Latest news with #Molnar
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NorthWestern Energy tries to exclude climate change witness as ‘expert' in rate case
The Laurel Generation Station power plant in Laurel Montana as seen in September 2023. (Aerial photography by Ed Saunders) NorthWestern Energy, the state's largest public utility, tried to stop an energy engineer who planned to testify about climate change from participating in a rate case as an expert witness. It also attempted to curtail testimony based on an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report. The monopoly utility argued some of the testimony was an attempt to introduce 'inadmissible hearsay and exhibits,' such as the IPCC report. The IPCC is an international United Nations body set up to assess science related to climate with 195 members. The utility also said the energy engineer sought to offer 'improper legal opinions as a nonlawyer' and requested the Montana Public Service Commission strike that testimony. On a 3-2 vote Tuesday, the Montana Public Service Commission supported a staff recommendation to allow the engineer, with the Montana Environmental Information Center, to testify as an expert witness. But the PSC agreed he could not offer legal conclusions, as also recommended in the draft order from staff. A minority on the commission tried to block expert testimony from the witness. The order to allow the engineer to testify as an expert happened when PSC President Brad Molnar urged the commission to avoid a double standard and treat the witness fairly. The PSC is all Republican, and Molnar said if the commission determined the MEIC witness wasn't an expert, a future commission with a different political makeup could use the same rationale to disqualify witnesses for NorthWestern Energy. He also said the commission will have the ability to test the engineer's testimony. 'If there is one golden nugget in there, either substantiated by cross examination or refuted by cross examination, it has been worthy of our time,' Molnar said. Molnar also said the argument to silence the engineer was not based in fact. 'What we have is a desire to stop one person from testifying because one other moving party (NorthWestern) in this soon-to-be drama doesn't want people to hear what he has to say,' Molnar said. 'And I can't go with that.' The dispute is one small debate in another rate case filed by NorthWestern Energy and already drawing scrutiny after a 2023 settlement the PSC approved that hiked electric bills nearly 28%. Montanans have been fighting about the effects of climate change in different political arenas, including at the utility regulatory agency. The witness whom NorthWestern tried to block, Nick Fitzmaurice of the Montana Environmental Information Center, said in written pre-filed testimony the utility has 'neglected to account' for risks that climate change poses to its operations and credit. 'Corporate analysts have specifically and repeatedly noted that 'climate change' creates multiple risks for NorthWestern Energy,' Fitzmaurice said in part of his testimony. 'Moody's identified climate change as posing multiple risks to NorthWestern Energy.' Attempts to cull and curate witness testimony in cases aren't new, but the debate this week shows the pending rate case as another battleground over the role played by climate change in energy costs. In an email to the Daily Montanan, NorthWestern spokesperson Jo Dee Black said the utility was not attempting to disallow information in the case. 'This motion was made not to limit an issue or topic but to ensure the professional standards for qualification as an expert witness were upheld,' Black said. 'NorthWestern did not have any issues with this witness testifying as a lay or fact witness.' However, Anne Hedges, with the Montana Environmental Information Center, said NorthWestern admits it doesn't employ any scientific expert on climate change itself. Hedges said it's disingenuous for the utility to try to bill customers for climate impacts such as wildfire yet try to stifle the person giving testimony about climate change. 'Not having testimony means the commission can't consider climate change at all, and that is exactly what they want,' Hedges said of NorthWestern. 'So good for Brad Molnar. Good for the commission.' In its motion, NorthWestern called on the PSC to strike 'irrelevant evidence' from Fitzmaurice, energy transition engineer for the MEIC. Fitzmaurice holds a bachelor's degree in industrial management systems engineering from Montana State University and has worked in energy policy and modeling, according to his MEIC biography. The utility tried to exclude his statements about its emissions and the economic impacts of climate change in Montana, and it tried to exclude testimony from Kyle Unruh of Renewable Northwest. NorthWestern also disputed Fitzmaurice as an expert witness — experts are allowed to rely on reports, or 'hearsay' not personally experienced, to explain their opinions. NorthWestern, though, said Fitzmaurice should only be allowed to testify as a 'lay witness' — meaning he could testify only from personal experience, which would exclude testimony based on an IPCC report. Witnesses in rate cases file written testimony in advance of hearings. At the meeting this week, PSC legal counsel Lucas Hamilton said staff found some of the testimony Fitzmaurice provided to be 'impermissible legal conclusions' more appropriately submitted later on in the case. However, Hamilton said staff recommended finding Fitzmaurice's testimony relevant, contrary to NorthWestern's motion, although he said its credibility would be up to the commission to determine. Before the PSC approved the recommended order from staff, Commissioner Annie Bukacek moved to disqualify Fitzmaurice, with support from Commissioner Jennifer Fielder. Bukacek said Fitzmaurice 'has not done enough actual work' in his field, and she had yet to meet an 'expert in climatology or energy policy' who didn't have a doctorate degree. 'Standards matter in any field that provides critical information, such as energy policy,' Bukacek said. In response to a question, however, Hamilton said without a point of reference from the parties, the standard for qualifying a person as 'an expert' within the field of energy policy is discretionary. In the meantime, he said, the Montana rules of evidence call for a liberal interpretation of who is an expert — and allow an expert's testimony to be scrutinized. PSC staff attorney Amanda Webster said if the PSC deemed Fitzmaurice a 'lay witness' as opposed to an expert, it would 'effectively preclude him' from testifying altogether. 'There wouldn't be much left of his testimony,' Webster said. The move to oust Fitzmaurice from the list of experts failed, with only Bukacek and Fielder in support. Commissioners Randy Pinocci and Jeff Welborn supported Molnar's move to adopt the draft order prepared by staff. Pinocci said he didn't want a disqualification by the PSC to lead to a costly lawsuit alleging the commission had drawn an improper conclusion about an expert. Unruh, with Renewable NorthWest, declined to comment beyond his written testimony. The order from the PSC denied NorthWestern's move to strike his remarks. Relying in part on an IPCC report, Unruh argues NorthWestern is putting Montana ratepayers at 'substantial economic risk' and 'regulatory risk' by ignoring the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. But Hedges, with the MEIC, said NorthWestern Energy has become more bullish, and the rate case is demonstrating 'their new aggressive position toward the commission and toward customers.'
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Kenosha County house fire; likely caused by batteries, pets missing
The Brief A Kenosha County home was destroyed in a fire likely caused by lithium-ion batteries on Thursday, May 22. Multiple pets were unaccounted for. Nobody was inside the home and there were no injuries. TOWN OF BRIGHTON, Wis. - A Kenosha County home was destroyed in a fire on Thursday afternoon, May 22. What we know The fire broke just before 1 p.m. on 18th Street in the Town of Brighton. According to Kansasville Fire and Rescue Department Chief Ron Molnar, the likely cause of the fire was lithium-ion batteries in a charging unit and had exploded. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android Nobody was inside the home and there were no injuries. However, Molnar said multiple pets were unaccounted for, and he believes they are dead. There were no fire hydrants nearby, so fire crews had to bring in around 100,000 gallons of water. It took multiple crews, even departments from Illinois, several hours to put out hot spots. At one point, responders had to bring in an excavator to dismantle the home. Molnar called it a "very significant fire." "There were reports that flames were already coming through the roof," he said. Molnar said there were reports of a "dangerous" amount of ammunition in the home, but there was no threat to the area. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News "Pretty much everyone has ammunition in their homes," he said. "This is God's country out here." What we don't know There is no damage cost estimate available at this time. Local perspective "I'm emotional. It was an emotional experience to come alongside a family that has endured a trauma like this," neighbor Chris Strash said. "The silver lining is God is in control and that's just a promise that I rest on because he is in control, and he has a plan and a purpose." The Source Kansasville Fire and Rescue Department Chief Ron Molnar provided information.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Green Hydrogen Faces Reality Check in Europe
Realism is still far away in the European green hydrogen sector; the IEA reports significant constraints. It is high time to bring a more realistic approach to the forefront of our still seems to be out of reach when the world hydrogen sector has been sailing into the Port of Rotterdam, all having coffee at the World Hydrogen Summit 2025. The last day's optimism has been vented by major green hydrogen producers, technology suppliers, and a wide range of governments, led by the Dutch government and its counterparts from Oman, Algeria, Australia, and other far-fetched regions. While hearing the optimism and official strategies, realities on the ground are much more tricky—or even negative—especially when looking at real project volumes in place or the bankability of most other projected investments. While the European Union and the Dutch or German governments are pushing—via subsidies and market manipulation—a possible growth of supply and demand for green hydrogen, or its derivatives, green ammonia or methanol, market fundamentals are all stated by the OECD energy watchdog in Paris, the International Energy Agency (IEA), in its latest Northwest European Hydrogen Monitor 2025, strategies and implementation are still not in sync. In its report, which was presented by Greg Molnar, gas analyst at the IEA, at the World Hydrogen Summit 2025 in Rotterdam, Northwest Europe is at the forefront of low-emission hydrogen developments, as it accounts for 40% of total European hydrogen demand. At the same time, NW-Europe also holds vast and untapped renewable energy and carbon storage potential, mainly in the North Sea. While massive investments are being made in setting up the so-called green hydrogen backbone—a NW-European hydrogen pipeline network supported by Germany and the Netherlands—demand is still fledgling or doesn't exist. While plans (NL, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, and the UK) promise to reach a 30–35GW electrolyzer capacity by 2030, no real progress is made. As Molnar indicated in his presentation, only 6% of the total projects mentioned or discussed at present are being implemented. At the same time, only 9% of total projects under discussion are reaching FID. The reality is that most strategies are hit by a lack of investments, a lack of demand, too-high price settings, and no or very meager bankability. Even though the IEA officially doesn't mention it, nor does any other green hydrogen party at present, there is no market without getting a green hydrogen commodity market working. Establishing a viable commodity market is not just a necessity—it is the backbone of the industry. Without a possible price point developed for green hydrogen and derivatives, the financial world will not be willing or interested in taking the risk. The bankability of projects that cannot show a feasible margin or projected income stream is out of order. As shown in most other commodity markets, such as crude oil, price points make a commodity financially attractive. Without a possible volatile but working commodity market, the need for long-term contracts—based on subsidy schemes or government interference—is not a strategy that should be followed. While speaking on the sidelines of the Summit in Rotterdam, some participants also questioned the current full-scale push for green hydrogen, not green ammonia or other options. While markets are looking for low-emission or renewable energy solutions, choices are being made by politicians and others based on their assumptions, not based on technical and commercial facts. (Green) ammonia is a much easier and more functional alternative, as it doesn't have the same transport issues, doesn't need vast new vessels, and poses fewer risks when emitted into the air. Current developments are based on strategies that seem neither feasible nor functional, especially when looking at the price levels of green hydrogen versus other alternatives. Competitiveness is not there, and assessments indicate that it will not even reach price levels that could become commercially interesting before 2040. Enforcing green hydrogen as a fuel by increasing emission tariffs or other instruments should—especially in Europe—not be taken as an option, considering the dire state of mainstream industrial sectors and transportation within the European Union and the UK. The IEA, as representative of its member governments, still advocates a renewed push to integrate regional markets, targeting synergies. However, as history has proven, the choices made by companies will ultimately shape the future of the European green hydrogen sector, often contrary to the perceived goals of governments or NGOs. Still, European governments seem to be sticking to their already fledgling strategies. The European Union has allocated almost €1 billion for renewable hydrogen production projects. The latter will be mainly used as a subsidy, indicating a subsidy range of €0.20 to €1.88 per kg of green hydrogen. The EU also stated that it has selected 15 renewable hydrogen projects to receive €992 million in budget funding. This funding in five countries is slated to produce around 2.2 million tons of hydrogen over 10 years. The EU ETS system funds the total. The market is also eagerly awaiting the next auction of the European Hydrogen Bank, which is scheduled for the end of 2025 with a budget of up to €1 billion. During the World Hydrogen Summit, Dutch Minister Hermans announced that the Netherlands and Germany agreed to invest around €600 million in the acquisition of green hydrogen, trying to push the market to become more fluent. The latter will be organized via Hintco, set up by H2 Global. The latter will be a competition-based sales process, entailing a 10-year green hydrogen purchase agreement (HPA). The latter is still interesting, as the whole process also allows for the inclusion of green ammonia and methanol. While market participants—such as suppliers, manufacturers, and governments—maintain a clear optimistic view, the reality is still bleak. Investments are lacking, subsidies are distorting most progress, and demand is not available. It is crucial to reconsider strategies and realize that green hydrogen will be part of the solution (by 2050) but will not dent hydrocarbon or nuclear demand. The time for action is now. By Cyril Widdershoven for More Top Reads From this article on
Newsweek
21-05-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Passenger Seated Near Screaming Kid on Flight—Makes Controversial Choice
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A post about a frustrated airline passenger who requested a new seat during a child's mid-flight meltdown has gone viral on Reddit. Shared by u/InternalProgrammer34 in the r/AITAH subreddit, the post has garnered almost 10,000 upvotes and hundreds of comments since it was uploaded on May 21. The post was titled: "Am I an a****** for requesting a new seat after a special needs kid had a 2.5 hour tantrum on an international flight?" The poster said that the incident began approximately 30 minutes after takeoff. "The kid behind me had an inconsolable meltdown and was screaming and forcibly kicking and hitting my seat and even knocked my headphones off my head with his fist," the Reddit user wrote. "After about an hour of this and his parents not being able to control him, I rang the service button and asked if there were any other seats I could move to." The flight attendant responded promptly, finding a new middle seat about 10 rows back. However, the act of moving drew harsh criticism from nearby passengers, who said the poster was "insensitive" and "rude." Parenting coach Blanka Molnar told Newsweek the complexity of such interactions. "Everyone has a different tolerance level, and you don't owe anyone an explanation for your boundaries, especially not to strangers," Molnar said. "It's nobody's business why you choose not to tolerate a certain situation." Molnar added that perceptions of what is "valid" often depend on individual perspectives. "People tend to be more understanding when they perceive your reason as 'valid,' but valid usually just means it aligns with their perspective," she said. There has been a surge in international family travel. The 2023 U.S. Family Travel Survey conducted by the Family Travel Association found that 81 percent of parents in the United States said they were likely to travel with their children that year. The survey, which asked more than 3,300 parents and grandparents about their travel plans, behaviors and attitudes, indicated a sustained rebound in family trips since the COVID-19 pandemic. The passenger in the Reddit post said: "When I stood up to move I got heckled by the parents of the kid as well as a bunch of neighboring passengers for being insensitive and rude." The passenger said that they had been respectful and limited their interactions. "I didn't say anything to anyone other than asking the parents at the very beginning to keep him from reaching between the seats and touching me and asking the flight attendant to move? Am I an a****** for not just dealing with it?" the poster asked. Molnar said that some passengers may have projected their own discomfort onto the situation. "Chances are, the other passengers envied the OP [original poster] for doing what they also wished they could do to leave the situation," she added. "But they chose to stay, and that's their own decision and responsibility." While she acknowledged the difficulty of parenting in transit, Molnar was clear that personal boundaries remain essential. "The parents were likely already stressed and embarrassed by their child's behavior," she said. "The OP walking away may have unintentionally added to that emotional weight, but that still doesn't make the OP wrong for stepping away," Molnar noted. Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via the Reddit messaging system. Stock image: A passenger on a plane appears frustrated with hands over his face. Stock image: A passenger on a plane appears frustrated with hands over his face. Getty Do you have a travel-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@ and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Newsweek
19-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Gen Zer Telling Sister Her Baby Name Is 'Completely Unacceptable' Applauded
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A 20-year-old man has described how he felt he was left with little choice but to speak up after his elder sister revealed what she and her husband had decided to name their daughter. Baby-name choice may be a matter of personal preference, but research has shown how an individual's moniker can influence how they are perceived in social circles. In a 2011 study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science, researchers concluded that people with names perceived positively by others were more likely to make a positive social impression. The importance of first impressions was emphasized in the study, with researchers noting that they provide a "strong basis for processing subsequent information about the person." Given the potential importance placed on a name, it is perhaps understandable that the Reddit user behind the profile u/Odd_Age1378 would have an issue with his sister's choice of name. The brother's post said she and her husband had been "struggling a lot" to come up with a name. "Even by the time of her baby shower, she didn't seem to be any closer to picking something out," the poster wrote. With time ticking on, the brother thought he would make light of the situation by sending her a list of joke names. "She's a nurse, and I'm a biology student, so all the names were medications, infections, unpleasant animals, etcetera, that all sound like lovely girls' names out of context," he wrote. Then, two weeks later, the most-unexpected thing happened: she chose a name from her brother's list. "The baby's name is Malassezia," he said. "The name of a very common fungal infection. One that my sister and I are both genetically predisposed to." Concerned that it was also nearly impossible to pronounce, the brother urged his sister to reconsider, but she insisted she "really liked the way it sounded." "She says that it's so obscure that no one will ever think twice about it," he added. The brother continued to push for a change, though, telling her that it was a completely unacceptable choice of name. She was furious and said he had no business telling her to change the name and was way out of line. The brother thinks otherwise, though, blaming her name choice on "pregnancy hormones" and warning that she would "regret the decision very soon after her daughter is born." The Expert's View Blanka Molnar, a conscious parenting coach, felt that, while a baby name is a matter of personal choice, sometimes a different perspective is needed. Molnar told Newsweek: "Every parent makes their own choices, and in an ideal world, nobody should criticize them for anything. But—and that's a big 'but'—there are cases when sharing a different point of view, especially from somebody who is not emotionally involved in the situation, might help to influence the parents' choices and decision-making process for the better." Though Molnar understood the desire among parents to give their child a "unique" name, she felt the practice could "create long-term challenges for a child, ranging from frequent misspellings and mispronunciations to misunderstandings and even identity confusion." "Some parents think only in the short term and forget to consider that a name is meant to be forever," Molnar said. "A name meant to be the same when the child is a toddler, or attends school—kids can be cruel picking on names; starts their first job; and when they turn 80 years old." What Reddit Said Those commenting on Reddit were inclined to agree with this stance. "While your sis is right that it's her parental right, you're not stepping out of line -- you're family and you're cautioning her," one wrote. "That is horrible to name a child that," a second commented. A third added: "Even without the fact that it's the name of a fungal infection, it's so clunky and with 'a**' smack dab in the middle, there's way too many opportunities for that baby to get teased when they get to school. It's just cruel. Hopefully your sister wakes up before she makes a huge mistake." Newsweek reached out to u/Odd_Age1378 to verify the details of this case.
