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

First Amendment Records an Important Affirmation in Texas.

19 implied HN points • 19 Sep 22
  1. A federal appeals court upheld a Texas law preventing social media platforms from removing posts seen as discriminating against a viewpoint, a significant development in the ongoing debate around freedom of expression online.
  2. The Texas law, HB20, is a contentious piece of legislation with implications for social media giants like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, potentially affecting their ability to moderate content based on political views.
  3. The ruling sets a precedent that could lead to more states passing similar laws, potentially impacting how social media platforms regulate user-generated content in the future.

Movement to defund fossil fuels is coming for the private equity industry

19 implied HN points • 19 Sep 22
  1. Environmental activists are targeting private equity firms that invest heavily in fossil fuels, putting pressure on these firms to align with climate goals.
  2. Private equity firms, like Blackstone and Carlyle Group, are investing large sums in fossil fuel assets, contrary to the push for carbon reduction.
  3. While some private equity firms have set goals for net-zero emissions, environmentalists believe they could move faster to transition away from fossil fuels.

Mission Statement

19 implied HN points • 19 Sep 22
  1. Stephen Heins practices a hybrid news approach by sharing current, scholarly, and longterm pieces with his brand of humor, writing skills, poetry, and knowledge.
  2. He aims to voice a balanced, apolitical point of view on energy, global economic development, and the environment for all 8 Billion people on the planet.
  3. Stephen Heins plans to move his work to stephenheins.Substack.com to receive financial support from his readership and offer subscription options for his content.

Climate czar John Kerry warns Africa not to rely on natural gas to bring power to millions

19 implied HN points • 18 Sep 22
  1. John Kerry warns African nations about relying too heavily on natural gas for electricity, suggesting it as a short-term solution during the transition to cleaner energy.
  2. Many African nations see developing oil and gas resources as crucial for boosting electricity production and battling energy poverty, despite developed nations reducing investments in fossil fuels.
  3. Kerry emphasizes the need for a careful approach to deploying natural gas, considering factors like funding, emission capture, and the transition timeline.

Science Should Repay the World, if They are Wrong

19 implied HN points • 18 Sep 22
  1. Scientists should be willing to admit when they are wrong and publicly confess their mistakes.
  2. Litigation in the scientific community can lead to the obligation to pay legal fees, as seen in a case involving a Stanford professor.
  3. It is important for science to uphold integrity by addressing and correcting factual inaccuracies, even if it means going through a lengthy process to restore reputations.
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Norway is Facing Uncertain Winter

19 implied HN points • 18 Sep 22
  1. Norway is the UK's primary gas supplier, responsible for about 60 percent of the country's total demand.
  2. Soaring inflation and energy prices in Norway could lead to growing civil unrest, putting pressure on the government to cut off energy exports to the UK and Europe.
  3. The drought in Norway this summer is affecting the country's hydropower, leading to the need to use more gas domestically and potentially reducing gas exports.

Full Employment for Deal Makers Who Focus on Energy Transition

19 implied HN points • 16 Sep 22
  1. Banks are hiring experienced dealmakers to focus on clean energy transition due to the anticipated surge in activity as the world shifts towards cleaner energy sources.
  2. Large investment banks are creating specialized teams, like Citigroup's natural resources and clean energy transition group, to stay ahead in dealmaking trends related to ESG advisory and broad industry shifts.
  3. The energy transition sector offers significant growth opportunities, creating a demand for talent with diverse skills to navigate complex client sectors and segments for successful dealmaking.

Checking on the Fact Checkers

19 implied HN points • 15 Sep 22
  1. No major fact checker has checked on Joe Biden since Afghanistan last year.
  2. The latest fact-checks focus on statements made by Karine Jean-Pierre in August and June 2022.
  3. The fact-checking articles are written by Louis Jacobson.

The SEC Can’t Transform Itself Into a Climate-Change Enforcer

19 implied HN points • 15 Sep 22
  1. The SEC's attempt to become a climate-change enforcer may face challenges and could be unconstitutional.
  2. The Supreme Court's ruling in West Virginia v. EPA has implications for various agencies, including the SEC.
  3. The proposed climate-disclosure rule by the SEC could overstep authority, leading to potential legal issues.

Climate Cultists Are ‘On A Gravy Train’ To Make Money

19 implied HN points • 13 Sep 22
  1. The idea that 'settled science' exists when it comes to climate change is questioned as an oxymoron of planetary proportions.
  2. An astrophysicist challenges the belief that climate change is solely caused by human activity, pointing to cyclical activity on the surface of the sun as a primary driver.
  3. The astrophysicist suggests that some climate change scientists are driven by financial motives, referring to them as 'on a gravy train' to make money.

A big win for nuclear: Palisades plant may reopen in Michigan

19 implied HN points • 13 Sep 22
  1. Holtec International plans to reopen the Palisades nuclear plant in Michigan to save jobs and benefit the community.
  2. Efforts to save nuclear plants like Diablo Canyon in California and Byron and Dresden in Illinois show the sector's winning streak.
  3. Extending the life of existing nuclear plants is a cost-effective way to reduce emissions compared to other technologies like rooftop solar.

“Denialism” is Embarrassing Usage by Political Scientists

19 implied HN points • 12 Sep 22
  1. Political scientists using the term 'denialism' is embarrassing and doesn't contribute to constructive debate on climate change.
  2. It's important to have a nuanced understanding of different perspectives on the climate crisis, like Bjørn Lomborg's arguments, to navigate towards collective solutions.
  3. Questioning mainstream narratives and understanding varying viewpoints, like those presented by Lomborg, is crucial to addressing the complexities of environmental issues.

Cow mask designed to reduce methane

19 implied HN points • 12 Sep 22
  1. Zelp, a UK-based design firm, created an innovative cow face mask to reduce methane emissions and combat climate change
  2. The cow mask received a prestigious design award as one of the winners in the Terra Cart Design Lab competition
  3. Prince Charles, who initiated the competition, praised the cow mask design as 'fascinating' during an awards ceremony in London

Washington, DC: Is Virtue Signally Wise in an Energy Crisis

19 implied HN points • 11 Sep 22
  1. Washington, DC's climate virtue signaling may harm residents and neighboring states in an energy crisis.
  2. DC's push to ban fossil fuels for heating, cooking, and transportation will require increased electricity generation and pose challenges in material resource procurement.
  3. The consequences of DC's renewable energy laws extend beyond its borders, impacting neighboring states and potentially leading to energy colonialism and environmental concerns.

Dare We Trust Another Fossil Fuel Report?

19 implied HN points • 11 Sep 22
  1. Science bias is a concern in current times.
  2. Air pollution from burning fossil fuels has been linked to triggering lung cancer in non-smokers.
  3. Identifying the mechanisms of air pollution could lead to new cancer prevention strategies.

American Expanse

19 implied HN points • 10 Sep 22
  1. The author reflects on a journey from NYC to Gary, IN, and the contrast between the industrial landscape and the lyrics of 'America the Beautiful.'
  2. The description of 'America the Beautiful' lyrics is juxtaposed with the reality of wheated and corned plains across the American expanse.
  3. The writer captures the unique beauty of the American landscape through the lens of their road trip experience from urban industrial areas to the vast farmlands.

Full Employment and the Inflation Reduction Act

19 implied HN points • 08 Sep 22
  1. The Inflation Reduction Act promises full employment for various environmental sectors like NGOs, lobbyists, scholars, lawyers, and media.
  2. The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is hiring state directors to bring in their expertise on local environmental issues and help facilitate federal funding for projects like cleaning up abandoned oil and gas wells and fixing methane leaks.
  3. The act is seen as a victory for the climate as it aims to allocate funding to address pressing environmental challenges.

California Blackouts and the Gold River Mine Disaster

19 implied HN points • 08 Sep 22
  1. Federal and state government management skills, media coverage, and communications problems were highlighted in the California blackouts and Gold River Mine disaster.
  2. There was a lack of communication with downstream citizens and media after the Gold King Mine disaster, showcasing flaws in the EPA's disaster response and early warning plan.
  3. The Colorado toxic spill incident raised importance due to its timing with EPA initiatives, leading to concerns about the EPA's control over electrical grids and waterways in the US.

Michael Bloomberg and the ESG Debate

19 implied HN points • 06 Sep 22
  1. Michael Bloomberg's views on government activism, ESG, and regressive taxes are well-intentioned but may lack consideration of Wall Street's fiduciary responsibility.
  2. Republican critics argue against climate change considerations in investment decisions, leading to laws restricting business with firms that factor climate risk into portfolios.
  3. There is ongoing debate and opposition among Republican leaders towards ESG factors like climate change in investment strategies.

Nothing Got Built

19 implied HN points • 06 Sep 22
  1. There is criticism about the under-informed writing and reporting on fracking and climate change.
  2. The author questions the results of billions of dollars spent on environmental activism, highlighting that no significant change to the environment has been achieved.
  3. The post questions the effectiveness and impact of environmental activism and media coverage on the issue of fossil fuels and climate change.

EU and the Beast of the East Revisited

19 implied HN points • 06 Sep 22
  1. Many elderly individuals in the UK are facing energy poverty, struggling with high energy prices and sacrificing basic necessities like hot food and showers.
  2. Campaigners are calling for the UK government to scrap the 5% VAT rate on heating bills to provide relief to those in need.
  3. The winter of 2018 saw a significant number of deaths in the UK and Ireland due to 'energy poverty,' highlighting the urgent need for affordable and accessible energy solutions.

Things Change

19 implied HN points • 05 Sep 22
  1. Embrace uncertainty in the future, as predictions are rarely accurate.
  2. Science, environmentalism, and world finances are always evolving and unsettled.
  3. Change is constant, so be adaptable and ready for shifts in circumstances.

William Butler Yeats’ London Years Honored

19 implied HN points • 04 Sep 22
  1. William Butler Yeats, an Irish Nobel Prize-winning poet, is being honored in London for his literary contributions and his connection to the city.
  2. The unveiling of a new public sculpture celebrating Yeats's London life highlights the impact of homesickness and exile on creative individuals.
  3. The sculpture in Bedford Park marks the recognition of Yeats's time in London, where he wrote popular poems and experienced pivotal moments in his life and career.

The Power Hungry Podcast with Scott Tinker

19 implied HN points • 03 Sep 22
  1. The Power Hungry Podcast features insightful discussions on energy with experts like Robert Bryce and Scott Tinker.
  2. Scott Tinker is heavily involved in energy research and education through his roles at UT and the Switch Energy Alliance.
  3. Tinker discusses important topics like energy security and the impact of global events on the energy industry.

The Gold King Mine Disaster Cost Gina McCarthy And EPA Big Time

19 implied HN points • 01 Sep 22
  1. During the Gold King Mine disaster, the EPA attempted to deflect blame and did not promptly inform Colorado and New Mexico states about the toxic spill.
  2. The EPA took 24 hours to alert the states about the spill and didn't disclose it to the media until 3 days later.
  3. EPA's Gina McCarthy did not publicly address the spill until 6 days later, following President Obama's speech about the Clean Power Plan.

New Mark Mills Report Discusses Energy and the Cloud

19 implied HN points • 28 Aug 22
  1. Confidence in 'smart bureaucratic governance' may not be well-placed according to Mark Mills.
  2. The global demand for energy continues to rise due to various needs, such as digital devices and infrastructure like the Cloud.
  3. Advocates for a carbon-free world may underestimate the current and future energy demands globally.

The Marriage of Green Agencies and Academia

19 implied HN points • 26 Aug 22
  1. The private sector's resources are often ignored in the collaboration between green agencies and academia.
  2. Duke University faced allegations of submitting falsified or fabricated data for multiple grants from 2006-2018.
  3. The settlement with Duke University highlights the importance of maintaining research integrity in academia.

The Idea of 100 Percent Renewable Energy Is Once Again Having a Moment

19 implied HN points • 25 Aug 22
  1. The concept of 100 percent renewable energy is gaining significant attention from scientists, policy analysts, and governments as the world faces the impacts of climate change.
  2. Cost is a key factor in the shift to renewable energy, with wind and solar power becoming more cost-effective compared to traditional sources. Countries like Denmark are leading the way in setting ambitious goals for renewable energy.
  3. While the idea of 100 percent renewable energy has faced criticism, emerging research indicates that many early concerns are being refuted, although challenges such as infrastructure development and variability of wind and solar energy remain.

ESG and the Tales of the Major/Green Media

19 implied HN points • 25 Aug 22
  1. ESG and 'social factors' are widely discussed in Major and Green Media with a focus on measurement, verification, and real-time information in pricing energy.
  2. Wall Street's demand for detailed data is expected to influence the final regulations of the SEC regarding ESG trading.
  3. ESG 'social factors' now cover the relationship between a company and its stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of workforce demographics disclosures and human capital management for business continuity and long-term value creation.

“Green Energy Utopia” Doesn’t Create Capital for Future Investments

19 implied HN points • 23 Aug 22
  1. In a "Green Energy Utopia," the focus on subsidies rather than profit-driven motivations can hinder the creation of capital for future investments.
  2. The emergence of crony capitalists in the green energy sector may lead to systems that lack the efficiency needed for long-term success.
  3. Government central planners, rather than market forces, may become the main drivers behind the development of sustainable energy systems.

The SEC Continues Financial Overreach

19 implied HN points • 22 Aug 22
  1. The Wall Street Journal highlights the Securities and Exchange Commission and Gary Gensler's activities often, especially in expanding financial activity under SEC regulation
  2. The SEC is pushing for new regulations to increase oversight on firms, even though the need for this new regulation is not clear and may not provide significant benefits for market stability
  3. Two new proposals from the SEC aim to expand its control over large traders, potentially reducing market liquidity without substantial advantages

Farmers of the World Unite Against Emissions Hegemony!

19 implied HN points • 21 Aug 22
  1. Farmers in the Netherlands are protesting against government plans to reduce nitrogen emissions by 50% by 2030, which they feel unfairly targets them compared to other polluting sectors like factories and cars.
  2. Agriculture, particularly dairy farming, contributes significantly to nitrogen emissions in the Netherlands, with a major portion coming from the waste of 1.6 million cows used in cheese production.
  3. The anger among dairy farmers reflects a broader global issue of farmers feeling unfairly burdened by emission reduction measures compared to other industries.

Dark Money and its Energy Mischief

19 implied HN points • 20 Aug 22
  1. Dark money in the energy sector raises questions about whose interests are being served.
  2. Delaying approved projects can have significant benefits for certain parties involved.
  3. The US Justice System needs to address frivolous and malicious lawsuits to ensure energy and environmental progress.

Discovering the Rhetoric of Energy/Environmental Reporting

19 implied HN points • 18 Aug 22
  1. Understanding the rhetoric of energy/environmental reporting involves analyzing the last paragraph, mentioned organizations, and quotes from influential individuals like Michael Mann.
  2. Michael Mann's beliefs on climate change can be influential, as he advocates for legislative measures and emphasizes the importance of climate-forward legislators.
  3. Michael Mann has received recognition and awards for his contributions to the environment and climate debate, showcasing his impact in the field.

A Real Life Analysis of Combined Carbon and Storage

19 implied HN points • 16 Aug 22
  1. Large electricity systems need continuous evaluation to ensure 'good ideas' are truly beneficial and not flawed.
  2. In the past, carbon capture technology seemed promising, but the plummeting costs of renewable energy have made it a less effective option to reduce carbon emissions.
  3. Investing in renewable energy instead of carbon capture technology can lead to a more significant reduction in carbon emissions, making the latter a less worthwhile investment.

John Kerry has many environmental activists on his staff

19 implied HN points • 16 Aug 22
  1. John Kerry's office at the State Department has a significant budget and approval for 45 personnel.
  2. There is a concern that the U.S. might face blackouts due to policies pushing for a green transition too quickly.
  3. Despite being tight-lipped about hiring, some of the top staffers in Kerry's climate office have ties to far-left green groups.

Civil Discourse is Making a Comeback.

19 implied HN points • 13 Aug 22
  1. View the topic of energy from a human flourishing framework, not an anti-impact framework
  2. Consider the full impact of our approach to energy, both positive and negative impacts of fossil fuels and their alternatives
  3. Celebrate the positive impact of the actions we take for the world, not view them as necessary evils to be replaced

ESG’s Moment of Truth

19 implied HN points • 12 Aug 22
  1. ESG regulation involves a complex web of federal agencies, creating opportunities for various professionals but also posing challenges like compliance and validation.
  2. Post-ESG sentiments suggest that US energy stocks may thrive without ESG mandates, leading to potential investment opportunities in the energy sector.
  3. The ESG landscape remains uncertain, with debates on the impact of ESG regulation on different sectors and the overall market dynamics.

Texas and The ESG Dialogue

19 implied HN points • 11 Aug 22
  1. Texas was the first state to pass ESG legislation, promoting education and awareness around the issue.
  2. There is a perceived tension between state's rights and federal oversight in the ESG dialogue.
  3. Texas broke through the ESG narrative, giving fossil fuels a prominent place in discussions.