised concerns among U.S. lawmakers, who emphasize the need for fair implementation focusing on regions with actual deforestation issues.
  3. The U.S. paper and pulp industry, a significant contributor to the American economy, could face adverse impacts from the EU regulations if not properly addressed.

Strategic Petroleum Reserve: DOE continues to show no intention of refilling it

19 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
  1. The Department of Energy (DOE) is not showing any plans to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
  2. DOE is making small purchases to avoid criticism, while Congress is using the reserve as a source of funds.
  3. Read the full post by Ed Ireland to gain more insights into this issue.

New Zealand grid

19 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
  1. New Zealand operates its electricity grid with a high penetration of renewables, especially hydro, with lesser reliance on thermal power.
  2. The NZ grid uses a market model similar to Australia's, but with different generation sources, such as hydro and geothermal making up a significant portion.
  3. Challenges facing the NZ grid include managing frequency swings, reliance on thermal plants for load balancing, and the need for reserves to cover shortages during low renewable generation periods.

Judicial Watch Sues Biden Justice Department for Refusing to Reveal Names of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s Staff doj pr (Washington, DC) – Judicial Watch announced today that it filed a Freedom of Info

19 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
  1. Judicial Watch filed a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice for not disclosing the names of Special Counsel Jack Smith's staff and the reasons for withholding information.
  2. Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Jack Smith to lead investigations on Trump's handling of classified documents and challenges to the 2020 election results.
  3. Judicial Watch aims to uncover information about individuals working on politicized investigations involving Trump, following past discoveries of anti-Trump bias and attempts to silence conservative voices.

Raid on green energy companies is another windfall tax without the name

19 implied HN points • 12 May 23
  1. Raid on green energy companies is implemented as a windfall tax in disguise targeting excess revenue.
  2. The windfall tax on renewables might raise roughly £3-4bn, a fraction of the expensive energy subsidy package under Truss.
  3. Truss's decision to expand the windfall tax to cover renewable companies has led to discontent among energy bosses and could impact UK's environmental and economic goals.

“Listen to me!”: A Climate Study into Angry Young People

19 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
  1. Young people in the study expressed high concern, worry, powerlessness, and frustration about climate change.
  2. Feeling listened to was a crucial factor in determining whether young people talked about their emotions regarding climate change.
  3. The study underlines the importance of creating spaces for open, non-judgemental conversation about climate change for young people to adapt and respond effectively to the challenges they face.

US Oil & Gas Association: Advocate for the Oil & Gas Industry Since 1917 Washington Update from USOGA

19 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
  1. US Oil & Gas Association is closely monitoring GOP permit reform legislation that is set to be introduced soon to begin Senate negotiations.
  2. EPA is planning to impose limits on greenhouse gas emissions for natural gas and coal-fired power plants, focusing on carbon capture technology, but its efficiency and cost are still uncertain.
  3. Ethanol tax credits are a contentious issue in Congress, with Midwestern Republicans fighting to maintain subsidies, showcasing challenges in altering established tax incentives.

Republican districts dominate US clean technology investment boom --

19 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
  1. Republican districts in the US are heavily involved in clean technology investments, despite some opposition to related legislation.
  2. More than 80% of investments in clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing are going to Republican-controlled areas.
  3. President Biden is focusing on clean investment as a factor for job creation and 2024 re-election, despite facing challenges from consistently low approval ratings.

Car Pileup: Electric Vehicles Sitting Unsold On Dealer Lots

19 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
  1. The electric vehicle market is facing a challenge of excess supply and low demand due to consumer concerns about price and charging infrastructure.
  2. Despite increasing interest in electric vehicles, sales are not keeping pace with the growing production of EVs.
  3. Hybrid vehicles are experiencing lower inventory levels, suggesting that consumers may prefer them as a transition before fully committing to electric cars.

Sydney Airport EV Fire Destroys 5 Vehicles

19 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
  1. A fire at Sydney Airport destroyed 5 vehicles after a luxury electric car's battery burst into flames, raising questions about the safety of electric vehicles in such environments.
  2. Even minor damage to electric vehicles can potentially cause them to catch fire, prompting concerns about their safety on passenger ferries and the need for specific fire safety measures.
  3. Hydrogen can be highly dangerous due to its tendency to leak and form explosive mixtures, as highlighted by personal experiences with hydrogen balloons, emphasizing the potential risks involved in handling compressed hydrogen.

Truth and Science: A Nobel Laureate’s Advice to Students

19 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
  1. Dr. John Clauser emphasized the importance of truth in science, advising students to observe reality in nature and report it accurately, disregarding consequences.
  2. Clauser warned against distortion of truth by non-scientific leaders for their agendas, pointing out the dangers of misinformation like that spread by the IPCC regarding climate change.
  3. The physicist's message to students was that truth is essential in science, being entangled with it, and without it, it ceases to be science.