on March 25, 2020

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What Would a Joe Biden Fracking Ban Look Like? Part Five: A Fracking Ban Would “Make America Dependent Upon Russia and OPEC, Again!”

Written by Isaac Orr

in Energy, Environment, National Security

During the Democrat debate between Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and former Vice-President Joe Biden on Sunday, March 15, 2020, Vice-President Biden stated that he would allow “no new fracking.” However, this would be an incredibly bad idea because it would crush America's surging oil and gas industry and make the United States dependent upon foreign sources of natural gas and oil, like Russia and Saudi Arabia, again. This article is the fifth installment in this series. Flexing America's Energy Muscles It wasn't long ago that Americans were convinced that our country was running out of oil and natural gas, and that the ensuing...

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on March 07, 2020

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Why Gas Engines Are Far From Dead- Biggest EV Problems

Written by Isaac Orr

in Transportation

Proponents of Governor Walz's California Car mandates have argued that electric vehicles are the wave of the future, and that mandates for electric cars are needed to supply the large pent up demand for the cars. These talking points are not supported by the data, yet they persist. The video below does a great job explaining some of the biggest challenges electric vehicles face, and why car companies and consumers continue to prefer their gas-powered cars. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hatav_Rdnno...

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on December 10, 2019

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Turkey Point Nuclear Plant Will Operate for 80 Years, While Wind Turbines Still Last for 20 Years

Written by Isaac Orr

in Climate, Energy, Environment, Minnesota Economy

According to the Daily Energy Insider, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved Florida Power & Light’s proposal to add an additional 20 years of operation for the Turkey Point Nuclear Generating Units 3 and 4 near Miami, Florida. This is the first time the NRC has approved renewed licenses for operation extending the lifetime of a nuclear plant from 60 to 80 years, but it may well be the beginning of several companies seeking longer operating licenses for their existing nuclear facilities. As a result of the renewal, Turkey Point Unit 3’s renewed license now expires on July 19, 2052....

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on November 26, 2019

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Are Governor Walz’s Proposed California Car Mandates Racist?

Written by Isaac Orr

in Climate, Energy, Environment, Transportation

In September, the Walz Administration announced its intention to force Minnesotans to comply with low-emissions vehicle (LEV) and 'zero'-emissions vehicle (ZEV) regulations developed by unelected bureaucrats on the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Instead of asking the legislature to approve this move, Governor Walz wants to impose these regulations by using the rule-making process of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). As part of this process, MPCA is seeking comments from the public to inform the rule-making procedure. I encourage you to submit your comments by emailing sheena.denny@state.mn.us to let the agency know what your thoughts are about the subject. One of...

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on November 22, 2019

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MIT Pumps the Brakes on Electric Vehicle Cost Decline Estimates

Written by Isaac Orr

in Energy, Environment, Minnesota Economy, Transportation

A new report from the MIT Energy Initiative warns that EVs may never reach the same sticker price so long as they rely on lithium-ion batteries, the energy storage technology that powers most of today’s consumer electronics. In fact, the research found it will likely take another decade just to eliminate the difference in the lifetime costs between electric vehicles and gas- and diesel-powered vehicles, even after higher fuel and maintenance expenses of standard cars and trucks are taken into account. Hopefully Governor Walz and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, who want to adopt California regulations mandating the use of electric cars,...

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on September 26, 2019

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If Governor Walz Had “Followed The Science,” We Would Have Started Building Line 3 Already

Written by Isaac Orr

in Energy, Environment

Last week's decision by the Minnesota Supreme Court to deny a round of appeals attempting to further delay the construction of the Enbridge Line 3 pipeline was a rare win for energy sanity in the state of Minnesota, and a major loss for the anti-pipeline activists. According to the Duluth News Tribune: "The Supreme Court's decision not to review the opinion sends the crude oil pipeline's environmental impact statement back to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and shrinks what could've been an extended delay if members had agreed to hear the appeals. Public Utilities Commission Chair Katie Sieben in a news release said...

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on June 26, 2019

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Every Wind Turbine and Solar Panel Built Today Will Be Scrap Metal by 2050

Written by Isaac Orr

in Climate, Energy, Environment, Minnesota Economy

Wind turbines and solar panels only last for 20 and 30 years, respectively, meaning every wind turbine and solar panel built today will be scrap metal by 2050. How can anyone who claims climate change is an "existential crisis" seriously advocate for building tomorrow's scrap metal, today?...

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on April 23, 2019

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Star Tribune: Technology, Cost Could Hamper Efforts for 100 Percent Carbon-Free Grid in Minnesota by 2050

Written by Isaac Orr

in Climate, Energy, Environment, Minnesota Economy

On April 20th, the Star Tribune ran a story entitled "Technology, Cost Could Hamper Efforts for 100 Percent Carbon-Free Grid in Minnesota by 2050." It was good to see the paper acknowledging that the policies proposed by Governor Walz and House DLF'ers will be expensive and the technology needed to attain this goal (without the use of nuclear and large hydro) does not exist. ...

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on April 09, 2019

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Walz’s Comments on Public Utilities Commission Appointment is an Ominous Sign for Line 3, Rational Energy Policy

Written by Isaac Orr

in Climate, Energy, Environment, Minnesota Economy

Line 3 opponents often argue the Governor should deep-six the oil pipeline replacement project because it would lock in oil use for the foreseeable future when we should, in reality be transitioning away from oil in favor of electric cars. But these arguments are pure wishful thinking with no basis in reality....

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