John Kostyack
@kostyack.bsky.social
Consulting on climate change & the energy transition for NGOs & foundations at Kostyack Strategies. Senior Contributor at Forbes.com & Senior Fellow at ceea.us. All opinions expressed here are solely my own.
Pinned
More like this please.
JB Pritzker has some thoughts.
Peter Slevin talks to J. B. Pritzker, the governor of Illinois, about the intensifying I.C.E. raids on the streets of Chicago, what he thinks everyone should do to stop tyranny, and whether he is prepared to be arrested on the order of Donald Trump.
https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/l38m5-
https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/l38m5-
November 11, 2025 at 1:24 AM
More like this please.
Excellent as always from @justinmikulka.bsky.social on oil's structural demand collapse. "As with pretty much everything in energy these days, the rapid decline in the cost of batteries combined with increased performance has made a mockery of most predictions from even a few years ago."
This piece I just published seems relevant.
Gluttons For Punishment: Oil Industry Doubles Down Against Reality
The world is facing a multi-year oil glut where the oil producers will be pumping more oil out of the ground than the world is using. This will keep oil prices at low levels – likely well below the le...
powering-the-planet.ghost.io
November 10, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Excellent as always from @justinmikulka.bsky.social on oil's structural demand collapse. "As with pretty much everything in energy these days, the rapid decline in the cost of batteries combined with increased performance has made a mockery of most predictions from even a few years ago."
@mollytaft.com MIT's Bashir notes this study doesn't take into account future developments such as behind-the-meter power generation and advancements in nuclear technology. But agrees w the paper's core conclusion that the tech companies' climate commitments are effectively abandoned.
November 10, 2025 at 7:25 PM
@mollytaft.com MIT's Bashir notes this study doesn't take into account future developments such as behind-the-meter power generation and advancements in nuclear technology. But agrees w the paper's core conclusion that the tech companies' climate commitments are effectively abandoned.
Here is the paper by Xiao et al. "Renewable energy penetration" of grids is each of the 50 states is a key determinant of both CO2 and water impacts. Appreciate the call for the tech industry to set "AI-specific benchmarks for energy, water and carbon performance." www.nature.com/articles/s41...
November 10, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Here is the paper by Xiao et al. "Renewable energy penetration" of grids is each of the 50 states is a key determinant of both CO2 and water impacts. Appreciate the call for the tech industry to set "AI-specific benchmarks for energy, water and carbon performance." www.nature.com/articles/s41...
"In 2023, Amazon applied to power three of its data centers in Morrow County with Bloom Energy natural gas fuel cells. It withdrew the plans in June 2024 after facing criticism." Now it's blaming the utility for its inability to power up.
Amazon just sued one of the largest power companies in Oregon after it failed to power up two data center (one without enough power and one with no power at all) campuses that were meant to be ready *in 2021*. Sure hope this isn't an industry wide problem!
www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/amaz...
www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/amaz...
November 10, 2025 at 6:28 PM
"In 2023, Amazon applied to power three of its data centers in Morrow County with Bloom Energy natural gas fuel cells. It withdrew the plans in June 2024 after facing criticism." Now it's blaming the utility for its inability to power up.
In case it has any bearing on what you discuss with your friends, neighbors, and family members this week, here's a reminder that your president doesn't want you talking about "the affordability." www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/u...
Trump Tries to Seize ‘Affordability’ Message
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:04 PM
In case it has any bearing on what you discuss with your friends, neighbors, and family members this week, here's a reminder that your president doesn't want you talking about "the affordability." www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/u...
Reposted by John Kostyack
There is a bogus but persistent argument that we don't have enough space for #solar and #wind.
What that argument misses is that solar can usually be deployed *in the same footprint* as other uses, like parking lots. Just as wind can be deployed in farms & forests. /1
electrek.co/2025/11/02/n...
What that argument misses is that solar can usually be deployed *in the same footprint* as other uses, like parking lots. Just as wind can be deployed in farms & forests. /1
electrek.co/2025/11/02/n...
New national law will turn large parking lots into solar power farms
Starting this month, parking lots in South Korea with more than 80 spaces will be required to install solar canopies and carports.
electrek.co
November 10, 2025 at 4:54 PM
There is a bogus but persistent argument that we don't have enough space for #solar and #wind.
What that argument misses is that solar can usually be deployed *in the same footprint* as other uses, like parking lots. Just as wind can be deployed in farms & forests. /1
electrek.co/2025/11/02/n...
What that argument misses is that solar can usually be deployed *in the same footprint* as other uses, like parking lots. Just as wind can be deployed in farms & forests. /1
electrek.co/2025/11/02/n...
Reposted by John Kostyack
@cleanvirginia.org has been increasing the anti-Dominion caucus in Virginia bit by bit since its founding in 2018, a key part of the @makepolluterspay.bsky.social coalition.
How will Virginia deal with the costly and pollution-heavy approach of today's data center buildout? The newly-elected AG says the key is to “hold our biggest corporate polluter accountable.” He's referring, of course, to Dominion, the utility leading the charge for more gas plants.
E&E News: How Virginia’s next AG could influence energy policy
Dominion Energy spent more than $3 million to try to keep Democrat Jay Jones out of office.
subscriber.politicopro.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:01 PM
@cleanvirginia.org has been increasing the anti-Dominion caucus in Virginia bit by bit since its founding in 2018, a key part of the @makepolluterspay.bsky.social coalition.
Jefferies tech analyst Surinder Thind comes back from Gartner's annual IT symposium struck by the “disconnect between business leaders’ expectations of what AI can do and reality”. The "big takeaway.. is that it’s very hard to make AI deliver anything useful." archive.is/rveNN
November 10, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Jefferies tech analyst Surinder Thind comes back from Gartner's annual IT symposium struck by the “disconnect between business leaders’ expectations of what AI can do and reality”. The "big takeaway.. is that it’s very hard to make AI deliver anything useful." archive.is/rveNN
How will Virginia deal with the costly and pollution-heavy approach of today's data center buildout? The newly-elected AG says the key is to “hold our biggest corporate polluter accountable.” He's referring, of course, to Dominion, the utility leading the charge for more gas plants.
E&E News: How Virginia’s next AG could influence energy policy
Dominion Energy spent more than $3 million to try to keep Democrat Jay Jones out of office.
subscriber.politicopro.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:16 PM
How will Virginia deal with the costly and pollution-heavy approach of today's data center buildout? The newly-elected AG says the key is to “hold our biggest corporate polluter accountable.” He's referring, of course, to Dominion, the utility leading the charge for more gas plants.
New Cornell-led study is the first ever to provide state-by-state projections of carbon emissions and water use by data centers. Estimates that data centers are on track to add 24-44M metric tons of CO2 pollution annually thru 2030, roughly equivalent to adding 5-10M cars per year to US roadways.
E&E News: 3-year study maps CO2 spikes from AI data center boom
The analysis also examines water use and offers a road map for lower emissions through states with considerable renewable resources.
subscriber.politicopro.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:05 PM
New Cornell-led study is the first ever to provide state-by-state projections of carbon emissions and water use by data centers. Estimates that data centers are on track to add 24-44M metric tons of CO2 pollution annually thru 2030, roughly equivalent to adding 5-10M cars per year to US roadways.
Most tech industry public messaging around AI and energy is about how AI and data centers will help us improve efficiency of grid resources. But what are they discussing with the Trump regime? Here's OpenAI promoting its vision for 100 GW(!) in "new energy" annually. cdn.openai.com/pdf/21b88bb5...
cdn.openai.com
November 9, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Most tech industry public messaging around AI and energy is about how AI and data centers will help us improve efficiency of grid resources. But what are they discussing with the Trump regime? Here's OpenAI promoting its vision for 100 GW(!) in "new energy" annually. cdn.openai.com/pdf/21b88bb5...
One study after another shows broad failures by the latest GenAI applications to provide reliable responses to queries or to deliver ROI for enterprise users. Yet CEOs feel enormous pressure to integrate them and many say they will fire any employee showing skepticism.
The Boss Has a Message: Use AI or You’re Fired
At companies big and small, employees have feared being replaced by AI. The new threat: Being replaced by someone who knows AI.
www.wsj.com
November 9, 2025 at 3:05 PM
One study after another shows broad failures by the latest GenAI applications to provide reliable responses to queries or to deliver ROI for enterprise users. Yet CEOs feel enormous pressure to integrate them and many say they will fire any employee showing skepticism.
Strong agree w @ddayen.bsky.social that the electriciity affordability crisis, combined w the data center boom, offer an unprecedented opportunity for politicians to frame the clean energy transition as a solution to our escalating cost of living challenges. prospect.org/2025/11/06/e...
The Electric Bill Election - The American Prospect
On Tuesday, the soaring cost of power was a key factor in several races, including those in Georgia, Virginia, and New Jersey. Democrats have a plan that can match their economic populist rhetoric.
prospect.org
November 9, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Strong agree w @ddayen.bsky.social that the electriciity affordability crisis, combined w the data center boom, offer an unprecedented opportunity for politicians to frame the clean energy transition as a solution to our escalating cost of living challenges. prospect.org/2025/11/06/e...
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders approved the deployment of about 100 Arkansas Army National Guard soldiers to the nation’s capital to support the D.C. National Guard’s ongoing civil security operations. #arpx
Arkansas National Guard deploying to Washington D.C. | Arkansas Advocate
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders approved the deployment of about 100 Arkansas Army National Guard soldiers to the nation’s capital to support the D.C. National Guard’s ongoing civil security operations.
buff.ly
November 8, 2025 at 4:35 PM
"The Kennedy Center is yet another piece of Washington that Mr. Trump is making over in his own image." Ticket sales down 50%, unqualified party loyalists handed top jobs, horrible staff morale, massive staff departures. Please, no more "Trump makeovers."
The Kennedy Center Crackup
www.nytimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:18 PM
"The Kennedy Center is yet another piece of Washington that Mr. Trump is making over in his own image." Ticket sales down 50%, unqualified party loyalists handed top jobs, horrible staff morale, massive staff departures. Please, no more "Trump makeovers."
Yes, it's possible for state policymakers to take meaningful action on climate and address key fiscal needs. The WA model will become even more important for other states to consider if/when the Trump economic blunders create a state fiscal crisis.
With strapped state budgets and federal climate funding slashed, the value of Washington's Climate Commitment Act has never been more clear: it continues to send billions to communities to advance clean energy & resilience - $3.5 billion since it went into effect in 2023. Other states, take note.
With the state strapped for cash, Democrats’ chief budget writer in the Washington Senate has told colleagues there’s no money available for new spending they might desire next year.
November 7, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Yes, it's possible for state policymakers to take meaningful action on climate and address key fiscal needs. The WA model will become even more important for other states to consider if/when the Trump economic blunders create a state fiscal crisis.
We Energies proposes to add 3 GWs of new capacity to power data centers in WI, including two new gas plants with 1.4 GWs of capacity. A new bill in the legislature tries to head this off.
Sierra Club Wisconsin Applauds New Data Center Accountability Legislation cleantechnica.com/2025/11/06/s...
Sierra Club Wisconsin Applauds New Data Center Accountability Legislation - CleanTechnica
Support CleanTechnica's work through a Substack subscription or on Stripe. MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin — Today, State Sen. Habush Sinykin and Rep. Angela Stroud introduced new legislation to bolster transpar...
cleantechnica.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:54 PM
We Energies proposes to add 3 GWs of new capacity to power data centers in WI, including two new gas plants with 1.4 GWs of capacity. A new bill in the legislature tries to head this off.
Reposted by John Kostyack
@joeroganhq.bsky.social is spreading climate denial and disinformation. Let’s help get him on board saving a livable climate — spread this widely. Send it to people who listen to him. #climate
Five ways Joe Rogan misleads listeners about climate change » Yale Climate Connections
Rogan exposes millions to climate denial. Let’s break down his tactics.
yaleclimateconnections.org
November 7, 2025 at 2:42 PM
@joeroganhq.bsky.social is spreading climate denial and disinformation. Let’s help get him on board saving a livable climate — spread this widely. Send it to people who listen to him. #climate
@energyinnovation.org reports are always a must-read, and this one in particular. "Clean energy and innovative tactics like “energy parks” can satisfy data center electricity demand without resorting to a rush to build new gas or keep old coal online." Also, focus on the interconnection process.
Dodging The Firm Fixation For Data Centers And The Grid • Energy Innovation
We can meet data center electricity demand and build a more affordable, cleaner grid by utilizing clean energy and flexible solutions instead of relying on fossil fuels.
energyinnovation.org
November 7, 2025 at 2:38 PM
@energyinnovation.org reports are always a must-read, and this one in particular. "Clean energy and innovative tactics like “energy parks” can satisfy data center electricity demand without resorting to a rush to build new gas or keep old coal online." Also, focus on the interconnection process.
Important threads from @kevinjkircher.com and @ketanjoshi.co on whether we avoid big climate & affordability impacts of data centers if we simply run with the tech industry's demand flexibility proposals. Both provide good reasons to be skeptical.
This great thread raises some questions worth thinking over:
1. Is all electricity demand equivalent, or should grid policy distinguish between demand that provides essential services (e.g. hospitals) and demand that doesn't (e.g. computers mining crypto in air conditioned warehouses)?
1. Is all electricity demand equivalent, or should grid policy distinguish between demand that provides essential services (e.g. hospitals) and demand that doesn't (e.g. computers mining crypto in air conditioned warehouses)?
I reckon the most interesting subset of discourse here is when presumed [good] factors are actually either actually bad, or there to downplay or dismiss the bad even if the amount of good is way smaller than the bad.
A short thread to explain: on "training for electrification" + "demand response"
A short thread to explain: on "training for electrification" + "demand response"
November 7, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Important threads from @kevinjkircher.com and @ketanjoshi.co on whether we avoid big climate & affordability impacts of data centers if we simply run with the tech industry's demand flexibility proposals. Both provide good reasons to be skeptical.
The data center industry says "people would be more supportive if they simply knew more about companies’ ongoing sustainability efforts." So, concerns about pollution and water consumption are apparently solvable with ... "education."
my latest: i spent weeks investigating how frustrations about data centers were about to swallow american politics…
…and then the 2025 election happened, proving the electoral impacts are already here.
read and share my deep dive on the bipartisan AI techlash shaping our elections before our eyes!
…and then the 2025 election happened, proving the electoral impacts are already here.
read and share my deep dive on the bipartisan AI techlash shaping our elections before our eyes!
The Data Center Backlash Is Swallowing American Politics
Activists on both the left and the right are pushing back against rampant AI development.
heatmap.news
November 6, 2025 at 10:31 PM
The data center industry says "people would be more supportive if they simply knew more about companies’ ongoing sustainability efforts." So, concerns about pollution and water consumption are apparently solvable with ... "education."
Turns out that the “Felony Footlong" from Subway was not even a misdemeanor. DC jurors strike a blow for free speech and acquit Sean Dunn.
DC sandwich thrower Sean Dunn found not guilty of assaulting federal agent
Former DOJ employee Sean Dunn was charged with tossing a Subway sandwich at a federal officer who had been deployed to Washington by President Trump.
www.cnbc.com
November 6, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Turns out that the “Felony Footlong" from Subway was not even a misdemeanor. DC jurors strike a blow for free speech and acquit Sean Dunn.
Hold your wallets, everyone, OpenAI is talking about taxpayer backing so it can continue its data center building craze without having to show profitability. www.wsj.com/video/openai...
OpenAI Wants Federal Backstop for New Investments
Sarah Friar, the CFO of OpenAI, says the company wants a federal guarantee to make it easier to finance massive investments in AI chips for data centers. Friar spoke at WSJ’s Tech Live event in Califo...
www.wsj.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Hold your wallets, everyone, OpenAI is talking about taxpayer backing so it can continue its data center building craze without having to show profitability. www.wsj.com/video/openai...
Reposted by John Kostyack
Fabius: In Paris ten years ago nobody talked about #AI. But data centres in the coming years will represent energy consumption almost the size of the EU's.
November 6, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Fabius: In Paris ten years ago nobody talked about #AI. But data centres in the coming years will represent energy consumption almost the size of the EU's.