Renewable Energy and Electric Cars: The Reality for Wyoming and Beyond

10/24/24 • 24 min

In this episode of Eye on the Issues, we are joined by Kenny Stein, Vice President of Policy at the Institute for Energy Research, who talks about the challenges facing America’s energy future, focusing on the issues surrounding wind and solar energy. While we touch on electric vehicles and the government’s push for EV mandates, the conversation centers on the real-world difficulties of relying on wind and solar power to meet the country’s energy needs.
Kenny discusses why wind and solar are not as reliable as proponents suggest, the hidden infrastructure costs, and the challenges rural states like Wyoming face as they balance energy production with reliability. He also draws lessons from Europe’s renewable energy push, highlighting the economic and energy reliability risks the U.S. could face if it follows the same path.
Key discussion points include:
- Why are wind and solar energy unreliable and require massive infrastructure investments?
- The cost of building backup systems to support intermittent renewable energy.
- Lessons from Europe’s failed experiment with over-reliance on renewables.
- The importance of maintaining energy reliability in rural states like Wyoming.
- A brief look at the electric vehicle market and why rural America is resisting the push.

Previous Episode

Wyoming Ranching Under Threat?

We’re back with an update from Jim Magagna, Executive Vice President of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. In this episode of Eye on the Issues, Jim provides a look into the BLM's Rock Springs Resource Management Plan and its impact on Wyoming ranchers. He explains how this 3.2 million-acre plan affects public land use, livestock grazing, and the broader ranching community. Jim also shares updates on recent government regulations and the growing role of litigation in defending ranching interests.
Stay informed with more updates from Wyoming Liberty Group at wyliberty.org.

Next Episode

Power, Policy, and Preservation: A Conversation with Congresswoman Harriet Hageman

This week on Eye on the Issues, we're thrilled to host a powerful and exclusive conversation with Wyoming's Congresswoman Harriet Hageman! In this in-depth interview, Congresswoman Hageman shares candid insights and bold perspectives on some of the most pressing policy issues facing Wyoming and the nation.
We kick things off with a deep dive into the election landscape, where Congresswoman Hageman provides a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the momentum building around the presidential race and vital congressional battles. Her firsthand observations from campaign events and her take on the enthusiasm sweeping across the nation bring a compelling view of this critical moment in U.S. politics.
As the discussion unfolds, Congresswoman Hageman tackles topics close to every Wyomingite's heart, including her fight to protect Wyoming's energy and agriculture industries. She addresses the challenges posed by federal policies she views as overreaching and shares her strategy for countering the Biden administration's impact on Wyoming's way of life. From energy independence to the true cost of "green" energy initiatives, she doesn't hesitate to question the long-term viability of wind and solar in Wyoming's unique landscape.
In a powerful moment, Congresswoman Hageman dives into the intricacies of her committee work in Washington, detailing how her background as a trial attorney allows her to confront federal agencies whose policies can hinder Wyoming's prosperity. She talks about pushing back on the administrative state, reforming regulatory practices, and fighting to give power back to the people.
For those who wonder about Wyoming's future in nuclear energy and the potential for nuclear waste storage, Congresswoman Hageman gives her take on what's happening with projects in the state and shares her skepticism about federal funding for certain energy developments.
To close out, she opens up about her deep love for Wyoming—its people, breathtaking landscapes, and unparalleled freedom it offers. She explains why she's so driven to defend Wyoming's values and resources and what it means to her to represent a place she considers one of America's last best hopes for freedom.
Don't miss this candid, high-stakes interview that cuts through the headlines and brings you face-to-face with the issues that will shape Wyoming's future.