In the Pipeline: 6/20/13

If anyone thought that Moniz would be middle-of-the-road, this choice should dispel that. The Washington Post (6/19/13) reports: “Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz has tapped highly regarded environmentalist Kevin Knobloch, most recently president of the advocacy group Union of Concerned Scientists, to be his chief of staff. Knobloch had also been the organization’s legislative director for arms control and national security and had worked on the Hill in the ‘80s as legislative director for former Democratic senator Tim Wirth of Colorado and legislative assistant and press secretary for former New York Democratic representative Ted Weiss.”

If history is any indication, expect to see more banjo playing, scary motion graphics, and wildly unsubstantiated claims about a subject which he does not understand. Real Clear Energy (6/19/13) reports: “Of course, not everyone wants to see the United States lead the world in affordable energy production. Utilizing Hollywood-style theatrics and baseless propaganda, these activists are dead-set on undermining the energy renaissance that is creating American jobs and strengthening our global position. Avant-garde filmmaker Josh Fox, who rose from relative obscurity in 2010 with his movie Gasland, has blamed shale gas drilling for a host of supposed problems – from flammable drinking water to environmental disasters. Nevertheless, his accusations have been systematically proven as false. Undeterred, Fox will doubtlessly continue to make similar claims in other projects, including Gasland Part II that will air on HBO on July 8.”

His Majesty has yet to thank the “conservative” groups laying the groundwork for a carbon tax, but this could be his big opportunity. The New York Times (6/19/13) reports: “President Obama is preparing regulations limiting carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants, senior officials said Wednesday. The move would be the most consequential climate policy step he could take and one likely to provoke legal challenges from Republicans and some industries. Electric power plants are the largest single source of global warming pollution in the country, responsible for nearly 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. With sweeping climate legislation effectively dead in Congress, the decision on existing power plants — which a 2007 Supreme Court decision gave to the executive branch — has been among the most closely watched of Mr. Obama’s second term.”

OPEC, the Canadian terrorist threats, and more, how can you miss this video? The Wall Street Journal Live (6/19/13) reports:

Finally, your “all of the above” chart of the day: