| Energy Realism this past week gave President Biden’s net-zero carbon dreams a few reality checks. Our Senior Fellow Rupert Darwall gives us a one-two punch for the week. He believes that if Republicans can hold their nerve, net-zero will shape politics over the next two election cycles. A backlash is coming from Democrats’ indifference to the loss of the blue-collar jobs that helped Donald Trump win the White House in 2016. Biden’s double deception will not change the harsh reality that will become increasingly apparent as net-zero’s effects begin strangle the economy. Rupert also reports that climate policy is really just code for more social control. Americans must fight for their own economic interests or become the principal victims of overbearing climate policies. To illustrate, Robert Bryce explains the real green in “green energy.” Nobody is asking the obvious question: if wind and solar can provide so little power during times of peak demand – and especially during moments when the electric grid is on the verge of collapse – why are we spending so much money on it? Renewables are just part at what President Biden has on his plate. As the administration considers its next move on Russia, Gary Clyde Hufbauer wants it to look to nuanced approaches that achieve the desired effect with minimal adverse impact on American interests. In any event, George Gemelas promotes what should be most apparent to all of us: bipartisanship is essential to meeting our energy-climate goals. Just consider that between now and 2050 the U.S. will be led by at least four presidents and 15 different Congresses. We thus require policies that can pass and last across the inevitable swings in political administrations. Essential Reading Bradford Cornell, Aswath Damodaran, The Journal of Impact and ESG Investing Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) considerations have become a critical aspect of investment decision making. The pitch that companies should focus on “doing good” is sweetened with the promise that it will also be good for their bottom line and for shareholders. The current study, however, concludes that the hype regarding ESG has vastly outrun the reality of both what it is and what it can deliver. In the News Julie Segal, Institutional Investor Ed Hirs, Forbes Myles McCormick, Financial Times Leticia Miranda, NBC News Ben Geman, Axios Editorial Board, NY Daily News Simon Moore, Forbes Katy Grimes, California Globe Clarisa Mane, Hot Cars Andrew Stuttaford, National Review Robert Bryce, Forbes Wayne Winegarden, National Review Rupert Darwall, RealClearEnergy Avery Ellfeldt, E&E News Wayne Parry, Fox5NY Fox News Kevin Faulconer, former San Diego mayor and 'proud Republican' in a Democratic city, says voters want 'common sense' from leaders. Yale Center for Business and the Environment Todd Cort discusses how how methodology, application, and materiality issues can be a barrier to adoption of ESG data in investor reporting. Fox News Senator Rand Paul discusses the reintroduction of the Green New Deal and Rep. Maxine Waters' comments encouraging protests. CNBC Television The Biden Administration is moving to ease restrictions on ESGs in 401(k)s. Eric Pan, Investment Company Institute president and CEO, joins 'Power Lunch' to discuss how calls for com... | 
