Last week, the Biden administration released its energy and conservation priorities for next year under its Unified Agenda. POLITICO’S Alex Guillén explains what the EPA plans for climate regulations in 2022. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro and is the host of POLITICO Energy. Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the interim executive producer ...
Dec 14, 2021•7 min•Ep. 548
New York's Climate Action Council released an initial draft that outlines how the state can achieve its ambitious emissions reduction mandates through the electrification of buildings, transportation and other sectors. But it leaves major questions unanswered. POLITICO’s Marie French explains. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Marie J. French covers energy and the environment for POLITICO New York. Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the interim...
Dec 13, 2021•6 min•Ep. 547
This week was big for Senate Democrats as move toward to passing their $1.7 trillion dollar social spending plan, which includes hundreds of billions of dollars in climate provisions. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino gives an update about Senate Democrats’ meetings with the Senate Parliamentarian and what climate provisions might change as negotiations continue. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy. Raghu Manavalan is a senior edito...
Dec 10, 2021•7 min•Ep. 546
This week, the Environmental Protection Agency released its long-awaited biofuel blending proposals under the Renewable Fuel Standard. While the Biden administration tried to balance the powerful oil and corn industries, the plan received mixed reactions. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino explains. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the interim executive producer...
Dec 09, 2021•7 min•Ep. 545
The European Union is lining up against the measure in the Build Back Better reconciliation bill that has drawn criticism from some its automakers, and urging the Senate to scrap the portion of an electric vehicle tax credit that would only benefit union-made EVs. Meanwhile, the SEC is now investigating Tesla for its solar panels. POLITICO’s Tanya Snyder reports. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Tanya Snyder covers transportation for POLITICO Pro. Raghu Manavalan is a senior ed...
Dec 08, 2021•7 min•Ep. 544
Last year, a French energy trader walked away from a U.S. natural gas deal under pressure from the French government, which was concerned about the U.S. gas industry’s environmental record. This year, that same company secretly completed an LNG deal with a Texas company. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre explains why this deal was so hush-hush. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro and is the host of POLITICO Energy. Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITIC...
Dec 07, 2021•6 min•Ep. 541
After Andreas Malm spoke on a podcast episode produced by The New Yorker Radio Hour back in October, U.S. law enforcement officials homed in on Malm – a fringe environmental activist who has called for the sabotage of energy pipeline infrastructure. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down Malm’s story, explores the concept of eco-terrorism, and explains how the Biden administration is responding to those threats. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Zack Colman covers climate change for...
Dec 06, 2021•7 min•Ep. 540
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission proposed a rule last month to streamline the process for decommissioning nuclear power plants. But the proposal drew criticism from Democrats, who expressed concerns about the financial costs, safety issues, and the impact on state and local communities. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse reports. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Raghu Manavalan is the host-producer of the Playbook Daily Brief...
Dec 03, 2021•7 min•Ep. 539
There’s a potential carbon trade war brewing between the United States and the European Union. Earlier this year, the EU released a plan in which the bloc would tax imports from countries that lack aggressive carbon-reducing policies, including the United States. Now on Wednesday, we learned more about how the United States plans to respond. POLITICO’s Zack Colman explains. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO. Raghu Manavalan is the h...
Dec 02, 2021•7 min•Ep. 538
The Energy Department is looking for a place where it can temporarily and permanently store spent nuclear fuel from reactors. But previous attempts to solve the nuclear waste problem have been stymied by local and state opposition. POLITICO’S Kelsey Tamborrino explains. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy for POLITICO. Raghu Manavalan is the host-producer of the Playbook Daily Briefing and a senior editor for POLITICO audio. Ir...
Dec 01, 2021•7 min•Ep. 537
Experts say that the concept of climate migration — population shifts forced by destructive weather changes — is subtly impacting national politics. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre explains. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLITICO. 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 POLITICO’s audio department. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...
Nov 30, 2021•7 min•Ep. 536
On Friday, the Interior Department recommended hiking the fees that companies pay for oil and gas produced on federal lands. It’s part of the Biden administration's long-awaited review of the process that determines how the country leases out public land for energy production. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre reports. Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter 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 f...
Nov 29, 2021•7 min•Ep. 535
On Tuesday, the Biden Administration ordered 50 million barrels of oil to be released from America’s strategic reserve to help bring down fuel costs. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre explains the move and why it’s happening now. Ben Lefebvre covers the energy industry 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 POLITICO’s audio departm...
Nov 24, 2021•8 min•Ep. 530
The collision between Sen. Joe Manchin’s personal business and Democrats’ social spending package raises questions about conflict of interest and ethics. E&E News reporter Scott Waldman explains. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro and is the host of POLITICO Energy. Scott Waldman is the White House reporter for E&E News focused on climate change. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Raghu Manavalan is the host-producer of the Playbook Daily Briefing and a sen...
Nov 23, 2021•7 min•Ep. 529
Enbridge, a Canadian energy giant, and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer are fighting over the controversial cross-border Line 5 pipeline. Now, with Whitmer up for reelection in 2022, Enbridge is trying to tilt the scales in its direction. POLITICO’s Zi-Ann Lum reports. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro and is the host of POLITICO Energy. Zi-Ann Lum covers Canadian federal politics and energy and environmental policy for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. R...
Nov 22, 2021•6 min•Ep. 528
On Thursday, the EPA proposed a new rule giving oil refiners more time to meet renewable fuels blending requirements for 2020 and 2021. The agency signaled that the plan is designed to reduce uncertainty around the future of the Renewable Fuel Standard. But, biofuel advocates are not too pleased. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino explains the Biden administration’s latest move and the politics behind it. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro and is the host of POLITICO Energy. Kelsey Tamb...
Nov 19, 2021•10 min•Ep. 527
While legal experts say FERC is unlikely to shut down the Spire STL Pipeline this winter, questions facing the commission remain about the pipeline’s status in the long-run. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse explains. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro and is the host of POLITICO Energy. Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter focused on the electric power sector for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Raghu Manavalan is the host-producer of the Playbook Da...
Nov 18, 2021•10 min•Ep. 526
Republicans have been pummeling the Biden administration over high energy prices. But on Tuesday, Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chair Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) and Sen. Angus King (I-Vt.) questioned whether limiting natural gas exports might take the heat off the rise in that fuel’s prices. POLITICO’S Ben Lefebvre breaks down whether that solution could actually work and the political strategy behind it. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro and is the host of POLITICO Energ...
Nov 17, 2021•9 min•Ep. 525
The Supreme Court’s new term began in October, and it wasn’t supposed to be especially momentous for energy issues. But, it looks like conventional wisdom may have been wrong because of two cases: one about gas emissions from power plants and one about the Volkswagen emissions scandal. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén reports. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro and is the host of POLITICO Energy. Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-...
Nov 16, 2021•10 min•Ep. 524
The COP26 climate conference finished up on Saturday with a deal that many countries described as imperfect and unsatisfying. Still, the conference was seen as a step forward in limiting global warming. POLITICO’s Zack Colman, who was at the conference for the last two weeks, breaks down the good and bad of that final deal. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro and is the host of POLITICO Energy. Zack Colman is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host...
Nov 15, 2021•9 min•Ep. 523
The bipartisan infrastructure bill grants new transmission powers to federal regulators. While that will likely help the Biden administration’s clean energy strategy, it could also prove to be politically unpopular with state officials. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse explains. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro and is the host of POLITICO Energy. Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Raghu Manavalan is the host-p...
Nov 12, 2021•8 min•Ep. 522
The U.N. Climate Change Conference in Glasgow is entering its final days. The summit has produced numerous pledges, joint commitments, and agreements from attending countries to date. But the question remains: will countries act quickly and aggressively enough to stave off the worst effects of climate change? POLITICO’s Matt Daily explains what has been accomplished so far and what might be next. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro and is the host of POLITICO Energy. Matt Daily is ...
Nov 11, 2021•8 min•Ep. 521
California's last nuclear facility is approaching its scheduled retirement date in 2025. But a new report Tuesday from Stanford University researchers, backed by President Barack Obama’s first energy secretary, is raising questions about whether the retirement plan should be revised. POLITICO’s Colby Bermel explains. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro and is the host of POLITICO Energy. Colby Bermel is the energy reporter for POLITICO California. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audi...
Nov 10, 2021•8 min•Ep. 520
Gas prices are the highest in years as the economy recovers from the pandemic. Republicans are blaming President Joe Biden and his energy and climate policies. At the same time, the president is also receiving heat from environmentalists and Indigenous groups who are eager to shut down fossil fuel infrastructure. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down the real reasons why gas prices are soaring and the political ramifications. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro and is the host of POL...
Nov 09, 2021•8 min•Ep. 519
In the fight against climate change, the Biden administration is increasing its reliance on satellites and other space-based technologies. POLITICO’s Jonathan Custodio breaks down the growth of those tools, including their benefits and limitations. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro and is the host of POLITICO Energy. Jonathan Custodio is a fellow for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Raghu Manavalan is the host-producer of the Playbook Daily Briefing an...
Nov 08, 2021•8 min•Ep. 518
POLITICO’s Annie Snider spoke with Democratic Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts to talk about the future of the reconciliation bill and how the politics of climate and energy have changed in the decade since he led the last major legislative effort to confront climate change. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro and is the host of POLITICO Energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Raghu Manavalan is the host-producer of the Playbook Daily Briefing and a senior edit...
Nov 05, 2021•14 min•Ep. 516
The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference has been underway in Glasgow since Sunday. So far, we’ve seen a series of new pledges to reduce deforestation and methane emissions and notable new financial commitments to try to achieve net-zero emissions goals. But how impactful are those moves? Reporting from the conference, POLITICO’s Zack Colman explains what’s being promised in public, but what’s really being said and done privately. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro and is...
Nov 04, 2021•7 min•Ep. 515
The Biden administration released new rules on Tuesday aimed at curbing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down what the new rules would do, where they fit into President Joe Biden’s climate goals, and how they might impact the politics of Democrats’ sweeping climate and social spending bill. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro and is the host of POLITICO Energy. Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POL...
Nov 03, 2021•8 min•Ep. 514
A proposed transmission line that would transport hydropower from Quebec into the New England grid has sparked a costly ballot initiative fight in Maine. Environmentalists find themselves in the unusual position of being aligned with natural gas plant operators in opposing a renewable energy project supported by local officials and the Biden administration. POLITICO’s Jordan Wolman explains what’s at stake in Maine today. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro and is the host of POLIT...
Nov 02, 2021•8 min•Ep. 513
Reconciliation is set to include at least $500 billion in climate spending, the White House told lawmakers, making it one of the biggest priorities in the package. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino explains what made the cut and the state of play on the Hill. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro and is the host of POLITICO Energy. Kelsey Tamborrino is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Raghu Manavalan is the host-producer of the Playbook D...
Nov 01, 2021•8 min•Ep. 512
