[Editor note: On this tax day, the author supplements his earlier The Conservative Case for a Carbon Tax with a libertarian view. His study begins with a critical assessment of government-, Malthusian-driven ‘consensus science,’ as well outlining the positive externalities of carbon dioxide (CO2) at ground level and in the atmosphere. His study then turns to political economy: government interventionism as a process (Austrian School economics), real-world governmentism (Public Choice economics), and the climate-policy insights of the late William Niskanen. The author’s critique of global CO2 pricing, border adjustments, and equity adjustments in light of F. A. Hayek’s ‘knowledge problem’ is particularly relevant to today’s debate. Calling for an end to the Paris Accord, the author champions universal liberty as the new climate policy.]…
Continue Reading“Protest loudly, politely, and often, and sue at every turn. Expose greed and support sound science…. Finally, always speak from a position of integrity and truth and NEVER exaggerate the way the wind industry does. It is possible, though not expected, that eventually truth will win the day. Be proud because you have the truth on your side – whether you win or not.”
– Interview with Tom Stacy (below)
“Finally, the wind lobby is telling the press and environmental groups that freezing the mandate will cost tens of thousands of renewables manufacturing jobs in Ohio. But the truth is Ohio has manufacturing jobs because we have the infrastructure, the natural resources, the education opportunities and the skills to compete in manufacturing. More expensive electricity would hurt that competitive advantage and cost Ohio jobs on net.”…
Continue ReadingEditor Note: This morning, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will hear testimony about energy from a philosophical perspective. Alex Epstein is a panelist at the hearing, Examining the Role of Environmental Policies on Access to Energy and Economic Opportunity. Other speakers are Father Robert A. Sirico, President, Acton Institute; Major General (Ret.) Robert Scales, Senior Military Analyst; Michael Breen, President & CEO, Truman National Security Project; and Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson II, Director, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
His opening comments as submitted follow (subtitles have been added).
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The energy industry is the industry that powers every other industry. To the extent energy is affordable, plentiful, and reliable, human beings thrive. To the extent energy is unaffordable, scarce, or unreliable, human beings suffer.
And yet in this election year, the candidates, especially the Republican candidates, have barely discussed energy.…
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