California Insider OpinionIn a recent interview, energy expert Ronald Stein discussed California’s shifting energy landscape and the challenges of transitioning away from fossil fuels. As a former engineer and author on energy issues, Stein provided insightful perspective on the complex trade-offs involved.
California has made reducing oil production and dependence on foreign imports a priority. However, Stein notes this has unintended consequences, like lost revenue for cities and increased costs passed onto consumers. While aiming to curb emissions, Stein argues the state’s policies may simply outsource them elsewhere through increased imports.
When it comes to renewable energy, Stein acknowledged the role of wind and solar but highlighted their limitations compared to fossil fuels. As electricity alone cannot replace the vast array of products derived from oil, a total transition away from oil may not be realistic given society’s material demands. Stein also raised questions around reliability and whether intermittent renewables can independently power necessities like healthcare and defense.
The interview shed light on issues often overlooked in green energy debates. Stein drew attention to the human and environmental costs of mining for electric car batteries in developing nations lacking proper regulations and oversight. For those living on just dollars a day, the energy transition remains out of reach without international cooperation and solutions.
Overall, the discussion challenged assumptions and advocated a more holistic view of this complex issue with no single or simple answer. As leaders pursue ambitious climate goals, carefully considering all perspectives will be important to equitable and responsible policymaking.
*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.
“…the challenges of transitioning away from fossil fuels…”
Every Humanoid’s Right…
Beam me up Scotty, there’s no intelligent life in California.
I would if I could, Cap’n. But we’ve hit our carbon limit….
No, but it does have a warped drive.
Anyone else here ever notice how ‘roomy’ the Enterprise was?
On MInecraft?
The Enterprise I got from a packet of Cornflakes was tiny.
“California has made reducing oil production and dependence on foreign imports a priority.”
Now it should try being independent of energy from other states! After all, wind and solar are free so there should be no need to import energy from nearby states. /sarc
So Chevron can leave Cali. Problem solved. No more energy production for Cali. No more electricity not produced by Cali state government. Again, problem solved.
It seems inevitable that Chevron will leave California. They’ll certainly continue to do business there but ironically, greener pastures are elsewhere.
Good video by Mr. Stein.
The Company moved to new buildings about 18 months ago. At that time the story was that HQ would remain in California. Some workers and investments moved out-of-State.
I recall this event was covered on WUWT — I did not find it with a quick search.
Greener pastures. Certainly not intended, yet quite humorous.
There are rumors here in Houston that they are coming here soon.
Various labor groups want to extend the recent minimum wage increase for fast food joints, to the entire economy.
It won’t be long until Chevron, and any other business that can, will be leaving California.
Except for San Francisco, Mark – they’re about to pass an ordinance that requires 6 month notice before closing.
Why do I get the feeling that in 5 months they’re going to change that?
“|As a former engineer”: Huh? Once an engineer always an engineer (except for nuts like Nye).
Nye was never really an engineer, was he?
He never worked long enough as an engineer to truly qualify.
STORY TIP;https://www.zerohedge.com/political/biggest-corporate-welfare-scam-all-time
about the pv n wind boondoggles
Excellent presentation. Put it into the schools.
From the second-to-last paragraph of the above article:
“As leaders pursue ambitious climate goals, carefully considering all perspectives will be important to equitable and responsible policymaking.”
Yeah, right . . . like that’s something anyone can really expect to happen with the “policymakers” we have today!
Politicians?
California?
Fantasy Island. Da Blane! Da Blane!
Thought the same thing – politicians generally are a bunch of whores searching for campaign money to keep the gravy train moving. “Climate Action” is an easy way to get headlines from the moron stained media, and attention from pretty young passionate useful idiots just desperate and willing to do anything for the environment.
CA seems to be doing everything but stopping illegal immigration to push people to other states.
California has systemic governing problems. It’s a one party state. Anyone who thinks that’s a good idea has some explaining to do.
If California wants to secede, let them. No great loss to the USA.
But I doubt most Californians really want that.
The voting system in California is …nuts… “Jungle Primaries?”.
One vote for each with photo ID that proved citizenship would be a step in the right direction in making California an American state of The United States of America again.
Absolutely brilliant Ron, clear and understandable presentation.
Chevron should make a new rule for California. No more gasoline.
Or, if Chevron would like to detail it: no more gasoline deliveries to Sacramento. Force Gavin Newsom to live by his own standard.