on July 03, 2020

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The Biggest Incentive for Solar in Minnesota

Written by Isaac Orr

Did you know that the biggest subsidy for solar is hidden on your electric bill? While Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives are trying to extend the federal solar subsidies, here in Minnesota, a policy called net metering serves as the biggest stealth subsidy that solar receives. The impact of this sizable subsidy was spelled out in a recent article in the Mankato Free Press, although I don't think the reporter realized this at the time. The piece begins with a feel-good story of an insurance company that put solar panels on their roof: "Thomas Rekstein no longer minds looking at the...

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on July 01, 2020

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A Conservative Vision for Energy Policy in Minnesota

Written by Isaac Orr

in Climate, Energy, Environment

Last week, Ben Gerber, who is a board member for the Minnesota Conservative Energy Forum (MNCEF) took to the pages of The Minnesota Reformer, which is likely the most progressive outlet in the state, in an attempt to defend his positions on energy policy. In his article, which I encourage you to read, Mr. Gerber argues that MNCEF, and not Center of the American Experiment, is the group that opposes heavy-handed government solutions. But this claim is incorrect, as I spell out in my reply below. I am told may be run on the Reformer's website at some date in the future. The...

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on June 30, 2020

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Dislike Wind and Solar? Support Advanced Nuclear Power! Action Requested Today

Written by Isaac Orr

in Energy, Environment

Did you know that a new generation of small-scale advanced nuclear reactors that are smaller and safer than traditional power plants is on the horizon? This is good news. I firmly believe that the only source of electricity generation that will someday be able to beat fossil fuels in terms of reliability and affordability will be advanced nuclear reactors. One reason nuclear power is probably the future is because of the energy density of nuclear fuel. The fission of 1 g of uranium or plutonium per day liberates about 1 MW. This is the energy equivalent of 3 tons of coal or about 600 gallons of fuel oil...

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on June 30, 2020

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House Democrats Propose Billions In Additional Subsidies for Wind, Solar, and Electric Cars

Written by Isaac Orr

in Climate, Energy, Environment

Advocates of wind and solar power often argue that wind and solar power are now the lowest cost sources of electricity on the market, making them more competitive than fossil fuels and nuclear power. If this is true, why do the wind and solar industries keep asking for more subsidies? The answer, of course, is that wind and solar are entirely dependent upon the government subsidizing and mandating these products. Subsidies are so important to the wind industry that many companies stop taking good care of their turbines once the facilities are no longer eligible for the subsidies, according to an analysis...

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on June 29, 2020

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Michael Shellenberger: On Behalf Of Environmentalists, I Apologize For The Climate Scare

Written by Isaac Orr

in Climate, Energy, Environment

Liberal politicians in Minnesota often use climate change as the justification for doing virtually anything they want. Governor Walz has delayed the replacement of an aging oil pipeline, attempted to mandate 100 percent of the state's electricity come from wind, solar, and batteries, despite the enormous cost, and he has also tried to force Minnesota to obey California's car regulations. All of these actions is predicated on their insistence that climate change is an existential crisis. But if these liberal lawmakers actually believe the world will end unless we act quickly, why don't they immediately end Minnesota's ban on new nuclear power...

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on June 25, 2020

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Great River Energy’s Battery Is More Publicity Stunt Than Source of Power

Written by Isaac Orr

in Energy, Environment

Great River Energy's announcement that they would build a battery to help replace a coal-fired power plant received uncritical praise from the media and renewable groups, but a closer look at the proposed battery system shows this aspect of their plan is more of a publicity stunt than source of power....

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on June 24, 2020

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Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison Wages Lawsuit Against American Energy Companies

Written by Isaac Orr

in Climate, Energy, Environment

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has filed a lawsuit against multiple energy companies, Exxon Mobil Corp., Koch Industries, and the American Petroleum Institute, alleging they have deceived consumers over the effects of climate change. Ellison is reportedly seeking a large settlement, similar to the Big Tobacco settlement, for alleged damage to the environment. If the results of similar lawsuits are any indication of how this lawsuit will play out, however, the most likely outcome for this lawsuit will be humiliation for Ellison and a large bill for taxpayers in the state of Minnesota. Attorneys General in other states have also tried to...

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on June 22, 2020

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Xcel Proposes $3B in Renewable Projects to Bolster Corporate Profits During Pandemic

Written by Isaac Orr

in Coronavirus, Energy, Environment, Minnesota Economy

Last week the Minneapolis Star-Tribune ran an article entitled "Xcel Proposes $3B in Renewable Projects to Bolster Economy Dogged by Pandemic." In the article, the author discusses Xcel's plan to spend billions of dollars on renewable energy projects. What is missing from the piece is Xcel's underlying motive for fast forwarding the projects, exploiting the high unemployment caused by the COVID-19 shutdown to increase their government-guaranteed corporate profits. There is No Free Market for Electricity in Minnesota One of the single-most important things conservatives need to know about Minnesota’s electric system is that there is no free market for electricity, and investor owned...

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on June 16, 2020

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Debunking the Minnesota “Conservative” Energy Forum’s Talking Points: Renewables Don’t Strengthen Our National Security, They Weaken It

Written by Isaac Orr

in Energy

Most of the conservatives I know strongly believe in limited a government that is primarily focused on enforcing contracts and maintaining law and order. As a result, many conservatives care deeply about having a strong national security to protect the United States from potential threats. National security is often thought of in terms of military might. In this regard, the United States is unparalleled. However, energy is also an indispensable ingredient to keeping America safe, but unfortunately, the Minnesota "Conservative" Energy Forum's advocacy for more wind and solar power doesn't strengthen America's national security, it weakens it. This article is the fourth in...

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on June 11, 2020

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Why is the Minnesota “Conservative” Energy Forum Intentionally Misleading Conservatives on Energy Issues? A Series

Written by Isaac Orr

in Energy, Environment

From time to time I write about a group called the Minnesota "Conservative" Energy Forum (MNCEF), which attempts to portray themselves as a voice for conservative ideals in energy policy. Honestly, I would love another voice advocating for the removal of subsidies and mandates for all energy sources in Minnesota, and another organization advocating for busting up government-approved monopolies like Xcel Energy and allowing consumers to have the freedom choose their own electricity provider, but unfortunately, MNCEF is not that voice. In reality, MNCEF uses conservative-sounding language to peddle liberal environmental policies, like more renewable energy mandates, to lawmakers who would...

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