Editor’s Note: The following is the first part in a three-part series by the Energy Alliance, a project of the Texas Business Coalition, examining how the Public Utility Commission of Texas has violated consumer choice and market forces in the Texas electric market. MasterResource presents this analysis as an example of the perils of central planning and government monopoly.

On January 30, the Texas Supreme Court will hear arguments to determine the legality of a 2021 Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) rule that effectively imposed a $26 billion monopoly tax on buyers of electricity during Winter Storm Uri. The lawsuit to overturn the PUC’s decision was filed by electricity generator Luminant and others who lost money because of the PUC’s decision. [1] The Texas Third Court of Appeals found in favor of Luminant, ruling last year that the PUC’s price-setting rule was illegal.…

“Specifically, I’m proposing that the SPE join the frontline in debunking anti-Oil & Gas bias and climate alarmism by providing educational materials, bringing in distinguished lecturers on the subject, holding related symposiums and discussion panels, and more; perhaps develop a Monograph on Energy, Progress, and Climate. As you should know, the facts support the Oil & Gas industry.

In a letter dated July 28, 2023, William “Rod” Guice, a petroleum engineer in California, called upon the Society of Petroleum Engineers to morally defend the industry and thus praise the livelihood of its members. His letter, which deserves to be read in its entirely, follows:

A manager whom I admire for a California Oil & Gas Operator made this interesting statement not long ago: “The Oil & Gas business used to be an honorable profession.”

Ed. note: This post excerpts energy and climate material from the Media Balance Newsletter, a free fortnightly published by physicist John Droz Jr., founder of the Alliance for Wise Energy Decisions. The complete Newsletter for this post can be found here.

Renewable Energy: Health and Ecosystem Consequences:
*** Short video: The Disturbing Reality of Cobalt Mining for Rechargeable Batteries

Renewables (General):
*** Don’t Fall For “Feel Good” Where Evil Lurks
*** Duke Energy’s “Black Christmas”: Outrageous Story of the Week
*** Short video: Rick Perry – We can’t let climate alarmists drive us from energy reality
Never-opened $300 million-plus biofuels refinery facing foreclosure in Oregon
Green Energy Infatuation Puts Millions at Risk of Death
Researchers work toward harnessing ocean energy to power devices

Wind Energy — Offshore:
*** New NOAA map shows North Atlantic Right Whales in very same areas targeted for offshore wind development
*** NJ congressman demands investigation into whether offshore wind projects are killing whales
*** Whales on losing side of wind energy
In the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, a Quiet Reckoning Over Offshore Wind
The silly giant scale of US offshore wind development
No!…

Ed. note: This post excerpts energy and climate material from the Media Balance Newsletter, a free fortnightly published by physicist John Droz Jr., founder of the Alliance for Wise Energy Decisions. The complete Newsletter for this post can be found here.

Greed Energy Economics:
*** Germany Sets Windfall Tax at 90% for Clean Power Generators
UK Power Prices Skyrocket As Wind Generation Collapses

Renewable Energy Health and Ecosystem Consequences:
*** Updated Study: Wind Turbine Syndrome: The Impact of Wind Farms on Suicide
*** Northern long-eared bat reclassified as endangered (Note: This could be good news for wind warriors: a new tool in their arsenal!)
Archive Study: Effects of low-frequency noise from wind turbines on heart rate variability in healthy individuals

Renewables (General):
*** Report: Lack of energy storage makes renewables-only grids a pipe dream
*** Electricity Generation with 100% Renewables is a Fantasy
Grand Wind & Solar ‘Transition’ Already Doomed to Total Failure
Why Wind and Solar Owners Love Energy Storage
COP Climate Cult Can’t Deal With Europe’s Monumental Wind & Solar Failure
Europe to U.S.:…