State Of The Union
"Green Agenda Driving Inflation"
Story by Claire O'Hare
18 NOVEMBER 2023
The Bank of England advisor has admitted that green policies such as carbon taxes and emissions trading schemes are increasing inflation and impacting output.
These policies are causing costs to be passed on to consumers, prompting changes to reduce emissions.
The Bank of England sees addressing climate change as part of its mandate, despite the negative economic effects.
Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee-member Catherine Mann reportedly said during a recent speech that “carbon taxes, public investments, and subsidies are all inflationary”
“Evidence has suggested upward pressure on inflation [and] downward effects on output,” continued Mann.
Mann highlighted how high prices are “passed on fully or in part to consumers, which prompts the behavioral change needed to reduce emissions”.
“Not only is it within my remit to respond to the macroeconomic effects of climate change, but, in my view, my remit requires me to do so,” proclaimed the financial expert.
“When climate change has macroeconomic effects – whether physical impacts from extreme weather events and higher average temperatures or transition effects associated with transforming to a net zero economy, including explicit implications for inflation – it becomes a concern for monetary policymakers, directly within a price stability mandate,” added Mann.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has slightly scaled back some net zero policies, but the UK remains committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The green agenda pursued by the Conservative Party has negative economic impacts and poses a threat to national security, as noted in a report from the Joint Committee on National Security Strategy.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets ... 37d1&ei=48
THE ENVIRONMENT
Re: THE ENVIRONMENT
GistFest
"New Yorkers to Switch to Electric Heat Under New “Green” Policies"
Story by GistFest
24 NOVEMBER 2023
According to a new study, New York may begin forcing New Yorkers to use electricity for home heating instead of fuel by 2030.
This new policy may have little impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
However, New York residents could face high heating bills.
The state is pushing residents to buy expensive electrified heat pumps to phase out the use of natural gas, oil, and propane systems.
Consequently, residents are curious about how this new development came about, how it works, and its pros and cons.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s Plan
New York’s 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act calls for reducing statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent by 2050.
Consequently, Governor Hochul plans to ban gas stoves in newly constructed homes in the Empire State by 2025.
However, Governor Hochul’s proposal sparked outrage from most Empire Staters.
In addition, the opposition leaders said Hochul’s plan was just about “accumulating power to control the lives of ordinary people.”
Impact on Greenhouse Gas Emissions
According to an Empire Center report, compulsory electrification in New York will have little impact.
The study revealed that the global effect of mandatory costly electrification would be a reduction of less than 0.05 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.
Considering the little impact this policy has on the environment, New Yorkers worry the policies will drive more homeowners out of town.
New Yorker’s Reaction to the Proposal
Following Governor Kathy Hochul’s announcement, several Empire Staters took to social media to express their outrage.
While a few state residents loved the plan, most kicked against it.
Empire Center fellow James Hanley said that the Governor is acting without regard for consumer preference.
In addition, Hanley said that the Governor didn’t consider homeowner costs or other cost-effective means of reducing gas emissions.
“Homeowners Should Have a Say”
Aside from faulting Governor Hochul’s plan for its lack of consideration, Hanley says homeowners should have a say.
He argues that it should be up to homeowners to decide what they want in their homes.
“This is the fundamental problem at the heart of New York’s command-and-control attempt to restructure its economy to make what amounts to barely detectable reductions in global emissions,” Hanley said.
“Albany can ban things, but it can’t control how people replace them,” He added.
Governor Hochul’s Office Rebuttal
Following Hanley’s comments on Hochul’s plan, her office rebutted.
“Under the status quo, New York consumers are stuck with dramatic fluctuations on utility bills and sky-high costs after extreme weather events.” a rep for the Governor said.
The rep also said Governor Kathy Hochul plans to make the clean energy revolution affordable for New Yorkers.
In addition, the Governor’s representative revealed that she’s invested nearly $1.6 billion on energy affordability initiatives.
The Electrification Budget
While rebutting Hanley’s claims, Hochul’s office revealed that the current state budget includes $200 million.
This budget is to ease the high electric bills for 800,000 households whose family income is under $75,000.
In addition, Hochul’s office revealed that there is a separate $200 million fund.
This fund is to help 20,000 low-income families upgrade their homes by adding insulation or buying new energy-efficient appliances.
The Electrification Cost on Middle-Class Empire State Homeowners
Experts suggest that heat pump installation costs will be a burden even with state and federal subsidies.
According to research, installing a heat pump and weatherizing a home costs between $14,600 to $46,200.
Consequently, the electrification cost will take up about 20% to 70% of the middle-class homeowners.
On the contrary, the Governor insists that participating families will pay no more than 6% of their incomes on electricity.
The Statistics
According to reports, over six million residential units in New York use fuels for heating. In addition, over five million also use them for hot-water heating, and over four million use them for cooking.
While most homes use natural gas, more than 1.7 million New Yorkers reportedly use propane, heating oil, or kerosene for heat.
However, reports suggest over a million also use those fuels for hot water.
Experts Say the Heat Pumps Are Not Effective
The skyrocketing cost of electrification has aroused concerns.
However, experts are worried that electric heat, the city’s preference, doesn’t work as well as boilers that burn fossil fuels.
Bob Friedrich, board president of Glen Oaks Village in northeastern Queens, the city’s largest garden-apartment complex, warns that heat pumps for electrical systems “are only efficient for temperatures in the 30s and 40s.”
He added that below that, “they become less efficient to heat a home.”
The Real Estate Implications
Since real estate companies own rental apartment towers, they have a substantial revenue base.
Hence, the cost of heating might not be so much of a burden.
However, individual shareholders and owners will bear electric heating costs in Co-ops and Condos.
But do it, the city demands, or face enormous fines as high as $200 million.
Warren Schreiber, board president of Bay Terrace, said, “I’ve never had an issue that actually kept me awake at night.”
Effect on the State’s Electricity Grid
Aside from burning out the wallets of New Yorkers, the state’s compulsory electrification program will take a toll on the state’s electric grid.
Experts say heat pumps do not warm the air as much as fuel-fired furnaces.
Consequently, homeowners in colder areas may opt for more energy-intensive electric resistance furnaces.
Although these energy-intensive electric resistance furnaces have lower upfront costs, they cost more.
In addition, the widespread adoption of these furnaces will increase electricity demand.
The Future of Oil Distribution in the State
Since electrification seems like the way forward for New Yorkers, the future of oil in the state is bleak.
Whether homeowners choose heat pumps or electric resistance heaters, the future of oil and propane distribution firms appears dire.
In addition, propane furnaces will be out of the market between 2047 and 2050.
Similarly, oil furnaces would be extinct by 2056 and 2063.
Hence, reports suggest the home heating oil industry will also go out of business.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/ne ... 840d&ei=35
"New Yorkers to Switch to Electric Heat Under New “Green” Policies"
Story by GistFest
24 NOVEMBER 2023
According to a new study, New York may begin forcing New Yorkers to use electricity for home heating instead of fuel by 2030.
This new policy may have little impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
However, New York residents could face high heating bills.
The state is pushing residents to buy expensive electrified heat pumps to phase out the use of natural gas, oil, and propane systems.
Consequently, residents are curious about how this new development came about, how it works, and its pros and cons.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s Plan
New York’s 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act calls for reducing statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent by 2050.
Consequently, Governor Hochul plans to ban gas stoves in newly constructed homes in the Empire State by 2025.
However, Governor Hochul’s proposal sparked outrage from most Empire Staters.
In addition, the opposition leaders said Hochul’s plan was just about “accumulating power to control the lives of ordinary people.”
Impact on Greenhouse Gas Emissions
According to an Empire Center report, compulsory electrification in New York will have little impact.
The study revealed that the global effect of mandatory costly electrification would be a reduction of less than 0.05 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.
Considering the little impact this policy has on the environment, New Yorkers worry the policies will drive more homeowners out of town.
New Yorker’s Reaction to the Proposal
Following Governor Kathy Hochul’s announcement, several Empire Staters took to social media to express their outrage.
While a few state residents loved the plan, most kicked against it.
Empire Center fellow James Hanley said that the Governor is acting without regard for consumer preference.
In addition, Hanley said that the Governor didn’t consider homeowner costs or other cost-effective means of reducing gas emissions.
“Homeowners Should Have a Say”
Aside from faulting Governor Hochul’s plan for its lack of consideration, Hanley says homeowners should have a say.
He argues that it should be up to homeowners to decide what they want in their homes.
“This is the fundamental problem at the heart of New York’s command-and-control attempt to restructure its economy to make what amounts to barely detectable reductions in global emissions,” Hanley said.
“Albany can ban things, but it can’t control how people replace them,” He added.
Governor Hochul’s Office Rebuttal
Following Hanley’s comments on Hochul’s plan, her office rebutted.
“Under the status quo, New York consumers are stuck with dramatic fluctuations on utility bills and sky-high costs after extreme weather events.” a rep for the Governor said.
The rep also said Governor Kathy Hochul plans to make the clean energy revolution affordable for New Yorkers.
In addition, the Governor’s representative revealed that she’s invested nearly $1.6 billion on energy affordability initiatives.
The Electrification Budget
While rebutting Hanley’s claims, Hochul’s office revealed that the current state budget includes $200 million.
This budget is to ease the high electric bills for 800,000 households whose family income is under $75,000.
In addition, Hochul’s office revealed that there is a separate $200 million fund.
This fund is to help 20,000 low-income families upgrade their homes by adding insulation or buying new energy-efficient appliances.
The Electrification Cost on Middle-Class Empire State Homeowners
Experts suggest that heat pump installation costs will be a burden even with state and federal subsidies.
According to research, installing a heat pump and weatherizing a home costs between $14,600 to $46,200.
Consequently, the electrification cost will take up about 20% to 70% of the middle-class homeowners.
On the contrary, the Governor insists that participating families will pay no more than 6% of their incomes on electricity.
The Statistics
According to reports, over six million residential units in New York use fuels for heating. In addition, over five million also use them for hot-water heating, and over four million use them for cooking.
While most homes use natural gas, more than 1.7 million New Yorkers reportedly use propane, heating oil, or kerosene for heat.
However, reports suggest over a million also use those fuels for hot water.
Experts Say the Heat Pumps Are Not Effective
The skyrocketing cost of electrification has aroused concerns.
However, experts are worried that electric heat, the city’s preference, doesn’t work as well as boilers that burn fossil fuels.
Bob Friedrich, board president of Glen Oaks Village in northeastern Queens, the city’s largest garden-apartment complex, warns that heat pumps for electrical systems “are only efficient for temperatures in the 30s and 40s.”
He added that below that, “they become less efficient to heat a home.”
The Real Estate Implications
Since real estate companies own rental apartment towers, they have a substantial revenue base.
Hence, the cost of heating might not be so much of a burden.
However, individual shareholders and owners will bear electric heating costs in Co-ops and Condos.
But do it, the city demands, or face enormous fines as high as $200 million.
Warren Schreiber, board president of Bay Terrace, said, “I’ve never had an issue that actually kept me awake at night.”
Effect on the State’s Electricity Grid
Aside from burning out the wallets of New Yorkers, the state’s compulsory electrification program will take a toll on the state’s electric grid.
Experts say heat pumps do not warm the air as much as fuel-fired furnaces.
Consequently, homeowners in colder areas may opt for more energy-intensive electric resistance furnaces.
Although these energy-intensive electric resistance furnaces have lower upfront costs, they cost more.
In addition, the widespread adoption of these furnaces will increase electricity demand.
The Future of Oil Distribution in the State
Since electrification seems like the way forward for New Yorkers, the future of oil in the state is bleak.
Whether homeowners choose heat pumps or electric resistance heaters, the future of oil and propane distribution firms appears dire.
In addition, propane furnaces will be out of the market between 2047 and 2050.
Similarly, oil furnaces would be extinct by 2056 and 2063.
Hence, reports suggest the home heating oil industry will also go out of business.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/ne ... 840d&ei=35
Re: THE ENVIRONMENT
FOX NEWS
"Michigan Gov Whitmer signs sweeping green energy bill forcing transition from fossil fuels"
Story by Thomas Catenacci
30 NOVEMBER 2023
Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a landmark legislative package that requires state power providers to meet some of the most aggressive green energy goals in the country.
Whitmer was joined by fellow state Democrats, climate activists and industry stakeholders during a ceremony Tuesday where she signed the seven green energy bills that aim to reduce Michigan's reliance on fossil fuels and improve environmental quality statewide.
The topline target mandated under the so-called Clean Energy Future plan is a 100% clean energy standard that must be met within two decades.
"Once I sign these bills, Michigan becomes a national leader on clean energy, bringing billions of federal tax dollars home and private investment into our communities," Whitmer remarked before signing the legislation.
"Together, we are protecting our air, our water and our land while focusing on tackling climate change head on."
"Today is a huge win for Michigan families, for Michigan businesses, and for future generations of Michiganders."
"Our clean energy future is ambitious, but it is achievable," she continued.
"I have no doubt that, if we pursue this wholeheartedly, we can get it done because, in Michigan, we're not afraid of hard things."
"We have defied and defined history so many times before, and I know we are up to it again."
"We will lead the clean energy future because we have the workforce, and now the legislation, to foster strong economic growth."
Senate Bill 271, one of the bills included in the package, establishes a renewable energy standard of 50% by 2030 and 60% by 2035, meaning electric utilities meet at least that share of their electric generation capacity with renewable energy credits or direct renewable energy generation.
That mandate supersedes previous laws requiring utilities to achieve a 15% renewable energy standard through 2029.
In addition, under the bill, utility providers must meet an 80% clean energy standard by 2035 and a 100% clean energy standard set to be achieved by 2040.
The clean energy standard would include natural gas-fired generation with 90% carbon capture, a nascent and expensive technology that hasn't been deployed at any power plant nationwide.
And the Michigan Clean Energy Future plan transfers permitting authority for large-scale green energy projects from local control to Michigan Public Service Commission, the state regulator.
The move would ensure such projects move forward over widespread local opposition.
The Michigan state Senate ultimately approved the package late last month and the state House of Representatives subsequently passed it earlier this month.
The legislation was passed by slim majorities in both chambers, which are both simultaneously under Democratic control for the first time since the 1980s.
"Let's face it, Gov. Whitmer is trying to build her national profile with the Democrat Party," Michigan House Republican Leader Matt Hall told Fox News Digital in an interview.
"I think in order for her to build her brand with the far left and the Democrat Party, she felt she had to try to one up them here in Michigan."
He noted that Whitmer originally proposed a ban on natural gas and full renewable energy standard by 2035, a proposal that was ultimately watered down in the bills she signed Tuesday.
"There is no fuel source that we have that's as clean and efficient, reliable and affordable as natural gas," Hall continued.
"When you're replacing that artificially with other sources of energy that are just not as efficient, they take huge capital costs and you have to build a lot more of them to get the same power, that cost gets passed on to the ratepayers of the state, which are manufacturers, they're small businesses and they're individuals."
"They're going to see their energy bills go up."
Under the Clean Energy Future plan, the average monthly electric bill would be nearly double the current average in coming decades, according to a recent report from the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a free market think tank which analyzed the package of energy bills.
The report further warns that overall grid reliability would be severely diminished under the plan.
"The biggest thing is prices are going to go up, reliability is going to go way down and people are going to be left sitting in the cold in Michigan in January, like our modeling shows, for as much as 61 hours without electric service because of these plans," Jason Hayes, the Mackinac Center's director of energy and environmental policy and one of the report's authors, previously told Fox News Digital.
"Where if we decided to do it with reliable sources of energy like fossil fuels, we could do it for far less and avoid those outages, avoid the blackouts."
"So, to me, it seems a no-brainer."
"We should be doing it for less money and more reliability," he continued.
Hayes added that the intermittent nature of solar and wind, meaning they produce less power relative to their total generation capacity, could create instability.
Green energy developers and government officials often highlight total capacity of new renewable power projects, but fail to mention how much actual power the project is expected to produce.
Solar panels, for example, produce just 25% and wind turbines produce 34% of their listed capacity, according to federal data.
Coal, natural gas and nuclear power plants, meanwhile, produce 49%, 54% and 93% of their listed capacity, respectively.
Meanwhile, according to Energy Information Administration data reviewed by Fox News Digital, Michigan routinely ranks among the top five states in residential use of natural gas and in the top 10 for total natural gas consumption.
More than 75% of Michigan residents rely on natural gas as their primary source for home heating.
Natural gas-fired power plants produce by far the largest share of the state's electricity, the most recent data showed, followed by nuclear energy and coal-fired power.
By comparison, solar and wind power collectively produce just 8.1% of the state's electricity.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/michi ... 247f&ei=36
"Michigan Gov Whitmer signs sweeping green energy bill forcing transition from fossil fuels"
Story by Thomas Catenacci
30 NOVEMBER 2023
Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a landmark legislative package that requires state power providers to meet some of the most aggressive green energy goals in the country.
Whitmer was joined by fellow state Democrats, climate activists and industry stakeholders during a ceremony Tuesday where she signed the seven green energy bills that aim to reduce Michigan's reliance on fossil fuels and improve environmental quality statewide.
The topline target mandated under the so-called Clean Energy Future plan is a 100% clean energy standard that must be met within two decades.
"Once I sign these bills, Michigan becomes a national leader on clean energy, bringing billions of federal tax dollars home and private investment into our communities," Whitmer remarked before signing the legislation.
"Together, we are protecting our air, our water and our land while focusing on tackling climate change head on."
"Today is a huge win for Michigan families, for Michigan businesses, and for future generations of Michiganders."
"Our clean energy future is ambitious, but it is achievable," she continued.
"I have no doubt that, if we pursue this wholeheartedly, we can get it done because, in Michigan, we're not afraid of hard things."
"We have defied and defined history so many times before, and I know we are up to it again."
"We will lead the clean energy future because we have the workforce, and now the legislation, to foster strong economic growth."
Senate Bill 271, one of the bills included in the package, establishes a renewable energy standard of 50% by 2030 and 60% by 2035, meaning electric utilities meet at least that share of their electric generation capacity with renewable energy credits or direct renewable energy generation.
That mandate supersedes previous laws requiring utilities to achieve a 15% renewable energy standard through 2029.
In addition, under the bill, utility providers must meet an 80% clean energy standard by 2035 and a 100% clean energy standard set to be achieved by 2040.
The clean energy standard would include natural gas-fired generation with 90% carbon capture, a nascent and expensive technology that hasn't been deployed at any power plant nationwide.
And the Michigan Clean Energy Future plan transfers permitting authority for large-scale green energy projects from local control to Michigan Public Service Commission, the state regulator.
The move would ensure such projects move forward over widespread local opposition.
The Michigan state Senate ultimately approved the package late last month and the state House of Representatives subsequently passed it earlier this month.
The legislation was passed by slim majorities in both chambers, which are both simultaneously under Democratic control for the first time since the 1980s.
"Let's face it, Gov. Whitmer is trying to build her national profile with the Democrat Party," Michigan House Republican Leader Matt Hall told Fox News Digital in an interview.
"I think in order for her to build her brand with the far left and the Democrat Party, she felt she had to try to one up them here in Michigan."
He noted that Whitmer originally proposed a ban on natural gas and full renewable energy standard by 2035, a proposal that was ultimately watered down in the bills she signed Tuesday.
"There is no fuel source that we have that's as clean and efficient, reliable and affordable as natural gas," Hall continued.
"When you're replacing that artificially with other sources of energy that are just not as efficient, they take huge capital costs and you have to build a lot more of them to get the same power, that cost gets passed on to the ratepayers of the state, which are manufacturers, they're small businesses and they're individuals."
"They're going to see their energy bills go up."
Under the Clean Energy Future plan, the average monthly electric bill would be nearly double the current average in coming decades, according to a recent report from the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a free market think tank which analyzed the package of energy bills.
The report further warns that overall grid reliability would be severely diminished under the plan.
"The biggest thing is prices are going to go up, reliability is going to go way down and people are going to be left sitting in the cold in Michigan in January, like our modeling shows, for as much as 61 hours without electric service because of these plans," Jason Hayes, the Mackinac Center's director of energy and environmental policy and one of the report's authors, previously told Fox News Digital.
"Where if we decided to do it with reliable sources of energy like fossil fuels, we could do it for far less and avoid those outages, avoid the blackouts."
"So, to me, it seems a no-brainer."
"We should be doing it for less money and more reliability," he continued.
Hayes added that the intermittent nature of solar and wind, meaning they produce less power relative to their total generation capacity, could create instability.
Green energy developers and government officials often highlight total capacity of new renewable power projects, but fail to mention how much actual power the project is expected to produce.
Solar panels, for example, produce just 25% and wind turbines produce 34% of their listed capacity, according to federal data.
Coal, natural gas and nuclear power plants, meanwhile, produce 49%, 54% and 93% of their listed capacity, respectively.
Meanwhile, according to Energy Information Administration data reviewed by Fox News Digital, Michigan routinely ranks among the top five states in residential use of natural gas and in the top 10 for total natural gas consumption.
More than 75% of Michigan residents rely on natural gas as their primary source for home heating.
Natural gas-fired power plants produce by far the largest share of the state's electricity, the most recent data showed, followed by nuclear energy and coal-fired power.
By comparison, solar and wind power collectively produce just 8.1% of the state's electricity.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/michi ... 247f&ei=36
Re: THE ENVIRONMENT
State Of The Union
"2023 Saw Least Impactful Hurricane Season In Nearly A Decade"
By Claire O'Hare
1 DECEMBER 2023
The 2023 hurricane season reportedly caused between $3-$4 billion in damage, making it the quietest season since 2015 due to El Niño weather patterns.
Hurricane Idalia was the most impactful cyclone, causing over 80% of the season’s damage.
“According to NOAA, a significant landfalling hurricane produces an average damage cost of around $22.8 billion, which is around 5 to 6 times the total damage valuation from the 2023 hurricane season,” the report noted.
“The 2017 hurricane season produced an astonishing $300 billion in damage and ranks as the costliest tropical cyclone season on record,” the report added.
The 2024 hurricane season is expected to be more active due to the collapse of the El Niño event.
https://www.stateofunion.org/2023/11/30 ... -decade-2/
"2023 Saw Least Impactful Hurricane Season In Nearly A Decade"
By Claire O'Hare
1 DECEMBER 2023
The 2023 hurricane season reportedly caused between $3-$4 billion in damage, making it the quietest season since 2015 due to El Niño weather patterns.
Hurricane Idalia was the most impactful cyclone, causing over 80% of the season’s damage.
“According to NOAA, a significant landfalling hurricane produces an average damage cost of around $22.8 billion, which is around 5 to 6 times the total damage valuation from the 2023 hurricane season,” the report noted.
“The 2017 hurricane season produced an astonishing $300 billion in damage and ranks as the costliest tropical cyclone season on record,” the report added.
The 2024 hurricane season is expected to be more active due to the collapse of the El Niño event.
https://www.stateofunion.org/2023/11/30 ... -decade-2/
Re: THE ENVIRONMENT
FOX NEWS
"Biden admin under fire for burning taxpayer funds on UN climate summit trip"
Story by Thomas Catenacci
5 DECEMBER 2023
The Biden administration is facing heavy criticism from a Senate Republican leader for sending dozens of representatives, including Vice President Kamala Harris and multiple Cabinet members, to the United Nations climate summit.
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee's ranking member, Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., sent a flurry of letters to members of President Biden's Cabinet on Monday, demanding they justify trips to the U.N.'s COP28 summit in Dubai, which began last week and is set to conclude on Dec. 12.
Barrasso questioned why officials couldn't attend the event via available virtual means.
"A significant number of Biden bureaucrats will be traveling across the globe on the taxpayer's dime, all in an effort to advocate for these anti-fossil fuel initiatives," Barrasso wrote in the letters.
"They will, of course, utilize fossil fuels throughout their travels while ballooning their own carbon footprint."
"Even though COP28 has established a dedicated virtual platform to foster online participation, federal climate crusaders will gleefully spend the hard-earned money of the American people on airfare, hotels, and fine dining as they participate in person," he continued.
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Attorney General Merrick Garland, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack were among those whom Barrasso sent letters to Monday.
The U.S. delegation at the annual climate conference is being led by Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry and includes Harris, Blinken, Vilsack, White House clean energy czar John Podesta, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan and several other senior administration officials.
"Taxpayers will not and should not stand for this hypocrisy."
"This pattern of behavior suggests a troubling disconnect between public duty and the prudent use of taxpayer funds," Barrasso's letters to the Cabinet secretaries concluded.
"As stewards of public funds, it is imperative that federal agencies demonstrate consistency in their actions and policies, especially in matters related to environmental responsibility and fiscal accountability."
He then listed a series of questions for each agency head, asking how many officials they are sending to COP28, the estimated taxpayer costs of those travels, the projected carbon emissions from those travels and whether there was any effort to reduce the carbon footprint of COP28 travel.
Meanwhile, since the conference started, the U.S. delegation has been busy committing to various initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight global warming, but which experts have warned may lead to higher consumer costs.
For example, the U.S. finalized regulations targeting methane emissions of the oil and gas sector and vowed to shutter all remaining coal-fired power plants.
"It’s safe to say that there literally will be hundreds of initiatives that will be announced, many of them coming from the United States, but also many coming from other parts of the world, and I think it’s going to be a very exciting presentation of a global effort that is taking place, even though it’s not happening fast enough or big enough yet," Kerry told reporters Wednesday.
"What is very clear to us – and we will be pushing this the next two weeks that we are here negotiating – we have to move faster," Kerry added.
"We have to be much more seized of this issue all around the planet."
"There’s too much business as usual still."
The White House didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics ... 9a54&ei=12
"Biden admin under fire for burning taxpayer funds on UN climate summit trip"
Story by Thomas Catenacci
5 DECEMBER 2023
The Biden administration is facing heavy criticism from a Senate Republican leader for sending dozens of representatives, including Vice President Kamala Harris and multiple Cabinet members, to the United Nations climate summit.
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee's ranking member, Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., sent a flurry of letters to members of President Biden's Cabinet on Monday, demanding they justify trips to the U.N.'s COP28 summit in Dubai, which began last week and is set to conclude on Dec. 12.
Barrasso questioned why officials couldn't attend the event via available virtual means.
"A significant number of Biden bureaucrats will be traveling across the globe on the taxpayer's dime, all in an effort to advocate for these anti-fossil fuel initiatives," Barrasso wrote in the letters.
"They will, of course, utilize fossil fuels throughout their travels while ballooning their own carbon footprint."
"Even though COP28 has established a dedicated virtual platform to foster online participation, federal climate crusaders will gleefully spend the hard-earned money of the American people on airfare, hotels, and fine dining as they participate in person," he continued.
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Attorney General Merrick Garland, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack were among those whom Barrasso sent letters to Monday.
The U.S. delegation at the annual climate conference is being led by Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry and includes Harris, Blinken, Vilsack, White House clean energy czar John Podesta, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan and several other senior administration officials.
"Taxpayers will not and should not stand for this hypocrisy."
"This pattern of behavior suggests a troubling disconnect between public duty and the prudent use of taxpayer funds," Barrasso's letters to the Cabinet secretaries concluded.
"As stewards of public funds, it is imperative that federal agencies demonstrate consistency in their actions and policies, especially in matters related to environmental responsibility and fiscal accountability."
He then listed a series of questions for each agency head, asking how many officials they are sending to COP28, the estimated taxpayer costs of those travels, the projected carbon emissions from those travels and whether there was any effort to reduce the carbon footprint of COP28 travel.
Meanwhile, since the conference started, the U.S. delegation has been busy committing to various initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight global warming, but which experts have warned may lead to higher consumer costs.
For example, the U.S. finalized regulations targeting methane emissions of the oil and gas sector and vowed to shutter all remaining coal-fired power plants.
"It’s safe to say that there literally will be hundreds of initiatives that will be announced, many of them coming from the United States, but also many coming from other parts of the world, and I think it’s going to be a very exciting presentation of a global effort that is taking place, even though it’s not happening fast enough or big enough yet," Kerry told reporters Wednesday.
"What is very clear to us – and we will be pushing this the next two weeks that we are here negotiating – we have to move faster," Kerry added.
"We have to be much more seized of this issue all around the planet."
"There’s too much business as usual still."
The White House didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics ... 9a54&ei=12
Re: THE ENVIRONMENT
The New York Post
"Loud fart sound erupts during John Kerry’s speech at climate panel"
Story by Joe Tacopino
5 DECEMBER 2023
John Kerry might need to cut back on his own emissions.
The Biden Administration’s climate envoy was discussing US policy on coal power plants at the Climate Change Conference in Dubai on Sunday when Kerry may have unleashed a burst of wind energy.
The former secretary of state was speaking next to Becky Anderson, Managing Editor of CNN Abu Dhabi, and Fatih Birol, Executive director of the International Energy Agency, when a Bronx cheer suddenly erupted midsentence.
“There shouldn’t be any more coal-fired power plants permitted anywhere in the world,” Kerry began before launching into an anti-coal diatribe.
“I find myself getting more and more militant because I do not understand how adults who are in a position of responsibility can be avoiding responsibility for taking away those things that are killing people on a daily basis…”
Before Kerry can complete his thought, the crude sound of passing gas can be heard over the microphone.
The crowd breaks into applause, apparently oblivious to the crude theatrics.
CNN’s Anderson — sitting to Kerry’s right and within striking distance of a potential bodily function — quickly jerks her head aside and inconspicuously places her hand to her mouth, possibly in the event of any stench permeating the climate panel.
Birol, the energy executive, simply nods his head and shuffles his eyes in rapt contemplation.
The former secretary of state was speaking next to Becky Anderson, Managing Editor of CNN Abu Dhabi, and Fatih Birol, Executive director of the International Energy Agency, when a Bronx cheer suddenly erupted midsentence.
“And the reality is that the climate crisis and the health crisis are one and the same,” Kerry continued, unabated.
Larry O’Connor of Townhall Media said Kerry’s alleged flatulence was an embarrassment to the US.
“The biggest problem is, during this entire exchange, representing us, The United States of America, he ripped a fart out,” O’Connor said.
“He let loose with flatulence on an international stage.”
The pundit said the evidence was overwhelming and Kerry must answer for his actions.
“He should lose his job immediately,” he said.
“John Kerry farted.”
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets ... 0f45&ei=19
"Loud fart sound erupts during John Kerry’s speech at climate panel"
Story by Joe Tacopino
5 DECEMBER 2023
John Kerry might need to cut back on his own emissions.
The Biden Administration’s climate envoy was discussing US policy on coal power plants at the Climate Change Conference in Dubai on Sunday when Kerry may have unleashed a burst of wind energy.
The former secretary of state was speaking next to Becky Anderson, Managing Editor of CNN Abu Dhabi, and Fatih Birol, Executive director of the International Energy Agency, when a Bronx cheer suddenly erupted midsentence.
“There shouldn’t be any more coal-fired power plants permitted anywhere in the world,” Kerry began before launching into an anti-coal diatribe.
“I find myself getting more and more militant because I do not understand how adults who are in a position of responsibility can be avoiding responsibility for taking away those things that are killing people on a daily basis…”
Before Kerry can complete his thought, the crude sound of passing gas can be heard over the microphone.
The crowd breaks into applause, apparently oblivious to the crude theatrics.
CNN’s Anderson — sitting to Kerry’s right and within striking distance of a potential bodily function — quickly jerks her head aside and inconspicuously places her hand to her mouth, possibly in the event of any stench permeating the climate panel.
Birol, the energy executive, simply nods his head and shuffles his eyes in rapt contemplation.
The former secretary of state was speaking next to Becky Anderson, Managing Editor of CNN Abu Dhabi, and Fatih Birol, Executive director of the International Energy Agency, when a Bronx cheer suddenly erupted midsentence.
“And the reality is that the climate crisis and the health crisis are one and the same,” Kerry continued, unabated.
Larry O’Connor of Townhall Media said Kerry’s alleged flatulence was an embarrassment to the US.
“The biggest problem is, during this entire exchange, representing us, The United States of America, he ripped a fart out,” O’Connor said.
“He let loose with flatulence on an international stage.”
The pundit said the evidence was overwhelming and Kerry must answer for his actions.
“He should lose his job immediately,” he said.
“John Kerry farted.”
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets ... 0f45&ei=19
Re: THE ENVIRONMENT
FOX NEWS
"John Kerry pledges to slash emissions from AC units, refrigerators to fight climate change"
Story by Michael Dorgan
6 DECEMBER 2023
John Kerry, U.S. Special Envoy for Climate — having already pledged to close down all United States coal power plants — has committed to slashing the nation’s emissions from cooling-related products in the battle against man-made global warming.
Kerry made his latest announcement at the annual United Nations climate change summit, known as COP28, where the U.S. allied with more than 60 other nations in joining the Global Cooling Pledge, the world's first collective focus on climate-warming emissions from cooling equipment and appliances.
The pledge commits countries to reduce their cooling-related emissions by at least 68% by 2050 compared to 2022 levels, along with a suite of other targets including establishing minimum energy performance standards by 2030.
The pledge targets emissions from cooling-related appliances such as air conditioning units and refrigerators.
"We want to lay out a pathway to reduce cooling-related emissions across all sectors but increase access to sustainable cooling," Kerry told COP28.
Emissions from both the refrigerants and the energy used in cooling now account for about 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions and are expected to triple by 2050 as temperatures continue to rise, according to the Clean Cooling Collaborative non-profit group.
Kerry and others at the conference argue that as the planet warms, air-conditioner usage will ramp up, and therefore, so will emissions.
Installed capacity is set to triple by mid-century, driven by climbing temperatures, growing populations and rising incomes, according to research released by the United Nations.
"People will buy a very cheap air conditioner produced somewhere in Asia for 100 bucks and plug it in," said Jürgen Fischer, president of climate solutions at Danish multinational Danfoss which specializes in heating and cooling.
"That will load the energy system a lot, and there will be a collapse."
"I don't think it's a good idea to allow these individual plug-ins anymore," he said.
Numerous heat records were broken earlier this year.
For instance, July set an all-time heat record for the city of Las Vegas, with more than 17 days reaching at least 110 degrees.
Kerry’s announcement is the latest in a flurry of promises attendees at the conference made over the last few days as a way of tackling climate change.
The consensus emanating from the conference is that drastic and urgent action is required to reduce emissions to keep temperatures from rising above 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Skeptics point to natural forces like the sun as being the main driving forces behind climate change.
For instance, last week at COP28, Kerry committed the United States to not building any new coal plants and phasing out existing plants.
Kerry also announced a joint commitment with Romania to triple nuclear energy and reduce methane emissions to achieve Net Zero, which means cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible.
Meanwhile, in New York City earlier this year, officials proposed outlawing coal and wood-fired ovens to reduce carbon emissions by 75%.
Jason Isaac, founder of the American Energy Institute, said that the Biden administration's green agenda has already driven up prices and increased energy poverty in the U.S.
"Every country that is decreasing its use of coal is increasing its [energy] cost and that’s hurting people," Isaac told Fox Business’ Neil Cavuto.
"Last year in the United States, five million people had their utilities disconnected because their costs are increasing astronomically."
Reuters contributed to this report.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/john- ... 2560&ei=19
"John Kerry pledges to slash emissions from AC units, refrigerators to fight climate change"
Story by Michael Dorgan
6 DECEMBER 2023
John Kerry, U.S. Special Envoy for Climate — having already pledged to close down all United States coal power plants — has committed to slashing the nation’s emissions from cooling-related products in the battle against man-made global warming.
Kerry made his latest announcement at the annual United Nations climate change summit, known as COP28, where the U.S. allied with more than 60 other nations in joining the Global Cooling Pledge, the world's first collective focus on climate-warming emissions from cooling equipment and appliances.
The pledge commits countries to reduce their cooling-related emissions by at least 68% by 2050 compared to 2022 levels, along with a suite of other targets including establishing minimum energy performance standards by 2030.
The pledge targets emissions from cooling-related appliances such as air conditioning units and refrigerators.
"We want to lay out a pathway to reduce cooling-related emissions across all sectors but increase access to sustainable cooling," Kerry told COP28.
Emissions from both the refrigerants and the energy used in cooling now account for about 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions and are expected to triple by 2050 as temperatures continue to rise, according to the Clean Cooling Collaborative non-profit group.
Kerry and others at the conference argue that as the planet warms, air-conditioner usage will ramp up, and therefore, so will emissions.
Installed capacity is set to triple by mid-century, driven by climbing temperatures, growing populations and rising incomes, according to research released by the United Nations.
"People will buy a very cheap air conditioner produced somewhere in Asia for 100 bucks and plug it in," said Jürgen Fischer, president of climate solutions at Danish multinational Danfoss which specializes in heating and cooling.
"That will load the energy system a lot, and there will be a collapse."
"I don't think it's a good idea to allow these individual plug-ins anymore," he said.
Numerous heat records were broken earlier this year.
For instance, July set an all-time heat record for the city of Las Vegas, with more than 17 days reaching at least 110 degrees.
Kerry’s announcement is the latest in a flurry of promises attendees at the conference made over the last few days as a way of tackling climate change.
The consensus emanating from the conference is that drastic and urgent action is required to reduce emissions to keep temperatures from rising above 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Skeptics point to natural forces like the sun as being the main driving forces behind climate change.
For instance, last week at COP28, Kerry committed the United States to not building any new coal plants and phasing out existing plants.
Kerry also announced a joint commitment with Romania to triple nuclear energy and reduce methane emissions to achieve Net Zero, which means cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible.
Meanwhile, in New York City earlier this year, officials proposed outlawing coal and wood-fired ovens to reduce carbon emissions by 75%.
Jason Isaac, founder of the American Energy Institute, said that the Biden administration's green agenda has already driven up prices and increased energy poverty in the U.S.
"Every country that is decreasing its use of coal is increasing its [energy] cost and that’s hurting people," Isaac told Fox Business’ Neil Cavuto.
"Last year in the United States, five million people had their utilities disconnected because their costs are increasing astronomically."
Reuters contributed to this report.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/john- ... 2560&ei=19
Re: THE ENVIRONMENT
The New York Post
"Windbag John Kerry’s flatulence was the perfect ‘keynote’ for UN climate confab"
Opinion by Post Editorial Board
9 DECEMBER 2023
It wasn’t technically the keynote address, but John Kerry’s gas eruption pretty well summed up the substance of COP-28, the United Nations’ latest climate conference.
President Biden’s “climate envoy” was plummily ranting on — “I find myself getting more and more militant because I do not understand how adults who are in a position of responsibility can be avoiding responsibility for taking away those things that are killing people on a daily basis” — when the distinctive sound erupted and a fellow panelist politely shielded her nose.
That flatulence carried more meaning than all his alarmist verbal emissions on global warming, and all the other noise at the confab — or, for that matter, any UN climate conference.
Consider: He was ranting about nations that refuse to shut down all their coal plants now, when he knows perfectly well that China is still building two new coal plants a week.
But his interlocutors in Beijing nod politely when he blathers on, vow they’ll do better in the future (as long as the United States makes a few concessions, demands Kerry dutifully toots to the prez) — and hold their laughter ’til he’s out of the room.
He might as well be farting as talking: The Chinese would still nod politely and ignore him.
All the self-important nabobs flying their private jets to Dubai for COP-28 are just as dim.
And as deluded: The hottest news on the climate front is how many “carbon credits” turn out to be cons: A joint Guardian-Die Zeit investigation, for example, found more than 90% of “rainforest carbon offsets” certified by Verra, the world’s leading carbon credit certifier, involved nonexistent cuts in deforestation.
That scam centered on Zimbabwe, but the climate warriors might as well have been paying one of those infamous “Nigerian prince” con artists.
And while the conference crowd politely ignored Kerry’s emission, it’s obsessing over another big stink: The realization that “the world” isn’t going to meet their marquee goal of preventing global temps from rising more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels; they’re already up 1.2 °C and rising.
Even though the West has been burning gazillions on the cause: Biden and Democrats in Congress, for example, brag of having “invested” hundreds of billions (of taxpayer money) in Green New Deal schemes last year alone.
Right: Between bogus “offsets” and China’s coal plants (plus ones in India and around the developing world), the goal was always a fantasy.
Many at the conference came “carrying a sense of disillusionment,” reports The New York Times.
Good: Maybe they’ll even realize the whole crusade was ridiculous from the start.
As economist Bjorn Lomborg points out, the costs of meeting “net zero” targets far outweigh the costs of unchecked climate change: The West’s “current climate policy would end up destroying a sizable fraction of future prosperity.”
More likely, COP-28 will finish not with an admission of futility, but some “brave” new plan for drastic action (at the expense of the little people).
After all, blowhards like John Kerry need reasons why you should know how important they are.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/wi ... 8e2c&ei=55
"Windbag John Kerry’s flatulence was the perfect ‘keynote’ for UN climate confab"
Opinion by Post Editorial Board
9 DECEMBER 2023
It wasn’t technically the keynote address, but John Kerry’s gas eruption pretty well summed up the substance of COP-28, the United Nations’ latest climate conference.
President Biden’s “climate envoy” was plummily ranting on — “I find myself getting more and more militant because I do not understand how adults who are in a position of responsibility can be avoiding responsibility for taking away those things that are killing people on a daily basis” — when the distinctive sound erupted and a fellow panelist politely shielded her nose.
That flatulence carried more meaning than all his alarmist verbal emissions on global warming, and all the other noise at the confab — or, for that matter, any UN climate conference.
Consider: He was ranting about nations that refuse to shut down all their coal plants now, when he knows perfectly well that China is still building two new coal plants a week.
But his interlocutors in Beijing nod politely when he blathers on, vow they’ll do better in the future (as long as the United States makes a few concessions, demands Kerry dutifully toots to the prez) — and hold their laughter ’til he’s out of the room.
He might as well be farting as talking: The Chinese would still nod politely and ignore him.
All the self-important nabobs flying their private jets to Dubai for COP-28 are just as dim.
And as deluded: The hottest news on the climate front is how many “carbon credits” turn out to be cons: A joint Guardian-Die Zeit investigation, for example, found more than 90% of “rainforest carbon offsets” certified by Verra, the world’s leading carbon credit certifier, involved nonexistent cuts in deforestation.
That scam centered on Zimbabwe, but the climate warriors might as well have been paying one of those infamous “Nigerian prince” con artists.
And while the conference crowd politely ignored Kerry’s emission, it’s obsessing over another big stink: The realization that “the world” isn’t going to meet their marquee goal of preventing global temps from rising more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels; they’re already up 1.2 °C and rising.
Even though the West has been burning gazillions on the cause: Biden and Democrats in Congress, for example, brag of having “invested” hundreds of billions (of taxpayer money) in Green New Deal schemes last year alone.
Right: Between bogus “offsets” and China’s coal plants (plus ones in India and around the developing world), the goal was always a fantasy.
Many at the conference came “carrying a sense of disillusionment,” reports The New York Times.
Good: Maybe they’ll even realize the whole crusade was ridiculous from the start.
As economist Bjorn Lomborg points out, the costs of meeting “net zero” targets far outweigh the costs of unchecked climate change: The West’s “current climate policy would end up destroying a sizable fraction of future prosperity.”
More likely, COP-28 will finish not with an admission of futility, but some “brave” new plan for drastic action (at the expense of the little people).
After all, blowhards like John Kerry need reasons why you should know how important they are.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/wi ... 8e2c&ei=55
Re: THE ENVIRONMENT
The Washington Examiner
"Too favored to fail?' Taxpayers bail out Biden’s Green friends"
Opinion by Larry Behrens | Power the Future
12 DECEMBER 2023
While America struggles to buy groceries, President Joe Biden has a green slush fund worth billions of dollars, and he’s not afraid to use it.
Recent revelations uncovered that the CEO and lobbyists of Rivian, an electric vehicle manufacturer, held a quiet meeting at the White House with Biden’s Climate Czar, John Podesta.
That’s right, the same John Podesta who served as chairman of Hillary Clinton’s ill-fated 2016 presidential campaign before being pulled from the ranks of profitable green consulting to oversee distribution of $369 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Biden selected a political operative with green company ties to dole out the goodies from one of the largest slush funds in history.
Now green CEOs who are hemorrhaging cash are beating a path to his White House office, presumably with hat in hand.
According to media reports, Rivian is deep in the red.
Last year, they lost $6.8 billion.
In 2021, it was $4.7 billion, which is in addition to the $1 billion lost in 2020.
These massive losses happened as EV manufacturers enjoyed large subsidies both to build and sell their vehicles.
In fact, President Biden went out of his way to praise Rivian in early 2022, even though their stock had already lost half its value on its way to losing 87% of its value since 2021.
Losing over $12 billion in less than three years would normally be a problem in the business world, but in the upside-down reality of Biden’s green agenda, that gets you a meeting at the White House.
Tax dollars are flowing from the IRA so quickly that the Department of Energy’s Inspector General (IG) may be running out of adjectives.
Earlier this month in testimony before the Senate, the IG said, “the current situation brings tremendous risk to the taxpayers.”
Red flags about American dollars flowing to foreign companies or just being wasted here at home are going up, yet according to budget watchdogs, their concerns are met with deaf ears by senior Biden Administration officials.
The IG notes there were “billions and billions of dollars lost or stolen” from federal COVID funds, and Biden’s slush fund is even bigger.
To put it bluntly, the green vault is wide open and the grifters are lining up.
Here’s a particular galling example.
One little known aspect of the IRA are so-called “green banks.”
For greenies, the scheme is simple: regular banks will not fund their boondoggles, so they need a taxpayer-backed entity to dole out cash.
Unlike regular banks, these green banks do not need to make a profit to stay afloat because the government is their funder.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham was caught trying to set up a green bank without the trouble of going through the elected legislature.
The board of the bank will be green non-profits who will be in charge because as the New Mexico climate czar put it, “We’re talking about hundreds of millions of dollars…"
"This greenhouse gas reduction fund is a remarkable little beast.”
Recently, Grisham announced the green bank anyway.
The slush fund is open for business, and everyone has their hand out.
Congress is watching the “green bank” scheme because they know it is ripe for abuse.
The problem is clear: The White House put a political operative in charge of what is nothing more than a political fund.
For Barack Obama, they were too big to fail, but Joe Biden is taking it further.
When it comes to his failed agenda, his green boondoggles are “too favored to fail.”
This article was originally published by RealClearEnergy and made available via RealClearWire.
Larry Behrens is the Communications Director for Power The Future and is the author of the book, “Sabotage: How Joe Biden Surrendered American Energy Independence.” He’s also appeared on Fox News, Newsmax and One America News. You can find him on Twitter at @larrybehrens or email at larry@powerthefuture.com.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics ... 32b7&ei=28
"Too favored to fail?' Taxpayers bail out Biden’s Green friends"
Opinion by Larry Behrens | Power the Future
12 DECEMBER 2023
While America struggles to buy groceries, President Joe Biden has a green slush fund worth billions of dollars, and he’s not afraid to use it.
Recent revelations uncovered that the CEO and lobbyists of Rivian, an electric vehicle manufacturer, held a quiet meeting at the White House with Biden’s Climate Czar, John Podesta.
That’s right, the same John Podesta who served as chairman of Hillary Clinton’s ill-fated 2016 presidential campaign before being pulled from the ranks of profitable green consulting to oversee distribution of $369 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Biden selected a political operative with green company ties to dole out the goodies from one of the largest slush funds in history.
Now green CEOs who are hemorrhaging cash are beating a path to his White House office, presumably with hat in hand.
According to media reports, Rivian is deep in the red.
Last year, they lost $6.8 billion.
In 2021, it was $4.7 billion, which is in addition to the $1 billion lost in 2020.
These massive losses happened as EV manufacturers enjoyed large subsidies both to build and sell their vehicles.
In fact, President Biden went out of his way to praise Rivian in early 2022, even though their stock had already lost half its value on its way to losing 87% of its value since 2021.
Losing over $12 billion in less than three years would normally be a problem in the business world, but in the upside-down reality of Biden’s green agenda, that gets you a meeting at the White House.
Tax dollars are flowing from the IRA so quickly that the Department of Energy’s Inspector General (IG) may be running out of adjectives.
Earlier this month in testimony before the Senate, the IG said, “the current situation brings tremendous risk to the taxpayers.”
Red flags about American dollars flowing to foreign companies or just being wasted here at home are going up, yet according to budget watchdogs, their concerns are met with deaf ears by senior Biden Administration officials.
The IG notes there were “billions and billions of dollars lost or stolen” from federal COVID funds, and Biden’s slush fund is even bigger.
To put it bluntly, the green vault is wide open and the grifters are lining up.
Here’s a particular galling example.
One little known aspect of the IRA are so-called “green banks.”
For greenies, the scheme is simple: regular banks will not fund their boondoggles, so they need a taxpayer-backed entity to dole out cash.
Unlike regular banks, these green banks do not need to make a profit to stay afloat because the government is their funder.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham was caught trying to set up a green bank without the trouble of going through the elected legislature.
The board of the bank will be green non-profits who will be in charge because as the New Mexico climate czar put it, “We’re talking about hundreds of millions of dollars…"
"This greenhouse gas reduction fund is a remarkable little beast.”
Recently, Grisham announced the green bank anyway.
The slush fund is open for business, and everyone has their hand out.
Congress is watching the “green bank” scheme because they know it is ripe for abuse.
The problem is clear: The White House put a political operative in charge of what is nothing more than a political fund.
For Barack Obama, they were too big to fail, but Joe Biden is taking it further.
When it comes to his failed agenda, his green boondoggles are “too favored to fail.”
This article was originally published by RealClearEnergy and made available via RealClearWire.
Larry Behrens is the Communications Director for Power The Future and is the author of the book, “Sabotage: How Joe Biden Surrendered American Energy Independence.” He’s also appeared on Fox News, Newsmax and One America News. You can find him on Twitter at @larrybehrens or email at larry@powerthefuture.com.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics ... 32b7&ei=28
Re: THE ENVIRONMENT
Fox Business
"Washington state Democrat bill would jail people for violating ban on gas leaf blowers"
Story by Chris Pandolfo
14 DECEMBER 2023
Washington state Democrats are proposing to outlaw new gas-powered lawn equipment, like leaf blowers, with legislation that could land violators in jail.
A bill pre-filed by state Rep. Amy Walen, D-Kirkland, would amend the state's Clean Air Act to ban new "gasoline-powered and diesel-powered landscaping and other outdoor power equipment."
The bill states that gas-powered lawn equipment contributes to climate change and claims such tools cause a range of health problems, including asthma, hearing loss and other issues, KTTH's Jason Rantz reported.
Under the proposed law, the Washington state Department of Ecology would have a Jan. 1, 2026, deadline to "adopt rules to prohibit engine exhaust and evaporative emissions from new outdoor power equipment."
The bill carries limited exemptions for gas-powered equipment used by government agencies and for commercial or residential use when there is no "suitable zero emissions outdoor power equipment technology" available.
Violations of the law would constitute a gross misdemeanor under Washington state penal code and carry fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment of up to 364 days per instance.
To ease the transition away from fossil-fuel powered equipment, the bill would temporarily lift state sales and use taxes on "zero emissions landscaping equipment," which includes battery-powered or plug-in lawn equipment, as well as "lawn mowers powered solely by human effort."
Similar efforts to ban small gas-powered equipment have been introduced in California and Minnesota as Democratic lawmakers seek to curb carbon emissions.
These bans typically target new gas-powered equipment, permitting people to keep and use tools they already own.
In 2021, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a ban on selling gas-powered leaf blowers and lawn mowers, starting in 2024.
The California Air Resources Board also decided that all new vehicles in the state will run on electric batteries by 2035.
However, critics say that when the time comes to buy new equipment, consumer choices will be limited and may be prohibitively expensive.
Landscaping businesses face a steep upfront cost to transition to battery-powered equipment.
A commercial electric backpack leaf blower may cost $100 or more than a comparable gas version, the Orange County Register reported.
And a 52-inch-wide ride-on electric mower manufactured by Mean Green Mowers starts at almost $30,000, which is more than three times as expensive as a comparable gas-powered machine, NPR reported.
The tax incentives offered in Walen's bill are intended to offset these costs, but only temporarily.
They would expire on Jan. 1, 2030.
Walen's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/washi ... 531&ei=120
"Washington state Democrat bill would jail people for violating ban on gas leaf blowers"
Story by Chris Pandolfo
14 DECEMBER 2023
Washington state Democrats are proposing to outlaw new gas-powered lawn equipment, like leaf blowers, with legislation that could land violators in jail.
A bill pre-filed by state Rep. Amy Walen, D-Kirkland, would amend the state's Clean Air Act to ban new "gasoline-powered and diesel-powered landscaping and other outdoor power equipment."
The bill states that gas-powered lawn equipment contributes to climate change and claims such tools cause a range of health problems, including asthma, hearing loss and other issues, KTTH's Jason Rantz reported.
Under the proposed law, the Washington state Department of Ecology would have a Jan. 1, 2026, deadline to "adopt rules to prohibit engine exhaust and evaporative emissions from new outdoor power equipment."
The bill carries limited exemptions for gas-powered equipment used by government agencies and for commercial or residential use when there is no "suitable zero emissions outdoor power equipment technology" available.
Violations of the law would constitute a gross misdemeanor under Washington state penal code and carry fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment of up to 364 days per instance.
To ease the transition away from fossil-fuel powered equipment, the bill would temporarily lift state sales and use taxes on "zero emissions landscaping equipment," which includes battery-powered or plug-in lawn equipment, as well as "lawn mowers powered solely by human effort."
Similar efforts to ban small gas-powered equipment have been introduced in California and Minnesota as Democratic lawmakers seek to curb carbon emissions.
These bans typically target new gas-powered equipment, permitting people to keep and use tools they already own.
In 2021, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a ban on selling gas-powered leaf blowers and lawn mowers, starting in 2024.
The California Air Resources Board also decided that all new vehicles in the state will run on electric batteries by 2035.
However, critics say that when the time comes to buy new equipment, consumer choices will be limited and may be prohibitively expensive.
Landscaping businesses face a steep upfront cost to transition to battery-powered equipment.
A commercial electric backpack leaf blower may cost $100 or more than a comparable gas version, the Orange County Register reported.
And a 52-inch-wide ride-on electric mower manufactured by Mean Green Mowers starts at almost $30,000, which is more than three times as expensive as a comparable gas-powered machine, NPR reported.
The tax incentives offered in Walen's bill are intended to offset these costs, but only temporarily.
They would expire on Jan. 1, 2030.
Walen's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/washi ... 531&ei=120