This summer, one of Exxon’s top lobbyists broke the first rule of lobbying: don’t give away the game plan, especially to an undercover environmentalist. Since the dramatic interview aired on British TV, House Democrats have been investigating whether American oil giants’ have deployed a disinformation campaign casting doubt on the science on climate change and their climate commitments. Today, POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre, on what could come out of this investigation. Do you listen to a POLITICO podc...
Sep 17, 2021•7 min•Ep. 481
After marathon committee markups, the Democrats’ reconciliation package made it out of two huge committees unscathed: Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means. But what exactly made it through, and does it stand a chance in the Senate? POLITICO’s Alex Guillen and Kelsey Tamborrino report. Kelsey Tamborrino covers Energy for POLITICO. Alex Guillen covers the EPA and environmental issues for POLITICO. Annie Snider covers environment issues for POLITICO and is the host of POLITICO Energy. Carlos Prie...
Sep 16, 2021•7 min•Ep. 480
American companies have spent months promoting their climate pledges and their environmental commitments. But now, with the reconciliation bill tagging on big tax hikes to climate proposals and possibly threatening to hurt bottom lines, they face the real test of whether they'll stand by their climate plans over how much they really back their climate plans is on. Today, POLITICO’s Zack Colman explains the companies’ dilemma. Listen and subscribe to POLITICO's Global Insider. Zack Colman covers ...
Sep 15, 2021•9 min•Ep. 479
Last week, President Biden announced the nomination of Willie Phillips to the vacant seat at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. If confirmed, Phillips’ vote could finally tip the scales at the commission in favor of the Democrats, and potentially help enact the president’s ambitious green agenda. But POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse reports that not all environmentalists believe Phillips was the right pick for the position. Annie Snider covers environment issues for POLITICO and is the host...
Sep 14, 2021•7 min•Ep. 478
House Democrats outlined hundreds of billions of dollars in climate and energy initiatives for their portion of the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation package, including a national clean electricity program and a national green bank, funding the replacement of lead water pipes and building out the country’s electric vehicle infrastructure. POLITICO’s Anthony Adragna reports. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. Anthony Adragna covers Congress for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POL...
Sep 13, 2021•9 min•Ep. 477
President Joe Biden said on Thursday he would nominate Washington, D.C., utility regulator Willie Phillips to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse reports. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. Catherine Morehouse covers climate change for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Raghu Manavalan is the host-producer of the Playbook Daily Briefing and a senior editor for POLITICO audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of...
Sep 10, 2021•10 min•Ep. 476
The summer of 2021 is changing the way Canadians think about climate change, but both main parties are struggling to define their message — and uphold Canada's international commitments. POLITICO’s Zi-Ann Lum explains. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. Zi-Ann Lum covers Canadian federal politics and energy and environmental policy for POLITICO and POLITICO Pro Canada. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Raghu Manavalan is the host-producer of the Playbook Daily Br...
Sep 09, 2021•10 min•Ep. 475
Hurricane Ida has left hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses without power. The damage and frustration across the state has put a spotlight on Louisiana's biggest utility company, Entergy. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse explains the problems that power grids like Entergy’s have in preparing for future disasters like Ida. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. Catherine Morehouse covers climate change for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Raghu Manav...
Sep 08, 2021•9 min•Ep. 474
Hurricane Ida’s lashing of Louisiana is supercharging a fight in Washington over spending tens of billions of dollars to protect the U.S. from future storms. POLITICO’s Zack Colman explains. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO’s audio department. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department. Learn more about you...
Sep 07, 2021•8 min•Ep. 473
With the Senate’s infrastructure bill waiting on the House floor and both parties ready to begin discussing a $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation package, Democrats are hoping to get many of President Biden’s priorities across the finish line. And today, POLITICO’s Anthony Adragna reports that includes a big part of the administration’s climate goals. Anthony Adragna is a Congress reporter for POLITICO Kelsey Tamborrino covers Energy for POLITICO. Raghu Manavalan is an editor for POLITICO Audio....
Aug 27, 2021•7 min•Ep. 472
Scientists have known for a long time that climate change affects natural disasters. But now a new branch of science claims to be able to pinpoint how much responsibility climate change holds for specific events within weeks of the disasters taking place. Today, POLITICO’s Karl Mathiesen discusses how attribution science works, and how it can help prepare cities and countries in the face of a changing climate. Raghu Manavalan is an editor for POLITICO Audio. Karl Mathiesen is the Senior Climate ...
Aug 26, 2021•10 min•Ep. 471
Presidential candidates follow certain traditions: eggs at a New Hampshire diner, ice cream on a hot summer day… and support for ethanol if they’recampaigning in Iowa. But once a candidate gets to the White House, a complicated reality will dawn on them: keeping both oil refiners and corn producers happy is an almost impossible task. Today, POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino, on how the Biden White House is trying to balance both interests and manage the Renewable Fuel Standard. Kelsey Tamborrino cove...
Aug 25, 2021•8 min•Ep. 470
The president wants farmers to help fight climate change by joining carbon capture and sequestration programs. The problem? Most of the requirements for these programs are online, and thousands of farmers lack broadband access at their farms. Today, POLITICO’s Tatyana Monnay explores the internet barrier keeping farmers from helping fight climate change. Tatyana Monnay writes about agriculture for POLITICO. Kelsey Tamborrino covers Energy for POLITICO. Raghu Manavalan is an editor for POLITICO A...
Aug 24, 2021•7 min•Ep. 469
The House comes back into session today to deal with a packed agenda that includes both the massive Senate-passed infrastructure bill and an even bigger budget resolution. But the future of both bills is threatened by a standoff between House leadership, progressives and the White House who all want significant climate action and moderates who fear the price tag is just too big. Today, POLITICO’s Tanya Snyder explains the challenges ahead for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in getting her caucus in l...
Aug 23, 2021•7 min•Ep. 468
Water management has been a hot potato issue in California for many, many years. But with massive wildfires burning through the state right as a mega-drought hits the West, the Biden administration and top state officials are scrambling to come up with solutions. Today, POLITICO’s Debra Kahn and Annie Snider explain the complicated dynamics at play, and why the Biden administration is not putting its water management plan into motion yet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch...
Aug 20, 2021•8 min•Ep. 467
Some scientists looking for clean energy solutions have spent years researching the capabilities of hydrogen. Earlier this month, the Senate included funding for clean hydrogen technologies in hopes that it will be part of America’s net-zero emissions future. But is hydrogen actually net zero? Today, POLITICO’s Matthew Choi explains how complicated this question is. Matthew Choi is an energy reporter at POLITICO. Kelsey Tamborrino covers Energy for POLITICO. Raghu Manavalan is an editor for POLI...
Aug 19, 2021•7 min•Ep. 466
When the executive director of the Sierra Club abruptly left late last week, many wondered what was going on behind the scenes at the storied environmental organization. Today, POLITICO’s Zack Colman has some answers, and they get at the core of Sierra Club founder John Muir’s racial legacy and memory. Zack Colman is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Kelsey Tamborrino covers Energy for POLITICO. Raghu Manavalan is an editor for POLITICO Audio. Carlos Prieto is a Politico podcast producer. Jenny A...
Aug 18, 2021•8 min•Ep. 464
The Colorado River is a critical water source for millions of people in both cities and farms across seven states and Mexico. But extremely dire temperatures in the last decades are now set to force some states to cut their use of the river for water access. Today, POLITICO’s Annie Snider explains the extreme conditions brought to the river by climate change, and the federal government’s extreme measures to protect it. Kelsey Tamborrino covers Energy for POLITICO. Annie Snider covers water issue...
Aug 17, 2021•7 min•Ep. 463
Marijuana production is booming in the US as more states continue to move towards legalization or decriminalization. But cannabis production can take a lot of energy depending on where it’s grown. Today, POLITICO’s Natalie Fertig, on the environmental impact of cannabis, and how a federal legalization could help lower it. Kelsey Tamborrino covers Energy for POLITICO. Natalie Fertig covers cannabis for POLITICO. Carlos Prieto is a POLITICO podcast producer. Raghu Manavalan is an editor for POLITI...
Aug 16, 2021•8 min•Ep. 462
The UN’s report on the state of climate change shook most of America’s politicians and leaders. But despite the dire warnings, POLITICO’s Anthony Adragna and Ben Lefebvre report that most Republicans opted to deflect and punt on the question. Ben Lefebvre covers energy for POLITICO. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Carlos Prieto is a Politico podcast producer. Raghu Manavalan is an editor for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POL...
Aug 13, 2021•9 min•Ep. 461
Carbon capture and sequestration is a technology that can suck the carbon out of high-emitting facilities and bury it underground. Sounds like a great way to fight climate change, right? In reality, the technology is more complicated and far more controversial. Today, POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre explains why some climate-friendly senators are willing to deploy billions of dollars to make CCS happen even though some environmental groups oppose it. Ben Lefebvre covers energy for POLITICO. Anthony Adra...
Aug 12, 2021•8 min•Ep. 460
As the Senate finally voted to pass the massive infrastructure bill, Democrats quickly moved on to their next big item: the details of the even bigger reconciliation package. The $3.5 trillion package is expected to jumpstart Congress’ fight against climate change, but it will take time to get all Democrats on board. POLITICO’s Anthony Adragna has the details. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Raghu Manavalan is an editor for POLITICO Audio. Carlos P...
Aug 11, 2021•8 min•Ep. 459
Bummer alert: it’s probably too late for 1.5. On Monday, the UN’s top climate panel released a milestone report on the status of climate change, and according to scientists, it’s very unlikely the world will meet the most ambitious target of limiting global climate change rising 1.5 degrees Celsius. But POLITICO’s Zack Colman says things could still get much worse if bold action isn’t taken. Zack Colman is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and ho...
Aug 10, 2021•9 min•Ep. 458
Some jobs are riskier than others. But in an era where temperature records are constantly broken, heat-related risks are on the rise. Yet despite the worsening hazards, relief from life-threatening heat still largely relies on the good will of employers, with few protections guaranteed by the government. Today, POLITICO’s Zack Colman and E&E News’ Ariel Wittenberg explain the increased risks, and why it’s so hard for OSHA to take action. Ariel Wittenberg covers public health for E&E News...
Aug 09, 2021•10 min•Ep. 457
While senators vote on amendments for the massive infrastructure bill, many groups are already eyeing the fight over what makes it into the upcoming reconciliation bill. And on that front, conservationists are fighting to ensure that natural resources and climate preparedness programs get the funding they believe is necessary. Today, POLITICO’s Anthony Adragna has details on the fight already shaping up. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Raghu Manava...
Aug 06, 2021•7 min•Ep. 456
If there’s one thing Joe Biden loves more than ice cream, it may be his vintage Corvette Stingray. But the long-time ally of the auto industry during his time in the Senate now wants to become the president behind the wheel during America’s shift to electric vehicles. Today, POLITICO’s Alex Guillen explains the president’s lane change, and the road ahead for the White House’s push for electric vehicles. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Alex Guillen ...
Aug 05, 2021•8 min•Ep. 455
In the White House’s original infrastructure proposal, the administration had set out a $45 billion plan to remove all lead pipes and provide clean, safe water to all Americans. And while the bipartisan infrastructure bill making its way through the Senate offers substantial funding for this initiative, the ambitions fall short of what the Biden administration had promised. Today, POLITICO’s Annie Snider explains just how short Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter and author of Morning Energy. ...
Aug 04, 2021•7 min•Ep. 454
Late on Sunday, the Senate finally released the text of the big infrastructure bill, a historic and bipartisan $1.2 trillion package. Today, POLITICO’s Sam Mintz walks along the path to getting this deal, and the path ahead. Plus, POLITICO’s Zack Colman, Ben Lefebvre, and Kelsey Tamborrino have the key takeaways on energy and the environment. Sam Mintz is also a transportation reporter for POLITICO. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Carlos Prieto is ...
Aug 03, 2021•8 min•Ep. 452
Many people tried to get the United Nations to take action on the fight against climate change, but Secretary General Ban Ki-moon got the organization to actually put its diplomatic muscle behind the issue. Today, POLITICO’s Lorraine Woellert talks to the former UN chief about the agency’s climate action during his tenure, and the areas where the world needs to act now. Lorraine Woellert is POLITICO's sustainability editor. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO ...
Aug 02, 2021•7 min•Ep. 450
This week, the Senate finally released some details on the infrastructure bill that is expected to come through over the next few weeks. And, while the package doesn’t address climate change as aggressively as the reconciliation bill is expected to, the bipartisan bill does have big plans for water, carbon capture programs, and helping communities transition into the clean energy economy. POLITICO’s Anthony Adragna has more. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter at POLITICO. Raghu Manavalan is a...
Jul 30, 2021•7 min•Ep. 449
