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Energy: A Matter Of Life And Death

January 29, 2026

Need to know

RealClear Investigations

Common Sense

STORM-PROOF ENERGY SOURCE: The recent Arctic blast that gripped the nation should remind everyone of the importance of available energy. In fact, some believe that “Energy is life; the lack of it is death.” 
Those nine words ring true year-round, but never more so than during a severe weather event. Hundreds of thousands were without power at various times since last weekend’s storms from Texas to the Northeast mixed bitter cold with ice and record snowfalls.
Extreme cold warnings were in place for millions from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast mid-week, as communities across the eastern third of the United States repaired damage from a huge winter storm that claimed at least 60 lives in 13 states.
We shudder to think how many more would have perished had a reliable energy source not been available.
Why it matters: That’s precisely why a stable grid and Affordable, Reliable, Clean energy are necessary for American lives and livelihoods. It is why approximately 47% of U.S. households rely on natural gas as their primary space heating fuel, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Overall, it meets one-third of the nation’s energy needs.
And it’s abundant. Entering this winter, inventories were above the five-year average, ensuring supply is available even during periods of peak demand, according to the American Gas Association. This was critical since the storm hurt U.S. oil and gas production somewhat during the big freeze.
All the more reason we need to codify into law the ARC Energy Security bill introduced in October by Rep. Troy Balderson (R-Ohio). This legislation is crucial to supporting American energy producers and lowering energy costs for millions of families and businesses.
Others share the sentiment, posting on X:
— EPA chief Lee Zeldin noted that these events prove we need more baseload power, not less.
— Texas energy expert David Blackmon said the massive electric grid ERCOT survived the storm due to the natural gas system maintaining its integrity.
Consider:
  • Resilient Infrastructure: Because pipelines are buried underground, they are protected from falling tree limbs and high winds that take down power lines.
  • Uninterrupted Heating: Natural gas provides reliable heat to homes and buildings, which is essential for safety during cold, stormy weather.
  • Backup Power: Natural gas-powered generators automatically turn on during power outages, supporting hospitals and other services.

Bottom line: Record natural gas use tells the story: it kept millions warm and safe during Winter Storm Fern.

Nonsense

LOVE AFFAIR WITH WIND: European governments including Germany, Britain and Denmark will reinforce their plans to massively expand wind power projects on Monday, despite U.S. President Donald Trump stepping up criticism of their green energy agenda, a draft declaration due to be signed by government leaders showed.
Why it matters: It’s worth noting that factors including higher costs of capital and components have led to failed wind farm auctions in several North Sea countries.
Meanwhile, residents in several nations, including Germany and the United Kingdom, have organized opposition.
General opposition: Concerns over bird fatalities, the high costs of infrastructure and the impact of onshore, rural projects are common across Europe.
Germany: Local opposition is strong due to fears over noise pollution, cast shadows and environmental impact. The far-right party has even pledged to tear down existing turbines.
Sweden: Resistance is particularly notable in southern municipalities, where it is linked to landscape preservation and concerns about tourism.
Consider:
  • Nine European governments say they’ll accelerate the expansion of offshore wind power through large-scale, cross-border projects, to hit their overall target for 300 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity by 2050.
  • Wind and solar power produced more electricity than fossil fuels in the EU for the first time last year, indicating the bloc’s continued shift toward low-carbon energy despite resistance from some governments.

President Trump recently called those nations investing heavily in wind power “losers.” Yet, these countries have rallied together to get off the “fossil fuel rollercoaster” and transform the wind energy sector. 

Meanwhile, nine House Republicans are pressing the Trump administration about its decision to issue stop-work orders for offshore wind projects that are already under construction. We believe the orders were justified based on national security concerns.
Europe also is subject to extreme weather. Consequently, a reliance on natural gas and oil is paramount. These officials are blinded by the climate cult and the desire to be seen as progressive.
Bottom line: Europe celebrates meaningless milestones while its outdated grid stalls real energy progress.

 

Fuel for thought

A look ahead

Hearing On FERC Oversight: On Tuesday, February 3, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy will have a hearing on Oversight of FERC: Advancing Affordable and Reliable Energy for All Americans.

Quote of the week

“The weekend’s arctic blast has put much of the U.S. grid through a stress test, and served as another alert about the growing risks to electric-power reliability.”