The Energy Question

David Blackmon
  • 5.0 (6)
  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Energy Question

Discussions are a two-way street. This podcast is for all sides to have an open forum and share their opinions on fossil, renewable, nuclear, and all things energy.

  1. 5D AGO

    Trump’s Approval of the Empire Wind Project A National Security Issue

    Meghan Lapp is leading the charge to save the commercial fishing industry and bringing up a national security risk.  How, you might ask, are offshore wind farms a huge problem? The Empire Wind Project, a controversial offshore wind farm near New York, has raised national security and environmental concerns due to its location near JFK flight paths, potential radar interference, and disruption of vital fishing grounds. Meghan Lapp, a fisheries expert, warns that the project—partly owned by Norway’s state was rushed through permitting without proper oversight, may obstruct air defense capabilities, and could endanger marine life and navigation. Despite a brief halt by the Trump administration, the project resumed amid speculation of a pipeline deal, drawing scrutiny over regulatory failures and political motivations. Highlights of the Podcast 00:00 – Introduction 03:13 – Empire Wind Project Controversy 05:28 – Alleged Pipeline Deal & Foreign Ownership 08:15 – Radar Interference and JFK Airport Risks 11:19 – DOD and FAA Inter-agency Failures 14:24 – Deceptive Status Claims and Construction Reality 17:09 – Maritime Safety and Historic Collisions 20:01 – Tower Size and Ecological Blind Spots 23:26 – Vineyard Wind and Tax Loopholes 27:17 – Falsified Safety Data and National Security Concerns 30:44 – Trump Admin Review and Industry Hope 33:58 – Structural Governance Problems 36:41 – Disparity in Regulation Between Oil/Gas and Wind 39:20 – Microplastics and Blade Deterioration 42:05 – Reclamation Costs and Industry Burden 44:13 – Final Plea for Government Attention 46:36 – Conclusion and Call to Action

    48 min

  2. MAY 7

    Doomberg on the Oil and Gas Markets

    Make no mistake, Doomberg is a national treasure. I have thoroughly enjoyed my podcasts with him, and his Substack is worth every penny. The last time Doomberg was on the podcast, we had Chris Wright, our new Secretary of Energy, on the panel. This podcast is also going out on David Blackmon’s Substack and podcast channels, and he had some fantastic points and questions for Doomberg. Thank you both for your energy, leadership, and your time – Stu Check out Doomberg on his Substack at https://newsletter.doomberg.com/ Check out the transcript on our Substack here: https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/p/doomberg-on-the-oil-and-gas-markets Highlights of the Podcast 00:00 – Introduction 03:00 – California’s Refining Crisis 08:30 – California Politics & Oil 13:20 – Trump’s Energy Team 17:40 – OPEC’s Decline & Co-Product Economics 23:00 – Oil Price Volatility & Strategy 26:30 – NGLs & Changing Energy Definitions 33:00 – Permian, Consolidation & Costs 36:00 – Breakevens and Co-Product Economics 39:00 – LNG, Natural Gas, and Arbitrage 45:00 – LNG Tankers, Jones Act, and Energy Exports 49:00 – $50 Oil as Geopolitical Strategy 53:00 – Russia, NATO & War Risks 57:00 – Canada, Trump, and Final Thoughts

    1h 6m

  3. MAY 2

    Lewis Black, CEO of Almonty Resources on the Energy Question w/David Blackmon

    Join David Blackmon as he interviews Lewis Black, CEO of Almonty Resources, in a compelling discussion on the global importance of tungsten, the challenges of building critical mineral supply chains in democratic nations, and why Almonty is relocating to the U.S. to support national defense. From China's dominance in raw materials to the strategic future of Western industry, this short but powerful conversation explores the intersection of geopolitics, mining, and innovation. Highlights of the Podcast 01:00 - Introduction & Almonty Overview 03:09 - Tungsten's Strategic Importance 04:39 - Move to the U.S. & National Security Considerations 09:11 - China's Role in the Tungsten Supply Chain 10:42 - Challenges of Developing the Korean Mine 13:15 - U.S.-China Tariffs & Global Trade Implications 18:04 - Western Withdrawal from Mining & Chinese Commercial Strategy 25:57 - Commodity Price Outlook & China's Market Tactics 28:31 - Timeline & Strategic Reasons for U.S. Relocation

    31 min

  4. FEB 14

    Energy Impacts with David Blackmon: Episode 110 - David Blackmon and Philip Goldberg

    In this episode of Energy Impacts with David Blackmon, David Blackmon speaks with Philip Goldberg of the Manufacturers Accountability Project about the growing wave of climate lawsuits against energy companies. They discuss the legal and economic implications, the role of federal vs. state regulations, and how these lawsuits could impact manufacturing, jobs, and consumer costs. Tune in to understand why both sides of the political aisle see fundamental flaws in this litigation strategy. Highlights of the Podcast 00:14 – Podcast Relaunch & Guest Introduction 01:42 – The Rise of Climate Lawfare 02:18 – Background of the Manufacturers Accountability Project (MAP) 04:07 – Impact of Litigation on Businesses 05:46 – Are These Lawsuits Effective? 06:51 – The Real Goal of These Lawsuits 10:46 – History of Climate Lawsuits 13:27 – Shifting Legal Strategies 15:04 – Endgame: Will These Lawsuits Ever Stop? 19:27 – The Supreme Court & Legal Challenges 23:13 – Impact on the Manufacturing Sector 26:08 – Future of Climate Litigation & Public Involvement 27:25 – Closing Remarks & Acknowledgments

    28 min

  5. 08/16/2024

    The Energy Question: Episode 109 - Juan Arteaga, Senior Associate from Enverus

    In a recent interview, David Blackmon spoke with Juan Arteaga, a senior analyst at Enverus Intelligence Research, about a pivotal report on future demand for generation capacity in the U.S. power grids. Arteaga discussed the discrepancy between Enverus's forecast and Ercot's projections, revealing that their analysis predicts a more modest increase in peak load demand compared to Ercot. Arteaga explained that their approach involves detailed modeling of various load drivers, including behind-the-meter solar and data centers, to provide a more accurate and transparent forecast. The conversation also touched on the implications for Texas’s energy mix, highlighting a continued reliance on solar, batteries, and natural gas to meet future demand. Arteaga emphasized that their machine learning models forecast significant growth in solar and battery capacity but acknowledge that natural gas will still play a crucial role due to its reliability and dispatchability. The interview concluded with a discussion on the importance of these insights for policymakers and the potential for future engagement to ensure accurate planning and decision-making in the energy sector. Highlights of the Podcast 00:16 – Juan Arteaga’s Background 01:01 – Overview of the Report 05:15 – Ercot's Demand Forecast vs. Enverus Analysis 08:47 – Explanation of Behind-the-Meter Solar 10:53 – Data Centers and Power Generation 13:30 – Future Energy Mix for Ercot 14:10 – Machine Learning Model for Project Viability 17:17 – Importance of the Report for Policymakers 21:41 – Closing Remarks

    23 min

  6. 08/09/2024

    The Energy Question: Episode 108 - Larry Schweikart and Stuart Turley

    In this engaging discussion, David Blackmon, Stu Turley, and special guest Larry Schweikert delve into a variety of topics ranging from recent historical events to the intricacies of the 2024 election. The conversation begins with a nostalgic reunion between David and Larry, touching on their shared belief in Trump's 2016 victory. Larry, praised as "America's history teacher," provides insights into the X-30 hypersonic jet simulator, the dynamics of the Democratic Party, and the significance of voter registration trends. They also explore the potential implications of Kamala Harris’s vice presidential candidacy and the challenges of switching candidates. As the discussion progresses, the focus shifts to more technical and political issues, including election logistics, media bias, and the financial impact of college sports on universities. Larry and David touch on the future of energy, with Larry expressing skepticism about green energy's immediate economic effects and predicting potential actions by Trump if re-elected. They conclude with a look at Europe's energy future, battery technology, and the impact of Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter on free speech. The conversation is rich with historical perspective, current affairs, and personal anecdotes, making for a thought-provoking dialogue. Highlights of the Podcast 00:39 - Background on Larry Schweikert and his books. 01:38 - Historical context and recent events. 02:49 - Discussion on Joe Biden's presidency 04:40 - X-30 research plane experience. 06:02 - Electoral Insights and Predictions 08:44 - Shifting Electoral Dynamics 13:45 - Voter Registration Trends 19:12 - Challenges with printing ballots and logistical issues. 20:46 - Implications of early voting and deadlines. 21:50 - Hypothetical scenarios with Biden and Harris. 23:06 - Media and election structures. 28:07 - Impact of journalism schools. 29:50 - Journalistic standards over time. 32:02 - Media's role in historical events. 33:45 - University influence on media and society. 35:30 - Sports trivia and Larry's academic experiences at ASU. 37:39 - Issues faced by student-athletes and financial instability. 39:01 - Political predictions and energy policies. 44:15 - Elon Musk and the impact on free speech. 45:18 - Europe's energy future and green energy debates. 46:30 - Future of the automotive industry and fuel alternatives. 48:36 - Personal car stories and nostalgia for muscle cars. 50:55 - Closing remarks and plans for future discussions.

    51 min

  7. 08/05/2024

    The Energy Question: Episode 107 - Angela Wilkinson, Secretary General & CEO at World Energy Council

    Angela Wilkinson, Secretary General of the World Energy Council, emphasized the importance of a systems thinking approach, noting that these transitions are multifaceted and involve significant societal changes. She highlighted the necessity of collaboration and practical action, pointing out the differing approaches between the U.S. and Europe in addressing energy challenges. Dr. Wilkinson stressed that energy transitions are not merely about replacing technologies but require a deep understanding of socio-economic contexts and overcoming social opposition to achieve progress. Concerns were raised about the feasibility of energy transitions within democratic societies, with critiques of certain energy policies as authoritarian and calls for nuclear energy as a sustainable solution. Dr. Wilkinson responded by advocating for an inclusive approach considering diverse regional needs and the importance of managing energy transitions across generations. Using the metaphor of the "Energy Olympics," she illustrated the need for sustained, intergenerational effort and diverse capabilities to achieve successful energy transitions. Highlights of the Podcast 00:47 - Purpose of the World Energy Council 04:01 - Challenges in Energy Transition 08:06 - Role of the International Energy Agency (IEA) 13:01 - System Costs and Social Challenges in Energy Transition 16:17 - Realism of Energy Transition 18:15 - Future Projections and Practical Action 19:04 - Oil and Gas Decarbonization 20:20 - Energy Transition Challenges in Democratic Societies 22:42 - Comparing US and European Approaches 24:20 - Licensing Delays and Property Rights 25:12 - Adapting to Climate Change Realities 28:03 - Energy Transition as an Olympic Pentathlon Relay 29:34 - Closing Remarks

    31 min

  8. 07/30/2024

    The Energy Question: Episode 106 - Armando Cavanha , Energy and Supply Chain Researcher

    A seasoned expert in the oil and gas industry, Armando Cavanha, discusses Brazil's energy landscape, the impact of political tensions on energy projects, and the challenges of attracting foreign investment. The conversation highlights Petrobras's pivotal role in offshore ventures and explores the complexities of the energy transition, emphasizing the indispensable role of oil alongside renewable energy sources. The discussion extends to Brazil's natural gas needs, the significance of hydropower, and the burgeoning electric vehicle market influenced by Chinese imports. Armando also sheds light on Brazil's ethanol and biofuel programs, underscoring their importance in the nation's energy mix. The episode delves into the global trade implications, the environmental impact of exporting polluting industries, and the current political climate in the United States, revealing the critical intersection of energy policies and geopolitical developments. This thought-provoking dialogue offers a comprehensive look at the future of energy in Brazil and beyond. Highlights of the Podcast 00:09 - Introduction and Guest Background 01:14 - Political Tensions Impacting Energy Projects 02:03 - Brazil's Natural Gas Needs and Sources 03:40 - Challenges of Investment in Brazil 06:21 - Success of Petrobras in Offshore Investments 08:25 - Energy Transition and Irreplaceable Oil 08:37 - Main Uses of Natural Gas in Brazil 12:35 - BRICs Alliance and China's Influence 15:28 - Electric Vehicle Market in Brazil 17:00 - Ethanol and Biofuels in Brazil 18:21 - Global Trade and Emissions 19:38 - US Political Climate and Energy Policies 26:12 - Conclusion and Future Discussions

    27 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Discussions are a two-way street. This podcast is for all sides to have an open forum and share their opinions on fossil, renewable, nuclear, and all things energy.

Information

  • Creator
    David Blackmon
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    175
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Sandstone Media 2024
  • Show Website
    The Energy Question

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