Since the day after inauguration, Democrats have controlled the agenda at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. But GOP still holds three of the five commission seats, and Republican Neil Chatterjee has emerged as the swing vote, at least for the next 3 months. And on Thursday, he voted alongside Democrats on a rule that could shape the future of interstate pipelines across America. POLITICO’s Eric Wolff explains. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy...
Mar 22, 2021•8 min•Ep. 358
Joe Biden’s nominees for CIA director and State Department deputy director were never in question. Still, Senator Ted Cruz vowed to slow their confirmations until he heard what the administration planned to do to keep the Nord Stream 2 pipeline from completion. That is until yesterday, when the State Secretary hinted that the Biden administration will not sit idly by and watch the pipeline connect Russian natural gas to Germany. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLI...
Mar 19, 2021•6 min•Ep. 357
US energy production looks nothing like what it used to. Today, you can find windmills all along the American prairies, while solar panels sit on top of schools and parking lots. And today, POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino reports that solar power is only expected to much stronger in the next decade. Kelsey Tamborrino is a Politico Energy reporter. 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 p...
Mar 18, 2021•8 min•Ep. 356
Climate models have become an essential tool for decision making, from private companies to governments. But not all models are equally accurate, and some of the groups developing and selling their own models claim a level of detail that don't match the realities of science. Today, POLITICO’s Zack Colman and his dog Gracie explain explains the risks of leaning too much on inaccurate models. Zack Colman is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and hos...
Mar 17, 2021•7 min•Ep. 355
Since the Paris Climate Agreement, dozens of companies have released climate pledges to reach net zero emissions or invest in renewable energies. But leaving climate pledges as a voluntary measure can get… tricky, and allow for polluting industries to still get billions in investment. Today, POLITICO’s Zack Colman, on the Biden’s top climate diplomat’s fight to hold US banks to their climate promises. Zack Colman is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLIT...
Mar 16, 2021•8 min•Ep. 354
Later today, the Senate will vote to confirm New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland as the head of the Interior Department. As the Interior Secretary, Haaland will have to carry out much of the president’s aggressive climate agenda and lead the decisions over oil production on federal land. POLITICO’s Anthony Adragna, on how this fight already played out during her confirmation hearings, and what to expect from her tenure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Mar 15, 2021•8 min•Ep. 353
In the past decade, federal help has been central in triggering the renewable energy boom in America. Now, solar and wind power are ready to compete with fossil fuels in an open market. But if traditional sources of energy still get subsidies… why should renewables lose theirs? POLITICO’s Eric Wolff discusses. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Eric Wolff is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Carlos Prieto is a Politico podcast producer. Jenny Ament is ...
Mar 12, 2021•7 min•Ep. 352
After getting an impeachment trial done and passing historic stimulus package, the Senate is back to approving President Joe Biden’s cabinet picks. And yesterday, Michael Regan got substantial bipartisan support to lead the EPA. So, what can we expect from an agency that’ll be central to Biden’s fight against climate change? 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 PO...
Mar 11, 2021•7 min•Ep. 351
You can feel it in the air: the energy transition is already happening. And while fossil fuels make up the largest part of US power, all across the country thousands of windmills are spinning clean energy into the grid. The power is coming from deep in the heartland to off shores, and it is only going to become more important. Today, POLITICO’s Ryan Heath, Lorraine Woellert, and Kelsey Tamborrino discuss the success of onshore wind in Republican states, and the incoming boom in offshore wind pro...
Mar 10, 2021•10 min•Ep. 350
For years Donald Trump and US senators worked tirelessly to keep Russia from finishing a pipeline project that would tighten its grip on Europe’s energy market. Now, Joe Biden is realizing that if he wants to bring peace to the US relations with Germany, he may need to let go of the American fight against Nord Stream 2. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre, on the crossroad ahead for the Biden administration. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Ben Lefebvre covers ...
Mar 09, 2021•8 min•Ep. 349
The chips continue to fall after last month’s massive power collapse in Texas. In the state, local officials are investigating the causes of the failure that led to dozens of deaths, while many of the energy supervisors have either resigned or been removed from their offices. And in Congress, while two House committees are leading their own investigations, Texas representatives are starting to debate how much should the federal government get involved. POLITICO’s Anthony Adragna, on what Democra...
Mar 08, 2021•9 min•Ep. 348
If Joe Biden really wants the federal muscle to lead the fight against climate change, he is going to need to flex the muscle of the Energy Department. Just last week, the Senate confirmed Jennifer Granholm to lead the agency, and this week she sat down with POLITICO’s Eric Wolff and Kelsey Tamborrino to detail how her department will help green energies and the fight for union jobs in the sector. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Kelsey Tamborrino i...
Mar 05, 2021•10 min•Ep. 347
In the decade since Democrats failed to create a cap and trade on carbon, party leaders and environmentalists have tried to figure out a way to clean the American energy sector. Now, the discussion is centered around two options: taxing carbon, or creating a clean energy standard. Today, POLITICO’s Anthony Adragna and Zack Colman explain these approaches. Zack Colman is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Carlos Prieto ...
Mar 04, 2021•9 min•Ep. 346
President Joe Biden can’t fight climate change on his own. The good news for him? House Democrats are joining the fight. On Tuesday, three of the House’s top Democrats presented the caucus’ ambitious climate bill. POLITICO’s Anthony Adragna has the details. 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 POLITICO audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Lea...
Mar 03, 2021•8 min•Ep. 345
Anyone who is someone in the energy world is at CERA Week. The conference, which puts together the most important names in the fossil fuel industry inside the same building in Texas, is back on this week. But in 2021, the conference organizers are learning that going virtual isn’t the only change to the conference: to stay relevant, they’ve expanded the scope of the talks to the climate change, renewables the energy transition. Today, Ben Lefebvre, with the biggest takeaways from the first day o...
Mar 02, 2021•8 min•Ep. 344
With carbon emissions being one of the main contributors to climate change, the American government has spent years trying to properly gauge the gas’ social impact. And in order to better understand the impact of federal regulation to curb emissions, the Obama administration tried to calculate the social cost of carbon. Now, President Biden’s government wants to update this cost to reflect the latest scientific data. POLITICO’s Zack Colman, on how the new figure can pave the way for tougher fede...
Mar 01, 2021•7 min•Ep. 343
Millions of Americans lack access to clean tap water, while others have been priced out. And while President Joe Biden has vowed to make clean water a priority, the reality is that the cost of potential regulation to make drinking water safer is only going to make it more expensive. So, who pays for the difference? POLITICO’s Annie Snider, on why this challenge could keep millions from getting clean water, and how the federal government could help. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLIT...
Feb 26, 2021•7 min•Ep. 342
On Monday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US President Joe Biden held their first joint meeting. And climate change was one of the top topics on the agenda. On the same day, President Biden talked about America’s climate diplomacy after the country officially rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement. But talk is cheap, and POLITICO’s Zack Colman reports that convincing the world is going to take a lot of complicated executive and legislative action. Zack Colman is an energy reporter for ...
Feb 25, 2021•8 min•Ep. 341
On Tuesday, Rep. Deb Haaland made history as the first Native American nominated for a presidential cabinet position to reach a Senate confirmation hearing. to be questioned for a presidential cabinet position. AndIn the hearing, GOP senators took the opportunity to attack President Biden’s climate and environment agenda. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre and Anthony Adragna recap the first day of testimony. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Ben Lefebvre cover...
Feb 24, 2021•8 min•Ep. 340
This morning, the first Native American ever nominated for a Cabinet position, is set to appear before a Senate committee. Rep. Deb Haaland, a progressive lawmaker from New Mexico, is Biden’s pick for the Interior Department. But even before her committee hearing, some Western senators are saying she will not have their votes. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre and Anthony Adragna discuss the controversy around Haaland’s nomination. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO En...
Feb 23, 2021•8 min•Ep. 339
The Texas blackouts that knocked power out for millions threw state and federal officials into crisis management mode – and now they’re looking for culprits. The blackouts left a death toll of nearly 60 people, and showed that the state was largely unprepared for extreme weather. And that is a lesson that multiple states are beginning to learn the hard way. POLITICO’s Renu Rayasam, on how the storm played out differently in some parts of Texas, and Eric Wolff, on how governments are preparing th...
Feb 22, 2021•10 min•Ep. 338
Joe Biden has repeatedly said his energy transition plan will create millions of “green, union jobs.” But compared to other sectors of the energy industry, wind and solar have low unionization rates. POLITICO’s Rebecca Rainey and Eric Wolff, on the union leaders’ fears that workers will be left behind. Follow POLITICO's Recovery Lab , a series that looks at the smartest new ideas for combating the pandemic. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Rebecca R...
Feb 19, 2021•8 min•Ep. 337
A Delaware son holds a key for America’s ambitious infrastructure and climate policy goals over thecoming years. Actually, make that two Delaware sons. As chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works committee, Sen. Tom Carper is dedicated to helping President Biden achieve his administration’s goals on infrastructure, electric vehicles, and climate policy POLITICO’s Anthony Adragna and First State native Alex Guillen sat down with Sen. Carper. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLIT...
Feb 18, 2021•8 min•Ep. 336
A nationwide snowstorm set daily record lows earlier this week, sending unprepared cities into chaos. In Texas, the unexpected freezing temperatures shut power down for millions of residents, extending what were expected to be short-rolling blackouts into days-long outages. Politico’s Eric Wolff explains why the Lone Star state ran out of power when residents needed it most. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Eric Wolff is an energy reporter for POLIT...
Feb 17, 2021•8 min•Ep. 335
The early leaders of environmental groups were mostly people who saw their goal as saving endangered animals or national parks, and while they’ve broadened their targets in the past half century, their memberships still skew heavily white. Now, with environmental justice on the rise, people of color and low-income communities that have long on the periphery of the green movement are making their voices heard on the hazards of climate change and pollution that disproportionally harms them. POLITI...
Feb 16, 2021•7 min•Ep. 334
Joe Biden wants to aggressively lower US emissions from fossil fuel production. But Texas, the state where most of America's greenhouse gases come from, is not particularly keen on helping him out. Today, POLITICO's Ben Lefebvre on how big an obstacle the Lone Star State will be to Biden meeting his emissions goals. 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 ...
Feb 12, 2021•7 min•Ep. 333
In the 1930s, American hydroelectric power rose thanks in part to the construction of numerous dams along the Pacific northwest. These dams, and the energy they’ve produced, have shaped American communities in the decades since, even win World War 2. But keeping the dams operating has come at a huge cost for multiple types of salmon, many of which are now facing extinction. Today, POLITICO’s Annie Snider explains one Republican congressman’s plan to save the salmon and help the communities that ...
Feb 11, 2021•9 min•Ep. 332
So far, virtually every one of Joe Biden’s executive nominees have passed the Senate with flying colors. But before even having a hearing, the president’s pick to lead the Interior Department is taking heat from Republican senators. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre, on why GOP senators are taking aim at congresswoman Deb Haaland. 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 Amen...
Feb 10, 2021•7 min•Ep. 331
For decades, Ed Markey was one of the loudest voices for climate and the environment on Capitol Hill. And now with unified Democratic control of government, POLITICO’s Anthony Adragna caught up with the Massachusetts senator to talk about the present and future of climate policy, President Biden’s agenda, and the road to America’s net-zero emissions. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Carlos Prieto is a Politico podcast producer. Jenny Ament is the se...
Feb 09, 2021•9 min•Ep. 330
President Joe Biden promised to drop big money against climate change. But while policy and spending will be critical to fight worsening global warming, there is also a lot to do to mitigate the effects on vulnerable and underserved communities. POLITICO’s Zack Colman, on difficult road ahead for the administration in figuring out how to meet the promise. Zack Colman is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy. Carlos Prieto ...
Feb 08, 2021•7 min•Ep. 329
