iowaclimatescienceeducation--2020-03-31--Rent Seeking Goes Viral (competing energies seek special favor)

“ We write on behalf of our millions of members , supporters and employees to ask that you prioritize enacting a robust package of critical clean energy tax incentives this year .
These incentives create jobs , boost energy independence and cut greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
” ( Renewable Energy Groups , February 27 , 2020 ) “ The fuel security provided by coal reserves at power plants offers resiliency to a system that is bracing for uncertainty , and it is imperative to keep these plants online—whether through the use of the Defense Production Act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security.
” ( National Mining Association , March 18 , 2020 ) When government favor is offered to some businesses or industries , expect other businesses or industries to ask for the same–or more .
In the current Pandemic , competing energy trade associations predictably wrote letters to lawmakers and have lobbied hard behind the scenes to get special treatment .
Two letter requests from the “ clean energy ” interests ( wind , solar , electric vehicles ) and from the coal industry are reprinted below .
A plea from the oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oklahoma ) for “ anti-dumping ” relief is also reprinted .
( An Appendix adds a letter from the US nuclear industry from operational freedom during the pandemic . )
The February 27 , 2020 , letter follows submitted by twenty-four ‘ Bootleggers and Baptists ’ groups : • Industry ( 8 ) American Council on Renewable Energy ; American Wind Energy Association ; Business Network for Offshore Wind ; Electric Drive Transportation Association ; Energy Storage Association ; EV Drive Coalition ; Southern Alliance for Clean Energy ; Solar Energy Industries Association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; Vote Climate Reality Project ; Earth Justice ; Environment America ; Environmental Defense Fund ; ; Friends Committee on National Legislation ; League of Conservation Voters ; National Audubon Society ; National Wildlife Federation ; Natural Resources Defense Council ; Protect Our Winters ; Public Citizen ; Sierra Club ; Union of Concerned Scientists ; Voices for Progress ; World Wildlife Fund Dear Chairmen Neal and Grassley and Ranking Members Brady and Wyden : We write on behalf of our millions of members , supporters and employees to ask that you prioritize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ energy tax incentives this year .
These incentives create jobs , boost energy independence and cut greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change .
The science tells us we are running out of time to avoid the worst impacts of climate change , which threatens to devastate our communities and our economy .
Accelerating the deployment of clean energy and electric vehicles is essential to addressing this crisis .
Tax incentives remain our most effective federal policy tool , but many of them are phasing down , in need of modernization , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not afford to backslide on clean energy and the climate .
We ask that you come together to get these clean energy tax incentives done in the 116th Congress .
According to a December 2019 poll by the Global Strategy Group , 89 % of Americans from across the political spectrum support extending clean energy tax credits for solar , wind and energy storage to combat climate change , grow the economy , and protect public health.These findings complement the conclusions of a recent Rhodium Group analysis showing that extending tax credits for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as much as 38 % of total U.S. electricity generation by 2030 .
From electric vehicles to energy efficiency , there are now over 3 million Americans working in the clean energy sector ; these pro-business/pro-consumer incentives make clean energy more affordable and help create jobs in every state .
Updating and extending tax incentives for clean energy , energy storage , energy efficiency and electric vehicles is essential for addressing climate change , and we can not afford further delay .
We urge you to enact the following provisions this year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Energy Storage Tax Incentive and Deployment Act of 2019 ” .
This bipartisan legislation will extend to batteries and electricity storage systems the same ITC currently offered to PV solar .
Energy storage helps integrate more renewable energy onto our electric grid and increases grid reliability and resiliency .
• H.R .
3961 and S. 2289 , “ The Renewable Energy Extension Act ” .Extending the investment tax credit for solar and other technologies will help us build on the current 2.6 % of solar in our electricity mix.The ITC can spark major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , create hundreds of thousands of jobs , and help ensure that immediately available technologies are deployed rapidly to meet pressing climate goals .
• Extend the Production Tax Credit ( PTC ) for wind as included in the House Ways and Means Committee ’ s GREEN Act proposal .
Extending the current PTC for wind for an additional five years will expand the 500 manufacturing facilities involved in producing wind energy components and dramatically reduce carbon emissions .
In 2018 , the electricity generated from wind turbines avoided an estimated 201 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 43 million cars ’ worth of CO2 emissions.Alternatively , Congress could create a technology-neutral tax credit for renewable energy technologies based on their contribution to carbon emissions reduction .
• S. 1988/H.R .
4887 , “ The Offshore Wind Power Act ” , and S. 1957/H.R .
3473 , “ The Incentivizing Offshore Wind Power Act ” .By extending the 30 percent investment tax credit for offshore wind facilities , these bills will give us another tool in the climate fight by unlocking vast quantities of affordable , zero-emissions electricity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Renewable Energy Transferability Act ” .This bipartisan bill would provide limited transferability for renewable energy investment tax credits ( ITCs ) and production tax credits ( PTCs ) , which would expand the pool of investors for existing renewable energy incentives and drive additional renewables deployment .
Alternatively , Congress could facilitate tax credit monetization through a “ direct pay ” approach as outlined in the House Ways and Means Committee ’ s GREEN Act proposal .
• H.R.2256/S .
1094 , “ The Driving America Forward Act ” .Transportation is the largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) emissions , and cars and light-duty trucks are responsible for about 60 percent of those emissions .
This bill will increase the number of electric vehicles that are eligible for the existing tax credit , thereby dramatically increasing the number of electric vehicles on the road , improving air quality and cutting carbon emissions .
• H.R.4506/S .
2588 , “ Home Energy Savings Act ” ; H.R.4646/S .
2595 , “ New Home Energy Efficiency Act ” .
The residential and commercial sector accounts for 40 percent of U.S. energy consumption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , save businesses and consumers hundreds of millions of dollars annually on energy bills , and reduce the demand on the electric grid .
The 25C incentive for homeowner efficiency improvements , the Section 45L incentive for energy efficient new homes , and the Section 179Ddeduction for energy efficient commercial and multifamily buildings are outdated and should be modifiedtoreflect new technologies and market conditions .
We ask that you prioritize support for these critical clean energy tax incentives so that we can create jobs , increase energy independence , and make progress on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While not all the undersigned organizations work directly on each of these policies , we are united in our request for your consideration of these crucial clean energy priorities .
The National Mining Association sent this letter on March 18 , 2020 .
As the country faces this unique and mounting challenge around the COVID-19 pandemic , U.S. coal miners continue to work to provide the resources necessary to power America while bracing for the severe financial distress facing all sectors across the nation .
To minimize the impact of this crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure all businesses have the financial resources necessary to ride out the pandemic .
The coal industry is absolutely critical to securing a domestic , secure supply of affordable energy .
As global supply chains are disrupted , countries close their borders and the shock of national quarantines buffets the global economy , American-mined coal is here when it is needed .
The industry remains steadfast .
The fuel security provided by coal reserves at power plants offers resiliency to a system that is bracing for uncertainty , and it is imperative to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Defense Production Act or other means—in the interest of national security .
Further , as an essential industry for the processing of raw materials for equipment essential to primary operations in the electric power sector under Presidential Policy Directive 21 ( PPD-21 ) and the 2013 Department of Homeland Security National Infrastructure Protection Plan , additional designation is necessary to ensure the continued national operation of critical infrastructure and supply chains to allow uninterrupted operations .
To maintain this essential role , it is imperative that coal companies have access to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue operations .
Even before the recent crisis , the coal industry was struggling to recover from a series of disabling public policies impairing coal demand and production .
Compounding the impacts , late last year Congress imposed a $ 220 million tax increase on the industry through the Black Lung Excise Tax ( BLET ) .
The U.S. Department of Labor recently testified that increasing the tax rate was unnecessary as the lower tax rate is sufficient to cover beneficiary payments and program administration costs .
Congress should immediately reduce—not eliminate—the BLET @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would provide much needed relief for the coal industry and ensure continued revenue for the payment of benefits under the program that could otherwise face financial stress .
Separately , coal companies paid approximately $ 150 million in fees in fiscal year 2019 into the Abandoned Mine Land Fund to reclaim high-priority coal mines abandoned or not sufficiently reclaimed before 1977 .
Over the last 40 years , more than $ 11 billion plus interest have been collected into the fund .
Reclamation projects at existing operations and historic sites continue today even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an estimated $ 2.2 billion already in the fund , Congress should provide a temporary 50 percent reduction in the amount of fees collected for surface- , underground- and lignite-mined coal to ensure the continued purpose of reclaiming high priority abandoned and active coal mines .
Congress should also suspend or reduce the federal royalty payments to the treasury .
Royalty rates for federal coal are 30 percent to 65 percent higher than the prevailing rates for private coal in the East .
Moreover , federal coal lessees pay bonus bids and surface @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private coal leasing transactions .
Between taxes , fees and royalties , the federal , state and local governments receive almost 40 cents on every dollar of coal sold from the Powder River Basin .
This relief , well in line with other industries , would help companies operating on federal lands to mitigate the economic impacts of COVID-19 while maintaining operational capacity and ensuring access to in-demand energy resources .
Recent policy announcements to immediately increase the availability of credit must also be expanded to make certain that the credit is readily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short term without prejudice or discrimination .
Under pressure from environment groups , financial institutions have divested from carbon-intensive industries , specifically coal , over the last decade , leaving very limited options available to the coal industry .
Without access to available credit , the operations of hundreds of mines will be threatened , together with the nearly 81,000 miners they employ .
In a perilous time , the essential work of our coal miners to produce the fuel to keep the lights on and homes warm and the certainty and security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need to keep the country moving forward .
We appreciate your consideration and thank you for your leadership during these very difficult times .
On March 18 , 2020 , U.S .
Senator James Inhofe ( R-Ok ) wrote the following letter to Secretary Wilbur Ross of the U.S. Department of Commerce We write urging you to initiate a Section 232 investigation into the excessive dumping of crude oil by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Russian Federation .
As you know , the global oil market is in disarray in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent actions taken by Saudi Arabia and Russia to flood the oil market with an unprecedented supply of crude .
The manipulation of markets has roiled the economy , causing severe trauma to the American energy industry .
It is essential that the American government respond with swift , decisive action .
We are deeply concerned about the inevitable loss of American jobs and investment in our nation ’ s energy infrastructure as a result of this price war .
We applaud President Trump and his Administration ’ s historic success in securing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is essential to America ’ s national security interests that egregious actions like those of Saudi Arabia and Russia be rebuked immediately .
The global economy is already suffering as a result of the pandemic caused by COVID-19 , and these actions taken by Saudi Arabia and Russia have added unprecedented hardship on American oil and gas producers and the thousands of blue-collar workers they employ .
It is fundamentally important the the Department of Commerce pursue a Section 232 investigation into the deliberate actions of these Foreign nations to weaken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appreciate your urgent consideration of this request and look forward to continuing our shared commitment of supporting a strong , robust American economy .
On March 20 , 2020 , the Nuclear Energy Institute send the following letter to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette .
Perpetually subsidized by government , this letter does not ask for specific monies but only freedom of operation for employees and materials .
Thank you very much for speaking at the Nuclear Energy Institute ’ s recent Executive Committee meeting .
The U.S. nuclear energy industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide clean , reliable and affordable electricity as the nation addresses the COVID-19 pandemic .
As follow-up to our discussion , we want to work with you , the Administration and state governors to ensure nuclear workers and the suppliers and vendors that we rely on to meet electricity demands are allowed unimpeded access to the plants .
As you know , nuclear energy plants have been designated by the Department of Homeland Security as critical infrastructure , because continued operation of the power grid is vital to pandemic response .
Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during a pandemic , and our plants have implemented these to the degree required by local conditions .
To date , all operating plants are continuing to run reliably , and refueling operations already underway are moving forward on schedule .
However , we want to bring to your attention the unique requirement with respect to nuclear reactors and the need to load a fresh batch of fuel once every 18 or 24 months .
The reactors typically shut down for two to four weeks of intense work , including maintenance that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not operating .
These “ refueling outages ” are typically scheduled in the Spring and Fall when electricity demand is lowest .
Each plant typically brings in several hundred specialized workers for this work over a typical period of 30-60 days , which includes activities in advance of and following the outage .
These workers typically stay in hotels or board with local families , and eat in restaurants .
In the course of performing these outages , and in routine operations , nuclear power plants utilize personal protective equipment ( PPE ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , these supplies are supplemented by medical PPE and supplies needed to protect workers and minimize the potential for spread .
Attachment 1 is the list of necessary PPE and supplies that are expected to be in short supply during this pandemic .
This Spring , 32 nuclear power stations in 21 states are planning to undergo refueling outages , which are essential to maintaining reliable and clean power generation .
We note that plants can also have unplanned safe shutdowns with similar challenges during a pandemic .
Attachment2 provides the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the planned refueling outages in 2020 .
Across the nuclear fleet , precautions are being taken to limit the risks of COVID-19 during these intense work periods , including : • Directing employees who don ’ t feel well to stay home , encouraging them to seek medical attention , and asking for a report on their condition ; • Excluding personnel who have recently been in countries impacted by the virus ; • Screening of employees , contractors , and any necessary visitors at the plant gate and , at some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Closing or limiting access to cafeterias and other places employees congregate ; and To help in addressing potential challenges to maintaining a reliable electric grid during the COVID-19 pandemic and particularly during current and near-term refueling outages here and abroad , we have identified specific actions that would be of immediate benefit in helping the people and the companies of our nation ’ s nuclear energy sector to withstand the ongoing operational and economic disruption : • Ensure that the Federal designation of essential workers includes workers supporting nuclear operations and refueling outages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the performance of these essential activities ; • Maintain hotel and food services to support these essential activities ; • Permit unfettered access to travel across state lines and in communities in order to reach plant sites , lodging , and food services ; • Provide priority for PPE , in particular , surgeons ’ gloves , sanitized wipes , dust masks , and disposable thermometers ; • Provide priority for COVID-19 testing kits and necessary radiological and medical protective equipment and supplies for nuclear workers ; and • Permit international workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the U.S. and establish protocols immediately to enable their safe entry .
We urge your support for these actions , and we stand ready to work with you to ensure our nation ’ s energy needs are met safely , reliably and affordably –today , tomorrow , and for the long-term .

“We write on behalf of our millions of members, supporters and employees to ask that you prioritize enacting a robust package of critical clean energy tax incentives this year. These incentives create jobs, boost energy independence and cut greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.” (Renewable Energy Groups, February 27, 2020) “The fuel security provided by coal reserves at power plants offers resiliency to a system that is bracing for uncertainty, and it is imperative to keep these plants online—whether through the use of the Defense Production Act or other means—in the interest of national security.” (National Mining Association, March 18, 2020)
When government favor is offered to some businesses or industries, expect other businesses or industries to ask for the same–or more. In the current Pandemic, competing energy trade associations predictably wrote letters to lawmakers and have lobbied hard behind the scenes to get special treatment.
Two letter requests from the “clean energy” interests (wind, solar, electric vehicles) and from the coal industry are reprinted below. A plea from the oil industry (via a US Senator from Oklahoma) for “anti-dumping” relief is also reprinted. (An Appendix adds a letter from the US nuclear industry from operational freedom during the pandemic.)
“Clean Energy” Advocates: “Climate Crisis”
The February 27, 2020, letter follows submitted by twenty-four ‘Bootleggers and Baptists’ groups:
Industry (8) American Council on Renewable Energy; American Wind Energy Association; Business Network for Offshore Wind; Electric Drive Transportation Association; Energy Storage Association; EV Drive Coalition; Southern Alliance for Clean Energy; Solar Energy Industries Association
Baptists (16) Climate Hawks; Vote Climate Reality Project; Earth Justice; Environment America; Environmental Defense Fund; ; Friends Committee on National Legislation; League of Conservation Voters; National Audubon Society; National Wildlife Federation; Natural Resources Defense Council; Protect Our Winters; Public Citizen; Sierra Club; Union of Concerned Scientists; Voices for Progress; World Wildlife Fund
Dear Chairmen Neal and Grassley and Ranking Members Brady and Wyden:
We write on behalf of our millions of members, supporters and employees to ask that you prioritize enacting a robust package of critical clean energy tax incentives this year. These incentives create jobs, boost energy independence and cut greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
The science tells us we are running out of time to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, which threatens to devastate our communities and our economy. Accelerating the deployment of clean energy and electric vehicles is essential to addressing this crisis.
Tax incentives remain our most effective federal policy tool, but many of them are phasing down, in need of modernization, or will soon expire. We cannot afford to backslide on clean energy and the climate. We ask that you come together to get these clean energy tax incentives done in the 116th Congress.
According to a December 2019 poll by the Global Strategy Group, 89% of Americans from across the political spectrum support extending clean energy tax credits for solar, wind and energy storage to combat climate change, grow the economy, and protect public health.These findings complement the conclusions of a recent Rhodium Group analysis showing that extending tax credits for solar and wind could grow renewables to as much as 38% of total U.S. electricity generation by 2030.
From electric vehicles to energy efficiency, there are now over 3 million Americans working in the clean energy sector; these pro-business/pro-consumer incentives make clean energy more affordable and help create jobs in every state. Updating and extending tax incentives for clean energy, energy storage, energy efficiency and electric vehicles is essential for addressing climate change,and we cannot afford further delay. We urge you to enact the following provisions this year.
H.R.2096/S. 1142, “ The Energy Storage Tax Incentive and Deployment Act of 2019 ”. This bipartisan legislation will extend to batteries and electricity storage systems the same ITC currently offered to PV solar. Energy storage helps integrate more renewable energy onto our electric grid and increases grid reliability and resiliency.
”. This bipartisan legislation will extend to batteries and electricity storage systems the same ITC currently offered to PV solar. Energy storage helps integrate more renewable energy onto our electric grid and increases grid reliability and resiliency. H.R. 3961 and S. 2289, “The Renewable Energy Extension Act”.Extending the investment tax credit for solar and other technologies will help us build on the current 2.6% of solar in our electricity mix.The ITC can spark major investment in renewable energy at this critical time, create hundreds of thousands of jobs, and help ensure that immediately available technologies are deployed rapidly to meet pressing climate goals.
Extend the Production Tax Credit (PTC) for wind as included in the House Ways and Means Committee’s GREEN Act proposal. Extending the current PTC for wind for an additional five years will expand the 500 manufacturing facilities involved in producing wind energy components and dramatically reduce carbon emissions. In 2018, the electricity generated from wind turbines avoided an estimated 201 million tons of carbon pollution, or more than 43 million cars’ worth of CO2 emissions.Alternatively, Congress could create a technology-neutral tax credit for renewable energy technologies based on their contribution to carbon emissions reduction.
S. 1988/H.R. 4887, “The Offshore Wind Power Act”, and S. 1957/H.R. 3473, “The Incentivizing Offshore Wind Power Act”.By extending the 30 percent investment tax credit for offshore wind facilities, these bills will give us another tool in the climate fight by unlocking vast quantities of affordable, zero-emissions electricity.
H.R. 2704,“The Renewable Energy Transferability Act”.This bipartisan bill would provide limited transferability for renewable energy investment tax credits (ITCs) and production tax credits (PTCs), which would expand the pool of investors for existing renewable energy incentives and drive additional renewables deployment. Alternatively, Congress could facilitate tax credit monetization through a “direct pay” approach as outlined in the House Ways and Means Committee’s GREEN Act proposal.
H.R.2256/S. 1094, “The Driving America Forward Act”.Transportation is the largest source of U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and cars and light-duty trucks are responsible for about 60 percent of those emissions. This bill will increase the number of electric vehicles that are eligible for the existing tax credit, thereby dramatically increasing the number of electric vehicles on the road, improving air quality and cutting carbon emissions.
H.R.4506/S. 2588, “Home Energy Savings Act”; H.R.4646/S. 2595, “New Home Energy Efficiency Act”. The residential and commercial sector accounts for 40 percent of U.S. energy consumption. Improved efficiency will reduce harmful emissions, save businesses and consumers hundreds of millions of dollars annually on energy bills, and reduce the demand on the electric grid. The 25C incentive for homeowner efficiency improvements, the Section 45L incentive for energy efficient new homes, and the Section 179Ddeduction for energy efficient commercial and multifamily buildings are outdated and should be modifiedtoreflect new technologies and market conditions.
We ask that you prioritize support for these critical clean energy tax incentives so that we can create jobs, increase energy independence, and make progress on addressing climate change instead of going backwards. While not all the undersigned organizations work directly on each of these policies, we are united in our request for your consideration of these crucial clean energy priorities.
The Coal Industry: “Fuel Security”
The National Mining Association sent this letter on March 18, 2020.
Dear Mr. President, Speaker Pelosi, and Majority Leader McConnell:
As the country faces this unique and mounting challenge around the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. coal miners continue to work to provide the resources necessary to power America while bracing for the severe financial distress facing all sectors across the nation. To minimize the impact of this crisis on the coal industry, Congress should ensure all businesses have the financial resources necessary to ride out the pandemic.
The coal industry is absolutely critical to securing a domestic, secure supply of affordable energy. As global supply chains are disrupted, countries close their borders and the shock of national quarantines buffets the global economy, American-mined coal is here when it is needed. The industry remains steadfast.
The fuel security provided by coal reserves at power plants offers resiliency to a system that is bracing for uncertainty, and it is imperative to keep these plants online—whether through the use of the Defense Production Act or other means—in the interest of national security.
Further, as an essential industry for the processing of raw materials for equipment essential to primary operations in the electric power sector under Presidential Policy Directive 21 (PPD-21) and the 2013 Department of Homeland Security National Infrastructure Protection Plan, additional designation is necessary to ensure the continued national operation of critical infrastructure and supply chains to allow uninterrupted operations.
To maintain this essential role, it is imperative that coal companies have access to the necessary cash flow they need to continue operations. Even before the recent crisis, the coal industry was struggling to recover from a series of disabling public policies impairing coal demand and production. Compounding the impacts, late last year Congress imposed a $220 million tax increase on the industry through the Black Lung Excise Tax (BLET).
The U.S. Department of Labor recently testified that increasing the tax rate was unnecessary as the lower tax rate is sufficient to cover beneficiary payments and program administration costs. Congress should immediately reduce—not eliminate—the BLET to its 2019 levels. Doing so would provide much needed relief for the coal industry and ensure continued revenue for the payment of benefits under the program that could otherwise face financial stress.
Separately, coal companies paid approximately $150 million in fees in fiscal year 2019 into the Abandoned Mine Land Fund to reclaim high-priority coal mines abandoned or not sufficiently reclaimed before 1977. Over the last 40 years, more than $11 billion plus interest have been collected into the fund. Reclamation projects at existing operations and historic sites continue today even during this time of crisis.
With an estimated $2.2 billion already in the fund, Congress should provide a temporary 50 percent reduction in the amount of fees collected for surface-, underground- and lignite-mined coal to ensure the continued purpose of reclaiming high priority abandoned and active coal mines.
Congress should also suspend or reduce the federal royalty payments to the treasury. Royalty rates for federal coal are 30 percent to 65 percent higher than the prevailing rates for private coal in the East. Moreover, federal coal lessees pay bonus bids and surface rentals, financial features rarely found in private coal leasing transactions.
Between taxes, fees and royalties, the federal, state and local governments receive almost 40 cents on every dollar of coal sold from the Powder River Basin. This relief, well in line with other industries, would help companies operating on federal lands to mitigate the economic impacts of COVID-19 while maintaining operational capacity and ensuring access to in-demand energy resources.
Recent policy announcements to immediately increase the availability of credit must also be expanded to make certain that the credit is readily available to all operating businesses in the short term without prejudice or discrimination. Under pressure from environment groups, financial institutions have divested from carbon-intensive industries, specifically coal, over the last decade, leaving very limited options available to the coal industry. Without access to available credit, the operations of hundreds of mines will be threatened, together with the nearly 81,000 miners they employ.
In a perilous time, the essential work of our coal miners to produce the fuel to keep the lights on and homes warm and the certainty and security provided by coal power is just what we need to keep the country moving forward. We appreciate your consideration and thank you for your leadership during these very difficult times.
Oil Industry: ‘Dumping’ Investigation
On March 18, 2020, U.S. Senator James Inhofe (R-Ok) wrote the following letter to Secretary Wilbur Ross of the U.S. Department of Commerce
We write urging you to initiate a Section 232 investigation into the excessive dumping of crude oil by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Russian Federation. As you know, the global oil market is in disarray in large part as a result of the recent actions taken by Saudi Arabia and Russia to flood the oil market with an unprecedented supply of crude. The manipulation of markets has roiled the economy, causing severe trauma to the American energy industry. It is essential that the American government respond with swift, decisive action.
We are deeply concerned about the inevitable loss of American jobs and investment in our nation’s energy infrastructure as a result of this price war. We applaud President Trump and his Administration’s historic success in securing America’s energy independence; however, it is essential to America’s national security interests that egregious actions like those of Saudi Arabia and Russia be rebuked immediately.
The global economy is already suffering as a result of the pandemic caused by COVID-19, and these actions taken by Saudi Arabia and Russia have added unprecedented hardship on American oil and gas producers and the thousands of blue-collar workers they employ. It is fundamentally important the the Department of Commerce pursue a Section 232 investigation into the deliberate actions of these Foreign nations to weaken America’s energy independence.
We appreciate your urgent consideration of this request and look forward to continuing our shared commitment of supporting a strong, robust American economy.
APPENDIX: Nuclear Power: Electric Reliability
On March 20, 2020, the Nuclear Energy Institute send the following letter to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette. Perpetually subsidized by government, this letter does not ask for specific monies but only freedom of operation for employees and materials.
Thank you very much for speaking at the Nuclear Energy Institute’s recent Executive Committee meeting. The U.S. nuclear energy industry is committed to working with the Administration to provide clean, reliable and affordable electricity as the nation addresses the COVID-19 pandemic.
As follow-up to our discussion, we want to work with you, the Administration and state governors to ensure nuclear workers and the suppliers and vendors that we rely on to meet electricity demands are allowed unimpeded access to the plants.
Background on Nuclear Continuity Requirements
As you know, nuclear energy plants have been designated by the Department of Homeland Security as critical infrastructure, because continued operation of the power grid is vital to pandemic response. Our industry has multi-stage plans to continue operations during a pandemic, and our plants have implemented these to the degree required by local conditions. To date, all operating plants are continuing to run reliably, and refueling operations already underway are moving forward on schedule.
However, we want to bring to your attention the unique requirement with respect to nuclear reactors and the need to load a fresh batch of fuel once every 18 or 24 months. The reactors typically shut down for two to four weeks of intense work, including maintenance that can only be performed while the reactor is not operating. These “refueling outages” are typically scheduled in the Spring and Fall when electricity demand is lowest. Each plant typically brings in several hundred specialized workers for this work over a typical period of 30-60 days, which includes activities in advance of and following the outage. These workers typically stay in hotels or board with local families, and eat in restaurants.
In the course of performing these outages, and in routine operations, nuclear power plants utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies for radiological protection. During the pandemic, these supplies are supplemented by medical PPE and supplies needed to protect workers and minimize the potential for spread. Attachment 1 is the list of necessary PPE and supplies that are expected to be in short supply during this pandemic.
This Spring, 32 nuclear power stations in 21 states are planning to undergo refueling outages, which are essential to maintaining reliable and clean power generation. We note that plants can also have unplanned safe shutdowns with similar challenges during a pandemic. Attachment2 provides the reactor name, location, and timeframe for the planned refueling outages in 2020.
Across the nuclear fleet, precautions are being taken to limit the risks of COVID-19 during these intense work periods, including:
Directing employees who don’t feel well to stay home, encouraging them to seek medical attention, and asking for a report on their condition;
Excluding personnel who have recently been in countries impacted by the virus;
Screening of employees, contractors, and any necessary visitors at the plant gate and, at some plants, taking their temperature;
Disinfecting surfaces more often;
Closing or limiting access to cafeterias and other places employees congregate; and
Increasing the number of handwashing facilities.
Urgent Support Needed to Ensure Continuity of Reactor Performance
To help in addressing potential challenges to maintaining a reliable electric grid during the COVID-19 pandemic and particularly during current and near-term refueling outages here and abroad, we have identified specific actions that would be of immediate benefit in helping the people and the companies of our nation’s nuclear energy sector to withstand the ongoing operational and economic disruption:
Ensure that the Federal designation of essential workers includes workers supporting nuclear operations and refueling outages;
Allow travel to the plants for the performance of these essential activities;
Maintain hotel and food services to support these essential activities;
Permit unfettered access to travel across state lines and in communities in order to reach plant sites, lodging, and food services;
Provide priority for PPE, in particular, surgeons’ gloves, sanitized wipes, dust masks, and disposable thermometers;
Provide priority for COVID-19 testing kits and necessary radiological and medical protective equipment and supplies for nuclear workers; and
Permit international workers who perform highly specialized functions to travel into the U.S. and establish protocols immediately to enable their safe entry.
We urge your support for these actions, and we stand ready to work with you to ensure our nation’s energy needs are met safely, reliably and affordably –today, tomorrow, and for the long-term.


iowaclimatescienceeducation--2020-03-31--Svalbard finds tranquilizing & removing problem polar bears comes with risks to bears

Posted on March 29 , 2020 | Comments Off on Svalbard finds tranquilizing & removing problem polar bears comes with risks to bears In Svalbard , Norway , it is routine practice to chase polar bears away from settlements with snow machines and helicopters , then tranquilize and relocate them if necessary but in late January this approach led to the death of a young male bear .
Necropsy results released 26 March 2020 revealed that the two year old bear , who had wandered into and around Longyearbyen multiple times in late January , was captured after a prolonged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was flown north to Nordaustlandet ( see map below ) from circulatory failure due to administering anesthesia after the prolonged stress of being chased .
Video here of the bear being chased out of Longyearbyen by helicopter ( photo above is of the New Year ’ s bear ) .
Longyearbyen has had more problems than usual with polar bears this winter due to the unusually extensive sea ice off the west coast of Svalbard .
Polar bears are particularly dangerous in winter and with the abundance of bears in recent years many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having to find their own solutions .
In the wee hours of New Years Day 2020 a fat Svalbard polar bear was shot because of persistent visits to downtown Longyearbyen and the public was outraged .
A few weeks later a bear attacked a dogsled loaded with tourists .
The death of the young bear in late January in the course of removing it ( rather than shooting it ) is a reminder that tranquilizing a polar bear , especially after a prolonged chase , can be as lethal as shooting it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ my bold ) : “ A two-year-old polar bear sedated and flown by helicopter away from Longyearbyen in late January because of repeated visits in/near town died during the flight of “ circulatory failure/shock due to the combination of prolonged chasing , stress and drug anesthesia , ” the Norwegian Polar Institute declared in a statement Thursday following an autopsy… The final encounter with the bear occurred at about 5:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at Vestpynten , about five kilometers outside Longyearbyen , as the animal was heading toward town .
Officials used one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to chase the bear into Adventfjorden , then stunned it with the intention of flying it to Nordaustlandet… Jon Aars , a polar bear expert for the Norwegian Polar Institute who has spent many years on research-related projects in Svalbard , said in an institute press release the bear ’ s behavior before being sedated suggests factors besides the drug that may have been a factor .
“ The bear had first been chased over time by helicopter and snowmobiles before being immobilized from the helicopter in the next round ( after a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Before immobilization , it did not run away from the helicopter , as a younger bear would normally do .
This may indicate that the bear has been exposed to hunting for a long time and/or under too-high speed in connection with its tolerance.
” “ Polar bears are well insulated and are therefore sensitive to being hunted so that they must run or walk fast for a long time , compared to what is natural .
There is a balance between what will be required pursuit speed to ensure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from settlements , and at the same time what is safe when it comes to its health.
” The autopsy shows the polar bear was healthy , with no injuries or signs of illness , although it ’ s size “ was typical of a one-year-old.
” “ This may also have been a two-year-old who was unusually small , ” Aars said .
“ Although it was supposed to be a two-year-old male , it has escaped from its mother several months before the normal age .
The fact that young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not uncommon , but the survival of single cubs is very low.
” The governor ’ s office , in its statement , notes they are reviewing the incident and chase/sedation procedures to avoid similar situation in the future , in consultation with experts from the polar institute .
“ This episode shows the importance of having a written protocol that has specific frameworks for chasing polar bears from helicopter or snowmobile , including speed and time for hunting , ” Aars said .
“ The governor is already in a process here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canadian administration will be used as the basis , in combination with advice from the polar institute .
The desire is to best safeguard safety and health both for people in Svalbard and for the polar bears there .
”

From Polar Bear Science
Posted on March 29, 2020 | Comments Off on Svalbard finds tranquilizing & removing problem polar bears comes with risks to bears
In Svalbard, Norway, it is routine practice to chase polar bears away from settlements with snow machines and helicopters, then tranquilize and relocate them if necessary but in late January this approach led to the death of a young male bear.
Necropsy results released 26 March 2020 revealed that the two year old bear, who had wandered into and around Longyearbyen multiple times in late January, was captured after a prolonged helicopter chase but died enroute as it was flown north to Nordaustlandet (see map below) from circulatory failure due to administering anesthesia after the prolonged stress of being chased.
Video here of the bear being chased out of Longyearbyen by helicopter (photo above is of the New Year’s bear). Longyearbyen has had more problems than usual with polar bears this winter due to the unusually extensive sea ice off the west coast of Svalbard. Polar bears are particularly dangerous in winter and with the abundance of bears in recent years many Arctic communities are at risk with each having to find their own solutions.
In the wee hours of New Years Day 2020 a fat Svalbard polar bear was shot because of persistent visits to downtown Longyearbyen and the public was outraged. A few weeks later a bear attacked a dogsled loaded with tourists. The death of the young bear in late January in the course of removing it (rather than shooting it) is a reminder that tranquilizing a polar bear, especially after a prolonged chase, can be as lethal as shooting it.
From this 26 March 2020 report (my bold):


iowaclimatescienceeducation--2020-03-31--Unintended Consequences? Polio and COVID 19

We must consider the unintended medical consequences of societal lockdowns hoping to prevent the spread of COVID 19 .
Unintended consequences are exemplified by past polio epidemics that left some of my classmates crippled .
For the most severely afflicted , a polio infection required , not a ventilator , but an iron lung for children to breathe .
The polio virus had likely been around for thousands of years , but in the 20th century severe epidemics began .
Why ?
In 1992 Dr Krause from the National Institute of Health published , “ There are numerous examples of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a consequence of changes in human practices and social behavior .
Epidemic poliomyelitis emerged in the first half of this century when modern sanitation delayed exposure of the virus until adolescence or adulthood , at which time it produced infection in the central nervous system and severe paralysis .
Before the introduction of modern sanitation , polio infection was acquired during infancy , at which time it seldom caused paralysis but provided lifelong immunity against subsequent polio infection and paralysis in later life .
[ emphasis mine ] Thus , the sanitation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an earlier era fostered the paralytic polio epidemic.
” Indeed , it was the more affluent people with higher standards of living that were most affected by polio epidemics , because their children were more likely isolated from milder strains .
As is the case for most rapidly mutating viruses , there will be various strains .
Some will cause mild effects while others could be deadly .
A strain ’ s virulence may depend on a person ’ s age and health .
There are several strains of influenza virus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There were 3 strains of poliovirus that were identified .
Vaccinations eradicated two types and now groups like the Rotary are funding work to eradicate the remaining type .
The observation that early exposure to polio viruses provided life-long immunity raises the question regards dealing with COVID 19 .
To what degree is sheltering in place preventing people from becoming naturally immune when infected with a mild strain ?
The larger the population of naturally immune people , the greater the “ fire-break ” that prevents the spread of a more deadly strain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exponential growth of a deadly strain , it also prevents the exponential growth of naturally immune people .
If so , perhaps a more targeted approach would be better .
Our elderly population are the most vulnerable and are often confined to crowded facilities .
People with compromised health conditions should self-isolate .
We definitely need to minimize the spread to those vulnerable people .
Perhaps designating one hospital to specialize on COVID and another for non-COVID medical care is a good strategy .
Stopping medical care for a far greater number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fear of spreading COVID 19 is not wise .
And is it wise to quarantine everyone ?
The fact that many people have tested positive for COVID 19 virus but had no symptoms suggest there are various mild strains that could naturally impart immunity .
These mild reactions are primarily seen in people younger than 50 years old .
However , once those younger cohorts gain immunity , they will be less vulnerable as they age .
Recently in the New England Journal of Medicine Dr Fauci wrote , ” If one assumes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptomatic cases is several times as high as the number of reported cases , the case fatality rate may be considerably less than 1 % .
This suggests that the overall clinical consequences of Covid-19 may ultimately be more akin to those of a severe seasonal influenza ( which has a case fatality rate of approximately 0.1 % ) or a pandemic influenza ( similar to those in 1957 and 1968 ) rather than a disease similar to SARS or MERS , which have had case fatality rates of 9 to 10 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Ioannidis is a Professor of Medicine , of Health Research and Policy and of Biomedical Data Science , at Stanford University School of Medicine , director of the Stanford Prevention Research Center , and co-director of the Meta-Research Innovation Center at Stanford He wrote an opinion piece A fiasco in the making ?
As the coronavirus pandemic takes hold , we are making decisions without reliable data suggesting we may be overreacting .
In contrast to Imperial College model suggesting over a million Americans could die , Ioannidis argued , “ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals infected by SARS-CoV-2 is 0.3 % in the general population — a mid-range guess from my Diamond Princess analysis — and that 1 % of the U.S. population gets infected ( about 3.3 million people ) , this would translate to about 10,000 deaths .
This sounds like a huge number , but it is buried within the noise of the estimate of deaths from “ influenza-like illness.
” If we had not known about a new virus out there , and had not checked individuals with PCR tests , the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illness ” would not seem unusual this year .
At most , we might have casually noted that flu this season seems to be a bit worse than average.
” The Imperial College and Ioannidis ’ s model will be tested soon , as American COVID deaths stands at 2,871 as of March 30th .
Nonetheless , it will be difficult to determine how effective a societal lockdown was if COVID 19 behaves like influenza .
Flu infections dramatically drop beginning around April .
Relative to seasonal warming , a lockdown may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of a natural immunity , we may be setting the stage for another big wave of COVID 19 next year .
These are questions must be debated .
Jim Steele is Director emeritus of San Francisco State ’ s Sierra Nevada Field Campus and authored Landscapes and Cycles : An Environmentalist ’ s Journey to Climate Skepticism

Guest post by Jim Steele,
We must consider the unintended medical consequences of societal lockdowns hoping to prevent the spread of COVID 19. Unintended consequences are exemplified by past polio epidemics that left some of my classmates crippled. For the most severely afflicted, a polio infection required, not a ventilator, but an iron lung for children to breathe. The polio virus had likely been around for thousands of years, but in the 20th century severe epidemics began. Why?
In 1992 Dr Krause from the National Institute of Health published, “There are numerous examples of old viruses that have caused new epidemics as a consequence of changes in human practices and social behavior. Epidemic poliomyelitis emerged in the first half of this century when modern sanitation delayed exposure of the virus until adolescence or adulthood, at which time it produced infection in the central nervous system and severe paralysis. Before the introduction of modern sanitation, polio infection was acquired during infancy, at which time it seldom caused paralysis but provided lifelong immunity against subsequent polio infection and paralysis in later life. [emphasis mine] Thus, the sanitation and hygiene that helped prevent typhoid epidemics in an earlier era fostered the paralytic polio epidemic.”
Indeed, it was the more affluent people with higher standards of living that were most affected by polio epidemics, because their children were more likely isolated from milder strains.
As is the case for most rapidly mutating viruses, there will be various strains. Some will cause mild effects while others could be deadly. A strain’s virulence may depend on a person’s age and health. There are several strains of influenza virus, so vaccines are adjusted each year. There were 3 strains of poliovirus that were identified. Vaccinations eradicated two types and now groups like the Rotary are funding work to eradicate the remaining type. The observation that early exposure to polio viruses provided life-long immunity raises the question regards dealing with COVID 19. To what degree is sheltering in place preventing people from becoming naturally immune when infected with a mild strain?
The larger the population of naturally immune people, the greater the “fire-break” that prevents the spread of a more deadly strain. Just as social distancing minimizes the exponential growth of a deadly strain, it also prevents the exponential growth of naturally immune people. If so, perhaps a more targeted approach would be better. Our elderly population are the most vulnerable and are often confined to crowded facilities. People with compromised health conditions should self-isolate. We definitely need to minimize the spread to those vulnerable people. Perhaps designating one hospital to specialize on COVID and another for non-COVID medical care is a good strategy. Stopping medical care for a far greater number of people with other severe problems out of fear of spreading COVID 19 is not wise. And is it wise to quarantine everyone?
The fact that many people have tested positive for COVID 19 virus but had no symptoms suggest there are various mild strains that could naturally impart immunity. These mild reactions are primarily seen in people younger than 50 years old. However, once those younger cohorts gain immunity, they will be less vulnerable as they age.
Recently in the New England Journal of Medicine Dr Fauci wrote, ” If one assumes that the number of asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic cases is several times as high as the number of reported cases, the case fatality rate may be considerably less than 1%. This suggests that the overall clinical consequences of Covid-19 may ultimately be more akin to those of a severe seasonal influenza (which has a case fatality rate of approximately 0.1%) or a pandemic influenza (similar to those in 1957 and 1968) rather than a disease similar to SARS or MERS, which have had case fatality rates of 9 to 10% and 36%, respectively.”
Dr John Ioannidis is a Professor of Medicine, of Health Research and Policy and of Biomedical Data Science, at Stanford University School of Medicine, director of the Stanford Prevention Research Center, and co-director of the Meta-Research Innovation Center at Stanford
He wrote an opinion piece A fiasco in the making? As the coronavirus pandemic takes hold, we are making decisions without reliable data suggesting we may be overreacting.
In contrast to Imperial College model suggesting over a million Americans could die, Ioannidis argued, “If we assume that case fatality rate among individuals infected by SARS-CoV-2 is 0.3% in the general population — a mid-range guess from my Diamond Princess analysis — and that 1% of the U.S. population gets infected (about 3.3 million people), this would translate to about 10,000 deaths. This sounds like a huge number, but it is buried within the noise of the estimate of deaths from “influenza-like illness.” If we had not known about a new virus out there, and had not checked individuals with PCR tests, the number of total deaths due to “influenza-like illness” would not seem unusual this year. At most, we might have casually noted that flu this season seems to be a bit worse than average.” The Imperial College and Ioannidis’s model will be tested soon, as American COVID deaths stands at 2,871 as of March 30th.
Nonetheless, it will be difficult to determine how effective a societal lockdown was if COVID 19 behaves like influenza. Flu infections dramatically drop beginning around April. Relative to seasonal warming, a lockdown may have a minimal effect. Perhaps by inhibiting the spread of a natural immunity, we may be setting the stage for another big wave of COVID 19 next year. These are questions must be debated.
Jim Steele is Director emeritus of San Francisco State’s Sierra Nevada Field Campus and authored Landscapes and Cycles: An Environmentalist’s Journey to Climate Skepticism


iowaclimatescienceeducation--2020-03-31--Brutal spring frosts destroy crops across Europe

A severe and extensive swathe of sub-zero temperatures has engulfed much of Europe , ravaging farmers ’ fields throughout Northern @ @ @ @ @ , and the Ukraine .
Italian farmers ’ group Coldiretti issued a report on March @ @ @ @ @ difficult situation ” throughout a significant part of the Italian peninsula , with frost-damage recorded @ @ @ @ @ and from Veneto to Puglia .
Temperatures as low as -6C ( 21.2F ) were @ @ @ @ @ As reported by iegvu.agribusinessintelligence.informa.com , the Coldiretti statement identified that apple , pear , peach @ @ @ @ @ trees had begun flowering , while cherry and plum trees were now also in bloom @ @ @ @ @ have already destroyed many a harvest .
Massimo Franchini , a peach and apricot producer @ @ @ @ @ that there is nothing left of his plantation .
“ I do not know how @ @ @ @ @ enough to damage every single fruit.
” Thanks to tomOmason for this link The post @ @ @ @ @ across Europe appeared first on Ice Age Now .

A severe and extensive swathe of sub-zero temperatures has engulfed much of Europe, ravaging farmers’ fields throughout Northern Italy, much of Poland, and the Ukraine.
Italian farmers’ group Coldiretti issued a report on March 24, revealing a “difficult situation” throughout a significant part of the Italian peninsula, with frost-damage recorded from Lombardy to Emilia Romagna and from Veneto to Puglia.
Temperatures as low as -6C (21.2F) were recorded in Emilia Romagna.
As reported by iegvu.agribusinessintelligence.informa.com, the Coldiretti statement identified that apple, pear, peach, apricot, and almond trees had begun flowering, while cherry and plum trees were now also in bloom, and that these frosts have already destroyed many a harvest.
Massimo Franchini, a peach and apricot producer from Casal Fiumanese, reported that there is nothing left of his plantation. “I do not know how long it lasted, but enough to damage every single fruit.”
As reported at https://electroverse.net/severe-spring-frosts-destroy-crops-across-europe/
Thanks to tomOmason for this link
The post Brutal spring frosts destroy crops across Europe appeared first on Ice Age Now.
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March 30, 2020 at 07:45PM


iowaclimatescienceeducation--2020-03-31--Spring snow in Moscow – Temps below normal

In Moscow , the metropolitan the weather suddenly gave way to cold .
It will get almost 20 degrees colder per day .
Today , March 30 , it is cloudy in Moscow and from time to time will fall wet snow , the maximum temperature in the capital is -1 .. 1°C , Moscow Region -2 .. 3°C .
The snowstorm will cause slippery on roads at night .
In the early morning hours in the capital it freezes to -3 ..- 5°C , in the suburbs 0 ..- 5°C .
In the afternoon in Moscow -1 ..- 3°C @ @ @ @ @ @ @ degree , in the region from -4…1°C .
This is below the norm by 2 degrees .
On Wednesday , April 1 , at night in Moscow -2 ..- 4°C , in places up to -7°C , in the region 0 ..- 4°C , in some areas up to -9°C of frost .
On Thursday , April 2 , the temperature increase will continue : at night in Moscow 0 ..- 2°C , in the region no lower than -4°C , during the day the sun will appear in the capital 4..6°C , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Martin Siebert for this link The post Spring snow in Moscow – Temps below normal appeared first on Ice Age Now .

Minus 9°C in places.
In Moscow, the metropolitan the weather suddenly gave way to cold.
It will get almost 20 degrees colder per day.
Today, March 30, it is cloudy in Moscow and from time to time will fall wet snow, the maximum temperature in the capital is -1 .. 1°C, Moscow Region -2 .. 3°C.
The snowstorm will cause slippery on roads at night. In the early morning hours in the capital it freezes to -3 ..- 5°C, in the suburbs 0 ..- 5°C.
In the afternoon in Moscow -1 ..- 3°C, in the center up to 1 degree, in the region from -4…1°C.
This is below the norm by 2 degrees.
On Wednesday, April 1, at night in Moscow -2 ..- 4°C, in places up to -7°C, in the region 0 ..- 4°C, in some areas up to -9°C of frost.
On Thursday, April 2, the temperature increase will continue: at night in Moscow 0 ..- 2°C, in the region no lower than -4°C, during the day the sun will appear in the capital 4..6°C, in the suburbs 1..6°C heat.
http://www.hmn.ru/index.php?index=1&ts=200330123309
Thanks to Martin Siebert for this link
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March 30, 2020 at 07:45PM


iowaclimatescienceeducation--2020-03-31--EPA staff sabotages fuel economy rollback

So the Trump administration finally finished rolling back the pointlessly expensive and impossible-to-achieve 2012 Obama administration fuel economy standards .
Great .
But did EPA staff sabotage the rulemaking to favor certain legal challenge by environmentalists ?
You betcha .
The pending Federal Register notice for the final rollback is here .
On page 1590 , the EPA staff claims that the rollback will result in 444 to 1,000 premature deaths from PM2.5 emissions over the life of the rule — i.e .
until the year 2068 .
On page 1190 , the EPA explains that its claims about PM2.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 Integrated Scientific Assessment ( ISA ) for PM2.5 : But JunkScience.com readers know that in December of 2019 , the EPA ’ s legally-required board of outside science advisors , the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee ( CASAC ) , completely trashed the EPA ’ s 2019 ISA as junk science .
So why did EPA staff so heavily rely on the 2019 ISA despite being spanked by CASAC ?
Environmental groups are going to sue over the rule .
They will claim that the Trump administration issued a rule that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allege that the Trump administration knows that the rule will kill people .
But the rule was issued anyway .
And you don ’ t have to believe me that this was sabotage .
The New York Times has a whole article ( Web | PDF ) in today ’ s print edition about how EPA resistance staff is subtly sabotaging the Trump administration .
As succinctly expressed by me in the article : I was on the media call today when the rulemaking was announced.The fake news media was asking EPA and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The best EPA staff could do was to refer to them in passing as “ statistical deaths ” and then that they would be offset by lives saved from lower car prices ( which help people get out of old cars and into newer safe cars faster ) .
We will see how courts view this particular aspect of the coming legal battle between the liars ( i.e.
, green groups ) and ignorant ( i.e.
, Justice Department lawyers ) .
Don ’ t be surprised to see lower court judges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claim about lives saved .

So the Trump administration finally finished rolling back the pointlessly expensive and impossible-to-achieve 2012 Obama administration fuel economy standards. Great. But did EPA staff sabotage the rulemaking to favor certain legal challenge by environmentalists? You betcha.
The pending Federal Register notice for the final rollback is here.
On page 1590, the EPA staff claims that the rollback will result in 444 to 1,000 premature deaths from PM2.5 emissions over the life of the rule — i.e. until the year 2068.
On page 1190, the EPA explains that its claims about PM2.5 are based on the agency’s 2019 Integrated Scientific Assessment (ISA) for PM2.5:
But JunkScience.com readers know that in December of 2019, the EPA’s legally-required board of outside science advisors, the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC), completely trashed the EPA’s 2019 ISA as junk science.
So why did EPA staff so heavily rely on the 2019 ISA despite being spanked by CASAC?
Sabotage.
Environmental groups are going to sue over the rule. They will claim that the Trump administration issued a rule that will kill people. Worse, they will allege that the Trump administration knows that the rule will kill people. But the rule was issued anyway.
And you don’t have to believe me that this was sabotage. The New York Times has a whole article (Web | PDF) in today’s print edition about how EPA resistance staff is subtly sabotaging the Trump administration.
As succinctly expressed by me in the article:
I was on the media call today when the rulemaking was announced.The fake news media was asking EPA and DOT staff questions about the PM2.5 deaths. The best EPA staff could do was to refer to them in passing as “statistical deaths” and then that they would be offset by lives saved from lower car prices (which help people get out of old cars and into newer safe cars faster).
We will see how courts view this particular aspect of the coming legal battle between the liars (i.e., green groups) and ignorant (i.e., Justice Department lawyers).
Don’t be surprised to see lower court judges believe the liars and dismiss the more-than-offsetting claim about lives saved.


iowaclimatescienceeducation--2020-03-31--Darwin Award Candidate: DIY Coronavirus Magnet Device Goes Horribly Wrong

An Astrophysicist trying to find a means of helping us avoid touching our faces during the Coronavirus epidemic suffered an embarrassing mishap when his rare Earth magnets disappeared up his nose .
Astrophysicist gets magnets stuck up nose while inventing coronavirus device Australian Dr Daniel Reardon ended up in hospital after inserting magnets in his nostrils while building a necklace that warns you when you touch your face Reardon said he placed two magnets inside his nostrils , and two on the outside .
When he removed the magnets from the outside of his nose , the two inside stuck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempted to use his remaining magnets to remove them .
“ At this point , my partner who works at a hospital was laughing at me , ” he said .
“ I was trying to pull them out but there is a ridge at the bottom of my nose you can ’ t get past .
“ After struggling for 20 minutes , I decided to Google the problem and found an article about an 11-year-old boy who had the same problem .
The solution in that was more magnets .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pull from the ones inside .
“ As I was pulling downwards to try and remove the magnets , they clipped on to each other and I lost my grip .
And those two magnets ended up in my left nostril while the other one was in my right .
At this point I ran out of magnets .
”

Guest essay by Eric Worrall
An Astrophysicist trying to find a means of helping us avoid touching our faces during the Coronavirus epidemic suffered an embarrassing mishap when his rare Earth magnets disappeared up his nose.
Astrophysicist gets magnets stuck up nose while inventing coronavirus device
Australian Dr Daniel Reardon ended up in hospital after inserting magnets in his nostrils while building a necklace that warns you when you touch your face
…
Reardon said he placed two magnets inside his nostrils, and two on the outside. When he removed the magnets from the outside of his nose, the two inside stuck together. Unfortunately, the researcher then attempted to use his remaining magnets to remove them.
“At this point, my partner who works at a hospital was laughing at me,” he said. “I was trying to pull them out but there is a ridge at the bottom of my nose you can’t get past.
“After struggling for 20 minutes, I decided to Google the problem and found an article about an 11-year-old boy who had the same problem. The solution in that was more magnets. To put on the outside to offset the pull from the ones inside.
“As I was pulling downwards to try and remove the magnets, they clipped on to each other and I lost my grip. And those two magnets ended up in my left nostril while the other one was in my right. At this point I ran out of magnets.”
…


iowaclimatescienceeducation--2020-03-31--CAFE Rule: Better than Obama, but Still Less is More

WASHINGTON DC ( April 1 , 2020 ) – The American Energy Alliance welcomed the final Safer Affordable Fuel Efficient @ @ @ @ @ released by the White House today noting that clear auto fuel efficiency standards can benefit @ @ @ @ @ automakers simultaneously .
Contrary to claims that this final rule has been rushed out in @ @ @ @ @ the rule is the culmination of a several years long joint process from the National @ @ @ @ @ NHTSA ) and the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) , and it is required @ @ @ @ @ Pyle , President of the American Energy Alliance , issued the following statement in reaction @ @ @ @ @

The American Energy Alliance
WASHINGTON
DC (April 1, 2020) – The American Energy Alliance welcomed the final Safer
Affordable Fuel Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule released by the White House
today noting that clear auto fuel efficiency standards can benefit a
majority of consumers and automakers simultaneously. Contrary to claims that
this final rule has been rushed out in a time of crisis, the rule is the
culmination of a several years long joint process from the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), and it is required by the law.
Thomas Pyle, President of the American Energy Alliance, issued the
following statement in reaction to today’s announcement


iowaclimatescienceeducation--2020-03-31--Lethality overestimated by several orders of magnitude

“ In many cases it is not yet clear whether the persons died from the virus or from their pre-existing chronic diseases or from a combination of both.
” “ The media considerably misrepresents the corona outbreak , ” writes reader Penelope .
“ Here ’ s a factual ( & surprising ) presentation of the studies done by the hospitals which treated it , statements by epidemiologists , etc .
Best site I ’ ve found for the scientific data ( link below ) .
This link is updated every day with whatever is new on the topic.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Covid-19 to help us make a realistic risk assessment .
Look at the average age of those who have died According to the latest data of the Italian National Health Institute ISS , the average age of the positively-tested deceased in Italy is currently about 81 years .
10 % of the deceased are over 90 years old .
90 % of the deceased are over 70 years old .
80 % of the deceased had suffered from two or more chronic diseases .
50 % of the deceased had suffered from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chronic diseases include in particular cardiovascular problems , diabetes , respiratory problems and cancer .
Less than 1 % of the deceased were healthy persons , i.e .
persons without pre-existing chronic diseases .
Only about 30 % of the deceased are women .
How many die FROM the coronavirus as opposed to WITH the coronavirus ?
The Italian Institute of Health moreover distinguishes between those who died from the coronavirus and those who died with the coronavirus .
In many cases it is not yet clear whether the persons died from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or from a combination of both .
The two Italians deceased under 40 years of age ( both 39 years old ) were a cancer patient and a diabetes patient with additional complications .
In these cases , too , the exact cause of death was not yet clear ( i.e .
if from the virus or from their pre-existing diseases ) .
Lethality is overestimated by several orders of magnitude The two Stanford professors of medicine , Dr. Eran Bendavid and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya , explain in an article that the lethality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of magnitude and is probably even in Italy only at 0.01 % to 0.06 % and thus below that of influenza .
The reason for this overestimation is the greatly underestimated number of people already infected ( without symptoms ) .
As an example , the fully tested Italian community of Vo is mentioned , which showed 50 to 75 % symptom-free test-positive persons .
The number of test-positive individuals in relation to the number of tests performed remains constant in all countries studied so far , which speaks against an exponential spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus and merely indicates an exponential increase in the number of tests .
Professor Sucharit Bhakdi , a world renowned expert in medical microbiology , says blaming the new coronavirus alone for deaths is „ wrong “ and „ dangerously misleading “ , as there are other more important factors at play , notably pre-existing health conditions and poor air quality in Chinese and Northern Italian cities .
Professor Bhakdi describes the currently discussed or imposed measures as „ grotesque “ , „ useless “ , „ self-destructive “ and a „ collective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the elderly and should not be accepted by society .
Various media reported that more than 50 doctors in Italy have already died .
A glance at the corresponding list , however , shows that most of the deceased are retired doctors of various kinds , including 90-year-old psychiatrists and pediatricians , many of whom may have died of natural causes .
Should we fear our own governments ?
NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden warns that governments are using the current situation to expand the surveillance state and restrict fundamental rights .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in France , considers the political reaction to Covid19 as „ completely exaggerated “ and warns against „ totalitarian measures “ .
In parts of France , the movement of people is already monitored by drones .
Thanks to Penelope for this link I ( Robert ) think the above site is worth reading in its entirety … and then re-reading .
The post Lethality overestimated by several orders of magnitude appeared first on Ice Age Now .

“In many cases it is not yet clear whether the persons died from the virus or from their pre-existing chronic diseases or from a combination of both.”
__________
“The media considerably misrepresents the corona outbreak,” writes reader Penelope. “Here’s a factual (& surprising) presentation of the studies done by the hospitals which treated it, statements by epidemiologists, etc. Best site I’ve found for the scientific data (link below). This link is updated every day with whatever is new on the topic.”
A Swiss medical doctor provided this info on Covid-19 to help us make a realistic risk assessment.
Look at the average age of those who have died
According to the latest data of the Italian National Health Institute ISS, the average age of the positively-tested deceased in Italy is currently about 81 years. 10% of the deceased are over 90 years old. 90% of the deceased are over 70 years old.
80% of the deceased had suffered from two or more chronic diseases. 50% of the deceased had suffered from three or more chronic diseases. The chronic diseases include in particular cardiovascular problems, diabetes, respiratory problems and cancer.
Less than 1% of the deceased were healthy persons, i.e. persons without pre-existing chronic diseases. Only about 30% of the deceased are women.
How many die FROM the coronavirus as opposed to WITH the coronavirus?
The Italian Institute of Health moreover distinguishes between those who died from the coronavirus and those who died with the coronavirus. In many cases it is not yet clear whether the persons died from the virus or from their pre-existing chronic diseases or from a combination of both.
The two Italians deceased under 40 years of age (both 39 years old) were a cancer patient and a diabetes patient with additional complications. In these cases, too, the exact cause of death was not yet clear (i.e. if from the virus or from their pre-existing diseases).
Lethality is overestimated by several orders of magnitude
The two Stanford professors of medicine, Dr. Eran Bendavid and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, explain in an article that the lethality of Covid19 is overestimated by several orders of magnitude and is probably even in Italy only at 0.01% to 0.06% and thus below that of influenza. The reason for this overestimation is the greatly underestimated number of people already infected (without symptoms). As an example, the fully tested Italian community of Vo is mentioned, which showed 50 to 75% symptom-free test-positive persons.
Speaking against an exponential spread
The number of test-positive individuals in relation to the number of tests performed remains constant in all countries studied so far, which speaks against an exponential spread (“epidemic”) of the virus and merely indicates an exponential increase in the number of tests.
Does air quality affect the outcome?
Professor Sucharit Bhakdi, a world renowned expert in medical microbiology, says blaming the new coronavirus alone for deaths is „wrong“ and „dangerously misleading“, as there are other more important factors at play, notably pre-existing health conditions and poor air quality in Chinese and Northern Italian cities. Professor Bhakdi describes the currently discussed or imposed measures as „grotesque“, „useless“, „self-destructive“ and a „collective suicide“ that will shorten the lifespan of the elderly and should not be accepted by society.
Are doctors dying?
Various media reported that more than 50 doctors in Italy have already died. A glance at the corresponding list, however, shows that most of the deceased are retired doctors of various kinds, including 90-year-old psychiatrists and pediatricians, many of whom may have died of natural causes.
Should we fear our own governments?
NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden warns that governments are using the current situation to expand the surveillance state and restrict fundamental rights.
The Argentinean virologist Pablo Goldschmidt, who lives in France, considers the political reaction to Covid19 as „completely exaggerated“ and warns against „totalitarian measures“. In parts of France, the movement of people is already monitored by drones.
Published: March 14, 2020; Updated: March 31, 2020
See doctor’s website for daily updates:
A Swiss Doctor on Covid-19
( https://swprs.org/a-swiss-doctor-on-covid-19/ )
Thanks to Penelope for this link
I (Robert) think the above site is worth reading in its entirety … and then re-reading.
The post Lethality overestimated by several orders of magnitude appeared first on Ice Age Now.
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March 31, 2020 at 03:00PM


iowaclimatescienceeducation--2020-03-31--How about 27 feet of social distancing

How about 27 feet of social distancing

How big should that gap be ?
The WHO recommends “ 3 feet ” , the CDC recommends 6 feet , but new research shows they got the model wrong and we might need to be 30 feet apart .
Not to mention that the cloud of aerosols can wander suspended for hours .
So we may need to be 30 feet and three hours apart .
No wonder churches and places where people sing are such high risk events , and why an astonishing 12,000 health workers are sick with coronavirus in Spain .
They aren ’ t sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which says a lot about how much we don ’ t know .
The 27 ft distance applies to sneezes , so if the other party isn ’ t sneezing you might not have to be so far .
Still , personal trainers at 27 feet is going to be tricky .
MIT associate professor Lydia Bourouiba , who has researched the dynamics of coughs and sneezes for years , warns in newly published research that the current guidelines are based on outdated models from the 1930s .
Rather than the assumed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that “ pathogen-bearing droplets of all sizes [ … ]

How big should that gap be?
The WHO recommends “3 feet”, the CDC recommends 6 feet, but new research shows they got the model wrong and we might need to be 30 feet apart. Not to mention that the cloud of aerosols can wander suspended for hours. So we may need to be 30 feet and three hours apart.
No wonder churches and places where people sing are such high risk events, and why an astonishing 12,000 health workers are sick with coronavirus in Spain.
They aren’t sure if their new findings have clinical implications, which says a lot about how much we don’t know. The 27 ft distance applies to sneezes, so if the other party isn’t sneezing you might not have to be so far. Still, personal trainers at 27 feet is going to be tricky.
Coronavirus could travel 27 feet
NY Post
MIT associate professor Lydia Bourouiba, who has researched the dynamics of coughs and sneezes for years, warns in newly published research that the current guidelines are based on outdated models from the 1930s.
Rather than the assumed safety of 6 foot, Bourouiba warns that “pathogen-bearing droplets of all sizes […]
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March 31, 2020 at 01:04PM