Author: Wayne Willlis

The EcoTech Synthesis – how to judge climate change solutions

The EcoTech Synthesis – how to judge climate change solutions

ByWayne Willlis

EcoTech Note: This post will be pinned to the top of the blog to define the “scope” of what will be covered here and to define terms found in the EcoTech Synthesis, summarized below.

I think this may be the most important post I’ve ever contributed personally, and I’d appreciate your reading it and giving me any feedback you have.

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, CleanTech must displace DirtyTech in all sectors. That will only happen when CleanTech is cheaper than DirtyTech. And THAT will happen if we support CleanTech’s “learning curve” reductions in unit costs and/or if the cost of DirtyTech rises owing to carbon pricing.

Big News: Bipartisan Permitting Reform Legislation Is Moving!

Big News: Bipartisan Permitting Reform Legislation Is Moving!

ByWayne Willlis

Co-sponsored by the top two leaders in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 was introduced on Monday and has already garnered support from CCL, clean energy groups, public interest groups, and trade groups representing the fossil fuel industry.  Some groups, like the Center for Biological Diversity and Earth Justice are solidly against the Act, and the Sierra Club says it falls short of their standards to get their support (yet?).

This post reports on the legislative timelines, links to statements from the various interest groups and summaries of the Act itself.

CCL concludes: “It’s a really good bill!”

Is Aviation a “Hard To Abate” Sector?

Is Aviation a “Hard To Abate” Sector?

ByWayne Willlis

You’ve heard the strategy:
  1. Electrify everything.
  2. Greenfiy the grid.
  3. Deal with “hard to abate” sectors.

And  you know the “hard to abate” sectors — cement, shipping, aluminum, cows, and AVIATION.   But maybe aviation should not be on the list, at least not if Beta Aviation, which is selling a FAA-approved electric plane this year, has a say.

Personally, I was blown away by the story, as told by their founder, Kyle Clark, in this Volts podcast, which I fully commend to your ears.  (Or, read/skim the transcript tab.)   It is a marvelous tale about how creative engineering, smart business models, early-adopter customers and American entrepreneurship combined to create a viable substitute for flight powered by jet fuel.