As the 2021 Index of Economic Freedom reminds us once again, it is the freer economies that do far better job of achieving more dynamic growth while creating a healthier, cleaner natural environment.

"The Biden administration is racing to complete a wide-ranging climate-change strategy next month, enlisting agencies across the government to craft a plan that could reshape the U.S. economy and disrupt major industries."

"When we talk about an international 'free market,' we have to remember that the Chinese Communist Party is a player with ambitions to overtake America as the world’s strongest nation. Competing on such an unlevel playing field will require ingenuity in our policymaking to defend American firms and workers from manipulations of the market by China."

"For all the hysterical talk from the Green New Dealers of a renewable-only future, the simple truth remains: renewables will never be reliable enough to power the modern world. If we want to tackle climate change, reduce emissions, and power the grid, then we need the proper mix of energy. We need to make sure that nuclear not only stays on the grid, but grows on it."

Economic freedom leads to a cleaner environment. It allows ownership, which encourages stewardship.

"Energy poverty is among the most crippling but least talked-about crises of the 21st century."

"In Petaluma — where neighborhood opposition to a new Safeway gas station prompted years of litigation — the council voted unanimously last week to move forward with a permanent ban on new stations; a final vote will happen Monday."

"Former FERC Commission Wood says that while ERCOT could have done a better job forecasting load requirements, it did the best it could with the hand that it was dealt. In other words, severe weather conditions caused generators to go offline, especially those using natural gas — a fuel that provides 43% of the state’s electricity. He likened the system operator’s role to that of an air traffic controller, who ensures that planes land safely. "

Wealthy nations may be the loudest voices in climate activism, but the future will be decided elsewhere, and it won’t be an especially prosperous one if we insist that poorer societies power their way up the income scale with renewables alone. Nuclear will be essential for their energy mix.

"The power sector has shifted dramatically in the past decade, largely through market forces as the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan never truly took effect."