J.C. Moore Online

Current Events from a Science Perspective.

Energy and the Environment

  • The Registration Fee Increase on Electric Vehicles

    Though this is written from a Kansas perspective, it may be similar to an attempt by other states to impose additional fees and taxes on hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs). Traditionally, state roads have been funded by a tax on fuel.  Some state lawmakers are concerned that hybrid and electric vehicles are not paying their… Read more

  • Bipartisan carbon fee and dividend would brighten future for generations

    This is an Op Ed article for Earth Day published in the Wichita Eagle. April 19, 2018 04:03 AM Bipartisan carbon fee and dividend would brighten future for generations BY DARREL HART AND AND JC MOORE   Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, we have enjoyed the benefits of fossil fuels. Today, we understand that… Read more

  • Climate Change: Science and Solutions

    This is an update of an earlier PowerPoint presentation which reviews the scientific evidence for climate change and recommends a carbon fee and dividend system to address global warming. It was presented to the Oasis Fellowship in Wichita, Kansas. Though you may miss some things without the verbal presentation, the slides are mostly self-explanatory. You will need… Read more

  • Needed: Local Advocacy and Action on Climate Change

    There were three great letters in the Wichita Eagle recently. The first describes how renewable energy is growing and may soon meet much of our energy needs; the second describes the advantage of using a Carbon Fee and Dividend system to reduce pollution; and the third describes how cities may use electric vehicles in their transit… Read more

  • Environmental Security and Renewable Energy

    Below are two letters published in the Wichita Eagle recently. They remind us that there are many reasons for taking action on climate change. They are reprinted  with the authors’ permissions.   Grow economy with wind energy  As a 30-year-old living in the middle of Wichita, I am constantly thinking about job growth and how… Read more

  • Westar Energy’s Proposal to Increase Rates on Solar Customers

    Westar Energy is proposing a rate increase for customers who install solar panels or other distributive energy sources. Those Net Energy Metering (NEM) customers would have to choose between an additional $50 a month energy charge, or a $15 fixed fee plus a per-kilowatt rate demand charge based on the previous month’s maximum usage. If… Read more

  • We Should Not Weaken the EPA

      Opponents of the EPA are now seeking comments on regulations that need to be eliminated by the EPA. They are, of course, focusing on the regulations that save businesses money by allowing them to pollute the environment. Please submit a comment at the link above asking that  no steps be taken to weaken the EPA.… Read more

  • Wichita: Doubling Down on Air Pollution

    Perhaps you can’t beat city hall. The plan to buy 120 Yamaha gasoline golf carts was dropped last Fall as a bad idea after citizens pointed out the high cost and the risk of increasing  ozone pollution.  Now, the city is planning to buy 240 Yamaha gas carts to replace their fleet of electric golf carts. That idea… Read more

  • The Malheur Refuge and Standing Rock: A Tale of Two Standoffs

    The Malheur Refuge standoff and Standing Rock standoff were handle very differently by the authorities. This article describes the standoff and examines the reasons for the different treatment of the protesters. Read more

  • Carbon Fee and Dividend: Legislative Action Needed

    Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., was certainly right when he told a group of energy executives that cheap energy was necessary for our economy to be competitive and that legislation is needed to keep energy costs low (Wichita Eagle, Oct. 1 Business). Fossil fuels provide cheap energy because they do not pay their external costs, which include… Read more