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So We All Agree on the Need for Gasoline?
Energy Thinks Published: Thu, 17 Jul 2025
Tisha Schuller, in her July 17, 2025 Substack post "So We All Agree on the Need for Gasoline?", reveals a surprising convergence of opinion regarding the challenges of transitioning away from gasoline. Schuller highlights California's recent policy shift acknowledging the continued reliance on gasoline, a move supported by unexpected allies: the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). These organizations now openly admit that a rapid transition is unrealistic, emphasizing the need for short-term stability in gasoline supply and affordability, particularly for low-income communities. This shift signals a crucial acknowledgment of the complexities inherent in achieving a swift energy transition.
This convergence, Schuller argues, marks the end of the "Myth of an Easy Energy Transition." The author presents this as an opportunity for incumbent energy providers to engage in productive conversations, collaborating with policymakers and stakeholders to create more realistic and effective strategies. Schuller's post underscores the need for pragmatic solutions that balance the long-term goals of clean energy with the immediate realities of fuel supply and affordability. This change, she concludes, empowers problem-solvers to address the challenges and opportunities created by this new reality.
Wind and Solar's Day of Reckoning is Approaching.
The Energy News Beat Published: Wed, 16 Jul 2025
Stu Turley and Michael Tanner, in their Energy News Beat Substack post, challenge the efficacy and economic viability of the Net Zero energy transition. They argue that despite trillions of dollars invested in renewable energy projects, primarily wind and solar, the impact on global oil and gas demand has been minimal, with oil consumption reaching record highs and natural gas demand significantly increasing. This investment, they contend, has overwhelmingly focused on installation, neglecting the substantial costs of decommissioning and land reclamation associated with these projects.
The authors highlight the significant financial liabilities accumulating for wind farms, leaving taxpayers and communities to bear the burden of disposal. They question the wisdom of such massive investments, given the failure to curb fossil fuel use. Turley and Tanner conclude that the Net Zero goal, under current trajectories, appears unattainable, emphasizing the urgent need for policymakers to confront this reality and reassess the strategy, considering potential shifts in global energy markets and geopolitical dynamics.
Beyond Bennington College – An Activist Incubator
THE FIREBREAK Published: Wed, 16 Jul 2025
David Zaruk investigates the opaque financial dealings of Bennington College, a small liberal arts college in Vermont, revealing its role as an activist incubator. The author exposes how Bennington College, through its Center for the Advancement of Public Action (CAPA), attracts substantial funding from major foundations like Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Rockefeller family funds, ostensibly for promoting “public action and social change.” This funding, however, significantly outweighs the college's investment in student support and scholarships, raising concerns about the prioritization of activist campaigns over core academic functions. The lack of transparency surrounding these donations and their ultimate use further fuels suspicions of a hidden agenda.
Zaruk uses the example of Beyond Plastics, an anti-plastics activist group, to illustrate the problematic relationship between Bennington College and activist organizations. He details how Beyond Plastics operates under the guise of a Bennington-affiliated non-profit, lacks transparency about its funding, and uses college resources while obscuring its true financial backers and organizational structure. The author highlights the ethical ambiguities surrounding adjunct professors like Judith Enck, who seemingly leverage their academic positions to recruit students for their activist initiatives, thereby blurring the lines between education and advocacy. Zaruk concludes by questioning the appropriateness of universities serving as fiscal sponsors for opaque activist groups and the need for greater transparency and reform in this sector.
Guest post: Fonzi, fauna, and fires (Paywalled)
Irina Slav on Energy Published: Wed, 16 Jul 2025
Irina Slav, writing on her Substack, Irina Slav on Energy, analyzes the public's waning concern over climate change narratives in the context of the California wildfires. Slav argues that attributing the fires solely to climate change, despite evidence of significant failures in fire prevention and management by California's state and local governments, has reached a point of incredulity, a phenomenon she describes as "jumping the shark." The author highlights the contrast between scientific claims linking increased CO2 to more intense wildfires and the public's increasing skepticism, suggesting that the narrative has become excessive and unconvincing.
Drawing a parallel to the "jumping the shark" moment in popular culture, Slav contends that the constant and often exaggerated claims surrounding climate change have eroded public trust. She posits that the public's fatigue stems from years of unsubstantiated claims and a disconnect between stated concerns and actual governmental action. Slav ultimately suggests that this shift in public perception represents an opportunity to refocus efforts on practical solutions and responsible resource management, moving away from alarmist rhetoric and towards pragmatic action.
Decarbonizing Colorado's Buildings: Another Pathway to Nowhere
Green Leap Forward Published: Wed, 16 Jul 2025
Green Leap Forward, a Substack publication, published an article by Cory Gaines questioning the efficacy of Colorado's building decarbonization initiatives. Gaines argues that this program, mirroring similar initiatives nationwide, prioritizes symbolic climate action over practical impact. He points out that while the elimination of building emissions is presented as a moral imperative, the actual effect on global CO₂ levels would be negligible, given that buildings account for only 20-28% of Colorado's emissions. The initiative's proponents, often funded by special interest groups, are pushing for expensive and disruptive mandates, including outlawing natural gas and mandating heat pump retrofits. These changes will likely lead to increased costs and reduced energy efficiency, especially in older homes, while placing additional strain on the state's energy grid.
The author emphasizes the economic drawbacks of Colorado's plan, highlighting the detrimental impact on housing affordability during a housing crisis. Gaines suggests that the "building decarbonization" initiative, fueled by a green-colonial mindset, is more about social engineering and reshaping Coloradan lifestyles than genuine environmental progress. He concludes by questioning whether recruiting non-ideological participants to related boards might mitigate the negative consequences. This raises the broader concern that such large-scale programs may be disproportionately costly and ineffective in achieving their stated climate goals, disproportionately impacting ordinary citizens.
Miliband Expands CfD Subsidies in AR7
Eigen Values Published: Wed, 16 Jul 2025
David Turver, in his Eigen Values Substack post from July 16, 2025, analyzes the UK government's expansion of the Contract for Difference (CfD) subsidy scheme for renewable energy in Allocation Round 7 (AR7). He argues that Ed Miliband's reforms, including extending contract lengths to 20 years and relaxing eligibility criteria, will significantly increase subsidies to renewable energy developers at the expense of consumers. Turver highlights the inherent risks in these changes, such as increased long-term subsidy costs despite projected short-term savings and the potential for further increases due to grid connection and curtailment costs.
The author points to the government's acknowledgement of low market value for renewable energy output at times of low demand, suggesting that the fixed-price CfDs are necessary to ensure developer revenue streams. He criticizes the expansion of eligibility criteria as evidence of desperation to maximize renewable capacity in AR7, potentially locking in high energy bills for decades. Turver concludes by calling for a radical shift in policy from the opposition parties to prevent further economic hardship and advocating a possible repudiation of existing contracts.
Big Beautiful Bill, China, and the End of US Renewables
Capacity PLC Published: Wed, 16 Jul 2025
Eamon O'Malley, in his July 16th, 2025 Substack post "Big Beautiful Bill, China, and the End of US Renewables," analyzes the implications of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) for the U.S. clean energy sector. O'Malley argues that the act's removal of renewable energy tax credits, despite passing the House of Representatives by a narrow margin (214-218) and facing significant public disapproval (64%), effectively hands victory in the clean energy race to China. The article details how the elimination of incentives, coupled with restrictions on materials sourced from "Foreign Entities of Concern" (FEOC), primarily China, severely undermines the U.S.'s ability to compete in solar, wind, and electric vehicle (BEV) markets. The bill's refocusing of clean energy funding towards less mature technologies like battery energy storage and carbon capture is deemed insufficient to offset the significant setback.
The elimination of the $7,500 federal tax credit for BEVs, set to take effect September 30th, 2025, further exacerbates the situation. While O'Malley acknowledges the need for faster generation capacity and the challenges faced by solar and wind projects, he highlights the long-term consequences of ceding market dominance to China. This reliance on Chinese materials, he suggests, will persist, hindering the U.S.'s progress in developing independent clean energy solutions and cementing China’s leading role in the global green energy market. The act's overall effect, according to O'Malley, is a significant blow to the U.S.'s clean energy ambitions and a strategic victory for China.
Breaking the Global Warming Gridlock (Paywalled)
The Honest Broker Published: Tue, 15 Jul 2025
Roger Pielke Jr. reflects on his and Dan Sarewitz's 1998 Atlantic Monthly essay, "Breaking the Global Warming Gridlock," examining its enduring relevance and shortcomings 25 years later. The authors' central argument, highlighted through the lens of Hurricane Mitch's devastating impact, was that focusing solely on emissions reduction as a solution to climate-related disasters ignores the crucial role of adaptation and ignores the pre-existing vulnerabilities exacerbated by such events. They argued that this narrow framing, driven by the scientization of the climate debate, fosters political gridlock, hindering effective action.
Pielke Jr. and Sarewitz predicted that the framing of climate change as a simple question of human-caused warming would create a polarized debate, preventing pragmatic solutions. They emphasized the importance of considering adaptation strategies alongside mitigation efforts, arguing that focusing solely on emissions reduction neglected the real-world consequences of climate change for vulnerable populations. They also highlighted the political exploitation of climate change, pointing out how both sides benefited from the continued gridlock, while the needs of the developing world and the importance of hazard reduction were largely overlooked. The authors' analysis underscores the persistent need for a more nuanced approach to climate policy, prioritizing hazard reduction and adaptation strategies alongside, not instead of, emissions mitigation.
OPEC+ Data Deck (July 2025) (Paywalled)
Commodity Context Published: Tue, 15 Jul 2025
Rory Johnston, in his July 15, 2025, Commodity Context Substack post, analyzes the OPEC+ Data Deck, revealing significant shifts in global crude oil production. Johnston's report meticulously tracks OPEC+ member production, quotas, compliance, exports, and reconciles official data with observable market movements, offering a comprehensive overview contained within a 50-page PDF. Key findings highlight a substantial month-over-month increase in June production, largely offsetting the previous month's sluggish gains.
The analysis reveals that overproduction is now primarily concentrated in Kazakhstan, while Iraq's production dipped below quota for the first time in two years. Furthermore, the report notes a discrepancy between official Saudi Arabian "production" figures and their preferred "supply to market" metric, indicating a potentially higher level of actual output than officially reported. Johnston's detailed examination of this complex data provides valuable insight into the dynamics of the global oil market.
Sounding the Depths ft. Ari Brown of Bellwether LLC
Nuclear Barbarians Published: Tue, 15 Jul 2025
Emmet Penny presents a podcast interview with Ari Brown, a former Navy nuclear technician, on his Substack, Nuclear Barbarians. The 46-minute episode delves into Brown's experiences in the Navy, offering insights into cultivating institutional excellence. This discussion provides a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of maintaining high standards within a complex organization like the Navy.
The podcast further explores Brown's current work at Bellwether LLC, where he leverages his programming expertise and acoustic analysis skills to develop innovative solutions for fixing machinery. Brown's approach highlights the potential for applying specialized technical knowledge to create practical and effective solutions in various industries, showcasing the versatility of skills gained through military service and the importance of adapting knowledge to new challenges.
How China Won While America Slept
WeissWord Published: Tue, 15 Jul 2025
The WeissWord Team, in their July 15, 2025 Substack post, "How China Won While America Slept," argues that America's misplaced prioritization of green energy initiatives over robust domestic energy production has inadvertently ceded global economic and geopolitical power to China. The authors contend that this focus on unattainable climate goals, fueled by fear-mongering, has stifled investment in crucial energy sources like oil, coal, and nuclear power, hindering innovation and industrial growth.
While the West focused on transitioning away from fossil fuels, China strategically invested heavily in both green energy technologies and maintained a substantial reliance on coal, securing a cheap and abundant energy supply. This enabled China to dominate the manufacturing of green energy products, control vital supply chains, and significantly boost its domestic economy and military capabilities. The authors conclude that America's energy policy requires a fundamental shift towards realism, prioritizing the development of its own energy economy to regain lost ground and prevent further geopolitical setbacks.
What The Media Still Won’t Tell You About The Energy Transition
Robert Bryce Published: Tue, 15 Jul 2025
Robert Bryce, a prominent energy writer, challenges the prevailing narrative of a swift and significant energy transition in his Substack post, "What The Media Still Won’t Tell You About The Energy Transition." Bryce argues that data from the Statistical Review of World Energy definitively refutes the notion of a rapid shift away from hydrocarbons, revealing a stark disconnect between reality and the often-optimistic portrayals in mainstream media. He points to the persistent and widespread land-use conflicts surrounding renewable energy projects, which remain a significant constraint on their growth and are frequently overlooked by climate-focused outlets.
Bryce highlights instances where major climate publications downplay or ignore the challenges of the energy transition, even in the face of significant setbacks. He criticizes the narrative promoted by the "NGO-corporate-industrial-climate-media complex," suggesting a biased presentation fueled by financial incentives and political agendas. Bryce concludes by emphasizing that the world continues to heavily rely on hydrocarbons, and urges readers to critically examine the available data before accepting the often-unrealistic claims surrounding the "energy transition."
Population growth or decline will have little impact on climate change
Sustainability By Numbers Published: Tue, 15 Jul 2025
Hannah Ritchie, in her Substack post "Population growth or decline will have little impact on climate change," challenges the common assumption that addressing population size is a crucial solution to climate change. Ritchie argues that the timescale of significant demographic shifts is far longer than the timeframe needed for effective decarbonization. Even drastic, and inhumane, population control measures would yield negligible impact on emissions within the crucial decades necessary to achieve net-zero targets. She supports her claims using data and models from several research papers, demonstrating that differences in projected population sizes lead to minimal variations in global temperature increases by the end of the 22nd century.
The author emphasizes that the relatively small impact of population change becomes even less significant when considered against the backdrop of our success or failure in decarbonizing. While acknowledging that slower decarbonization rates could amplify the influence of population size, Ritchie concludes that focusing on rapid emissions reductions remains the paramount climate strategy. The effectiveness of population-centric climate policies is questioned, with Ritchie advocating for prioritizing proven strategies focused on reducing emissions directly, rather than implementing potentially harmful or unethical population control measures.
Unsustainable UK - Spurring Growth, Superpowers and the Financial Markets
Energy IQ Published: Mon, 14 Jul 2025
Pandreco, in their July 14, 2025, Energy IQ Substack post, "The Escalating Death Spiral: UK's Unsustainable Finances in 2025," dissects the UK's perilous economic situation. The author argues that the UK's unsustainable debt, coupled with unrealistic growth ambitions fueled by a commitment to Net Zero, is driving the nation towards a potential financial crisis. This crisis is characterized by a "fatal trifecta" – constraints on cutting spending, increasing revenue, and expanding borrowing – leaving the UK with limited and undesirable policy options. The author highlights the failures of both Conservative and Labour governments' approaches to economic growth, pointing out that neither unfunded tax cuts nor increased borrowing have proven successful in the face of market skepticism.
Pandreco explores several potential scenarios for the UK's economic future, ranging from severe austerity measures to a currency crash and an IMF bailout. They ultimately predict that attempts to postpone the inevitable through further borrowing or money printing will ultimately lead to an imposed austerity program, necessitating a significant policy shift—possibly including abandoning Net Zero targets and reviving domestic energy resources—to avoid economic collapse. The author concludes by emphasizing the need for resource-rich countries or those with access to cheap energy to escape similar cycles of unsustainable economic policies and the importance of realistic strategies for long-term economic stability.
Disclaimer: these summaries are generated via LLMs and may not be accurate representations of the author’s views. Users are encouraged to follow the links and read the original works.