Weekly Climate and Energy News Roundup #158

The Week That Was: 2014-11-29 (November 29, 2014) Brought to You by SEPP (www.SEPP.org) The Science and Environmental Policy Project

THIS WEEK:

By Ken Haapala, Executive Vice President, Science and Environmental Policy Project (SEPP)

National Energy Policy: “You can accurately judge the viability of a potential energy source by the attitude of green activists to it. If they attack it, it is viable. If they defend it, it is non-viable.” The preceding quote is from John Brignell, a pioneer in scientific measurement. He has long commentated on the energy policies of the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU), pointing out that politicians do not comprehend the long-term consequences of their actions, which may extend for decades. The long-term consequences of energy policies of Germany and the UK are coming to the fore. Due to increasing energy costs, viable industries are considering leaving these countries for locations that offer low costs for reliable electricity. They will take the needed jobs with them.

Very simply, unreliable solar and wind energy cannot meet the demands of modern manufacturing, which requires uninterrupted flow of electricity to assure high quality in the product. Computer chips and electronic circuits are an example of such demanding products. Energy intensive industries such as chemicals, petrochemicals, aluminum and steel are also adversely affected by high-cost energy. Firms in such industries, even if headquartered in Germany, are looking elsewhere to expand. The future is not promising, regardless of the number of wind farms and solar panels subsidized by the respective governments. Increasingly, it is become obvious that politicians can no longer blame market failures for their own disastrous, market distorting policies. See links under Questioning the Orthodoxy and Questioning European Green.

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Quote of the Week: “Non-reproducible single occurrences are of no significance to science.” Karl Popper

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Number of the Week: 1,718,407 miles (2,764,917 km).

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Energy Policy – UK: In an essay for the independent think-tank Reform, Robert Darwall, a former Treasurer adviser, exposes many of the unfortunate decisions by the UK government in establishing its current energy policy, one which he states is leading to a major policy disaster. [Please note, he is not the same author as Rupert Darwall who wrote The Age of Global Warming: A History.] Much of what Robert Darwall expresses pertains specifically to the UK; however, certain elements apply to the energy policies of other countries.

One of the most glaring errors made by politicians, and those attempting to influence energy policy from renewable sources, is that all electricity is comparable, regardless of source. They are not. Power engineers distinguish between dispatchable and non-dispatchable sources. These can be roughly categorized as human controlled. From dispatchable sources, electricity can be made available when the consumer requires it. From non-dispatchable sources, such as solar and wind, it cannot. The failure to distinguish between sources that will supply electricity when needed, and sources that cannot, gives rise to opportunists who take advantage of public confusion and lack of clarity in thinking.

Darwall categorizes different sources by weather dependency. Those weather dependent, such as solar and wind, are not human controlled. He asserts that establishing a fixed target for weather dependent (renewable sources) requires the government to establish control of electricity generation. Unlike traditional sources, where the greater the output, the greater the costs, the variable cost and the marginal costs (cost for additional unit of generation, assuming capital costs are already accounted for) of weather dependent generation is virtually zero. For example, if the wind is blowing, it does not cost the producer any more if the wind blows lightly, generating little electricity, or stiffly, generating more electricity. Governments subsidizing the capital costs of such generation, distorts the ability of an electricity market to function properly. Government remedies for such distortions only compound the problem – and require future government remedies. Such policy creates a quagmire from which there is no easy escape. See links under Questioning European Green.

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Energy Policy – US Administration: The Administration’s energy policy appears to fit John Brignell’s comment regarding green activists, as stated above. Already, the Administration is engaged in a major program to limit carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from new and existing coal-fired power plants, on questionable claims regarding public health. The US has massive resources of coal, the extent of which are not fully known. The CO2 emissions proposed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would prevent the construction of the most efficient, non-polluting, commercial coal-fired plants, ultra-supercritical coal, without carbon capture and storage, or sequestration (CCS). Contrary to statements by the EPA and the Department of Energy, CCS is not commercially available and is being experimented with under highly specialized conditions, such as using oil wells for storage. Pumping in CO2, can increase the yield of the oil fields, thereby create a profit for the developers. The duration of the storage may become a major issue.

On an earlier issue, the EPA issued regulations on mercury emissions, and other emissions, from coal-fired power plants, the so-called MATS regulations. The public health benefits from these regulations claimed by the EPA and others, including preventing up to 11,000 premature deaths per year, are highly questionable. On November 25, the US Supreme Court announced it would hear challenges to these regulations. Among the challenges are the extensive costs of the regulations. The arguments will be heard this spring, and a is ruling likely in June 2015.

Not satisfied, on November 26 the EPA announced another round of proposed regulations on electrical utilities. These are on ground level ozone, which can contribute to smog. Smog is a major health problem in China and other urban areas where industrialization is taking place. About one-third of the US is out of compliance under current EPA regulations of 75 parts per billion. The implementation of the proposed EPA regulations of 65 parts per billion may be the most expensive regulations to date.

Often, the EPA avoids the necessary distinction between ozone, and other emissions such as fine particles that contribute to what is called smog. For example, in the eastern US, plants emit volatile organic compounds (VOC) which contribute to smog. Early settlers did not name the Blue Ridge Mountains for its crystal clear air. One can expect that any distinctions between natural and human products will be blurred in the efforts to establish any health effects from limiting ozone. See Articles #1, #2, and #3 and links under EPA and other Regulators on the March.

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EPA Carbon Dioxide Regulations: The EPA regulations of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from existing power plants stems from its 2009 endangerment finding (EF) that greenhouse gases, primarily CO2, endanger public health.

In preparing comments on EPA regulations on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, SEPP reviewed the finding and some of its past comments. Namely, the EPA claimed its findings are supported by science and cited three lines of evidence.

1.) EPA claims a distinct human fingerprint — a hot spot in the atmosphere centered over the tropics at about 33,000 feet. It does not exist. Satellites and weather balloons have failed to find it.

2.) EPA claims late 20th century surface global warming was unprecedented and dangerous. It was not. A similar warming occurred in the early 20th century, which was not associated with carbon dioxide. Any late 20th century surface warming stopped over 16 years ago.

3.) EPA claims climate models are reliable. Climate models failed to predict that global warming would stop and greatly exaggerate the warming over the past 30 plus years.

Experience in the Federal Courts of Appeal have demonstrated that the courts will not accept challenges to scientific findings promulgated by government agencies. The government agencies are well aware of this biased attitude, and take advantage of it.

Current comments, to be submitted on December 1, will include the quote of the week by Karl Popper. The comments will emphasize that no one, today, has been able to duplicate EPA science: 1) the fingerprint is missing; 2) the 20^th century warming has stopped; and, in general, 3) the climate models overestimate global warming.

The EPA and the courts may respond that proof is not required each time the EPA establishes regulations. The rejoinder is that proof must be consistent over time, if it is not consistent, it is not scientific proof. http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-0602-0001

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Changing Climate: One of the fierce contentions between supporters of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and its skeptics is the treatment of the warm period known as the Medieval Warmer Period (MWP) and the cold period known as the Little Ice Age (LIA). The IPCC and its advocates claim that these were largely local or regional and primarily confined to Europe. Recent evidence shows such climate change occurred at Tierra del Fuego, on the southern tip of South America, near Antarctica. Is this the tip of the iceberg on climate change? See links under Changing Climate.

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Additions and Corrections: TWTW reader Christopher Essex corrected TWTW in referring to the bitumen extracted from Alberta Canada as tar sands. He writes: “If you have ever seen bitumen it is really sand and fairly clear oil. I have seen it up close. There is no tar. The correct descriptive term is oil sands.” TWTW stands ably corrected.

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Number of the Week: 1,718,407 miles (2,764,917 km). According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, US Department of Transportation, in 2012 there was a total of 1,718,407 miles of pipelines in the US moving oil, petroleum products, and natural gas. Oil, 151,912 miles; natural gas, 1,566,495 miles. For six years, Washington has held up a 1,179 mile pipeline to move bitumen, oil sands, from Hardisty, Alberta to Steele City, Nebraska. http://keystone-xl.com/about/the-keystone-xl-oil-pipeline-project/ and http://www.rita.dot.gov/bts/sites/rita.dot.gov.bts/files/publications/national_transportation_statistics/html/table_01_10.html

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ARTICLES:

For the numbered articles below, please see this week’s TWTW at: www.sepp.org. The articles are at the end of the pdf.

1. Supreme Court to Review EPA Rule on Power Plant Emissions

Decision to Review Air Pollution Standards Represents a Setback for Obama Administration

By Amy Harder and Brent Kendall, WSJ, Nov 25, 2014

http://online.wsj.com/articles/supreme-court-to-review-epa-rule-on-power-plant-emissions-1416942022?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTTopStories

2. EPA Proposes Stricter Ozone Air Pollution Standard

Proposal Expected to Reanimate Battle Between Businesses and Environmental Groups

By Amy Harder, WSJ, Nov 26, 2014

http://online.wsj.com/articles/epa-proposes-stricter-ozone-standard-1417012097?mod=WSJ_hps_sections_news

3. Highway to the Danger Ozone

As Obama rewrites the law, Congress and the courts begin to push back.

Editorial, WSJ, Nov 27, 2014

http://online.wsj.com/articles/highway-to-the-danger-ozone-1417122149?mod=WSJ_hps_sections_opinion

4. Why Blocking Oil Pipelines Is Dangerous

By Robert Rapier, WSJ, Nov 25, 2014

http://blogs.wsj.com/experts/2014/11/25/why-blocking-oil-pipelines-is-dangerous/

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NEWS YOU CAN USE:

Commentary: Is the Sun Rising?

Sun’s Shifting Magnetic Field May Predict Lightning Strikes

By Kelly Dickerson, Live Science, Nov 21, 2014

http://www.livescience.com/48855-lightning-strikes-predicted-by-sun.html

[SEPP Comment: The word predict may be too strong.]

Climategate Continued

Data Torture in Gergis2K

By Steve McIntyre, Climate Audit, Nov 22, 2014

http://climateaudit.org/2014/11/22/data-torture-in-gergis2k/

New Data and Upside-Down Moberg

By Steve McIntyre Climate Audit, Nov 25, 2014

http://climateaudit.org/2014/11/25/new-data-and-upside-down-moberg/#more-20283

Suppressing Scientific Inquiry

Abuse of Science in Texas

By Anne LeHuray, American Thinker, Nov 26, 2014

http://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2014/11/abuse_of_science_in_texas.html

Defending the Orthodoxy

Obama Ignored US Embassy’s Warnings On Climate Change Speech

By Greg Sheridan, The Australian, Via GWPF, Nov 23, 2014

http://www.thegwpf.com/obama-ignored-us-embassys-warnings-on-climate-change-speech/

Questioning the Orthodoxy

Anthropogenic Global Warming and the Scientific Method

By Betsy Gorisch, American Thinker, Nov 25, 2014

http://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2014/11/anthropogenic_global_warming_and_the_scientific_method.html

[SEPP Comment: An interesting article, but she confuses Special and General Theory of Relativity.]

Hard choices

By Martin Livermore, Scientific Alliance, Nov 28, 2014

http://scientific-alliance.org/node/897

The Dark Ages

By John Brignell, Number Watch, Nov 28, 2014

http://www.numberwatch.co.uk/2014%20November.htm#dark

Russian Official is Optimistic about Global Warming

By Bob Tisdale, Nov 5, 2014

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2014/11/25/russian-official-is-optimistic-about-global-warming/

The EU versus the UN: who makes the rules?

Increasingly, trade rules are set above the level of Brussels

By Matt Ridley, The Rational Optimist, Nov 26, 2014

http://www.rationaloptimist.com/blog/the-eu-versus-the-un-who-makes-the-rules.aspx

The Obama Administration’s Climate Agenda: Underestimated Costs and Exaggerated Benefits

By Kevin D. Dayaratna, Ph.D., Nicolas Loris and David W. Kreutzer, Ph.D, Heritage Foundation, Nov 13, 2014

http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2014/11/the-obama-administrations-climate-agenda-underestimated-costs-and-exaggerated-benefits

The China – US Agreement?

Climate Realities

By Robert Samuelson, Real Clear Politics, Nov 24, 2014

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2014/11/24/climate_realities_124738.html

China’s New Energy Plan Forecasts Big Rise In CO2 Emissions

By Paul Homewood, Not a Lot of People Know That, Nov 21, 2014

http://notalotofpeopleknowthat.wordpress.com/2014/11/21/chinas-new-energy-plan-forecasts-big-rise-in-co2-emissions/#more-11493

“The idea that China’s CO2 emissions will drop below today’s levels in my lifetime is sheer fantasy.”

The climate pact swindle

By Charles Krauthammer, Washington Post, Nov 20, 2014

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/charles-krauthammer-the-climate-pact-swindle/2014/11/20/f78f6474-70e9-11e4-8808-afaa1e3a33ef_story.html

U.S.-China Climate Deal: Who Snookered Whom?

By Marlo Lewis, Global Warming. Org, Nov 24, 2014

http://www.globalwarming.org/2014/11/24/u-s-china-climate-deal-who-snookered-whom/#more-21949

Nuclear delays pose threat to China’s climate goals

By David Stanway, Reuters, Nov 21, 2014 [H/t GWPF]

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/21/china-nuclear-idUSL3N0T818V20141121?irpc=932

China insists rich nations must do more at Lima climate meeting

By Staff Writers, Beijing (AFP), Nov 25, 2014

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/China_insists_rich_nations_must_do_more_at_Lima_climate_meeting_999.html

Problems in the Orthodoxy

German Climate Institute Frets Media Are Showing So “Little Interest” In Latest IPCC Report!

Payback for blind climate alarmism: Media interest in the latest IPCC Report is small

By Sebastian Lüning and Fritz Vahrenholt, Trans P. Gosselin, No Tricks Zone, Nov 27, 2014

http://notrickszone.com/2014/11/27/german-climate-institute-frets-media-are-showing-so-little-interest-in-latest-ipcc-report/

65% of US population are skeptical that each flood, drought or heatwave is mostly “man-made”

By Jo Nova, Her Blog, Nov 25, 2014

http://joannenova.com.au/2014/11/39682/

Andrew Cuomo Slams Nat’l Weather Service Over His Own Ignorance

By Dennis Mersereau, The Vane, Nov 23, 2014 [H/t ICECAP]

http://thevane.gawker.com/andrew-cuomo-slams-natl-weather-service-over-his-own-ig-1662362854

Alarmists’ Accusations Aimed At Discrediting IPCC-Critical Spiegel Journalist Found To Be Absent Of Merit

By P Gosselin, No Tricks Zone, Nov 23, 2014

http://notrickszone.com/2014/11/23/alarmists-accusations-aimed-at-discrediting-ipcc-critical-spiegel-journalist-found-to-be-absent-of-merit/

Climate Hustles Hot from Brussels

By Tony Thomas, Quadrant, Nov 23, 2014

http://quadrant.org.au/opinion/tony-thomas/2014/11/climate-hustles-hot-brussels/

[SEPP Comment: Who will follow IPCC Chair Rajendra Pachauri?]

UK wants carbon market in global climate deal

By Laura Barron-Lopez, The Hill, Nov 26, 2014

http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/225419-uk-wants-carbon-market-in-global-climate-deal

Seeking a Common Ground

Groups and herds: implications for the IPCC

By Judith Curry, Climate Etc. Nov 25, 2014

http://judithcurry.com/2014/11/25/groups-and-herds-implications-for-the-ipcc/#more-17319

A big (goose) step backwards

By Richard Betts, Tamsin Edwards, WUWT, Nov 27, 2014

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2014/11/27/a-big-goose-step-backwards/

Labrador polar bears face a longer ice-free season than Hudson Bay bears, but do well

By Susan Crockford, Polar Bear Science, Nov 26, 2014

http://polarbearscience.com/2014/11/26/labrador-polar-bears-face-a-longer-ice-free-season-than-hudson-bay-bears-but-do-well/

Models v. Observations

BEST, bad, worse

By Andrew Montford, Bishop Hill, Nov 24, 2014

http://bishophill.squarespace.com/blog/2014/11/24/best-bad-worse.html

Measurement Issues

Atmospheric Concentration of Carbon Dioxide

By Vincent Gray, NZClimate Truth Newsletter No 337, Nov 24, 2014

http://theclimatescepticsparty.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/atmospheric-concentration-of-carbon.html

Changing Weather

European Climate Institute EIKE: European Winters Show Clear Cooling Trend Since Hansen’s 1988 Testimony

By P. Gosselin, No Tricks Zone, Nov 25, 20114

http://notrickszone.com/2014/11/25/european-climate-institute-eike-european-winters-show-clear-cooling-trend-since-hansens-1988-testimony/

Extreme weather in the Arctic problematic for people, wildlife

By Staff Writers, Trondheim, Norway (SPX), Nov 25, 2014

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Extreme_weather_in_the_Arctic_problematic_for_people_wildlife_999.html

[SEPP Comment: Extreme cold is more problematic.]

Global Cooling Under Way?

By Steven Hayward, Power Line, Nov 25, 2014

http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2014/11/global-cooling-under-way.php

[SEPP Comment: Another hole in the idea that unusually warm Great Lakes contributed to last week’s lake effect snow.]

NOAA touts hurricane season forecast success

By Anthony Watts, WUWT, Nov 24, 2014

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2014/11/24/noaa-touts-hurricane-season-forecast-success/

Worst drought in California history? Not really…

By Robert Moore, WUWT, Nov 22, 2014

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2014/11/22/worst-drought-in-california-history-not-really/

Changing Climate

Climate Catastrophe In The 17thC – Geoffrey Parker In Review

By Paul Homewood, Not a Lot of People Know That, Nov 26, 2014

http://notalotofpeopleknowthat.wordpress.com/2014/11/26/climate-catastrophe-in-the-17thc-geoffrey-parker-in-review/#more-11555

[SEPP Comment: Book review.]

The Global Little Ice Age,

By David Whitehouse, GWPF, Nov 26, 2014

http://www.thegwpf.com/the-global-little-ice-age/

Link to full paper: The ‘Little Ice Age’ in the Southern Hemisphere in the context of the last 3000 years: Peat-based proxy-climate data from Tierra del Fuego

By Frank Chambers, The Holocene, Oct 2, 2014

http://hol.sagepub.com/content/early/2014/10/01/0959683614551232.full.pdf?ijkey=3zfAQcjgyZ50DZJ&keytype=ref

Changing Seas

Biology trumps chemistry in open ocean

By Staff Writers, Boothbay ME (SPX), Nov 26, 2014

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Biology_trumps_chemistry_in_open_ocean_999.html

“Ferrari of space’ yields best map of ocean currents

By Staff Writers, Paris (AFP), Nov 25, 2014

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Ferrari_of_space_yields_best_map_of_ocean_currents_999.html

Warm Ocean, Warm Year?

By David Whitehouse, GWPF, Nov 22, 2014

http://www.thegwpf.com/warm-ocean-warm-year/

The Region of Unusual Sea Level Rise East of the Philippines Contributes Only a Little to the Global Rate

By Bob Tisdale, WUWT, Nov 23, 2014

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2014/11/23/the-region-of-unusual-sea-level-rise-east-of-the-philippines-contributes-only-a-little-to-the-global-rate/

Changing Cryosphere – Land / Sea Ice

Robot Sub Finds Surprisingly Thick Antarctic Sea Ice

By Becky Oskin, Live Science, Nov 24, 2014 [H/t GWPF]

http://www.livescience.com/48880-antarctica-sea-ice-thickness-mapped.html

“If we don’t know how much ice is there is, we can’t validate the models we use to understand the global climate,” Maksym told Live Science. “It looks like there are significant areas of thick ice that are probably not accounted for.”

Better forecasts for sea ice under climate change?

By Anthony Watts, WUWT, Nov 26, 2014

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2014/11/26/better-forecasts-for-sea-ice-under-climate-change/

Acidic Waters

As CO2 acidifies oceans, scientists develop a way to measure impact

Ay Staff Writers, Jerusalem, Israel (SPX), Nov 26, 2014

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/As_CO2_acidifies_oceans_scientists_develop_a_way_to_measure_effect_on_marine_ecosystems_999.html

[SEPP Comment: The premise is assumed, not empirically established.]

Un-Science or Non-Science?

Environmental ‘tipping points’ key to predicting extinctions

By Staff Writers, Raleigh NC (SPX), Nov 28, 2014

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Environmental_tipping_points_key_to_predicting_extinctions_999.html

Claim: A warming world may spell bad news for honey bees

By Anthony Watts, WUWT, Nov 26, 2014

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2014/11/26/claim-a-warming-world-may-spell-bad-news-for-honey-bees/

Lowering Standards

A right royal contradiction

By Andrew Montford, Bishop Hill, Nov 27, 2014

http://bishophill.squarespace.com/blog/2014/11/27/a-right-royal-contradiction.html

Link to report: Resilience to extreme weather

By Staff Writers, The Royal Society, Nov 27, 2014

https://royalsociety.org/policy/projects/resilience-extreme-weather/

Communicating Better to the Public – Exaggerate, or be Vague?

Avoiding ecosystem collapse

By Staff Writers, Stanford CA (SPX), Nov 26, 2014

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Avoiding_ecosystem_collapse_999.html

Three studies published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society Biological Science hold the promise of helping resource managers predict, avoid, and reverse the tipping points that lead to degraded habitats, economic losses, and social upheaval.

[SEPP Comment: Defining the tipping points would be interesting.]

Communicating Better to the Public – Make things up.

Climate Hysteria and the Buffalo Snowpocalypse

By Sierra Rayne, American Thinker, Nov 22, 2014

http://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2014/11/climate_hysteria_and_the_buffalo_snowpocalypse.html

Communicating Better to the Public – Go Personal.

Michigan State professor labels skeptics as “global warming cynics” due to not getting on board with the extreme weather link

By Anthony Watts, WUWT, Nov 24, 2014

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2014/11/24/michigan-state-professor-labels-skeptics-as-global-warming-cynics-due-to-not-getting-on-board-with-the-extreme-weather-link/

Communicating Better to the Public – Use Propaganda on Children

The UK Clean Air Act & Black Smoke

By Paul Homewood, Not a Lot of People Know That, Nov 24, 2014

http://notalotofpeopleknowthat.wordpress.com/2014/11/24/the-uk-clean-air-act-black-smoke/#more-11535

Smokestacks & Water Vapour

By Paul Homewood, Not a Lot of People Know That, Nov 23, 2014

http://notalotofpeopleknowthat.wordpress.com/2014/11/23/smokestacks-water-vapour/

Winnipeg zoo unashamedly frightens children about polar bear extinction, for a price

By Susan Crockford, Polar Bear Science, Nov 26, 2014

http://polarbearscience.com/2014/11/26/winnipeg-zoo-unashamedly-frightens-children-about-polar-bear-extinction-for-a-price/

Expanding the Orthodoxy

Doctors Will Save Us From Global Warming!

By Paul Homewood, Not a Lot of People Know That, Nov 28, 2014

http://notalotofpeopleknowthat.wordpress.com/2014/11/28/doctors-will-save-us-from-global-warming/

[SEPP Comment: To protect public health and reduce atmospheric (carbon dioxide) pollution, are cold, damp homes the answer?]

World Bank: Planet headed toward ‘unavoidable’ climate impacts

By Laura Barron-Lopez, The Hill, Nov 24, 2014

http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/225159-world-bank-planet-headed-toward-unavoidable-climate-impacts

Link to press release of “study.” World Is Locked into ~1.5°C Warming & Risks Are Rising, New Climate Report Finds

A number of future climate change impacts like extreme heat and sea level rise will be “unavoidable” even if global leaders start slashing greenhouse gases right away, according to a report from the World Bank.

By Staff Writers, World Bank, Nov 23, 2014

http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2014/11/23/climate-report-finds-temperature-rise-locked-in-risks-rising

Link to study: Turn Down the Heat : Confronting the New Climate Normal

By Staff Writers, The World Bank Group, Nov 23, 2014

https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/20595

Global warming could undermine poverty fight: World Bank

By Staff Writers, Washington (AFP), Nov 23, 2014

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Global_warming_could_undermine_poverty_fight_World_Bank_999.html

Some climate change impacts unavoidable: World Bank

By Alister Doyle, Reuters, Nov 23, 2014 [H/t Clyde Spencer]

http://news.yahoo.com/climate-change-impacts-unavoidable-world-bank-212029139.html

Questioning European Green

Energy Policy And The Return Of The State

By Robert Darwall, Reform, Nov 27, 2014

http://www.thegwpf.com/rupert-darwall-energy-policy-and-the-return-of-the-state/

Link to full report: How to run a country: energy policy and the return of the State, Reform, Nov 2014

http://www.reform.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Energy-Report_text_AW_WEB1.pdf

Daily ‘Die Welt’ Reports German Greens Facing Political Extinction…”Apocalyptic Narrative Approaching An End”

Germany’s once formidable Green Party just held its annual convention in Hamburg.

By P Gosselin, No Tricks Zone, Nov 24, 2014

http://notrickszone.com/2014/11/24/daily-die-welt-reports-german-greens-facing-political-extinction-apocalyptic-narrative-approaching-an-end/

On Green Energy, Europe Made The Wrong Bet

By John Gapper, Financial Time, Via GWPF, Nov 28, 2014

http://www.thegwpf.com/on-green-energy-europe-made-the-wrong-bet/

The Growing Absurdity Of German Energy Policy

Editorial, Financial Times, Via GWPF, Nov 26, 2014

http://www.thegwpf.com/the-growing-absurdity-of-german-energy-policy/

Green Britain: UK Manufacturers Warn Of Shutdowns Amid Energy Emergency Measures

By Tanya Powley, Financial Times, Via GWPF, Nov 23, 2014

http://www.thegwpf.com/green-madness-uk-manufacturers-warn-of-shutdowns-amid-energy-emergency-measures/

[SEPP Comment: Adding uncertainty to the system.]

High energy cost & low R&D spending decline EU chemical sector’s competitiveness: Energy–intensive chemical segments such as petrochemicals and polymers, which account for half of EU chemicals exports, were especially hit

By Staff Writers, Business Standard, Nov 24, 2014 [H/t GWPF]

http://www.business-standard.com/content/b2b-chemicals/high-energy-cost-low-r-d-spending-decline-eu-chemical-sector-s-competitiveness-114112500112_1.html

According to the Oxford report, the downward trend can be halted or even reversed most significantly by reducing energy costs. It also encourages research and development in product and process innovations, which are the foundations of the sector’s longer-term growth.

Europe winds back the clock on windmills,

By Danny Fortson, Sunday Times, Via GWPF, Nov 23, 2014

http://www.thegwpf.com/germany-desperate-for-more-coal-power-to-keep-lights-on/

EU Risks Blackouts Without Clean-Coal Inducement, IEA Says

By Mathew Carr, Bloomberg, Nov 21, 2014 [H/t GWPF]

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-11-21/europe-risks-blackouts-without-clean-coal-inducement-iea-says.html

[SEPP Comment: Traditional coal does not require subsidies.]

Germany Lobbies Sweden To Rescue Coal Mines

By Pilita Clark, David Crouch and Jeevan Vasagar, Financial Times, Via GWPF, Nov 24 2014

http://www.thegwpf.com/germany-lobbys-sweden-to-rescue-coal-mines/

Questioning Green Elsewhere

Brazil seeks energy stability as coal and gas power auction commences

By Diarmaid Williams, Power Engineering, Nov 27, 2014 [H/t GWPF]

http://www.powerengineeringint.com/articles/2014/11/brazil-seeks-energy-stability-as-coal-and-gas-power-auction-commences.html

Funding Issues

Spin Alert: Despite What DOE Says, Its Loans Are Not Making Money

By Donald Marron, Forbes, Nov 17, 2014 [H/t Cooler Heads]

http://www.forbes.com/sites/beltway/2014/11/17/spin-alert-doe-loans-are-losing-money-not-making-profits/?ss=energy

Link to report: LPO Financial Performance

By Peter Davidson, Exec Dir. LPO Office, DOE, Nov 2014

http://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2014/11/f19/DOE-LPO-MiniReport_Final%2011%2013%2014_0.pdf

The Political Games Continue

Inhofe: New Congress will examine ozone rule

By Lydia Wheeler, The Hill, Nov 25, 2014

http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/225364-inhofe-new-congress-will-examine-ozone-rule

Biden: Europe needs to diversify energy

By Kevin Hill, The Hill, Nov 22, 2014

http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/225103-biden-europe-needs-to-diversify-energy

GOP wants more electric reliability assurances for climate rule

By Timothy Cama, The Hill, Nov 24, 2014

http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/225231-gop-wants-more-electric-reliability-assurances-for-climate-rule

Litigation Issues

SCOTUS to Hear Case on EPA Power Plant Rule

By Patrick Michaels, CATO, Nov 25, 2014

http://www.cato.org/blog/scotus-hear-case-epa-power-plant-rule

“If EPA was really serious about Mercury it would issue regulations capping volcanoes and outlawing wildfires.”

Subsidies and Mandates Forever

Taxpayer Alert: Big Wind Urging Congress for Yet Another Bailout

By Mary Kay Barton, Master Resource, Nov 24, 2014

https://www.masterresource.org/american-wind-energy-association/33152/

Solar and Wind Energy Start to Win on Price vs. Conventional Fuels

Bu Diane Cardwell, NYT, Nov 23, 2014

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/24/business/energy-environment/solar-and-wind-energy-start-to-win-on-price-vs-conventional-fuels.html?emc=edit_th_20141124&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=59831859

[SEPP Comment: Pleas for extension of solar and wind tax credits.]

UK Leads The World – (In Offshore Wind Subsidies!)

By Paul Homewood, Not a Lot of People Know That, Nov 22, 2014

http://notalotofpeopleknowthat.wordpress.com/2014/11/22/uk-leads-the-world-in-offshore-wind-subsidies/

[SEPP Comment: Asking the question: why are so few off-shore wind farms being built elsewhere?]

EPA and other Regulators on the March

Breaking: Supreme Court to Review EPA Mercury Rules,

By Steven Hayward, Power Line, Nov 25, 2014

http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2014/11/breaking-supreme-court-to-review-epa-mercury-rules.php

EPA Lost in the Ozone, As Usual

By Steven Hayward, Power Line, Nov 28, 2014

http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2014/11/epa-lost-in-the-ozone-as-usual.php

EPA unveils contentious plan to tighten ozone standards

By Timothy Cama, The Hill, Nov 26, 2014

http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/225371-epa-pushes-to-cut-smog-in-new-rule

Government to Set Stricter Smog Standard

By Dina Cappiello, Real Clear Politics, Nov 26, 2014

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2014/11/26/government_to_set_stricter_smog_standard_124778.html

Just in Time for Thanksgiving, Another Turkey from the Obama Administration

By Patrick Michaels, CATO, Nov 26, 2014

http://www.cato.org/blog/just-time-thanksgiving-another-turkey-obama-administration

“Environmental protection is what systems engineers call a “heuristic device,” defined as ‘a solution which is not guaranteed to be optimal, but is good enough for a given set of goals.’”

Mother of all battles over new smog rule

By Zack Colman, Washington Examiner, Nov 27, 2014

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/mother-of-all-battles-over-new-smog-rule/article/2556721?utm_campaign=Washington%20Examiner:%20Politics%20Today&utm_source=Washington%20Examiner:%20Politics%20Today%20-%2011/27/14&utm_medium=email

DOE Policy: In Search of Transparency (efficiency standards in controversy)

By Mark Krebs, Master Resource, Nov 25, 2014

https://www.masterresource.org/conservationism/doe-transparency/

For Once, a Court Sided With People Rather Than ‘Threatened’ Rodents

By Ron Arnold, The Daily Signal, Nov 18, 2014

http://dailysignal.com/2014/11/18/for-once-courts-sided-with-people-rather-than-threatened-rodents/?utm_source=heritagefoundation&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=morningbell&mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRokva3BZKXonjHpfsX56%2BQsX6C1lMI%2F0ER3fOvrPUfGjI4CRMZgI%2BSLDwEYGJlv6SgFQrLBMa1ozrgOWxU%3D

Regulate First, Ask Questions Later

By Jeffrey Folks, American Thinker, Nov 24, 2014

http://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2014/11/regulate_first_ask_questions_later.html

Energy Issues – Non-US

Britain’s energy policy is a catastrophic mess that will keep prices high

Private companies still deliver electricity that consumers pay for but everything else, from prices to outcomes, is determined by politicians

By Allister Heath, Telegraph, UK, Nov 26, 2014 [H/t GWPF]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/11256929/Britains-energy-policy-is-a-catastrophic-mess-that-will-keep-prices-high.html

UK’s blackout prevention plans in doubt after back-up power plant fails

Peterhead power station, paid to guarantee it can help keep the lights on, fails to function properly during testing

By Emily Gosden, Telegraph, UK, Nov 24, 2014

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/11251396/UKs-blackout-prevention-plans-in-doubt-after-back-up-power-plant-fails.html

Rising Energy Costs Threaten Survival Of Europe’s Aluminium Industry

By Christian Oliver, Financial Times, Via GWPF, Nov 24, 2014

http://www.thegwpf.com/rising-energy-costs-threaten-survival-of-europes-aluminium-industry/

[SEPP Comment: According to the article 11 out of 24 smelters in the EU have shut since 2007.]

Carbon Bubbleheads

By Tom Quirk, Quadrant, Nov 25, 2014

https://quadrant.org.au/opinion/doomed-planet/2014/11/carbon-bubble-whos/

India’s coal conundrum: which comes first the climate or the poor?

By Mark Lynas, His Blog, Nov 19, 2014 [H/t WUWT]

http://www.marklynas.org/2014/11/indias-coal-conundrum-which-comes-first-the-climate-or-the-poor/

Lack of coal may bring Ukraine to its knees this winter

By Nina Chestney and Barbara Lewis, Reuters, Nov 26, 2014 [H/t GWPF]

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/26/us-ukraine-crisis-coal-idUSKCN0JA19T20141126

Energy Issues — US

Information References

By Donn Dears, Power For USA, Nov 28, 2014

https://dddusmma.wordpress.com/2014/11/28/information-references/

[SEPP Comment: Useful estimates of capacity estimates and construction costs of electrical generation.]

Washington’s Control of Energy

Major energy rule timelines pushed back

By Timothy Cama, The Hill, Nov 14, 2014

http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/225167-major-energy-rules-pushed-back

[SEPP Comment: Delay energy production, by delaying regulation.]

Obama says Keystone XL is for exporting oil outside the U.S., experts disagree

By Lauren Carroll, PolitiFact, Nov 20, 2-14

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2014/nov/20/barack-obama/obama-says-keystone-xl-exporting-oil-experts-disag/

Republicans renew push for drilling in Alaska wildlife refuge

By Timothy Cama, The Hill, Nov 23, 2014

http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/225079-republicans-set-their-sights-on-drilling-in-arctic-refuge

[SEPP Comment: For 37 years Washington has stopped development of Alaska’s oil and gas resources on the Refuge. How many politicians in opposition have actually visited it?]

The Ethanol Mandate Proves the Government Is a Poor Central Planner

By Katie Tubb and Nicolas Loris, The Daily Signal, Nov 24, 2014

http://dailysignal.com/2014/11/24/ethanol-mandate-proves-government-poor-central-planner/

Oil and Natural Gas – the Future or the Past?

Oil, Oil, Toil and Trouble,

By Steven Hayward, Power Line, Nov 25, 2014

http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2014/11/oil-oil-toil-and-trouble.php

The Geopolitical Impact of Cheap Oil

By Martin Feldstein, Project syndicate, Nov 26, 2014

http://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/oil-prices-geopolitical-stability-by-martin-feldstein-2014-11

This 153-Year-Old oil well produces nonstop, in boom or bust

By Staff Writers, Fuel Fix, Nov 22, 2014

http://fuelfix.com/blog/2014/11/22/this-153-year-old-oil-well-produces-nonstop-in-boom-or-bust/

Why The Saudis Actually Like It When The Price Of Oil Plummets

By Ian Timberlake, AFP, Nov 25, 2014

http://www.businessinsider.com/afp-saudi-sights-set-on-us-shale-at-crucial-opec-meeting-2014-11

Return of King Coal?

The Unwelcome Reality For U.S. Coal Exports

By Nick Cunningham, Oil Price.com, Nov 23, 2014 [H/t GWPF]

http://oilprice.com/Energy/Coal/The-Unwelcome-Reality-For-U.S.-Coal-Exports.html

Oil Spills, Gas Leaks & Consequences

North Dakota reviews oil train safety measures

By Daniel J. Graeber, Bismarck, N.D. (UPI), Nov 25, 2014

http://www.oilgasdaily.com/reports/North_Dakota_reviews_oil_train_safety_measures_999.html

Nuclear Energy and Fears

Renewable energy ‘simply WON’T WORK’: Top Google engineers

Windmills, solar, tidal – all a ‘false hope’, say Stanford PhDs

By Lewis Page, The Register, Nov 21, 2014

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/11/21/renewable_energy_simply_wont_work_google_renewables_engineers/

[SEPP Comment: Advocating that nuclear power is the realistic alternative energy.]

China plans for nuclear growth

By Staff Writer, WNN, Nov 20, 2014

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NP-China-plans-for-nuclear-growth-2011144.html

TEPCO starts cementing tunnels to solve Fukushima water issue

By Staff Writers, Tokyo, Japan (Sputnik), Nov 28, 2014

http://www.nuclearpowerdaily.com/reports/TEPCO_Starts_Cementing_Tunnels_to_Solve_Fukushima_Radioactive_Water_Issue_999.html

UK units cleared for restart after boiler checks

By Staff Writers, WNN, Nov 14, 2014

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/RS-UK-units-cleared-for-restart-after-boiler-checks-2411144.html

US House passes law on research

By Staff Writers, WNN, Nov 18, 2014

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/ON-US-House-passes-law-on-research-18111401.html

[SEPP Comment: Calling for research on risk of low-dose radiation.]

Alternative, Green (“Clean”) Solar and Wind

Renewable Energy – Solar and Wind-Power: capital costs and effectiveness compared

By Ed Hoskins, WUWWT, Nov 21, 2014

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2014/11/21/renewable-energy-solar-and-wind-power-capital-costs-and-effectiveness-compared/

Feds to sell largest offshore wind energy area

By Timothy Cama, The Hill, Nov 24, 2014

http://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/225183-feds-to-sell-largest-offshore-wind-energy-area

[SEPP Comment: What are the public subsidies required to bring the proposed power on-line?]

Ill winds blow from wind turbines

By Lawrence Solomon, Financial Post, Nov 25, 2014

http://business.financialpost.com/2014/11/25/lawrence-solomon-ill-winds-blow-from-wind-turbines/

[SEPP Comment: Is infrasound a problem? Infrasound is sound at a frequency lower than normal human hearing of 20 cycles per second.]

Solar industry pins great hopes on Indian solar market

By Staff Writers, Mumbai, India (SPX), Nov 28, 2014

http://www.solardaily.com/reports/Intersolar_India_2014_Solar_Industry_Pins_Great_Hopes_on_Indian_Solar_Market_999.html

Alternative, Green (“Clean”) Energy — Other

Jobs threat as cash troubles sink wave firm

By Victoria Weldon, Herald, Scotland, Nov 22, 2014 [H/t GWPF]

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/jobs-threat-as-cash-troubles-sink-wave-firm.25935147

London has faith in marine energy

By Daniel J. Graeber, London (UPI), Nov 26, 2014

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/London_has_faith_in_marine_energy_999.html

Siemens Exits Tidal Power Industry Blaming Slow Development

By Louise Downing, Bloomberg, Nov 25, 2014 [H/t GWPF]

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-11-25/siemens-exits-tidal-power-industry-blaming-slow-development.html

Carbon Schemes

56 countries want carbon capture incentives in global climate accord

By Laura Barron-Lopez, The Hill, Nov 25, 2014

http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/225308-56-countries-want-carbon-capture-incentives-in-global-climate

[SEPP Comment: Produce one that works on a commercial basis.]

California Dreaming

Some sense from California — at last

By Staff Writers, ACSH, Nov 25, 2014

http://acsh.org/2014/11/sense-california-last/

[SEPP Comment: An op-ed against California Proposition 65.]

Environmental Industry

Will Green Politics soon be a thing of the Past?

By Eric Worrall, WUWT, Nov 21, 2014

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2014/11/21/will-green-politics-soon-be-a-thing-of-the-past/

Other Scientific News

NASA’s Van Allen Probes Spot an Impenetrable Barrier in Space

By Karen C. Fox, Greenbelt MD (SPX), Nov 27, 2014

http://www.spacemart.com/reports/NASAs_Van_Allen_Probes_Spot_an_Impenetrable_Barrier_in_Space_999.html

Researchers identify a natural shield against harmful radiation belt

By Staff Writers, Boston MA (SPX), Nov 27, 2014

http://www.spacemart.com/reports/Researchers_identify_a_natural_shield_against_harmful_radiation_belt_999.html

Other News that May Be of Interest

How to save billions of gallons of gasoline

By Jo Nova, Her Blog, Nov 26, 2014

http://joannenova.com.au/2014/11/how-to-save-billions-of-gallons-of-gasoline/

[SEPP Comment: In transporting goods, there are a number of factors other than fuel efficiency.]

NASA Opens Cube Quest Challenge for Largest-Ever Prize of $5 Million

By Staff Writers, Washington DC (SPX), Nov 26, 2014

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/NASA_Opens_Cube_Quest_Challenge_for_Largest_Ever_Prize_of_5_Million_999.html

ACSH friend R. Kozlovich’s ode to banned, lifesaving DDT

By Staff Writers, ACSH, Nov 14, 2014

http://acsh.org/2014/11/acsh-friend-r-kozlovichs-ode-banned-lifesaving-ddt/

Barnaby Joyce’s Damp Squib

By Ron Pike, Quadrant, Nov 27, 2014

http://quadrant.org.au/opinion/doomed-planet/2014/11/barnaby-joyces-damp-squib/

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BELOW THE BOTTOM LINE:

Germany’s Environment Minister Calls On Citizens To Turn Off Lights During Sex – To Protect Climate!

By P Gosselin, No Tricks Zone, Nov 28, 2014

http://notrickszone.com/2014/11/28/germanys-environment-minister-calls-on-its-citizens-to-turn-off-lights-during-sex-to-protect-climate/

Claim: Researchers find way to turn sawdust into gasoline

By Anthony Watts, WUWT, Nov 25, 2014

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2014/11/25/claim-researchers-find-way-to-turn-sawdust-into-gasoline/

[Insert Winter Storm Cato Joke Here]

By Patrick Michaels, CATO, Nov 25, 2014

http://www.cato.org/blog/winter-storm-catos-geophysical-research-letters

[SEPP Comment: The US winter storm that disrupted Thanksgiving holiday travel on the East Coast was named CATO.]

Model claim: airplanes of the future won’t be able to take off at some airports due to global warming

By Anthony Watts, WUWT, Nov 16, 2014

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2014/11/26/model-claim-airplanes-of-the-future-wont-be-able-to-take-off-at-some-airports-due-to-global-warming/

[SEPP Comment: Discovering the effect of air density, which the US Army Air Corps knew about when flying in North Africa during WW II.]

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