The Cool Down
Scientist debunks misleading claims by senior US official: 'Stop cherry-picking'
A meteorologist called out dangerous misinformation following the passage of One Big Beautiful Bill.
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TikTok Creator Challenges Energy Secretary's Claims on Renewables and Fossil Fuels
A recent viral video featuring TikTok user @meteorologistchris has brought into question statements made by Energy Secretary Chris Wright regarding the state of renewable energy and fossil fuel production in the United States. The video, which blends a clip of Secretary Wright with commentary from the TikTok creator, aims to fact-check claims and shed light on current energy dynamics. Secretary Wright is shown asserting that "wind, solar, and batteries combined are 3% of US total primary energy." However, the TikTok creator argues that this figure is misleading, describing it as a "19th-century metric." He clarifies that, in reality, renewables currently account for "over 23% of our electricity," suggesting a significant discrepancy in the presented data depending on the metric used (primary energy vs. electricity generation). The video further addresses Secretary Wright's claim that a legislative bill "unshackled oil, gas, and coal development in the United States, onshore and offshore." In response, the creator highlights ExxonMobil's record-breaking $56 billion profit in 2022. He contends that this profit was achieved by "drilling less, charging you more, and buying it back in their own stock." The video concludes by pointing out that there are "over 9,000 approved drilling permits sitting unused," implying that energy companies possess the authorization to increase production but are choosing not to. This narrative suggests a complex interplay between energy policy, corporate strategy, and public perception of energy sources.
