Weekly Climate and Energy News Roundup | Watts Up With That?

Brought to You by SEPP (www.SEPP.org) The Science and Environmental Policy Project

###################################################

Quote of the Week: If we take into our hand any volume; of divinity or school metaphysics, for instance; let us ask, Does it contain any abstract reasoning concerning quantity or number? No. Does it contain any experimental reasoning concerning matter of fact and existence? No. Consign it then to the flames: For it can contain nothing but sophistry and illusion. David Hume, An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, Section XII (1748)

###################################################

Number of the Week: 3.6? C

###################################################

THIS WEEK:

By Ken Haapala, Executive Vice President, Science and Environmental Policy Project (SEPP)

*******************

Trenberth and Fasullo: Last week TWTW linked to a study by Kevin Trenberth and John Fasullo of US National Center for Atmospheric Research that claimed that the most sensitive of the climate models are supported by their research in 10 years of changes in relative humidity. This was widely reported as proof that increasing carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere would cause drastic global warming because increases in water vapor will amplify the effects of increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations (a positive feedback). Without a positive feedback the theoretical warming from a doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide is only 1.1 deg C (2 deg F).

In his comments, John Christy pointed out that the projections from the most sensitive models are diverging greatly from actual observations. The divergence is statistically significant. Trenberth and Fasullo failed to mention this divergence in their study.

This week, Richard Lindzen sent to TWTW an article by Trenberth and Fasullo that appeared in Geophysical Research Letters on April 14, 2009 titled ?Global warming due to increasing absorbed solar radiation.? The main part of the abstract reads:

?There is an increase in net radiation absorbed, but not in ways commonly assumed. While there is a large increase in the greenhouse effect from increasing greenhouse gases and water vapor (as a feedback), this is offset to a large degree by a decreasing greenhouse effect from reducing cloud cover and increasing radiative emissions from higher temperatures. Instead the main warming from an energy budget standpoint comes from increases in absorbed solar radiation that stem directly from the decreasing cloud amounts.?

This is a re-statement of Lindzen?s ?Iris Effect?, first published in 2001. Strangely, in the 2009 article Trenberth and Fasullo failed to mention the prior work of Lindzen. Could it be that Lindzen asserts that the iris effect cancels the water vapor feedback? Lindzen?s research indicates that warming from doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide will be significantly less than the theoretical 1.1 deg C and much less than that projected by the models. Please see links in last week?s TWTW and http://www.agu.org/pubs/crossref/2009/2009GL037527.shtml.

********************

WUWT TV: To counter Al Gore?s Dirty Weather telethon, Anthony Watts had a 24 hour program featuring scientists addressing key scientific issues involving the threat of global warming / climate change. The entire program can be viewed from Anthony?s web site, WUWT. Shortly, individual segments will be available on UTube.

According to some who saw parts of both, Anthony?s program was not as slick as the expensive and expertly produced Gore program. But all too often Hollywood slickness is used to cover-up scientific faults. The Norwegian Nobel Peace Prize Committee, appointed by the Parliament of Norway, should have learned this by now. Please see links under Challenging the Orthodoxy.

*******************

A Note of Thanks: Roger Pielke Sr. is retiring his popular web blog, Pielke Climate Science, to focus on research. Since July 2005, his blog has been a source for valuable information that often did not appear elsewhere. Now, he finds a number of excellent blogs exist and prefers to concentrate on other matters. His comments have always been professional and courteous, a high standard missing in many climate blogs. We are looking forward to the third edition of his modeling book. Please see link under Seeking a Common Ground.

*******************

EIKE ? Heartland Conference: As stated above, The Heartland Institute is partnering with the European Institute for Climate and Energy (EIKE) to host a conference on Climate Change in Munich. For details please see the link under Challenging the Orthodoxy.

*******************

BBC Special: The BBC climate scandal continues to unfold. In 2006, BBC announced that based on a panel of experts, it would no longer give equal time to climate change skeptics. As linked in TWTW last week, a lonely British subject, who pays taxes supporting BBC, inquired who was on the panel. He has been thwarted by the BBC and the courts on claims by BBC executives that the panel met only under commonly used conditions of secrecy. This week, a blogger discovered the names of the panel from apparently completely legal and open sources. As expected, few on the panel were climate experts and many were from organizations hostile to use of carbon based fuels. It is sad to witness a once venerable institution, noted for its integrity, headed the way of supermarket tabloids by defending politicized climate science and policy. Please see links under BBC Special.

*******************

Quote of the Week: The quote was used in a lecture at Oxford on science and rhetoric by Mark Thompson in which he criticized the Global Warming Policy Foundation (GWPF). Mr. Thompson is the former head of the BBC. Apparently, Mr. Thompson does not realize that complex numerical models can be another form of sophistry and illusion ? particularly if their assumptions have not been empirically verified, and when the models require updating as observations significantly diverge from predictions. Please see link under Defending the Orthodoxy.

*******************

IEA: The International Energy Administration (IEA) has issued a large study titled World Energy Outlook, 2012. According to the outlook, largely due to deep underground hydraulic fracturing of dense shale and deepwater drilling, by the early 2020s, the US will be producing more oil than Saudi Arabia. Based on its Executive Summary and Fact Sheet, the IEA completely accepts the claims of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that carbon dioxide emissions are causing unprecedented and dangerous global warming. This may give pause in accepting the IEA claims by those who question the reliability of the IPCC models. Please Article # 2 and links under Energy Issues ? Non-US.

*******************

Number of the Week: 3.6? C. Peter Foster writes in the Financial Post: ?According to the IEA report, given present consumption trends, the Earth is headed for 3.6C of temperature increase in the ?long term.? Just what the long term means is buried in a convoluted and confusing graph on page 247, where it is revealed that that 3.6C is in fact a probability and refers to the year ? 2200. Yes, that?s 188 years from now.? Please see link under Energy Issues ? Non-US.

###################################################

ARTICLES:

For the numbered articles below please see this week?s TWTW at: www.sepp.org. The articles are at the end of the pdf.

1. We?d Like to Write Rosy EPA Letters

By Philip D. Guerin, Letter, WSJ, Nov 11, 2012

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324439804578106811022163062.html?mod=ITP_opinion_1

2. Saudi America

The U.S. will be the world?s leading energy producer, if we allow it.

Editorial, WSJ, Nov 13, 2012

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323894704578114591174453074.html?mod=WSJ_Opinion_LEADTop

3. The Fracker?s Guide to a Greener World

Greenhouse-gas emissions are growing rapidly in the developing world. The only realistic alternative to this trend is natural gas.

By Richard Muller & Mitch Daniels, WSJ, Nov 11, 2012 [H/t Timothy Wise]

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204712904578093082937646090.html?mod=WSJ_Opinion_LEADTop

[SEPP Comment in the WSJ: Professor Muller?s research could be used to support the research of Professor Lars Franz?n of the University of Gothenburg, and others, who state that without carbon dioxide emissions the earth would be entering a new ice age. Why is this trade-off not mentioned?]

4. Can Medieval Heat Cool Warming Worries?

By Matt Ridley, WSJ, Nov 9, 2012

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204349404578100862654023702.html

###################################################

NEWS YOU CAN USE:

?

Science: Is the Sun Rising?

Solar Activity ? Past, Present, Future

By Leif Svalgaard, WUWT, Nov 11, 2012

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2012/11/11/solar-activity-past-present-future/

Suppressing Scientific Inquiry

Professor Vahrenholt: Climate Science ?A Real Effrontery?? ?Scientists Leave The Room When They See Me?

By P. Gosselin, No Tricks Zone, Nov 11, 2012

http://notrickszone.com/2012/11/11/professor-vahrenholt-climate-science-a-real-effrontery-scientists-leave-the-room-when-they-see-me/

[SEPP Comment: Although Professor Vahrenholt states that carbon dioxide is causing warming, in his book, Die kalte Sonne, he asserts that the sun has a major role in climate change ? something the IPCC rejects.]

Challenging the Orthodoxy

WUWT-TV?s answer to Al Gore?s ?Dirty Weather Report? is ON THE AIR

By Anthony Watts, WUWT, Nov 14, 2012

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2012/11/14/wuwt-tvs-answer-to-al-gores-dirty-weather-report-is-on-the-air/

Music star Al Gore plans a virtual reality drop

By Lubo? Motl, Reference Frame, Nov 16, 2012

http://motls.blogspot.com/2012/11/music-star-al-gore-plans-virtual.html#more

Heartland Institute Hosts Eighth International Conference on Climate Change in Germany

The Heartland Institute is partnering with the Germany-based European Institute for Climate and Energy (EIKE) to host the Eighth International Conference on Climate Change November 30 ? December 1

Press Release, Heartland, Nov 15, 2012

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/11/prweb10139236.htm

Little Change in Drought Over 60 Years

By Roger Pielke Jr, His Blog, Nov 15, 2012

http://rogerpielkejr.blogspot.com/2012/11/little-change-in-drought-over-60-years.html

Nature paper: Global droughts unchanged in 60 years

By Jo Nova, Her Blog, Nov 16, 2012

http://joannenova.com.au/2012/11/nature-paper-global-droughts-unchanged-in-60-years/

Meteorologist Challenges Obama?s Climate Change Claims

By Mandy Nagy, Breitbart, Nov 14, 2012 [H/t ICECAP]

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/11/14/Meteorologist-Joe-Bastardi-Challenges-Obama-s-Climate-Change-Facts

Defending the Orthodoxy

Mark Thompson on the GWPF

By Andrew Montford, Bishop Hill, Nov 12, 2012

http://bishophill.squarespace.com/blog/2012/11/12/mark-thompson-on-the-gwpf.html

Carbon buried in the soil rises again

By Staff Writers, Davis CA (SPX), Nov 12, 2012

http://www.seeddaily.com/reports/Carbon_buried_in_the_soil_rises_again_999.html

Climate Change Report Outlines Perils for U.S. Military

By John Broder, NYT, Nov 9, 2012 [H/t SPPI]

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/10/science/earth/climate-change-report-outlines-perils-for-us-military.html?_r=0

[SEPP Comment: Another alarmist study from the once respectable National Research Council.]

Global Warming Could Wipe Out Govt.

By Staff Writers, Judicial Watch, Nov 8, 2012 [H/t Timothy Wise]

http://www.judicialwatch.org/blog/2012/11/global-warming-could-wipe-out-govt/

[SEPP Comment: An amusing twist on an alarmist sea level rise study with projections as large as a 5 meter rise. Among the alarmists statements in the study is that by 3000 North African rainfall will get worse (from a study in Nature Geoscience). The Sahara getting rainfall is a bad thing? ]

German Climate Institutes Revise: CO2 Will Now Cause Warmer Winters With ?More Frequent Cold?

By P Gosselin, No Tricks Zone, Nov 14, 2012

http://notrickszone.com/2012/11/14/german-climate-institutes-co2-will-cause-warmer-with-more-frequent-cold/

[SEPP Comment: If it is a warm winter, the cause is global warming. If it is a cold winter, the cause is global warming.]

Questioning the Orthodoxy

Global Cooling: A Far More Dangerous Fate

Humans thrive during warm spells. We die in the cold.

By Tim Ball and Tom Harris, PJ Media, Nov 13, 2012 [H/t Timothy Wise]

http://pjmedia.com/blog/global-cooling-a-far-more-dangerous-fate/

Analysis of US and State-by-State Carbon Dioxide Emissions & Potential ?Savings? in Future Global Temperature & Global Sea Level Rise

By Paul Knappenberger, SPPI, Nov 16, 2012

http://scienceandpublicpolicy.org/originals/state_by_state.html

Using assumptions based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Reports, if the U.S. as a whole stopped emitting all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions immediately, the ultimate impact on projected global temperature rise would be a reduction, or a ?savings,? of approximately 0.08?C by the year 2050 and 0.17?C by the year 2100?amounts that are, for all intents and purposes, negligible.

Spiegel Scare: 2011 Sees New ?Gigantic? CO2 Emissions Record (Pssst ? But Global Temperatures Dropped)

By P. Gosselin, No Tricks Zone, Nov 13, 2012

http://notrickszone.com/2012/11/13/spiegel-scare-2011-sees-new-gigantic-co2-emissions-record-pssst-but-global-temperatures-dropped/

[SEPP Comment: No warming trend may be more accurate than temperatures dropped.]

Nobel winners here, there, everywhere!

By Tony Thomas, Quadrant, Nov 12, 2012

http://www.quadrant.org.au/blogs/doomed-planet/2012/11/nobel-winners-here-there-everywhere

Questioning European Green

Commissioner Oettinger rails against state subsidies

By Staff Write, Press Europe, Nov 13, 2012 [H/t GWPF]

http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/news-brief/3026021-commissioner-oettinger-rails-against-againt-state-subsidies

Moody?s: Wind and solar power will continue to erode thermal generators? credit quality

By Scott Phillips, et al, Moody?s Investor Service, Nov 6, 2012

http://www.moodys.com/research/Moodys-Wind-and-solar-power-will-continue-to-erode-thermal?PR_259122

Renewables growth in Europe: good news for wholesale electricity prices?

By Freya Roberts, Carbon Brief, Nov 12, 2012

http://www.carbonbrief.org/blog/2012/11/renewables-growth-in-europe-good-news-for-wholesale-electricity-prices

[SEPP Comment: According to this article, Moody?s report states renewable are driving down the cost of electricity in Europe. However, it has not reduced the cost of electricity to the consumers.]

?Job done? on wind farms, says John Hayes

A Conservative minister last night defied Liberal Democrat Energy secretary Ed Davey to insist no more onshore wind farms would be built beyond those already planned.

By Christopher Hope, Telegraph, UK, Nov 13, 2012 [H/t GWPF]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9676256/Job-done-on-wind-farms-says-John-Hayes.html

Questioning Green Elsewhere

Adapting to Climate Change Is Less Costly than Spending Trillions on Emission Targets

By Swaminathan S. Anklesaria Aiyar, From Economic Times, India, Nov 7, 2012

http://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/adapting-climate-change-is-less-costly-spending-trillions-emission-targets

Expanding the Orthodoxy

What Scandal? CIA Hard At Work Exposing Security Risks of ?Climate Phenomena?

By Staff Writers, Judicial Watch, Nov 14, 2012 [H/t Timothy Wise]

http://www.judicialwatch.org/blog/2012/11/what-scandal-cia-hard-at-work-exposing-security-risks-of-climate-phenomena/

Cultural dimensions of climate change are underestimated, overlooked and misunderstood

By Staff Writers, Exeter UK (SPX), Nov 14, 2012

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Cultural_dimensions_of_climate_change_are_underestimated_overlooked_and_misunderstood_999.html

Trouble in the Orthodoxy

President of UN climate summit in Qatar says shale gas is ?good news?

By Ed King, RTCC, Nov 13, 2012 [H/t GWPF]

http://www.rtcc.org/president-of-un-climate-summit-in-qatar-says-shale-gas-is-good-news/

[SEPP Comment: Not exactly great news for the greens.]

Doha conference: carbon cuts talks must wait, says key negotiator

Brazil?s Luiz Alberto Figueiredo says a Kyoto protocol extension must take priority at the Doha climate negotiations

By Jonathan Watts, Guardian, UK, Nov 15, 2012 [H/t GWPF]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/nov/15/doha-carbon-cuts-climate-change?intcmp=122

Kyoto: Australia ?IN? New Zealand ?Out?

By Jo Nova, Her Blog, Nov 12, 2012

http://joannenova.com.au/2012/11/kyoto-australia-in-new-zealand-out/#more-25185

Washington weighs moving climate politics beyond UNFCCC

By Arthur Neslen, EurActiv, Nov 16, 2012 [H/t GWPF]

http://www.euractiv.com/climate-environment/washington-weighs-moving-climate-news-516077

Seeking a Common Ground

The Weblog Is Retiring

By Roger Pielke Sr, Pielke Climate Science, Nov 13, 2012

http://pielkeclimatesci.wordpress.com/2012/11/13/the-weblog-is-retiring/

Publication of ?Reply to ?Comment On ?Ocean Heat Content And Earth?s Radiation Imbalance. II. Relation To Climate Shifts? ? by Nuccitelli Et Al. By Douglass and Knox 2012

By Roger Pielke Sr, Climate Science, Nov 12, 2012

http://pielkeclimatesci.wordpress.com/2012/11/12/publication-of-reply-to-comment-on-ocean-heat-content-and-earths-radiation-imbalance-ii-relation-to-climate-shifts-by-nuccitelli-et-al-by-douglass-an/

[SEPP Comment: The concept of climate shifts gives great difficulty to those who advocate that carbon dioxide emissions are the primary cause of global warming / climate change.]

PBL, KNMI and Crok launch Climate Discussion platform Climate Dialogue

Press Release, PBL, Netherlands, Nov 11, 2012 [H/t GWPF]

http://www.pbl.nl/en/news/newsitems/2012/pbl-knmi-and-crok-launch-climate-discussion-platform-climatedialogueorg

Communicating Better to the Public ? Exaggerate, or be Vague?

Climate Change: Lessons From Ronald Reagan

By Cass Sunstein, NYT, Nov 10, 2012 [H/t Willie Soon]

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/11/opinion/sunday/climate-change-lessons-from-ronald-reagan.html?_r=0

[SEPP Comment: When Freon was banned in the US as patents expired, chemical companies already had alternatives ? patent protected and more expensive, of course.]

John Boehner?s discouraging view of climate science

Editorial, Washington Post, Nov 13, 2012 [H/t Timothy Wise]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/john-boehners-discouraging-words-on-climate-science/2012/11/13/bbabc182-2d16-11e2-9ac2-1c61452669c3_story.html

[SEPP Comment: According to the editorial: ?the models and the quality of the information that feeds into them have gotten progressively better.? The editorial ignores the fact that there has been no warming for at least a decade.]

Communicating Better to the Public ? Make things up.

What Paleotempestology Tells Scientists about Today?s Tempests

By Staff Writers, Boulder, CO (SPX), Nov 12, 2012

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/What_Paleotempestology_Tells_Scientists_about_Todays_Tempests_999.html

[SEPP Comment: The study of past storms is now Paleotempestolog?]

Commentary: Sandy?s S.O.S.

By Arnaud De Borchgrave, Washington (UPI), Nov 12, 2012

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Commentary_Sandys_SOS_999.html

[SEPP Comment: Linking climate change to nuclear testing and wars.]

BBC Special

BBC ? the stench of decay

By John Brignell, Number Watch, Nov 12, 2012

http://www.numberwatch.co.uk/2012%20November.htm#stench

BBC secret exposed: Greenpeace, activists, BP decide what ?science? brits see ? Hello TwentyEightGate

By Jo Nova, Her Blog, Nov 17, 2012

http://joannenova.com.au/2012/11/bbc-secret-exposed-greenpeace-activists-bp-decide-what-sciencebrits-see-hello-twentyeightgate/#more-25217

BBC?s 30 ?experts? who decided in 2006 that balance on AGW wasn?t needed

By Lubos Molt, Reference Frame, Nov 13, 2012

http://motls.blogspot.com/2012/11/bbcs-30-experts-who-decided-in-2006.html#more

The List of Names the BBC Did Not Want You to See

Scientist Exposed by Climategate Set BBC Policy

By Guido Fawkes, Order-Order.com, Nov 13, 2012

http://order-order.com/2012/11/13/the-list-of-names-the-bbc-did-not-want-you-to-see-scientist-exposed-by-climategate-set-bbc-policy/

[SEPP Comment: We recognize only one bona fide climate scientist in the whole bunch]

Storming Sandy

The Impact of Sandy on Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies Along Its Track

By Bob Tisdale, WUWT, Nov 11, 2012

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2012/11/11/inverse-hockey-stick-hurricane-sandy-cools-the-ocean/

The Moral of Sandy

By Bj?rn Lomborg, Project Syndicate, Nov 13, 2012

http://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/the-right-and-wrong-way-to-reduce-hurricane-damage-by-bj-rn-lomborg

[SEPP Comment: Those who jumped at blaming hurricane / extra-tropical storm Sandy on global warming may be better described as climate opportunists than climate scientists.]

Schumer urges weather agency to keep Sandy labeled a tropical storm

By Zack Colman, The Hill, Nov 11, 2012

http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/267261-schumer-presses-weather-agency-to-keep-sandy-a-storm

[SEPP Comment: Insurance deductibles are larger for a hurricane than a tropical storm, thus labeling Sandy as a tropical storm will benefit those whose properties were damaged. The downside is that a tropical storm does not have the same alarmist tone as a hurricane or super storm.]

New York governor seeks $30 bn in aid after Sandy

By Staff Writers, New York (AFP), Nov 12, 2012

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/New_York_governor_seeks_30_bn_in_aid_after_Sandy_999.html

Government Fails In Long Island

By Donn Dears, Power For USA, Nov 16, 2012

http://dddusmma.wordpress.com/2012/11/16/government-fails-in-long-island/

Changing Weather

Tropical Indo-Pacific climate shifts to a more El Nino-like state

By Staff Writers, Manoa HI (SPX), Nov 15, 2012

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Tropical_Indo_Pacific_climate_shifts_to_a_more_El_Nino_like_state_999.html

A Big Picture Look At ?Earth?s Temperature? ? ?Extreme Weather? Update

By WUWT regular ?Just The Facts?, WUWT, Nov 10, 2012

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2012/11/10/a-big-picture-look-at-earths-temperature-extreme-weather-update/

[SEPP Comment: Extensive compilation of various climate indices in graphs.]

2012 vs . 2011 tornadoes: A study in contrasts

By Jason Samenow, ICECAP, Nov 15, 2012

http://icecap.us/index.php/go/joes-blog/2012_vs_2011_tornadoes_a_study_in_contrasts/

[SEPP Comment: After a promising start for climate alarmists, the 2012 tornado season is a failure.]

Changing Climate

Climate change and the ancient Maya

By Staff Writers, Philadelphia PA (SPX), Nov 14, 2012

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Researchers_find_linkages_between_climate_change_and_political_human_impacts_among_ancient_Maya_999.html

[SEPP Comment: Another example that climate change is not a recent phenomenon as alarmist pretend it is.]

Changing Sea Ice

Press Release ? Why Antarctic sea ice cover has increased under the effects of climate change

By Staff Writers, British Antarctic Survey, Nov 11, 2012

http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/press/press_releases/press_release.php?id=1967

NASA, BAS agree that the Antarctic ice growth contradicts climate models

By Lubos Molt, Reference Frame, Nov 12, 2012

http://motls.blogspot.com/2012/11/nasa-bas-agree-that-antarctic-ice.html

Bipolar disorder ? as in the Arctic, the Antarctic sea ice extent is affected by wind, unless of course it?s ?climate change?

By Anthony Watts, WUWT, Nov 12, 2012

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2012/11/12/bipolar-disorder-as-in-the-arctic-the-antarctic-sea-ice-extent-is-affected-by-wind-unless-of-course-its-climate-change/

Changing Earth

Himalayan glaciers will shrink even if temperatures hold steady

Press Release, Brigham Young University, Nov 15, 2012 [H/t WUWT]

http://news.byu.edu/archive12-nov-bhutan.aspx

[SEPP Comment: Glaciers will shrink until the next ice age comes. There are significant challenges to the claims of major melt over the next few decades and annual melt water loss.]

Agriculture Issues & Fear of Famine

Danger, hazardous regulations ahead

By Martin Livermore, Scientific Alliance, Nov 16, 2012

http://www.scientific-alliance.org/scientific-alliance-newsletter/danger-hazardous-regulations-ahead

Walker?s World: Food crisis again

By Martin Walker, London (UPI), Nov 12, 2012

http://www.seeddaily.com/reports/Walkers_World_Food_crisis_again_999.html

The Political Games Continue

Members Question Use of Secret Email Accounts by Top Obama Administration Officials

Call for Release of Records and Independent Reviews Regarding Conduct of Official Business through Covert Means

Press Release, House Committee on Science, Nov 16, 2012

http://science.house.gov/press-release/members-question-use-secret-email-accounts-top-obama-administration-officials

Briefs: Energy Policy in the Lame Duck Session

By Sonal Patel, Energy News, Nov 15, 2012

http://www.powermag.com/POWERnews/5141.html?hq_e=el&hq_m=2562950&hq_l=5&hq_v=5e660500d0

Cap-and-Trade and Carbon Taxes

Think tank to sue Treasury to make carbon tax proposal emails public

By Mark Tapscott, Washington Examiner, Nov 12, 2012

http://washingtonexaminer.com/think-tank-to-sue-treasury-to-make-carbon-tax-proposal-emails-public/article/2513288?utm_source=Washington%20Examiner:%20Opinion%20Digest%20-%2011/13/2012&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Washington%20Examiner:%20Opinion%20Digest#.UKJTn4b5Xrq

Carbon Tax Will Kill The Economy, Boost Inflation

By Steve Milloy, IBD, Nov 13, 2012

http://news.investors.com/ibd-editorials-on-the-right/111312-633309-carbon-tax-is-an-economic-loser.htm

New carbon tax would be folly

Such a levy can?t be justified on basis of altering climate; real goal is a revenue stream to fund European-style government.

By Christopher Horner, Orange County Register, Nov 14, 2012

http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/tax-377765-carbon-new.html

Brussels moots pollution credit cut to up carbon price

By Staff Writers, Brussels (AFP), Nov 12, 2012

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Brussels_moots_pollution_credit_cut_to_up_carbon_price_999.html

Experts believe that the price should be between 24 and 30 euros in order to make investment in clean technologies worthwhile.

EU ?Stops The Clock? On Emissions Scheme For Incoming And Outgoing Flights

By David Jones, Business Travel News, Nov 12, 2012

http://www.businesstravelnews.com/More-News/EU?Stops-The-Clock?On-Emissions-Scheme-For-Incoming-And-Outgoing-Flights/?ida=Government&a=trans&cid=eltrDaily

Subsidies and Mandates Forever

Governors Demand Wind PTC to Cover State Costs

By Lisa Linowes, Master Resource, Nov 16, 2012

http://www.masterresource.org/2012/11/governors-ptc-cost-extension/#more-22745

[SEPP Comment: What Irony! Many states have instituted ?feel good? policies of requiring renewable sources such as wind, for producing electricity. Now, governors of some of these states are realizing that these policies are increasing electricity costs in their states. To off-set these costs, they are demanding greater Federal subsidies for wind power. This action is a clear example that wind power increases the costs of electricity to consumers ? so much for free energy. It is time that the states bear the costs of their financially irresponsible ?feel-good? policies.]

New Rule Could Reenergize Clean-Energy In New Jersey

By Staff Writers, Newark NJ (SPX), Nov 12, 2012

http://www.energy-daily.com/reports/New_Rule_Could_Reenergize_Clean_Energy_In_New_Jersey_999.html

Natural Gas Industry Cozies Up to Washington

By Veronique de Rugy, Reason, From NCPA, Nov 14, 2012

http://www.ncpa.org/sub/dpd/index.php?Article_ID=22574&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DPD

[SEPP Comment: Beyond R & D, there is no justification for subsidizing the conversion of vehicles to natural gas. If it is economical, it will happen.]

EPA refuses to waive ethanol mandate

By Ben Geman, The Hill, Nov 16, 2012

http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/268453-epa-rejects-bids-to-waive-ethanol-mandate

EPA and other Regulators on the March

Why You Should Care That Courts Overturn EPA?s Carbon Pollution Standard

By Marlo Lewis, Forbes, Nov 14, 2012 [H/t Cooler Heads]

http://www.forbes.com/sites/realspin/2012/11/14/why-you-should-care-that-courts-overturn-epas-carbon-pollution-standard/

The EPA?s Dirty Big Secrets

By Peter C Glover, Energy Tribune, Nov 14, 2012

http://www.energytribune.com/65200/the-epa-dirty-big-secrets

EPA Charged With Lethal Experiments On Hundreds Of Unsuspecting Subjects

By Larry Bell, Forbes, Nov 13, 2012

http://www.forbes.com/sites/larrybell/2012/11/13/epa-charged-with-lethal-experiments-on-hundreds-of-unsuspecting-subjects/

New York Misses Out on Natural Gas Revolution as Junk Science Carries the Day

By Kevin Monney, Net Right Daily, Nov 14, 2012

http://netrightdaily.com/2012/11/new-york-misses-out-on-natural-gas-revolution-as-junk-science-carries-the-day/

Energy Issues ? Non-US

World Energy Outlook 2012

By Fatih Birol et al, IEA, Nov 12, 2012

http://www.worldenergyoutlook.org/publications/weo-2012/

Anti-markets drivel

By Peter Foster, Financial Post, Nov 13, 2012

http://opinion.financialpost.com/2012/11/13/peter-foster-anti-markets-drivel/

Seven essential graphs from the IEA?s World Energy Outlook

By Robin Webster, Carbon Brief, Nov 12, 2012

http://www.carbonbrief.org/blog/2012/11/favourite-graphs-from-iea

[SEPP Comment: Carbon Brief is a European organization promoting the goals of the IPCC.]

Saving Energy is Good

By Donn Dears, Power For USA, Nov 13, 2012

http://dddusmma.wordpress.com/2012/11/13/saving-energy-is-good/

Quebec minister lashes out against plans to bring Alberta oil to province

By Nicolas Van Praet, Financial Post, Nov 14, 2012

http://business.financialpost.com/2012/11/14/quebec-minister-lashes-out-against-plans-to-bring-alberta-oil-to-province/

Energy Issues ? US

Shale gas boom rejuvenating US industry

By Staff Writers, Washington Post news group, Nov 16, 2012 [H/t GWPF]

http://www.dailymail.com/Business/201211150234

Enviros quickly press victorious Obama to nix Keystone pipeline

By Ben Geman, The Hill, Nov 7, 2012

http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/266401-enviros-quickly-press-victorious-obama-to-nix-keystone-pipeline

Oil and Natural Gas ? the Future or the Past?

Third Way?s Freed discusses policy recommendations for price stability

By Staff Writers, EENews, Nov 15, 2012

http://www.eenews.net/tv/transcript/1603

The end of the cheap hydrocarbons era

By Staff Writers, Moscow (Voice of Russia), Nov 13, 2012

http://www.energy-daily.com/reports/The_end_of_the_cheap_hydrocarbons_era_999.html

[SEPP Comment: The Russian take on the US oil & gas boom. Look for environmentalists to repeat it.]

Arctic project carries Alaska-size challenges

By Jennifer Klouhy, Fuel Fix, Nov 12, 2012

http://fuelfix.com/blog/2012/11/12/arctic-project-carries-alaska-size-challenges/

Alaska ice tested as possible new energy source

By Staff Writers, AP, Nov 12, 2012

http://fuelfix.com/blog/2012/11/12/alaska-ice-tested-as-possible-new-energy-source/

[SEPP Comment: The headline is misleading. The article discusses the possible use of methane hydrates.]

An American Oil Find That Holds More Than All of OPEC

By Alan Farnham, ABC News, Nov 13, 2012 [H/t GWPF]

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/american-oil-find-holds-oil-opec/story?id=17536852&singlePage=true#.UKP234eX8Z6

[SEPP Comment: Two major questions: Can it be extracted at a competitive price and will Washington allow it? Interior has already put a major portion of the formation off-limits.]

Warning issued on ?experimental? fracking

By Staff Writers, Erie, Pa. (UPI), Nov 12, 2012

http://www.energy-daily.com/reports/Warning_issued_on_experimental_fracking_999.html

[SEPP Comment: Academic ignorance! Over 60 years of experience does not give a basis of knowledge? The article does not correctly describe the used techniques.]

Washington?s Control of Oil, Gas and Coal

Obama?s war on energy is a war on jobs

Natural gas gives the economy much-needed boost

By William Triplett, Washington Times, Nov 15, 2012

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/nov/15/obamas-war-on-energy-is-a-war-on-jobs/

More research on arctic oil spills urged

By Staff Writers, Anchorage, Alaska (UPI), Nov 14, 2012

http://www.energy-daily.com/reports/More_research_on_arctic_oil_spills_urged_999.html

[SEPP Comment: Another excuse for stopping or slow-rolling drilling. Over 40 years of experience is not enough?]

API?s Gerard discusses future of Keystone XL

By Staff Writer, EENews, Nov 14, 2012

http://www.eenews.net/tv/transcript/1602

Return of King Coal?

With China and India Ravenous for Energy, Coal?s Future Seems Assured

By Peter Galuszka, NYT, Nov 12, 2012

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/13/business/energy-environment/china-leads-the-way-as-demand-for-coal-surges-worldwide.html

Oil Spills, Gas Leaks & Consequences

BP, US reach $4.5B settlement for Gulf spill

By Ben Geman, The Hill, Nov 15, 2012

http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/268123-bp-nearing-criminal-settlement-over-2010-gulf-spill

Guilty plea to cost BP $4B for explosion

By Jerry Seper, Washington Times, Nov 15, 2012

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/nov/15/guilty-plea-to-cost-bp-4b-for-explosion/

Coast Guard: Two missing in Gulf oil platform explosion

By Ben Geman, The Hill, Nov 16, 2012

http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/268481-coast-guard-no-reports-of-spil-from-fatal-gulf-oil-platform-explosion

[SEPP Comment: Another round of political oil bashing from those who demand complete safety which is impossible, even in Congress.]

Nuclear Energy and Fears

Chernobyl cleanup workers had significantly increased risk of leukemia

By Staff Writers, San Francisco CA (SPX), Nov 13, 2012

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Chernobyl_cleanup_workers_had_significantly_increased_risk_of_leukemia_999.html

[SEPP Comment: According to the article, 16% of 137 cases of leukemia among 111,000 workers was attributed to Chernobyl. This works out to 22 cases or 0.02% of those studied.]

IEA cuts nuclear power growth forecast

By Staff Writers, WNN, Nov 12, 2012

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/EE-IEA_cuts_nuclear_power_growth_forecast-1211124.html

Alternative, Green (?Clean?) Solar and Wind

Australia scraps Solar Dawn project

By Staff Writers, Brisbane, Australia (UPI), Nov 13, 2012

http://www.solardaily.com/reports/Australia_scraps_Solar_Dawn_project_999.html

Bosch quits Desertec

By Quirin Schiermeier, Nature News Blog, Nov 13, 2012

http://blogs.nature.com/news/2012/11/bosch-quits-desertec.html

[SEPP Comment: Among other investors in this huge project is the re-insurance company Munich Re which recently issued a widely cited report claiming dangerous global warming / climate change from carbon dioxide emissions.

Is Colorado's "new energy economy" still viable in light of recent setbacks in the industry? No

Green is still unsustainable

By William Yeatman, Denver Post, Nov 11, 2012 [H/t Cooler Heads]

http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_21960082/no-green-is-still-unsustainable

Alternative, Green (?Clean?) Vehicles

JD Power study: Electric vehicle economics don?t pencil out

By Jerry Hirsch, LA Times, Nov 8, 2012

http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-mo-autos-electric-vehicle-costs-20121108,0,4965785.story

[SEPP Comment: Why should politicians be concerned with consumer economics?]

California Dreaming

Pulling billions out of thin air

California unleashes cap-and-trade scheme

Editorial, Washington Times, Nov 12, 2012

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/nov/12/pulling-billions-out-of-thin-air/

[SEPP Comment: As many organizations are lining up to get part of the ?free money? that will cost California consumers dearly.]

Latest tool to fight global warming: an auction

By Michael Gardner, U-T San Diego, Nov 13, 2012 [H/t John Coleman]

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/nov/13/latest-tool-fight-global-warming-auction/?page=1#article

California Debuts Cap-and-Trade Program Amid Legal Challenge

By Sonal Patel, Power News, Nov 15, 2012

http://www.powermag.com/POWERnews/5144.html?hq_e=el&hq_m=2562950&hq_l=4&hq_v=5e660500d0

Environmental Industry

Trouble at Brazil mega-dam stops construction for now

By Staff Writers, Rio De Janeiro (AFP), Nov 12, 2012

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Trouble_at_Brazil_mega-dam_stops_construction_for_now_999.html

[SEPP Comment: Destroying buildings is just another way for greens to protest.]

C2ES? Roy discusses expectations for new Senate Energy committee leadership

By Staff Writer, EENews, Nov 13, 2012

http://www.eenews.net/tv/transcript/1601

[SEPP Comment: The re-named Pew climate lobbying group defending the EPA.]

Canada?s push for dirty tar sands oil is out of step

By Staff Writers, Ottawa, Canada (SPX), Nov 12, 2012

http://www.energy-daily.com/reports/Canadas_push_for_dirty_tar_sands_oil_is_out_of_step_999.html

[SEPP Comment: Green journalism.]

Other Scientific News

Superbug MRSA Identified in U.S. Wastewater Treatment Plants

By Staff Writers, College Park MD (SPX), Nov 12, 2012

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Superbug_MRSA_Identified_in_US_Wastewater_Treatment_Plants_999.html

A New Technique to Protect Astronauts from Space Radiation

By Shannon Ridinger for Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville AL (SPX), Nov 12, 2012

http://www.spacemart.com/reports/A_New_Technique_to_Protect_Astronauts_from_Space_Radiation_999.html

Corals attacked by toxic seaweed use chemical 911 signals to summon help

By Staff Writers, Atlanta GA (SPX), Nov 15, 2012

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Corals_attacked_by_toxic_seaweed_use_chemical_911_signals_to_summon_help_999.html

Other News that May Be of Interest

Research suggests that humans are slowly but surely losing intellectual and emotional abilities

By Staff Writers, London, UK (SPX), Nov 15, 2012

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Research_suggests_that_humans_are_slowly_but_surely_losing_intellectual_and_emotional_abilities_999.html

[SEPP Comment: Are we losing our intellectual skills as we cease to be hunter-gatherers.]

Historic coral collapse on Great Barrier Reef

By Staff Writers, Brisbane, Australia (SPX), Nov 15, 2012

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Historic_coral_collapse_on_Great_Barrier_Reef_999.html

[SEPP Comment: From development on land.]

###################################################

BELOW THE BOTTOM LINE:

That CO2 is powerful stuff, now causes satellites to be threatened in orbit due to lingering space debris

By Anthony Watts, WUWT, Nov 12, 2012

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2012/11/12/that-co2-is-powerful-stuff-now-causes-satellites-to-fall-from-orbit/

China?s endangered pandas face bamboo shortage threat

By Staff Writers, Paris (AFP), Nov 11, 2012

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Chinas_endangered_pandas_face_bamboo_shortage_threat_999.html

[SEPP Comment: From global warming / climate change, of course.]

Denmark Scraps Much-Maligned ?Fat Tax? After a Year

By Clemens Bomsdorf, WSJ, Nov 11, 2012

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323894704578113120622763136.html?mod=ITP_pageone_2

Products such as butter, oil, sausage, cheese and cream were subject to increases of as much as 9% immediately after the new tax was enacted.

[SEPP Comment: According to the article, all products with more than 2.3% saturated fat were subject to the tax. Apparently, Denmark was trying to eliminate the traditional egg breakfast.]

Love potion #10: Hormonal treatment to ensure fidelity?

By Staff Writers, ACSH, Nov 16, 2012

http://www.acsh.org/love-potion-10-hormonal-treatment-to-ensure-fidelity/

###################################################

On the Road Again: On November 28, Fred Singer will be leaving for another lecture tour in Europe. On November 30 he will be speaking at the EIKE Conference in Munich, co-sponsored by Heartland. On December 3, he will be in Geneva giving three talks: luncheon talk to the BSCC, an afternoon talk with the WMO, and an evening talk ?The Climate Debate.? On December 5, he give a 3pm open lecture on ?Skeptical about Climate Catastrophes? at the Google building in Zurich To RSVP contact Johan Branstroem +41 76 79 89 579. He will give another open talk in Vienna on Dec 7 at 6 pm. To RSVP contact Gabriella Engler at the F. von Hayek Institute. For additional information please contact Ken@SEPP.org.

Like this:

Be the first to like this.

Source: http://wattsupwiththat.com/2012/11/18/weekly-climate-and-energy-news-roundup-70/

transtar 316 william daley truffles truffles alabama vs lsu alabama vs lsu