Wind Energy’s Wildlife Toll and the Fight for Free Market Housing

On this February 21, 2023 broadcast of The Kim Monson Show, the discussion ranged from Colorado Republican Party politics to the hidden costs of renewable energy mandates and the dangers of rent control legislation. Casper Stockham shared his vision for the state GOP, Robert Bryce exposed how wind projects harm wildlife while NGOs outspend the energy industry, and Karen Levine and Lorne Levy examined the unintended consequences of housing regulations.

Wind Energy’s Threat to Wildlife and the Anti-Industry Industry

Start listening at 31:11 – Hour 1

Robert Bryce, Texas-based author, journalist, and host of the Power Hungry podcast, delivered a striking analysis of how wind projects are threatening America’s most iconic wildlife species. Bryce reported on proposed wind projects near Laramie, Wyoming, that pose what wildlife biologist Mike Lockwood called “profoundly dangerous threats” to Golden Eagles, a species far rarer than Bald Eagles. Meanwhile, offshore wind projects on the East Coast are being built directly in the habitat of the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, of which fewer than 400 remain.

Bryce then exposed what he calls the “anti-industry industry,” revealing that NGOs fighting against hydrocarbons and nuclear energy are outspending the traditional energy sector by more than four to one, totaling $4.5 billion annually. Groups like Climate Imperative, funded by billionaires Lorene Powell Jobs and John Doerr, launched with a $221 million budget in their first year alone. These groups push forced electrification and natural gas bans while enjoying tax-exempt status and media sympathy.

The conversation turned to what Bryce described as America’s “decadence,” a society so wealthy and detached from its energy infrastructure that it funds organizations dedicated to undermining the very sector that created American prosperity. While energy providers must deliver reliable electrons and molecules 24/7, their opponents only need to push policy changes.

“What we know for certain is the more wind turbines we build, the more wildlife we harm.”

Robert Bryce, Author and Host of Power Hungry Podcast

Real Estate Markets, Interest Rates, and the Rent Control Threat

Start listening at 57:43 – Hour 2

Award-winning realtor Karen Levine of Remax Alliance and mortgage specialist Lorne Levy of Polygon Financial Group joined Kim in studio to discuss the housing market and the dangers of proposed rent control legislation. Levy explained how mixed economic data, including stronger-than-expected employment numbers and persistent inflation, has led the Federal Reserve to continue raising interest rates, affecting mortgage affordability.

The conversation centered on House Bill 1115, which would allow local governments to implement rent control in Colorado. Levine warned that such policies would drive mom-and-pop landlords out of the market, reducing housing stock and ultimately making homes less affordable. She noted that large corporations would fill the void, controlling more of the housing market. The guests also discussed how government regulations add 23% to the cost of new single-family construction and 40% to multi-family projects.

Both Levine and Levy encouraged potential homebuyers not to be deterred by current interest rates, noting that homes are still being bought and sold and that rates can always be refinanced later when conditions improve.

“So it’s a lot of different aspects, but when you don’t let the free market play out about where rent should be, what a ready, willing, and able tenant is willing to pay for a property, and you control that, say the mom and pop landlord out there that owns three or four condominiums or three or four houses says to themselves, well, if you’re going to control my cash flow, I don’t want to be a landlord anymore.”

Karen Levine, Realtor, Remax Alliance

Colorado GOP Leadership and Election Integrity

Start listening at 16:50 – Hour 1

Casper Stockham, candidate for Colorado State GOP Chair, joined Kim to discuss his vision for revitalizing the Republican Party in Colorado. With the state party chair election approaching, Stockham outlined his priorities including closing the primary elections to ensure Republicans vote in Republican primaries, implementing effective ballot harvesting strategies to compete with Democrats, and preserving the caucus assembly process against those who want to eliminate it.

Stockham emphasized his extensive experience in outreach, noting his endorsements from the Easy Open Community and Hispanic leaders. He criticized Senate Bill 101, which would have eliminated the caucus system, and expressed frustration that Republican legislators sponsored the bill. His message was clear: the party needs leadership with a concrete plan for growth and outreach that begins immediately, not 90 days before an election.

“So I believe actually all the candidates have now come to the same conclusion I have, which is we definitely need to close the primary.”

Casper Stockham, Colorado GOP Chair Candidate