Texas is running out of power. With wind energy at less than 10% of normal on Monday, consumers are being told to conserve electricity in the afternoon.
At the same time, South African electricity consumers are suffering through load-shedding, thanks to a variety of factors. As they consider alternatives, the one they can't use is abundant coal: they signed the Paris climate accord, and rely on Europe for the money to build new power plants, which means no coal.
Meanwhile, Europe itself is being forced to conserve energy, thanks to over-reliance on Russian gas and reluctance (in many places) to use nuclear power. Their "green" agenda means they had, until now, ditched coal and other fossil fuel sources, leaving them with few alternatives in a time of global conflict.
What happens when people can't turn on the lights? They use diesel generators, or burn wood, or -- as many European countries are doing -- return to coal.
The right way to do green energy is to add it to an existing mix of fossil fuel, nuclear, hydroelectric etc. sources, then innovate to make renewable sources cheaper and more competitive. If government intervenes at all, it should be with R&D money and/or a carbon tax to encourage efficiency across the board.
That's the key word: efficiency. Efficiency means getting more energy for less. It's inherently good for the environment. And it beats regulations every time.
Forcing people to adopt green energy is inefficient; therefore it causes more resources to be used. In that sense, green energy is bad for the planet.
Today's episode is devoted to the second anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks. It was produced before the announcement of a ceasefire deal, yet remains current & relevant.
Please listen, and #bringthemhome.
SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET (4-7 PT)
This week's portion is a beautiful poem, containing the Covenant between God and the people of Israel. But given the breaking news that Hamas may actually have agreed to release all of the Israeli hostages, I will devote my remarks to that.
One hopes it is true; if so, it makes this week's additional reading, from II Samuel 22, even more relevant: David's song of praise to the Lord for delivering him from the hand of his enemies.
"18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support."
So much to focus on this week -- and much breaking news. A peace deal in the Middle East, perhaps? Eric Adams dropping out of the mayor's race? And a looming shutdown as Democrats push their demands beyond absurdity.
Special guests:
Tune in: 7-10 p.m. ET, 4-7 p.m. PT
Call: 866-957-2874