A Free-Market Energy Blog

Archive

Posts from December 0

Michael Mann Praises Paul Ehrlich (for the record)

By Robert Bradley Jr. -- March 31, 2026

“Perhaps the most serious flaw in [The Population Bomb (1968)] was that it was much too optimistic about the future…. Signs of potential collapse, environmental and political, seem to be growing.” – Paul and Anne Ehrlich, Betrayal of Science and Reason (1996).

“Very sad news. Paul was a friend and a hero. He will be greatly missed.” – Professor Michael E. Mann, X

When it comes to the climate debate, Paul R. Ehrlich joins Climategate as a major reason to reject alarmism. And who other than Michael “Climategate” Mann praised Paul “False Alarm” Ehrlich.

The Sierra Club and other mainstream environmental groups could not muster the courage to RIP one of their own. The New York Times obituary had to focus on the famous false alarms. But not Michael Mann. Ehrlich and Mann are two peas in the neo-Malthusian pod.…

Competitive Nuclear: An Exchange

By Robert Bradley Jr. -- March 27, 2026

This exchange came in response to a general plea for more nuclear power from a free-market advocate who otherwise is opposed to the same government subsidies to wind, solar, and battery firms. The free-market opportunity is to 1) repeal federal mega-subsidies (Investment Tax Credit, Production Tax Credit, research & development, Price Anderson liability-cap protection); 2) end rate-base treatment under state public utility regulation; and 3) replace the Nuclear Regulatory Commission with the Institute for Nuclear Power Operations.

E. Calvin Beisner of the Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation posted (March 20):

Nuclear energy provides stable, 24/7 electricity with capacity factors often above 90%. Advanced Generation IV Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) offer passive safety features, shorter build times, scalability, and lower long-term costs. They can be deployed behind-the-meter for data centers and industrial users, reducing strain on the grid.…

Alberta Joins Solar/Wind Bust (uneconomic energy hits political risk)

By Robert Bradley Jr. -- March 26, 2026

“Why not state your real concern in plain English. ‘The profitability of my company and others in the renewable energy business is being negatively impacted by the refusal of the citizens of Alberta (aka ‘the government’) to financially subsidize transmission.” ( – Bill Mazurek to David Vonesch, below)

David Vonesch of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association, posted on social media:

A $408M write-down of ATCO’s wind and solar projects and development pipeline! Alarm bells are ringing loudly now but is anyone listening?

While the solar and wind industry has seen our concerns largely fall on deaf ears within government and at the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO), this should be a major wake up call for ALL Albertans that want to see investment of ANY kind in this province. Material, punitive and retroactive – Alberta is writing the book on how to kill investment: “provincially legislated changes … have materially and retroactively altered the economic conditions under which these renewable assets were developed and financed,” the ATCO company said.

Leading EV Battery Company Joins the Bust

By Robert Bradley Jr. -- March 25, 2026

“These 18 Automakers Are Walking Away from EV Plans”

By Robert Bradley Jr. -- March 24, 2026

Is Public Stupidity Behind Climate Change Apathy?

By Robert Bradley Jr. -- March 23, 2026

Democrats Retreat from Climate Activism (energy affordability, electability in play)

By Robert Bradley Jr. -- March 19, 2026

“The Special Case of Paul Ehrlich” (Julian Simon on his foe)

By Robert Bradley Jr. -- March 17, 2026

William A. Niskanen: Economist, Scholar, Foe of Political Capitalism

By Robert Bradley Jr. -- March 13, 2026

‘Energy Shortages and Regulatory Failures’ (Deregulation in 1981)

By Robert Bradley Jr. -- March 11, 2026