Only a day after being announced winner of the 2020 election, president-elect Joe Biden released a full transition website, detailing his administration’s plans and goals. But notably, one word is used in the climate change page more than “climate change” itself: jobs. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre, who predicted this could be the case last week, has more. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Ben Lefebvre covers energy for POLITICO. Carlos Prieto is a Politic...
Nov 09, 2020•6 min•Ep. 269
The pandemic and the rise of China are prompting Republicans and Democrats to turn to government power to grow industries important to America’s security and place in the world. “Industrial policy” is an idea long reviled among Washington policymakers. Hosts Luiza Savage and Ryan Heath talk to the people trying to make industrial policy cool again. 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 T...
Nov 07, 2020•36 min•Ep. 268
With multiple states still counting their votes, it looks increasingly likely that Democrats could take over the White House but fail to flip the Senate. And while Biden could take action on climate change, a split government would almost certainly neutralize his $2 trillion climate plan. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre, Zack Colman, and Anthony Adragna explore what Democrats could achieve on the climate front without much help from the Senate. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host...
Nov 06, 2020•8 min•Ep. 268
While the eyes of virtually everyone in America were fixated on the election, a longtime Trump promise finally materialized: the US left the Paris Climate Agreement. American diplomats will now be onlookers in the climate negotiations that their predecessors helped establish in the first place, and POLITICO’s Zack Colman reports that getting respect even if the U.S. comes back to the table is going to be harder this time around. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLI...
Nov 05, 2020•8 min•Ep. 267
Election night 2020 went exactly the way an election in 2020 would go: by the end of the night, neither candidate had a clear path towards victory, and key states, including Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, said they will need more time to finish counting. But while we may not know who will be in the White House come January 21, we do know how each presidency would shape the energy and environmental world. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Alex Guillen co...
Nov 04, 2020•19 min•Ep. 266
Months of campaigns, promises, rallies, and debates all lead up to here: millions of Americans are headed to the polls to join their voices to those of nearly a hundred million people who have cast their ballot to elect the next President of the United States. And while the pandemic has taken center stage during the campaign season, 2020 is also the year where climate change, energy, and the environment have risen as major political issues in almost every level of politics. POLITICO’s Annie Snid...
Nov 03, 2020•9 min•Ep. 265
2020 has been a dark year for the oil industry across the world. In the US, smaller oil producers all across the country have packed up and left their wells, as crude prices have sank to unprofitable territories. So far, Exxon and Chevron, have so far been able to survive the worst of the pandemic, but last week, the two companies reported drastic actions aimed at helping them survive the economic crisis. POLITICO Energy editor Matt Daily explains. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLIT...
Nov 02, 2020•6 min•Ep. 264
Once there is a working vaccine, manufacturers across the globe will need to scale up production to produce billions of doses — this means billions of pharmaceutical-grade glass vials, rubber stoppers, packaging and storage and refrigeration. Plus: ensuring the vaccine is available to people the world over. Hosts Luiza Savage and Ryan Heath question experts on how different countries are handling this overwhelming challenge. Subscribe to POLITICO'S Global Translations for the full series. Learn ...
Oct 31, 2020•37 min•Ep. 263
Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina. No, it’s not just the states Trump needs to win if he wants to get re-elected, but the states where EPA administrator Andrew Wheeler has been spending quite some time in the last weeks. And according to POLITICO’s Alex Guillen, Wheeler’s disproportionate presence in swing state, and the relevance of some of the announcements, is raising flags from some ethics officials. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy....
Oct 30, 2020•8 min•Ep. 262
Joe Biden has an aggressive climate agenda. And he also has strong polling both on the national level and in battleground states. And while good polling doesn’t necessarily mean a win, many of the country’s most powerful lobbying firms are preparing to deal with a White House and Congress that would act swiftly on climate, energy, and environmental policy. POLITICO’s Zack Colman and Catherine Boudreau, on how lobbyists and industries are preparing for the election. Anthony Adragna is an energy r...
Oct 29, 2020•7 min•Ep. 261
In the final week before the presidential election, the Trump campaign is focusing on Joe Biden's comments about fracking in an attempt to boost support in states like Pennsylvania. Will that strategy pay off? POLITICO’s Zack Colman explains. Zack Colman is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter and author of Morning Energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is an audio intern for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department. Jenny Ament is...
Oct 28, 2020•9 min•Ep. 260
In 2016, Donald Trump ran on the promise of loosening environmental regulations that had impacted the American oil industry. But after 4 years of deregulation and scrambled policy making, the oil industry doesn’t think Trump was all that great for business. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre reports. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Carlos Prieto is a Politico podcast producer. Jenny Ament is the senior producer...
Oct 27, 2020•9 min•Ep. 259
Across the country, some states are struggling to pay their employees and make ends meet because of the pandemic. And in Alaska, as leaders look for ways to keep the state financially afloat, a proposal has come up to raise taxes to the oil industry. And as the fate of this proposal heads to the polls in just over a week, POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino reports that a multi-million dollar brawl is heating up. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Kelsey Tamborrino is an energy reporte...
Oct 26, 2020•6 min•Ep. 258
In the spotlight during the last presidential debate of 2020, Democratic candidate Joe Biden said he will promote a transition out for the oil industry if he wins the election. But while it may sound like a huge red flag for America’s oil country, there are real signs that the transition may already be unavoidable. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre and Zack Colman analyze the climate portion of the debate. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Ben Lefebvre is an e...
Oct 23, 2020•13 min•Ep. 257
President Trump has taken Angela Merkel’s government to task on trade deficits and NATO dues, but has also voiced his disapproval over the completion of a second gas pipeline project connecting Germany to Russia. POLITICO’s Matthew Karnitschnig, on why Germany’s energy policy is so central to America, and why the two allies are set to stay at odds over this issue for years to come. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Matthew Karnitschig is POLITICO's c...
Oct 22, 2020•9 min•Ep. 256
A national ban on fracking has been a top demand for progressives and environmentalists for years, even becoming one of Sen. Bernie Sanders’ top campaign promises during the Democratic primaries. But Joe Biden, the party’s nominee, sees it differently: he’s made clear he doesn’t favor an outright ban on the practice. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre and Zack Colman, on the nuances of debates over the role for fracking, and why it will be a wedge issue for Democrats in the years to come. Anthony Adragna i...
Oct 21, 2020•9 min•Ep. 255
Governments have spent decades telling the public of the importance of recycling and separating their waste. And a major ally in these efforts has been a little triangle made of curving arrows that is supposed to symbolize that a material can be recycled. But ultimately, recycling has failed to make a sizable impact on the plastic pollution across the world. POLITICO’s Eline Schaart explains why. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Eline Schaart covers sustainability for POLITICO...
Oct 20, 2020•12 min•Ep. 254
Last month, a federal judge in Montana said William Perry Pendley cannot continue at the helm of the Bureau of Land Management because he has served as acting chief for over a year. But despite the court ruling, Pendley continues to say he is leading the agency, even if the orders have to be signed by the Interior Secretary. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino reports that the conflict is starting to cost the federal government, as a federal judge struck down some of the agency’s actions in Montana ove...
Oct 19, 2020•5 min•Ep. 253
As vice-president, Joe Biden got a front row look at how international trade agreements could help in the push for action on climate change. Now, in the final sprint for the White House, his team is looking for ways to make America’s economic muscle an important tool in the international fight against global warming. POLITICO’s Gavin Bade explains. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Gavin Bade is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Carlos Prieto is a Pol...
Oct 16, 2020•8 min•Ep. 252
All throughout his presidency, Donald Trump has made clear he is not a fan of renewable energies. But despite tariffs on solar and baseless attacks on how bad windmills are for noise pollution and birds, the renewable industries have had a period of unprecedented bonanza. POLITICO’s Eric Wolff, on how much the green sector has grown despite the president’s rhetoric. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Eric Wolff is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Carl...
Oct 15, 2020•8 min•Ep. 251
California has a history of environmental consciousness that dates back to the 1970s. And for most of the 21st century, climate change has been a priority on the state level, no matter the political party in power. But despite aggressive emissions and pollutions policies, the state has also become the poster child of the climate crisis. POLITICO’s Debra Kahn on how the severe natural disasters are impacting the state’s climate agenda. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host o...
Oct 14, 2020•8 min•Ep. 250
The lead up to an election isn’t just about polling and campaigning. Behind the scenes, Joe Biden’s team is working nonstop to find the best cabinet picks if they win in November. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre on Anthony Adragna, with who is best positioned to fill the Interior Department and EPA. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Carlos Prieto is a Politico podcast producer. Jenny Ament is the senior produc...
Oct 13, 2020•7 min•Ep. 249
The czars' reign over Russia ended more than a century ago with the February Revolution. But the term is still used in the federal government to describe officials with a single mission and broad powers. And POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre and Anthony Adragna are reporting that Joe Biden’s team is considering appointing a climate czar if Democrats take over the White House. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Ca...
Oct 09, 2020•6 min•Ep. 248
One of President Trump’s signature moves has been rolling back Obama-era regulations on the environment. That’s how the administration ended a key rule on carbon emissions. But the replacement to this rule known as the ACE rule, has raised legal challenges from fossil fuel companies and environmentalists. POLITICO’s Alex Guillen explains. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Alex Guillen covers the EPA and environmental issues for POLITICO. Carlos Priet...
Oct 08, 2020•8 min•Ep. 247
In July, the Supreme Court ruled that the eastern half of Oklahoma is Native American land. In the ruling, the justices said they were keeping the promise the government made to the Native Americans. But a hidden provision is allowing the state to keep control of the environmental regulations that rule over oil and coal plants. POLITICO’s Alex Guillen explains. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Alex Guillen covers the EPA and environmental issues for...
Oct 07, 2020•6 min•Ep. 246
Three years ago, Washington state turned down a project to build a coal terminal that would allow coal from neighboring states to be sent to Asia. And after multiple courts have sided with Washington on the issue, the coal-producing states claim the decision is effectively an embargo on their coal, and want the Supreme Court to weigh in. POLITICO’s Annie Snider explains. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Annie Snider is an energy reporter for POLITIC...
Oct 06, 2020•5 min•Ep. 245
Last month, President Trump announced he would extend the moratorium on drilling off much of the Atlantic coastline. Even as he made the announcement, many in the oil industry were hoping to be able to continue surveying the area — but that prospect may have disappeared last week. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre contextualizes the reversal on offshore drilling from the White House. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLI...
Oct 05, 2020•7 min•Ep. 244
A hundred years ago, John D. Rockefeller built an oil empire that made him the richest person in American history. But in the 21st century, his descendants are trying to use their money and influence to help fight climate change. POLITICO’s Zack Colman explains. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Zack Colman is an energy and environment reporter for POLITICO. Carlos Prieto is a Politico podcast producer. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO ...
Oct 02, 2020•9 min•Ep. 243
Dropping production costs are making solar power appealing to private users and big utilities alike. And the growing popularity of the renewable energy source is creating a dilemma in Florida, where the state is having to balance the area needed to harness the power of the sun, and the land needed for agriculture. POLITICO’s Bruce Ritchie explains. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Bruce Ritchie covers Florida's energy and environmental policy for PO...
Oct 01, 2020•6 min•Ep. 242
One of Trump’s key promises to the coal industry was rolling back environmental regulations -- and it helped him win in key states back in 2016. But that hasn’t been nearly enough to restore the industry to health, as cheaper natural gas and renewables eat away at its hold on the power industry. POLITICO’s Zack Colman and Eric Wolff explain why the president’s promise was impossible to keep, and how the rhetoric around coal is different in 2020. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO...
Sep 30, 2020•11 min•Ep. 241
