Yesterday, we finally learned president-elect Joe Biden’s picks for Interior and EPA heads. Today, POLITICO’s Zack Colman, Ben Lefebvre, and Alex Guillen join Anthony Adragna to discuss how the incoming Biden administration is shaping to be the most climate-change focused administration yet. Ben Lefebvre covers energy for POLITICO. Zack Colman is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Alex Guillen covers energy and the EPA for POLITICO. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of PO...
Dec 18, 2020•9 min•Ep. 301
Could Biden finish his cabinet before the new year? Adding to the nominations already announced, yesterday Pete Buttigieg was introduced as the president-elect’s pick for Transportation Department, and that was just the first of many nominees to be reported in a busy midweek. Today, Tyler Pager, Zack Colman, Sam Mintz, and Alex Guillen, on the incoming administration’s nominees for the Energy and Transportation Departments, as well as the domestic climate policy chief. Tyler Pager covers the Whi...
Dec 17, 2020•10 min•Ep. 298
If you think you’re bad at leaving things for the last minute, just look at Congress. Bipartisan lawmakers are working against the clock to get a government spending bill through before the end of the year. Today, POLITICO’s Anthony Adragna reports on the many energy provisions that could ride along with the must-pass funding package. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Carlos Prieto is a Politico podcast producer. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of...
Dec 16, 2020•9 min•Ep. 297
European oil giants are promising to move away from fossil fuels and transition into green energy companies. But that’s not a pledge America’s giants are willing to make. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre, on Exxon Mobil’s latest climate pledge, and what the company hopes to gain from a less ambitious goal. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Ben Lefebvre covers energy for POLITICO. Carlos Prieto is a Politico podcast producer. Jenny Ament is the senior producer...
Dec 15, 2020•6 min•Ep. 296
Throughout the Trump era, oil companies big and small embraced systemic deregulation that allowed them to increase revenue through higher pollution. But the administration’s scale-back of methane rules ended up hurting oil companies, who are now losing international deals because of their impact to the environment. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre, on why big fossil fuel companies are suggesting some new openness to some regulation of greenhouse gases. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO a...
Dec 14, 2020•8 min•Ep. 295
What will it take to secure access to the critical minerals we need for the future — and can we solve one environmental challenge without creating a new one? Hosts Luiza Savage and Ryan Heath talk to political leaders around the world about what they are doing to shore up access to critical minerals. Luiza Savage is the host of "Global Translations". Ryan Heath is a host of "Global Translations". Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO Audio. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Amen...
Dec 12, 2020•35 min•Ep. 294
Joe Biden’s cabinet is taking shape. The president-elect has already announced his picks for theState, Health and Human Services, and Defense Departments -- even a special envoy for climate change. But the key energy and environment positions are still pending. POLITICO’s Zack Colman, Ben Lefebvre, and Anthony Adragna round up the top contenders for Energy, Interior, and the EPA. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Zack Colman is an energy reporter for...
Dec 11, 2020•9 min•Ep. 293
Democrats have their eyes on the two runoff races in Georgia next January in order to set their agenda. But when it comes to climate policy, flipping the Senate will be crucial toward determining the scope of Democratic climate pushes. Today, POLITICO’s Anthony Adragna, on how Democrats want to push for climate policy in the next Congress. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Carlos Prieto is a Politico podcast producer. Jenny Ament is the senior produc...
Dec 10, 2020•9 min•Ep. 292
There’s no doubt that President-elect Joe Biden’s EPA will restore many of the regulations set by the Obama administration and lead domestic climate change priorities. But as Mary Nichols gains traction as Biden's pick to lead the EPA, environmental justice groups are concerned about her record on that issue. POLITICO’s Zack Colman and Debra Kahn, on the group's concerns about Nichols. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Debra Kahn covers California en...
Dec 09, 2020•10 min•Ep. 291
Since the 2017 tax law, the Trump administration has had the power to open a part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil production. But it’s been the last month when the Interior Department has rushed to get the paperwork in places so companies can begin work. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre, on why regardless of the administration’s fierce pace, the path ahead for drilling in ANWR is dotted with numerous obstacles. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. ...
Dec 08, 2020•8 min•Ep. 290
As the fifth biggest American river, the Colorado river has served growing cities and a large portion of farmers along 7 states. But 20 consecutive years of drought have challenged the access to water and brought bitter discord between rural and urban communities. POLITICO’s Annie Snider spoke to one Colorado rancher who’s working on a solution centered around cooperation rather than conflict. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Annie Snider is an ener...
Dec 07, 2020•10 min•Ep. 289
To understand how essential critical minerals are to our world, we turn to a case study: cobalt. This mineral is proving key to the future of green energy, defense and high tech manufacturing — not to mention electric vehicles. But cobalt has its challenges. Hosts Luiza Savage and Ryan Heath look at China’s dominant role in global cobalt mining and the serious problems that can arise if other countries can't get enough supplies. Luiza Savage is the host of "Global Translations". Ryan Heath is a ...
Dec 05, 2020•29 min•Ep. 288
Joe Biden has made clear he wants his cabinet and White House team to make climate change a central part of their agenda. But the president-elect’s choice to lead the National Economic Council has drawn fire from some on the left for his work at investment giant BlackRock – even though he helped out climate change the radar there. Today, POLITICO’s Zack Colman on why Joe Biden’s climate-change conscious cabinet is unlikely to fully satisfy some environmentalists. Anthony Adragna is an energy rep...
Dec 04, 2020•10 min•Ep. 287
50 years and one day today, president Richard Nixon officially signed the EPA into existence. Since then, the agency has successfully combatted water pollution, reduced smog, and cleaned up contaminated mines. But the partisan fight over federal action against climate change has turned into a modern battle for the agency’s future, and what its mission should be. POLITICO’s Alex Guillen explains. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Alex Guillen covers t...
Dec 03, 2020•10 min•Ep. 286
Natural disasters are growing stronger and more frequent from climate change. Every hurricane or wildfire can be a multi-billion dollar financial loss for the American economy. POLITICO’s Zack Colman reports that failure to price in the risk of natural disasters is creating a bubble in the housing market, one that could burst in the coming years. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Zack Colman is an energy reporter for POLITICO Carlos Prieto is a Polit...
Dec 02, 2020•11 min•Ep. 285
For years, American natural gas benefitted from a federal government who pushed liquified natural gas exports through its diplomatic channels. But even before the presidential election, there were some new signs of resistance to American gas due to its emissions. Today, POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre, on how the incoming Biden administration could use this shift to push for stricter environmental regulations and policies to clean America’s natural gas industry. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for...
Dec 01, 2020•8 min•Ep. 284
Since the beginning of his administration, Donald Trump embraced increasing American production of natural gas and commercializing it across the world. And the push to promote natural gas was so strong that it tensed up the US relations with many strategic allies. But in the weeks leading up to the 2020 election, some European countries started walking back on these natural gas deals, citing climate and economic concerns, but also realizing they may not be dealing with a natural-gas-forward Amer...
Nov 30, 2020•9 min•Ep. 283
Barack Obama left the White House as one of the presidents with the best standing with tribal nations. In 2020, Native voters around the country turned out in record numbers for Joe Biden. Now the President-elect wants to further Obama’s legacy, a mission that starts by making a team at the Interior Department that is prepared to work alongside indigenous communities nationwide. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino and Annie Snider, on what Biden is looking for as he puts this team together, and how tri...
Nov 25, 2020•9 min•Ep. 282
The General Services Administration finally sent the letter authorizing the start of the transition yesterday evening. But Biden’s team wasn’t just patiently waiting: even before the official letter went out, the transition team announced that it was creating a new special envoy position for climate change, and appointing long-time climate ally John Kerry to it. POLITICO’s Zack Colman on what Kerry could do from his new office, and what Biden’s reported pick for Treasury, Janet Yellen, has said ...
Nov 24, 2020•9 min•Ep. 281
It’s not just Tesla: from up-and-coming Chinese vehicle giants to transitioning the UK’s car fleet, the global shift to electric vehicles is gaining speed. But to see a massive transition, you still need to see a lot more charging stations on the roads, as well as federal incentives to switch oil-powered cars. Today, POLITICO’s Gavin Bade – on what Joe Biden wants to do to bolster electric cars, and what he could get through in the next 4 years. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO...
Nov 23, 2020•9 min•Ep. 280
The technologies that protect us, move us and power our daily lives require mining minerals and metals in distant places. But access to these essential materials is increasingly under threat. Hosts Luiza Savage and Ryan Heath talk with experts who are sounding the alarm. In this chapter, hosts Luiza Savage and Ryan Heath connect the dots and speak with experts including Dr. Anthony Fauci, Tom Duesterberg, Mariana Mazzucato, Jim Robinson, Jennifer Harris, Professor Adegoke Oke, and POLITICO repor...
Nov 21, 2020•25 min•Ep. 279
When Obama ran for president, he knew he would be facing challenges both at home and overseas. But few could imagine his first term would include a massive offshore oil spill and chasing diplomats around Copenhagen. POLITICO’s Alex Guillen reports on how the 44th president looks back at the climate and environmental challenges during this period in his recent memoir. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Alex Guillen covers the EPA and environmental issu...
Nov 20, 2020•11 min•Ep. 278
There’s a lot we don’t know about Joe Biden’s presidency yet, but there are some things he made clear throughout his campaign: he wants a cabinet that “looks like America,” and he wants it to focus on climate change. But environmental and climate issues vary widely depending on the community you’re looking at. Today, POLITICO’s Sustainability reporter Catherine Boudreau, with how a diverse administration can help Biden better fight for the climate. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLIT...
Nov 19, 2020•8 min•Ep. 277
If you’re listening to this podcast, you’ve probably heard of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Commonly known as FERC, the agency is the federal body in charge of regulating energy interstate markets, and it is going to play a major role if Biden wants to make meaningful energy transition policy. But as Trump slowly makes his way out the door, the White House has thrown FERC in disarray by replacing the chairman. POLITICO’s Eric Wolff explains what is happening at the agency. Anthony Ad...
Nov 18, 2020•9 min•Ep. 276
In the push to make the incoming Biden administration active on climate, environmental groups are moving forth with an ambitious agenda. And among their goals is appointing a Treasury secretary that will think of a different kind of green than its predecessors. POLITICO’s Zack Colman, on what the incoming Treasury Secretary could achieve in the fight against climate change. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Zack Colman is an energy reporter for POLIT...
Nov 17, 2020•7 min•Ep. 275
For more than 50 years, an oil pipeline has been carrying Canadian fossil fuels to the US through a pipeline that runs right between 2 of the great lakes. But after years of environmental flags, and particularly one very close call, the governor of Michigan decided to remove a state easement that allowed the Line 5 to operate. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre, on the significance of this removal, and how this move could open up a new legal front for pipelines across the country. Anthony Adragna is an ene...
Nov 16, 2020•8 min•Ep. 274
The summer of 2020 was a season of racial reckoning across the country. And the Audubon Society, one of America's biggest bird conservation groups, was no exception. But when the society's CEO heard allegations of a toxic culture that hundreds of his employees faced, the reaction was not exactly what they would have expected. POLITICO's Zack Colman, with an investigation into the culture at the Audubon Society. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Zack ...
Nov 13, 2020•10 min•Ep. 273
President-elect Joe Biden is bringing dozens of familiar faces to help him set up the leadership teams in his upcoming administration. POLITICO’s Annie Snider, Alex Guillen, and Eric Wolff, on all the former Obama administration officials now advising Biden. Plus, POLITICO Energy editor Matt Daily, on how Trump’s refusal to cooperate threatens to obstruct Biden’s ability to govern after his inauguration. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Eric Wolff c...
Nov 12, 2020•10 min•Ep. 272
Since 2015, Michael Kuperberg has led the government’s team in charge of reporting the impact of climate change. But last week, before the final results on the presidential election were announced, he was removed from his position. POLITICO’s Zack Colman, on how Kuperberg’s removal could impact the climate report. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Zack Colman is an energy reporter for POLITICO Carlos Prieto is a Politico podcast producer. Jenny Ament...
Nov 11, 2020•7 min•Ep. 271
From the Senate majority leader to the president himself, top Republicans continue to struggle to accept Joe Biden’s victory last week. But while court filings and state contests move along, leaders of federal agencies are preparing to make the most of the last two months of power. Today, POLITICO’s Alex Guillen summons 1990s nostalgia to discuss what the EPA could still get through before handing the keys over to Democrats. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO...
Nov 10, 2020•7 min•Ep. 270
