The KJ Show

The future of energy in the United States isn't determined by the debate over green energy. Instead, it's the realization that both red states and blue states have invested in solar and wind power, and this partnership leads to the rise of purple energy.   On The KJ Show, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will discuss how these efforts, on both sides, may affect the development of clean energy in t...

In April, President Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at revitalizing the nuclear power industry in the United States. These Executive Orders will expedite approval for nuclear power plants, reassess current regulatory and licensing requirements, and encourage the installation of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).   But what is the fallout from these new orders? Will these new orders wea...

On April 28, 2025,  55 million people lost power for nearly a day across Spain and Portugal. But it's still unclear what caused this major blackout. Some think it was the overreliance on renewable energy, specifically wind turbines and solar PV, while others blame "a solar flare."   Other theories poor maintenance on wind turbines and the failure of solar PV systems that serve Spain and France.  ...

Electrification sounds like a good idea. Everything is powered using carbon-free sources, such as wind, solar, and hydro. But electrification isn't practical for everyone or every jurisdiction. In fact, some governments are rethinking their electrification policy as they weigh the costs against the benefits.   On today's show, Jeff Ihnen, President of MichaelsEnergy, will join our discussion on el...

For the past 20 years, scientists, environmental activists and researchers have tried to develop solutions to minimize the impacts of climate change. Today's episode explores some of these ideas—which range from the practical to the fanciful. Join our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, on the KJ Show ( https://boldbravetv.com/11am-the-kj-show/) as she describes the practicality of some of these proposal...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a true disruptor- changing how we work and interact. But it is also a major energy user.   The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that  global data centers will use around 415 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity in 2024, or roughly 1.5% of global power usage. This figure is expected to more than double to 945 TWh by 2030 and could reach as high as 1,720 TWh...

Coal is back in the headlines as the Trump Administration renews its commitment to mining coal. While environmentalists worry about the harm and pollution caused by coal emissions, others believe that "clean" coal is the best way for America to generate sufficient electricity to meet rising energy demand. But here's the paradox. While the United States and the EU have been trying to reduce their r...

The language surrounding climate change is evolving, with terms like "climate crisis" and "climate emergency" gaining traction to emphasize urgency and the severity of the issue, while also considering how language can influence public perception and action. But recent studies show that these terms are vague, erroneous and designed to create undue alarm. Join Dr. Katherine Johnson, our host, to di...

So is net zero dead? Join Dr. Katherine Johnson, our host to discuss the viability of net zero policies. Check out the KJ Show at 11 a.m. Eastern on Wednesday ( https://boldbravetv.com/11am-the-kj-show/) . Share your thoughts by calling 866-451-1451 or sending your comments to kjohnson@johnsonconsults.com . Be sure to sign up for Dr. KJ's Energy Rx, a free weekly newsletter exploring these energy...

Is there a tariff on electricity coming from Canada? It depends on the day. Last week, Trump declared tariffs, and Canada retaliated. But in just a day, tariffs were suspended—for now.   But what are the effect of tariffs on our electricity costs? On today's show, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will discuss the effects of tariffs on electric costs, both in the United States and throughout the wo...

Reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions has been a central focus of energy regulation for the past three decades. But this myopic focus overlooks the unintended consequences that arise from rapidly transitioning long-established energy systems.   On today's show, host Dr. Katherine Johnson will discuss the challenges of creating energy policies that fully recognize the cost and constraints of deca...

This week's show focuses on hydrogen and its viability in a clean energy world. I attended an energy conference last week that focused on the promise that hydrogen offers, but didn't really talk about the very real challenges associated with this volatile energy source.   On today's show, host Dr. Katherine Johnson will discuss how the hydrogen boom has turned out to be more of boondoggle as this...

Energy has always been a political issue. The energy sector represents one-sixth of our economy, and our modern life depends upon reliable and secure energy resources. But in recent years, energy has also become a flashpoint for discussion of wider issues, including climate change and reducing carbon emissions.   President Trump is focused on curbing the amount of governmental regulation regarding...

As an evaluator, I spent my career estimating energy savings from energy-efficiency programs. We always start with a baseline and then measure the results compared to that baseline. However, climate change scientists have never agreed on a baseline for measuring increasing temperatures. In fact, scientists won't know how much the planet warmed until they measure temperatures for  20 years. So, if...

Nuclear energy is not just making a comeback—it has become a cornerstone of energy plans in the United States and Europe. In Spain, nuclear power protesters are now replaced by supporters, and Sweden just opened its first nuclear power plant in 40 years. The United States government is also expanding its plans for a nuclear energy future and approving new nuclear plants in various configurations i...

Wind power has been heralded as a clean, renewable energy solution. But recently, wind power developers have been facing strong headwinds due to rising costs of offshore investments and millions of dollars in lost investments.   On today's show, Dr. Johnson will discuss the challenges wind power is facing. Poor economic conditions and an increasing number of "solar and wind droughts" are contribut...

The concerns about flatulent cows and sheep have taken a dramatic turn: taxing cow burps and breeding “climate-friendly” sheep and cows. On today’s show, Dr. Katherine Johnson will discuss the newest climate tax on sheep and cows in Denmark. She will also discuss some breakthroughs in breeding that have led to low-methane cows and sheep. Has the war on red meat really been won? Join The KJ Show at...

A new type of criminal litigation has begun --climate lawsuits. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prosecuted its first environmental crime when it went after an individual who illegally smuggled Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) from Mexico to California. Similar prosecutions have also occurred in other attempts to evade local pollution laws. These cases are admirable and demonstrate the importanc...

Today's show highlights some of the promising energy-efficient technologies that may become even more feasible and practical in 2025. These energy solutions include electric wallpaper, AI-advanced thermostats, and energy-efficient data centers. Join The KJ Show at 11 a.m. Eastern Wednesday (https://boldbravetv.com/11am-the-kj-show/).  Share your thoughts by calling 866-451-1451 or sending your com...

On today's show, I am revisiting one of my favorite topics: Trees and Energy. My host, Ms. Laural Roaldson will be my guest as we discuss and explore the intersection of proper landscaping and energy efficiency strategies. Laural is a #1 Best Selling Author on Amazon of her book: "Choosing the Perfect Tree: Tips from a Landscape Designer." Trees also play a critical role in naturally cooling the p...

The Internet is a hidden energy hog. On today’s show, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will explain how the effects of Internet users' digital consumption result in the emission of 229 kilograms of carbon dioxide per year.  Moreover,  estimates project that internet use will account for 1.7 billion tons of greenhouse gases per year. But that is just part of the story. While data centers appeal to...

Common sense is rare these days, especially in government. This week's show highlights how energy policy must balance traditional and renewable energy technologies. However, the best common-sense approach is to embrace energy efficiency first.   American voters also want a common-sense approach to energy policy. However, energy pundits on both sides are still debating whether "All of the Above" in...

The election is over, and the results have sent shockwaves across the country, with 50% pleased and 50% devastated. Energy pundits disagree about how the next Trump administration will affect current energy policies. Even though Trump appears to have a mandate to govern, it may not be easy to unwind some of Biden's energy policies, like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). On today's show, Dr. Kathe...

Net-zero-energy homes are becoming more popular worldwide. It's estimated that by 2028, Europe will have around 2.4 million net-zero-carbon buildings. While the public sector and real estate developers are leading the way, this doesn't mean private owners should lose out. These homes are also generating customer interest, as one net zero home community in Florida survived the two most recent hurri...

On today's show, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will share her recent electrifying experiences with France's transit system, including metro trains, electric-powered tourist boats, and many EVs and hybrid taxis. This week's episode examines some of the impressive advances in electric-powered transport. It includes a discussion of some promising electric boat advances and an update on the continu...