The Daily Blast: Trump’s Bizarre Rants Over Wind Power Are More Ominous Than You Think
Apr 19, 2024
auto_awesome
David Roberts, author of the energy Substack 'Volts,' discusses Trump's opposition to wind power and potential consequences for climate policies. They explore the concept of 'petro-masculinity' and the battle between fossil fuels and green energy. The impact of a Trump presidency on the climate agenda is also analyzed, expressing deep concern over the potential devastation it could bring.
Trump may repeal Biden's climate policies, potentially impacting global environmental initiatives.
Petro-masculinity concept glorifies fossil fuels, risking setbacks for green energy under a potential Trump presidency.
Deep dives
Trump's Potential Reversal of Biden's Climate Policies
Trump's possible attempt to repeal President Biden's climate policies, including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and tailpipe regulations supporting EVs, raises concerns. Despite the uncertainty, there is a chance that core tax credits, crucial for clean energy development, might survive due to historical resilience. However, other environmental initiatives and funds could face significant reductions or elimination in a potential Trump presidency.
Evaluation of Biden's Climate Policies and the IRA
The IRA's impact on green energy manufacturing jobs and EV transitions is evident, yet bureaucratic hurdles hinder smoother progress. Biden's climate policies, while making strides, lack comprehensive legislative support. Further policy enhancements are required to address permitting and regulatory challenges, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach beyond current initiatives.
Fossil Fuel Militancy and the Potential Outcome of Trump's Presidency
The concept of fossil fuel militancy, championed by Trump, glorifies fossil fuels as national strength symbols while demonizing green energy as weak. Trump's potential actions could lead to bureaucratic blockades against wind and other green sectors. International climate influence risks decline, and a Trump presidency may severely impact Biden's emissions reduction goals, undermining global efforts to combat climate change.
At a fundraiser with oil and gas industry executives last week, Donald Trump reportedly ranted angrily about, of all things, wind power. “I hate wind,” Trump told the executives. That may seem like a joke, but it gets at a deadly serious topic: If Trump wins this fall, he’d very likely try to repeal President Biden’s climate policies. We chatted with David Roberts, author of a great energy Substack called “Volts,” about Trump’s prospects for success at that project, about its potential consequences for the world, and about an intriguing concept known as “petro-masculinity.”