This week’s must read: The Iran War Underscores the Need for Bipartisan Energy Policy (The Eco-Modernist)
H/T to Angela Larck for finding this essay written by past webinar guest (and potential future podcast guest) Alex Trembeth, who looks at the current energy crisis through the lens of how the U.S. handled past crises.
“The sudden and ongoing war in Iran is roiling global oil markets, raising the specter of an energy shock that recalls the oil crises of the 1970s,” he writes. “In that era, U.S. policymakers responded by radically restructuring American energy policy, creating the Department of Energy and making big investments in energy independence, innovation, and infrastructure. Congress should respond similarly today by pursuing bold policies that cut red tape, expand energy abundance, lower prices, and extend America’s technological frontier.”
(Are you reading, Alex? We want you on the EcoRight Speaks!)
A conversation with the free market policy guru, Niskanen Center
Were you one of the listeners who requested Niskanen Center be featured on the show? If so, congratulations!
This week’s (super fun) conversation was with Liza Reed, Niskanen’s Director for Climate and Energy. An expert in High Voltage Direct Current, electricity transmission, and technology innovation, she worked on strategic initiatives for the Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office, including permitting and financing for electricity transmission. She began her DC policy career as the research manager for a transmission at Niskanen Center. (Side note: it’s always a good sign when someone returns to a previous employer.) Her previous roles include energy funding at the Great Lakes Energy Institute at Case Western Reserve University, wireless communication technology development at inmobly, and business analysis at Capital One Finance.
She quite impressively holds a PhD from Carnegie Mellon University in Engineering and Public Policy and a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from The Ohio State University. She’s here today to share Niskanen’s ideas for upgrading the grid and keepiing the lights on, cheaper!
Coming up next week…
Did you feel like I tricked you by not featuring EEN’s Jessica Moerman this week, as I promised in last week’s newsletter? Due to a scheduling issue (i.e. a strongly worded forecast that led us in the DMV to assume we’d lose power) we rescheduled our recording. So now, for real, next week’s episode will star Jessica Moerman.
👉Don’t forget, you can see her featured in the documentary The Conserv[atives], premiering Monday, March 23rd at the DC Environmental Film Festival!
Bob—and Angela—in the wild: past
Last week, Bob spent a few days in Indianapolis and one of the highlights of the trip was an event—Tend and Keep: A Conversation on Environmental Stewardship—held at the Rejoicing Vine, Indiana’s only regeneratively farmed vineyard.
[I’m 99% sure I’m right, that we hosted an event at a winery.]
Reflections from Angela: “Working from home most days, I don’t often get to see this kind of engagement firsthand. Being able to greet attendees, answer questions, and have real conversations made the drive over from Cincinnati more than worth it.”
Reflections from Bob: “Flying and then driving into Indianapolis, you see the innovation. First, you see the solar panels all around the airport. Then you drive by Eli Lilly. Then it’s Allison Transmissions and Cummins. Downtown you see Salesforce. Wow, Indy has a lot going on!”
Bob in the wild: future
Calling all Georgians! The Northeast Georgia CCL chapter is featuring an event next week at which Bob will be delivering a keynote titled “Can the Free Market Solve Climate Change?”
The Details:
- When: Thursday, March 26th
- Time: 6:30 PM
- Where: Hosch Theatre, Brenau University, Gainesville, Georgia
- Admission: Free (No tickets or registration required)
The CCL chapter is pairing Bob’s keynote with a panel of local leaders to discuss how free enterprise, faith, and stewardship provide a workable path forward. Join the conversation!
CCL Conservative Climate Conference registration
Looking to both make friends and a difference? Registration for CCL’s virtual Conservative Climate Conference closes in less than two weeks! To attend, right-of-center volunteers must fill out an application. After the application is approved, attendees will receive a registration link. While the majority of the program is reserved for right-of-center CCLers, select sessions will be available to anyone via livestream. The livestream requires advance registration and may be especially useful to anyone lobbying or liaising with Republican members of Congress. Livestream registration is open through April 17, but registration for the conference closes March 31. Don’t wait!