News & Articles on Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels ares not renewable, obviously. They are listed here for organizational reasons. I don’t write about fossil fuels–as a rule. However, fossil fuels and those who promote them are not going away quietly. Thus, I felt it necessary to include the topic to distinguish articles that are not about nuclear power or renewable energy.

Smithputnam6041

Europe’s $750 Billion Energy Pledge To Trump Is Pure Political Theater

By

Michael Barnard

For President Trump, the deal represented a dramatic political win, as it allowed him to claim a significant diplomatic and economic success before his self-imposed deadline. Yet, upon closer examination, the celebrated energy pledge raises substantial doubts. Analysts widely question its feasibility, suggesting that Europe’s commitments are essentially political theater designed primarily to manage President Trump’s volatile negotiating tactics, rather than realistic economic strategy.

Doug Kessler Kern Refinery Kern County 600x400

Trump’s Iran Bombing Will Accelerate Global Electrification & Biofuels

By

Michael Barnard

In essence, Trump’s bombing of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure has crystallized a fundamental reality: energy systems dependent on oil are inherently vulnerable unless a country is a petrostate. That’s true for all but one of these major economic blocs, the United States, with China leading globally in the rush to become an electrostate. Countries recognizing this vulnerability are already moving swiftly to reduce their exposure. This acceleration in electrification and renewable energy investment is not merely about responding to climate change, it is about ensuring national security, economic stability, and resilience against future geopolitical upheavals.

Quebec Gaspe Peninsula Baie des Sables. NEG Micon 750 kW.

Transforming Canada: Mapping A 100% Electrified Energy Economy

By

Michael Barnard

The path to Canada’s electrified future is clear and achievable. It offers a chance not only to radically reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also to build a stronger, more resilient economy, foster innovation, and secure sustainable energy independence. Leveraging insights gained from Ireland’s process, Canada can confidently embark on its energy transition journey, transforming its abundant renewable resources into lasting prosperity and environmental stewardship for generations to come.

Pxl 20250312 214231595

Electrification: Dumping Fossil Fuels

By

Paul Gipe

This is the first in a series of articles on electrifying our house so we can “stop burning stuff.” Yes, we already have electricity, but we use fossil gas for heat, hot water, and cooking. That’s what we plan to electrify, eliminating fossil gas from our home. Our gas is provided by PG&E (Pacific Gas & Electric Co.), our notorious utility company. Notorious because it killed eight people in San Bruno, California in a massive gas explosion in 2010 then they followed that up by killing another 85 people by starting the Camp Fire in 2018. In 2020 the company filed for bankruptcy, and since then been resuscitated. However, to its customers it’s still the same old PG&E.

Theresa Mitchel Oil 20140517 0044 1200x600

LA Times: Time for California to get serious about cheaper, cleaner energy

By

Sammy Roth

Californians pay some of the nation’s highest electricity rates. They’re also being devastated by the consequences of fossil fueled climate change, including more deadly and expensive wildfires, droughts and heat waves. Politicians need to stop promising they’ll confront these challenges and start doing it. The recent fires in Los Angeles County should serve as a political rallying cry to accelerate the phaseout of oil and gas. Instead, they’re threatening to derail Sacramento’s long-promised focus on more affordable energy.

Oil 20130519 0004 1200x600

The Fossil Fuel Industry: Trapped & Dangerous

By

Steve Smiley

Brandi Carlile, at a Gorge Amphitheater concert a couple years ago, remarked that her father, a hunter, told her the most dangerous animal was one that was wounded and cornered. This is a good characterization of the present fossil fuel industry. They are cornered and dangerous because the simple truth is that the fossil fuel industry is no longer economically competitive.