Podcasts about fossil fuels

CleanTech founder Conor Madigan (Aether Fuels) reveals sustainable fuel tech breakthroughs, smart hiring, & building resilient climate startups.Join us as Conor Madigan, Founder and CEO of Aether Fuels, shares how their innovative tech is set to decarbonize aviation and shipping by drastically cutting costs and boosting fuel yield from waste streams. A second-time founder, Conor also unpacks his proven strategies for building high-talent, low-ego teams and fostering constructive tension for optimal results.Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket CastsMemorable Quotes:"The overall result of that is to cut the capex of a plant by about 50%." — Conor Madigan"Until you've built a big network of your own... it's pretty invaluable to have a top-notch recruiter." — Conor Madigan"If you compare an electrified system versus a fired system, you can boost the output by about 20%." — Conor Madigan"I… try to create a constructive sort of tension inside of an organization by pairing together certain personality traits." — Conor MadiganIn this episode, we discuss:00:53 - Introduction to Conor Madigan and Aether Fuels03:55 - Aether Fuels' core technology and market05:27 - The innovation: cutting CAPEX and boosting yield28:00 - The year-long "funnel" to choose the right climate problem30:59 - Conor's philosophy on team building: high talent, low ego32:00 - Creating constructive tension in R&D vs. Engineering38:35 - Why senior hires need to be "player-coaches" at startups40:30 - Transparent communication during challenging times46:00 - Policy trends and market drivers for SAF49:50 - Cost parity expectations for Aether Fuels' productLinksConor Madigan | Aether FuelsConnect with Somil on LinkedIn | Connect with Silas on LinkedInFollow CleanTechies on LinkedInThis podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.Support the showIf you're gonna change the world, you're gonna need a world-class team. Partner with ErthTech Talent to help you do that, for less. 70+ Placements 5+ Years (exclusively in CleanTech) The Lowest Fees in the Market (12-15% of first-year salary) 90-day placement guarantee It's really hard to say no to that. Wait?! -- The best service is also the cheapest? Seems too good to be true, but it's the entire reason we started this company. We believe that Climate entrepreneurs are doing important work, and there should be a firm to help them find the best talent, without it breaking the bank. Reach out today for a free assessment of your hiring process. hello@erthtechtalent.com

91% of newly built renewable energy projects—especially solar and onshore wind farms—were already cheaper than new fossil fuel power plants

The uncertainty rippling through the energy industry in the first half of 2025 hasn't gone away. Utilities, developers, and manufacturers are still grappling with the fallout from the "One Big Beautiful Bill," the Trump administration's reversal of parts of the Inflation Reduction Act, and the evolving tangle of trade tariffs.Sylvia Leyva Martinez, host and principal analyst at Wood Mackenzie, is joined by her colleague Kelsey Coffman, Vice President of Supply Chain Consulting at Wood Mackenzie, to analyse how clean energy producers and buyers are adapting to the changes.The cost of batteries and solar panels is skyrocketing; tariffs as high as 145% are disrupting billion-dollar projects. How did we get here? And what can be done? Plus, changing definitions of “foreign entities of concern” – the new rules could kill access to tax credits if suppliers have indirect links to China. Sylvia and Kelsey debate the best path through the FEOC minefield. And how big have the risks of project delays and cancelled investments got? There's been an emergence of stockpiling strategies, but even US-based manufacturers aren't safe. If you're in clean energy, finance, procurement, or just trying to make sense of US decarbonisation strategy, Sylvia and Kelsey are here to help you understand what's changing, what's at stake, and what you can do to stay ahead.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

with Brad Friedman & Desi Doyen

We're joined by our new friends from Building Atlas, Nick Taylor and Olga Khroustaleva, who join us for a conversation about commercial retrofit—the non-residential kind. They've got a data driven business Building Atlas that helps commercial asset owners to plan pragmatic retrofit pathways for commercial real estate.This isn't just important because of how much energy the non-residential sector consumes, it's also because 70% of non-residential building assets are on course to become stranded assets because of their EPC rating and MEES regulation.They are simplifying a complex problem into something that's comprehensible—aggregating experience (and data) to give broad brush stroke direction that's useful. They've also published a paper about retrofit strategy for commercial buildings: The Beauty in Boring Buildings: The Business Case for Retrofit Beyond Flagship Assets.Notes from the showNick Taylor on LinkedIn Olga Khroustaleva on LinkedIn The Building Atlas website Their recent paper — The Beauty in Boring Buildings: The Business Case for Retrofit Beyond Flagship AssetsUK Government MEES guidance — Non-domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard - landlord guidance**SOME SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**We don't actually earn anything from this podcast, and it's quite a lot of work, so we have to promote the day jobs.Follow us on the Zero Ambitions LinkedIn page (we still don't have a proper website)Jeff and Dan about Zero Ambitions Partners (the consultancy) for help with positioning and communications strategy, customer/user research and engagement strategy, carbon calculations and EPDs – we're up to all sortsSubscribe and advertise with Passive House Plus (UK edition here too)Check Lloyd Alter's Substack: Carbon UpfrontJoin ACANJoin the AECB Join the IGBCCheck out Her Retrofit Space, the renovation and retrofit platform for women**END OF SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**

On Movie Magic, we examine if Jurassic World: Rebirth breathes new life into the dino franchise or simply digs up old bones. We also explore whether Fantastic 4: First Steps finally lands a few wins—and decode why Ozzy Osbourne once earned the nickname "Batman" from fans.Credit: Movie Magic Opening Theme was produced, composed & performed by Corey GomezSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

with Brad Friedman & Desi Doyen

UN Secretary General António Guterres proclaims that the fossil fuel era is fading and the clean energy age is rising. Vietnam is banning gas-powered motorcycles in downtown Hanoi by 2026. Meanwhile, a new electric scooter hits 100 mph, and China begins building the world's largest hydroelectric dam. Support The Clean Energy Show on Patreon for exciting perks! Also on the show:

Thursday Headlines: International Court of Justice says countries are liable for when it comes to climate harm, Australia has made a second payment of $800 million to the US for the Aukus agreement, House prices have risen in every state and territory in the country for the first time in four years, A fourth person has been charged in connection with the death of actor Mathew Perry, and our divorce rates are at their lowest in 50 years with marriages lasting longer. Deep Dive: Would you jump into a car with no one behind the wheel? While videos of Teslas changing lanes and driverless taxis navigating the streets of San Francisco and LA have gone viral, autonomous vehicles are closer to becoming a reality in Australia than you might think. Driverless cars are already being trialled on public roads across the country, but new research shows one in five Aussies are turning off in-built safety features like lane departure warnings and emergency braking, admitting they don’t trust the technology. In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith is joined by Professor Michael Milford, Director of QUT’s Centre for Robotics to explain why Australia is still behind despite being a world leader in the development of autonomous vehicle technology. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Michael Mann is Presidential Distinguished Professor of Earth and Environmental Science at the University of Pennsylvania. He also serves as Director of the Penn Center for Science, Sustainability, and the Media, and Vice Provost for Climate Science Action and Policy.Dr. Mann first entered the public consciousness in the late 1990s with his "hockey stick graph," a reconstruction of Earth's climate history over the past 1,000 years. The graph became both a cornerstone of climate science and a lightning rod for controversy. Since then, he has published more than 200 peer-reviewed papers, co-founded realclimate.org, and written five books—most recently, Our Fragile Moment: How Lessons from Earth's Past Can Help Us Survive the Climate Crisis.Having spent nearly three decades fighting climate misinformation and defending the scientific record, Dr. Mann has witnessed multiple waves of public consciousness around climate change. In this episode, we hear his perspective on how public sentiment has evolved, where we stand today, and his views on what he sees as a coordinated campaign to block climate action.Dr. Mann doesn't pull punches. He names names, draws direct lines between fossil fuel interests and political actors, and isn't shy about calling out what he views as bad-faith tactics across the political spectrum.Episode recorded on May 21, 2025 (Published on Jul 22, 2025)In this episode, we cover: ⁠[1:51]⁠ DiCaprio based Don't Look Up character on Michael⁠[4:26]⁠ Why Michael's center combines science and media⁠[5:27]⁠ Communication is today's biggest climate challenge⁠[7:27]⁠ The story and impact of the “hockey stick” graph⁠[13:17]⁠ How fossil fuel interests targeted his work and reputation⁠[15:32]⁠ Russia's modern climate disinformation tactics⁠[17:22]⁠ Climate denial, delay, doom, distraction, and division⁠[20:26]⁠ Deflection: blame shifted to individual responsibility⁠[21:48]⁠ The progress we've made and the need to accelerate solutions⁠[25:17]⁠ Why China may lead in future emissions reductions⁠[29:16]⁠ Methane leaks make gas a major climate threat[33:15] What exactly we're trying to save on the planet⁠[38:22]⁠ How Project 2025 is erasing climate accountability⁠[40:46]⁠ Which climate science institutions are being dismantled⁠[45:09]⁠ What a livable 2050 future could still look like Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

with Brad Friedman & Desi Doyen

From staffing crises in national parks to energy dominance expansion across millions of acres of public land, here's what you need to know:FY26 Budget Breakdown: The House released its draft Interior-EPA spending bill, proposing deep cuts to conservation, environmental protection, and public lands. Including:$213M cut to the National Park Service, amid a 24% staffing loss23% EPA budget cut, gutting water, air, and environmental justice programsPublic Lands Open for Drilling: ConocoPhillips wants to expand its Willow Project with new test wells in the Western Arctic. Meanwhile, Trump's “One Big Beautiful Bill” opens over 200 million acres of federal land to oil and gas drilling.81% of BLM lands in the West now open to leasingQuarterly lease sales mandated, even without industry interestDrilling proposed in San Luis Obispo County, CADOE's Dirty Grid Report: The Department of Energy is propping up coal plants under a new Trump executive order, claiming fossil fuels are needed for grid reliability. Burgum's Alcatraz Visit Sparks Backlash: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum visited Alcatraz to assess reopening it as a prison for “dangerous criminals,” per Trump's May directive. But the site draws over 1 million visitors annually and generates $60M/year.Public Broadcasting Cuts Approved: The House approved a rescission package eliminating $1.1 billion in CPB funding, gutting local public media nationwide.

In this MadTech Podcast episode, ExchangeWire editor Aimee Newell Tarín is joined by research lead Mat Broughton and Chris Andrews, head of marketing technology at Miroma Founders Network, to discuss the latest in ad tech, media, and marketing.  They look at OpenAI's decision to launch a web browser, a study which highlights the importance of trust as a business driver, and UK ad agencies coming together to call for a ban on fossil fuel advertising. 

with Brad Friedman & Desi Doyen

Despite uncertainty for US clean energy investors, things are looking good for the geothermal sector. US$1.7 billion in public funding was pumped into geothermal projects in Q1 this year - 85% of 2024's entire annual allocation – as breakthrough technologies promise to transform untapped resources into commercially viable clean energy projects.Enhanced geothermal and advanced geothermal technologies are making geothermal energy accessible anywhere, not just at existing sites chosen for their high-temperatures.To explore the science behind EGS and AGS, host Sylvia Leyva Martinez is joined by John Plack, VP of engineering at Ameresco. John explains how techniques adapted from the oil and gas sector, like directional drilling and reservoir stimulation, are improving geothermal's commercial viability. John shares what's changed since the IRA's passage, the role of EGS, and why improved subsurface mapping is critical to unlocking investment.Geothermal is currently supplying less than 1% of global energy needs, but could provide 15% of worldwide power by 2050. The US leads global geothermal power production, yet its 4 GW of installed capacity leaves vast resources untapped. Total potential US geothermal capacity exceeds 500 GW, with the best sites in western states featuring temperatures above 150°C and heat flow rates exceeding 80 milliwatts per square metre.Investment is there, and the technology is there, so has the impact of the Trump administration's energy policy been lighter for geothermal than other sectors like wind and solar? Why?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

with Brad Friedman & Desi Doyen

The $4 trillion Republican spending bill, signed by President Trump on July Fourth, is packed with giveaways to the oil and gas industry. These include tax breaks, opening more public lands and offshore acres to drilling, and a lowering of royalty rates that oil and gas companies must pay for extracting fuel from government lands. Trump's so-called “big, beautiful” bill is also full of ugly ironies, including this one: While Trump campaigned on lowering energy prices for consumers, his spending bill is expected to raise average household energy costs by about $280 per year, in part because it slashes support for wind and solar, which are some of the cheapest forms of energy. To break down all the handouts to the fossil fuel industry, we interview Josh Axelrod, senior program advocate at NRDC. (Photo by iStock)

Antonia Juhasz reports that the new law compounds the already $17 billion in direct federal subsidies US taxpayers pay to oil, gas, and coal companies every year.

Follow us on X: @JCats2013 @americasrt1776 @ileaderssummit @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk Join America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio co-hosts Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy with John Catsimatidis, founder and chairman of the Red Apple Group, owner of 77 WABC Radio in NYC, and author of best-selling book, "How Far Do You Want to Go?" The book reveals how John's instincts and common sense propelled him to massive business success in this detailed account of an incredible rags-to-riches story and his calling to serve his fellow-Americans through philanthropic work. The conversation with John Catsimatidis focuses on the U.S. Congress passing the "One Big Beautiful Bill," and President Trump's policies which are reversing the failed policies of the Biden-Harris era. John also shares his story of achieving the American Dream, and the concerns of the rise of socialism in America which is adversely affecting a young generation of Americans. On this segment of America's Roundtable, the timely discussion elevates American exceptionalism as the nation gears up for the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding. John also highlights the responsibilities for Americans to ensure that we uphold the nation's founding documents, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. americasrt.com (https://americasrt.com/) https://summitleadersusa.com/ | https://jerusalemleaderssummit.com/ America's Roundtable on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/americas-roundtable/id1518878472 X: @JCats2013 @americasrt1776 @ileaderssummit @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk America's Roundtable is co-hosted by Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit. America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio program focuses on America's economy, healthcare reform, rule of law, security and trade, and its strategic partnership with rule of law nations around the world. The radio program features high-ranking US administration officials, cabinet members, members of Congress, state government officials, distinguished diplomats, business and media leaders and influential thinkers from around the world. Tune into America's Roundtable Radio program from Washington, DC via live streaming on Saturday mornings via 68 radio stations at 7:30 A.M. (ET) on Lanser Broadcasting Corporation covering the Michigan and the Midwest market, and at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk Mississippi — SuperTalk.FM reaching listeners in every county within the State of Mississippi, and neighboring states in the South including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Tune into WTON in Central Virginia on Sunday mornings at 6:00 A.M. (ET). Listen to America's Roundtable on digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google and other key online platforms. Listen live, Saturdays at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk | https://www.supertalk.fm

In this episode Rose Chard joins us to describes her multilayered and multi textured approach to innovation and research. It's a conversation about Energy Systems Captapult's experiment in prescribing heating to keep people warm—that's pretty much it, but there was a lot to talk about.Notes from the showRose Chard on LinkedInThe Inclusive Smart Solutions project that Rose mentionsWarm Home Prescription® Insights and Impact Report (July 2024) by Energy Systems CatapultWarm Home Prescription recommended by 93% of health professionals in latest trial (September 2023) by Energy Systems CatapultOne of the papers Jeff mentioned: Occupant Interactions and Effectiveness of Natural Ventilation Strategies in Contemporary New Housing in Scotland, UKThe other one: Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality in Part F 2006 Homes (BD 2702) from 2010**SOME SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**We don't actually earn anything from this podcast, and it's quite a lot of work, so we have to promote the day jobs.Follow us on the Zero Ambitions LinkedIn page (we still don't have a proper website)Jeff and Dan about Zero Ambitions Partners (the consultancy) for help with positioning and communications strategy, customer/user research and engagement strategy, carbon calculations and EPDs – we're up to all sortsSubscribe and advertise with Passive House Plus (UK edition here too)Check Lloyd Alter's Substack: Carbon UpfrontJoin ACANJoin the AECB Join the IGBCCheck out Her Retrofit Space, the renovation and retrofit platform for women**END OF SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**

The latest episode of People in Power provides an up-to-the-minute update on the extended day-ahead market with Kathleen Staks, chair of the West-Wide Governance Pathways Initiative Launch Committee. Staks and California Energy Market's Jason Fordney and Abigail Sawyer discuss new governance structure for EDAM with the official joining of the market by Public Service Company of New Mexico; the status of legislation in California that would enable a new regional organization to govern the market; jitters among California lawmakers about influence by President Donald Trump if California gives up any decision-making power; and worries about the break-up of the Western Energy Imbalance Market. At stake is billions of dollars in market transactions, regional grid reliability and the ability to integrate renewables across the region.

with Brad Friedman & Desi Doyen

A landmark study from Imperial College London has attributed 1,500 deaths during last week's European heatwave directly to human-induced climate change. It's the first rapid attribution study to go beyond linking climate change to weather events, and instead ties it directly to human deaths.

Send me a messageMost climate policies focus on cutting emissions. But what if the real issue is what's being left off the table, fossil fuel production itself?In this week's episode of Climate Confident, I speak with Tzeporah Berman, Chair of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, about why global climate goals are doomed if we keep expanding fossil fuel supply while trying to cut demand.Tzeporah explains how the Paris Agreement never once mentions the words “oil,” “gas,” or “coal”, despite 86% of emissions coming directly from them. She lays out the case for a global treaty to phase out fossil fuel production, how countries like Colombia are already stepping up, and why we need a just transition framework that includes debt relief and international cooperation.We discuss:Why fossil fuel expansion continues despite climate pledgesThe $7 trillion in annual subsidies distorting energy marketsThe role of Global South nations and equity in the energy transitionHow “net zero” has been weaponised as a delay tacticAnd why renewables alone won't solve the crisis unless we stop digging the hole deeperThis is a frank look at what it really takes to deliver on climate targets, and why we can't keep ignoring the supply side of the problem.

20250708- Win a Chance to Meet Kevin & Linda, Oil Facts & Fossil Fuels, July 4th Celebrations, Italy by That KEVIN Show

AP correspondent Haya Panjwani reports on heat deaths in Europe.

AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports authorities in Greece ordered the afternoon closure of the Acropolis in Athens for a second day on Wednesday due to high temperatures – a sign at a pharmacy close by recorded a high of 111 degrees Fahrenheit.

with Brad Friedman & Desi Doyen

We have to stop fossil fuels from causing global warming – before the world stops using fossil fuels. There's only one solution: safe and permanent disposal of one tonne of carbon dioxide for every tonne still generated by burning fossil fuels. But how do we achieve this without overheating the planet or stoking political conflicts? This lecture presents a simple answer: make carbon dioxide disposal a licensing condition of the sale and use of fossil fuels.This lecture was recorded by Myles Allen on 10th June 2025 at Barnard's Inn Hall, London.Myles is the Frank Jackson Foundation Professor of the Environment.Myles is also  is currently Director of the Oxford Net Zero initiative. He was awarded the Appleton Medal and Prize by the Institute of Physics in 2010, and in 2022 a CBE for services to climate change attribution, prediction and net zero. In 2023, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society.The transcript of the lecture is available from the Gresham College website: https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/carbon-takeback-how-we-will-stop-fossil-fuels-causing-global-warmingGresham College has offered free public lectures for over 400 years, thanks to the generosity of our supporters. There are currently over 2,500 lectures free to access. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest minds. To support Gresham's mission, please consider making a donation: https://www.gresham.ac.uk/get-involved/support-us/make-donation/donate-todayWebsite:  https://gresham.ac.ukTwitter:  https://twitter.com/greshamcollegeFacebook: https://facebook.com/greshamcollegeInstagram: https://instagram.com/greshamcollegeSupport Us: https://www.gresham.ac.uk/get-involved/support-us/make-donation/donate-todaySupport the show

EDITORIAL: The UN's conversation starter on fossil fuels | July 9, 2025Subscribe to The Manila Times Channel - https://tmt.ph/YTSubscribe Visit our website at https://www.manilatimes.net Follow us: Facebook - https://tmt.ph/facebook Instagram - https://tmt.ph/instagram Twitter - https://tmt.ph/twitter DailyMotion - https://tmt.ph/dailymotion Subscribe to our Digital Edition - https://tmt.ph/digital Check out our Podcasts: Spotify - https://tmt.ph/spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tmt.ph/applepodcasts Amazon Music - https://tmt.ph/amazonmusic Deezer: https://tmt.ph/deezer Stitcher: https://tmt.ph/stitcherTune In: https://tmt.ph/tunein #TheManilaTimes#VoiceOfTheTimes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Environmental advocates warn that Trump's new budget will undermine US efforts to combat climate change and stall the transition to clean energy.

In today's MadTech Daily, we discuss the UK ad industry calling for a fossil fuel marketing ban and Google found to be underestimating its carbon emissions. We also cover AI factchecking on X sparking conspiracy concerns, and UK marketers citing creator relationship management as a key scaling hurdle.

Join us for a comprehensive debrief of the 89th Texas Legislative Session with TXOGA President Todd Staples and former Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Dennis Bonnen. Staples and Bonnen discuss leadership priorities, the contested Speaker election, and go in-depth on major issues like education, fiscal and economic policy, electricity, water, wildfires, and bail reform, exploring their impact on Texans and the state's future.

Colville Lake now gets 15% of its electricity annually from solar power. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/ 

In February this year BP announced it was cutting its investment in green energy ventures from $5B to $2B while reallocating $10B to fossil fuels, and abandoning its 2030 oil output reduction target. Shell has also scrapped its planned 20% carbon reduction cut for 2030. It's not a good display of intent from the perspective of the energy transition. In a highly volatile and uncertain policy environment it's troubling for investors and clean energy developers. The prioritisation of short-term profit at the expense of long-term climate impact has many implications.To find out, host Sylvia Leyva Martinez is joined by private investor Ben Dell, Managing Partner at Kimmeridge. He says that while “everyone wants low-cost energy on demand with a minimal carbon footprint, every dollar invested has to be cost-competitive. Philanthropy is not an investing strategy.” What does that mean in the context of clean energy deployment?Plus, Wood Mac analyst Tom Ellacott joins the show to look at the outlook for oil and gas in light of the news from the majors. As he sees it, gas is a growth fuel for the next 20 - 30 years and the most optimal power delivery system is still renewables paired with small-scale batteries and natural gas. So why are major energy providers flip-flopping with their strategies when this is widely accepted?The key questions are: how are oil and gas majors adjusting their capital allocation between fossil fuels and renewables? What's the role of natural gas in the transition? And how should investors navigate volatility and uncertainty in energy markets? You'll get the answers here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ronald Stein is a professional engineer, energy literacy advocate, and the Pulitzer Prize-nominated co-author of Clean Energy Exploitations. With decades of experience designing and building refineries for major corporations like Bechtel and Fluor, Ron possesses a deep, nuanced understanding of the energy sector. Thirty years ago, he and his wife, June, founded PTS Advance, a staffing and workforce solutions firm specializing in complex industries like energy and life sciences. After successfully growing the company, they transitioned ownership to their two sons 15 years ago. Now, Ron dedicates his time to educating policymakers, business leaders, and the public, serving as a columnist for America Out Loud News and an advisor to the Heartland Institute on energy policy.SHOW SUMMARYIn this eye-opening episode of the Disruptive Successor Podcast, host Jonathan Goldhill sits down with Ronald Stein to challenge everything you think you know about energy. Ron explains the dangerous lack of "energy literacy" plaguing our leaders and policies. He draws a critical distinction: renewables like wind and solar only generate electricity, whereas fossil fuels are the foundation for the petrochemicals that create over 6,000 essential products, from iPhones and medical devices to the very components of EVs and solar panels. The conversation delves into the successful generational transition of Ron's family business, PTS Advance, and unpacks the severe economic and national security risks of misguided energy policies, revealing the hidden truths behind the global push for a "green" transition.KEY TAKEAWAYS Energy vs. Electricity: A Critical Misunderstanding: Ron clarifies that "energy" and "electricity" are not interchangeable. Wind and solar generate electricity, but they cannot create the physical products derived from the petrochemicals in fossil fuels that our modern world is built on.Everything is Made from Oil: Our materialistic society, including "green" technologies like EVs, wind turbines, and solar panels, is fundamentally dependent on the 6,000+ products derived from oil. Getting rid of oil means getting rid of the building blocks of modern life.A Family Business Success Story: Ron shares how he and his wife built PTS Advance from the ground up, successfully transitioned it to their sons, and strategically hired a non-family CEO, leading to massive growth and an eventual acquisition.The Perils of Poor Policy: California's push to eliminate in-state oil production has ironically made the state over 70% dependent on foreign oil imports, creating a significant national security risk and driving up costs for consumers.The Hidden Costs of EVs: Transitioning to electric vehicles eliminates the gas tax revenue that maintains roads, while the heavier weight of EVs causes more road damage, creating a future funding crisis.The Unethical Side of "Clean" Energy: Ron argues that mandating EVs financially incentivizes the exploitation of labor (including child labor) and environmental degradation in countries like China and in Africa, where the raw materials for batteries are mined.The Nuclear Resurgence: As a reliable, emissions-free, and continuous power source, nuclear energy is gaining worldwide momentum as a practical solution for our electricity needs, requiring far less land and materials than wind and solar.QUOTES "Wind and solar only generates electricity. They make no powers, no insulation, no asphalt, et cetera, et cetera. Whereas oil, all the products we have today didn't exist 200 years ago.""If you get rid of oil, you get rid of electricity, you get rid of EVs. The EV is a hundred percent made with oil.""Instead of being 5% dependent on foreign imports for crude oil, we're now more than 70% dependent... And that is a national security risk for America.""My passion is to stimulate conversations about energy literacy because most of our policy makers are misunderstanding the word energy.""I think it's unethical and immoral to provide those financial incentives for those countries to continue to [exploit people and the environment].""There's a worldwide movement toward nuclear 'cause we want affordable, reliable, continuous electricity, also emissions free electricity and nuclear is providing that."Connect and learn more about Ronald Stein and his work:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronaldstein/Email: ronald.stein@energyliteracy.netBook: Clean Energy Exploitations on AmazonCompany: PTS Advance: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pts-advance/If you enjoyed today's episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you're interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill's book, Disruptive Successor, go to the website at www.DisruptiveSuccessor.com

In a slight departure from our usual building performance themes joining us for this episode we have Richard Muscat, a man who has experienced the world of investment and tech from a fascinating range of angles and is seeking ways to do things differently.In essence, we're looking at the way venture capital and climatetech are organised in ways that aren't conducive to delivering the impact that's promised. We're not just picking on VCs, we're using them as a means of highlighting a bunch of systemic economic issues—chief among them is how unrealistic goals for growth (in its myriad forms) almost always leads to failed impact. Perversely, it's a bug in the impact investment space that's a feature of the broader investment system.We also get into concepts of degrowth and economic biodiversity.Good Homes Alliance eventLaunch event of our a best practice guide to ‘Water Efficiency and Reuse in Housing' on Thursday 10 July.Notes from the showRichard Muscat on LinkedinThe Untangled websiteRichard's recent LinkedIn post that we mentionThe Project Drawdown websiteHuman flourishing doesn't require perpetual growth; it requires sufficiency, by Jason HickelSmarter Finance 4 EU — the project Jeff's been working on and promoting because green home certification is about not just energy use, or IAQ, etc, but how residents live their lives once they leave the front door i.e. nature + cycling + public transport + climate resilience etc. all matter**SOME SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**We don't actually earn anything from this, and it's quite a lot of work, so we have to promote the day jobs.Follow us on the Zero Ambitions LinkedIn page (we still don't have a proper website)Jeff and Dan about Zero Ambitions Partners (the consultancy) for help with positioning and communications strategy, customer/user research and engagement strategy, carbon calculations and EPDs – we're up to all sortsSubscribe and advertise with Passive House Plus (UK edition here too)Check Lloyd Alter's Substack: Carbon UpfrontJoin ACANJoin the AECB Join the IGBCCheck out Her Retrofit Space, the renovation and retrofit platform for women**END OF SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**

On this episode of People in Power, California Energy Markets Associate Editor Abigail Sawyer talks with Mark Toney, executive director of The Utility Reform Network, about California's unprecedented rate increases over the past several years, the factors driving those increases and what can be done to keep power bills from continuing to rise. Toney doesn't hold back in offering his opinions on reasonable wildfire safety measures, who should pay for them, and whether the California Public Utilities Commission is doing its job.  He also discusses legislation currently before California lawmakers that TURN believes could slow the upward advance of utility rates.

In a special edition of TXOGA Talks, TXOGA President Todd Staples and Chief Economist Dean Foreman discuss recent global conflicts and what impact they may - or may not - have on the Texas oil and gas industry and what role the Texas energy industry plays in keeping energy and the economy stable not just here at home but also around the world. Links:https://www.txoga.org/energy-security-is-national-security/ https://www.txoga.org/upstream-jobs-may-2025/ 

On Thursday June 26, NY Divest from Death, Extinction Rebellion of the Capital Region, and the Upper Hudson Valley chapter of Codepink rallied outside NYS Comptroller DiNapoli's office on State street in downtown Albany to demand an end to investing NY retirement funds in Israeli bonds that help funds the Netanyahu government's genocide in Gaza and $5 billion in large fossil fuel companies that are driving global companies. We hear from Arthur with Code Pink; Eyad Alkarubi from the Palestinian Rights Committee; Xan Plymale of Divest from Death; and Wendy Dwyer and Tom Ellis (PRC). By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

with Brad Friedman & Desi Doyen

Half the world now depends on synthetic fertilizers for food. But do we need them in the garden? And are they really derived from fossil fuels?NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Root Pothos Cuttings

After years of courtroom battles, campaigner Sarah Finch won a landmark Supreme Court case that could reshape how the UK approves oil, gas and coal projects.Writer: David Taylor Producers: Poppy Bullard Host: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You're performing. You're delivering. Great - but what's actually driving you day to day? Many high performers are secretly powering their success with a unsustainable fuel source - fear:

with Brad Friedman & Desi Doyen

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol – the global gold standard for measuring corporate emissions – is under review, and the proposed changes could dramatically reshape how clean energy is bought, sold, and reported. New draft rules are expected by the end of the year.What changes could we see? And how will they impact the energy transition? To find out, Sylvia Leyva Martinez, principal analyst at Wood Mackenzie covering solar markets, speaks with Lee Taylor, CEO of Resurety – a leading provider of data and analytics for clean energy buyers. Lee has spent over a decade helping companies understand not just how to procure renewables, but how to do so with real carbon impact.Together, they explore what's changing in Scope 2 emissions accounting, why location and timing of energy use now matter more than ever, and how voluntary clean power markets might evolve. They break down complex concepts like emissionality, 24/7 procurement, and consequential accounting – and what these mean for corporate net-zero strategies, PPA structures, and the future of Renewable Energy Certificates.If your business buys clean electricity or reports against Scope 2, this is essential listening.Plus, Taylor shares his advice for buyers and developers navigating the shifting landscape, and explains why the next six months will be key in shaping rules that will define voluntary climate leadership in the coming years.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

with Brad Friedman & Desi Doyen

with Brad Friedman & Desi Doyen

Nearly 150 days into President Trump's second term, the outlook for wind energy in the United States - particularly offshore wind - is increasingly bleak. Trump had pledged to end offshore wind development, and now the House Ways and Means Committee is proposing a phase-out of tax credits for renewables by 2031 - a move that would severely impact an already struggling wind sector (over on our sister podcast Energy Gang, we discuss the bill and what it means for renewables – check out that episode once you're finished here).Only three offshore wind projects have come online in US waters, with 4 GW currently under construction. In 2024, total wind installations reached a ten-year low at just 5.2 GW. By contrast, Europe has surged ahead, having built 35 GW of offshore wind capacity - ten times the US total – emphasising the stark differences in policy and financing frameworks.Still, there are glimmers of hope: President Trump recently lifted a stop-work order on a $5 billion offshore wind farm off the coast of New York, following lobbying from Governor Kathy Hochul. The project, led by Norwegian company Equinor, is expected to power 500,000 homes by 2027. However, with developer confidence sinking, experts warn that the stop-start nature of US policy continues to undermine long-term momentum in the sector. To forecast the next few years for wind in the US, host Sylvia Leyva Martinez – principal analyst at Wood Mackenzie – is joined by analyst Stephen Maldonado. They explore the policy and technology that's holding back deployment of offshore wind in the US.Plus, looking across the Atlantic to Europe, Sylvia talks to WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson, about the financing frameworks for wind in Europe.Sylvia, Stephen and Giles talk through the lessons for developers and financers: with uncertainty around tax credits and shifting policies, there may be a shift in resources to more advanced projects, putting early-stage ones on hold. Repowering old wind turbines is an option too; Giles explains how. And making use of domestic supply chain strengths is key – compared to solar, wind has more domestic supply chain support.Follow the show wherever you're listening to it now, and tell us what you think, we're on X and Bluesky @interchangeshowSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.