Obama’s science
Here's the science that President Obama is basing policy on.
26
Jun
20
Jun
Southeast High School decision a test of beliefs
One aspect of the decision whether Wichita High School Southeast should be moved or renovated in place is this: What about the environment? We haven't heard much about this, however. But there are many in Wichita that advocate against urban sprawl. The proposal to move Southeast High from its present location to a proposed site on the fringes of Wichita: This defines urban sprawl. There are also many in Wichita who support the sustainable communities initiative. A core tenet is that we're spending too much on carbon-spewing transportation. The language is couched as "energy use and climate change," but the…
10
Jun
How did Wichita water situation develop?
It's vitally important that Wichita develop a plan for an abundant water supply. At the same time, we ought to be asking, as does Johnny Stevens, how this problem developed. Wichita Business Journal: Wichita officials -- thanks to a couple of weeks of rain -- said they were able this week to dodge possible water restrictions and punitive measures as a means of coping with the ongoing drought. But Wichita developer Johnny Stevens voiced to me today something I have heard from others in the community recently. “How did it even get to this point?” Stevens said. “It shouldn't have…
05
Jun
Wichitans taxed into a lower standard of living
Every decent man is ashamed of the government he lives under. -- H.L. Mencken This week the Wichita City Council voted to force Wichitans to spend $1 million to help their fellow citizens reduce their standard of living. I'm not kidding. $100 rebates will be paid to the purchasers of up to 10,000 low-flush toilets. To the extent that these toilets replace fully-functional toilets, civilization takes a step backwards. (The rebate program covers other appliances besides toilets, so we don't know how many low-flush toilets will be purchased. But it could be up to 10,000.) Whatever the number is, Wichita…
03
Jun
Wichita water, a few thoughts
"The first lesson of economics is scarcity: There is never enough of anything to satisfy all those who want it. The first lesson of politics is to disregard the first lesson of economics." -- Thomas Sowell As Wichita grapples with water issues, it's important that the city realize that abundance is better than austerity and punishment. Life in Wichita is nicer and more attractive to outsiders when we are able to use a lot of water at a reasonable price. Under an austerity program, for example, our $3.5 million investment in Waltzing Waters sits idle. With abundance, we have "liquid…
26
Apr
Recycling debate short on reason
Responses to a news story on recycling indicate that the issue is driven more by emotion and misinformation than reason. Recently I was interviewed by Carla Eckels of KMUW radio for a story titled Recycling: Is It Really Necessary? (Audio is available at that link.) The story was based on my research and opinion that in some cases, recycling is an economically beneficial activity. But for the household setting, it is not. (One point I meant to make, but forgot to, was that how wonderful it is that we have enough wealth that we don't have to recycle household waste.…
23
Apr
For Gasland 2, there will be no dissent allowed
The maker of FrackNation writes "Our mistake was to believe the Tribeca Film Festival’s claims to want diversity of opinion and people who are passionate about film." Documentary filmmakers Phelim McAleer and Ann McElhinney made FrackNation in response to the errors and lies in the anti-fracking film Gasland. Now there is Gasland 2, and McAleer and a group of farmers tried to see the film. It didn't go well. In January, as FrackNation was being released, I interviewed McAleer. You can read my report at FrackNation to tell truth about fracking. I asked this question: "So why are progressives and…
20
Feb
Renewables portfolio standard: Good or bad for the Kansas economy?
A report submitted to the Kansas House Standing Committee on Energy and Environment claims the Kansas economy benefits from the state's Renewables Portfolio Standard, but an economist presented testimony rebutting the key points in the report. RPS is a law that requires the state's electricity utilities to generate or purchase a certain portion of their electricity from renewable sources, which in Kansas is almost all wind. An argument in favor of wind energy requirementy from the Polsinelli Shugart law firm is at The Economic Benefits of Kansas Wind Energy. Michael Head, a Research Economist at Beacon Hill Institute presented a…
14
Jan
FrackNation to tell truth about fracking
Documentary filmmakers Phelim McAleer and Ann McElhinney have produced a feature film that will help America understand the truth about fracking. Fracking -- short for hydraulic fracturing -- is a method of oil and gas production by injecting pressurized fluid into rock formations. Along with horizontal drilling, this technology has lead to a rise in the production of natural gas, leading to much lower prices for consumers, and to the possibility of U.S. exports. FrackNation, the film that McAleer and McElhinney made, is set for premier on AXS TV on January 22, 2013 at 9:00 pm eastern. I spoke to…
18
Sep
Special interests will capture south-central Kansas planning
Special interest groups are likely to co-opt the government planning process started in south-central Kansas as these groups see ways to benefit from the plan. The public choice school of economics and political science has taught us how special interest groups seek favors from government at enormous costs to society, and we will see this at play over the next few years. Sedgwick County has voted to participate in a HUD Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant. While some justified their votes in favor of the plan because "it's only a plan," once the planning process begins, special interests plot to…