As a state senator, governor and later a U.S. senator, Joe Manchin has taken several actions that have protected and benefited his family’s business, along with the fuel it depends on: coal. E&E News reporter Scott Waldman breaks down some of those decisions and the ethical questions they’ve raised. Scott Waldman is the White House reporter for E&E News focused on climate change. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Carlos Prieto is an audio producer for POLITICO. Raghu Man...
Feb 03, 2022•8 min•Ep. 579
The threat of a Russian invasion into Ukraine is complicating President Joe Biden’s messaging about his clean energy agenda. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down the president’s strategy and why neither clean energy advocates nor oil and gas companies are pleased. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy and the host of POLITICO Energy podcast. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Carlos Prieto is an audio producer for POLI...
Feb 02, 2022•7 min•Ep. 578
Last week, a federal judge canceled one of the largest offshore oil and gas lease sales in U.S. history, arguing that the Trump administration’s Interior Department made a flawed analysis of the climate change impact of drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. POLITICO’s Ben Lefevbre breaks down that ruling and how it could impact the future of offshore oil and gas lease sales in the region. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy and the host of POLITICO Energy podcast. Ben Lefebvre is an ...
Feb 01, 2022•6 min•Ep. 577
Environmental advocates and New York state lawmakers are pushing for a three-year moratorium on permits for power plants that burn fossil fuels to mine Bitcoin. But, cryptomining advocates warn that if the state enacts this moratorium, it could miss out on many benefits from the technology. POLITICO’s Marie French explains. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy and the host of POLITICO Energy podcast. Marie J. French covers energy and the environment for POLITICO New York. Nirmal...
Jan 31, 2022•7 min•Ep. 576
What would happen if Russia, one of Europe’s biggest oil and gas suppliers, invades Ukraine? That’s the looming energy security question the Biden administration is hoping to answer by working with different countries and companies to find alternative fuel supplies. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre reports. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy and the host of POLITICO Energy podcast. Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Carlo...
Jan 28, 2022•8 min•Ep. 574
The Supreme Court’s oldest member — Justice Stephen Breyer — is expected to retire at the end of this term. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down Breyer’s rulings on environmental cases throughout his time on the high court and who might replace him. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy and the host of POLITICO Energy podcast. Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Carlos Prieto is an audio producer for POLITICO. Rag...
Jan 27, 2022•6 min•Ep. 575
On Tuesday, a panel of federal judges expressed skepticism about the legal arguments presented by oil companies to move a highly-watched climate lawsuit brought on by the city of Baltimore from a state court to the federal system. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the lawsuit and how it could impact similar climate liability suits across the country. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy and the host of POLITICO Energy podcast. Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO Pr...
Jan 26, 2022•7 min•Ep. 573
FERC’s Democratic majority is signaling that environmental justice should play a larger role in how the commission considers pipelines and other projects. But, that stance has received mixed feedback from Republicans, the natural gas industry, and environmental justice advocates. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse explains. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy and the host of POLITICO Energy podcast. Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITI...
Jan 25, 2022•7 min•Ep. 572
New guidance released earlier this month by the Army Corps of Engineers is raising more questions than it answers when it comes to projects that potentially impact federally protected waters of the United States. POLITICO’S Alex Guillén breaks down the latest guidance and how it could impact hundreds of projects across the building, mining and agricultural sectors. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy and the host of POLITICO Energy podcast. Alex Guillén is an energy reporter fo...
Jan 24, 2022•8 min•Ep. 570
On Wednesday, President Joe Biden threw his support behind breaking up his Build Back Better bill and expressed confidence his party can move forward on the stalled bill’s $550 billion in energy and environmental programs. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel discusses the reactions of Congressional Democrats. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy and the host of POLITICO Energy podcast. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Carlos P...
Jan 21, 2022•7 min•Ep. 569
Two of California’s climate regulators are at odds over the future of rooftop solar panels in the state. A recent proposal from the California Public Utilities Commission would slash solar incentives for homeowners. But, that plan would come into conflict with a state requirement that mandates that new homes install solar panels and that those panels remain within financial reach. POLITICO’s Colby Bermel breaks down the controversial proposal and its potential impact. Kelsey Tamborrino is a repo...
Jan 20, 2022•8 min•Ep. 568
The Build Back Better act is still stalled in the upper chamber. But, while the Senate tussles with voting rights, House Democrats are strategizing about changes to the legislation’s social spending policies that they hope will keep its major climate and clean energy investments in tact, even if that means breaking up the package. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel reports. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy and the host of POLITICO Energy podcast. Josh Siegel is an energy and climate rep...
Jan 19, 2022•6 min•Ep. 567
FERC is reviewing a proposal that aims to encourage natural gas producers to trade and transport responsibly sourced natural gas. But producers are worried it could create uneven standards and empower an unnecessary gatekeeper. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse explains. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy and the host of POLITICO Energy podcast. Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Carlos Prieto is an audio pro...
Jan 18, 2022•6 min•Ep. 566
President Joe Biden has put environmental justice at the top of his administration’s green agenda. But, after the resignations of two high-profile White House environmental officials who worked on the administration’s environmental justice goals, activists are concerned the president will fail to deliver on his promises. POLITICO’s Zack Colman explains. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy. Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-...
Jan 14, 2022•7 min•Ep. 565
On Wednesday, the Biden administration announced several clean energy actions, including its first auction for offshore wind power leases off New York and New Jersey next month and an initiative to speed the construction of electricity transmission lines to enable new renewable energy projects. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down those moves. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Carlos Prieto is an audio producer for POLIT...
Jan 13, 2022•7 min•Ep. 564
On Monday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed spending $22.5 billion over the next six years on climate-related programs across all state agencies, including $2 billion on clean energy initiatives. POLITICO’s Colby Bermel discusses how this funding could impact the state’s climate programs. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy. Colby Bermel is the energy reporter for POLITICO California. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Carlos Prieto is an audio producer for...
Jan 12, 2022•7 min•Ep. 563
On Monday, the Supreme Court delivered a blow to the biofuels industry in its long-running fight to allow the year-round sale of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino explains the justices’ decision and how it will impact refiners and the ethanol industry moving forward. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy. Carlos Prieto is an audio producer for POLITICO. Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POL...
Jan 11, 2022•7 min•Ep. 561
In the Build Back Better bill, there are billions of dollars that would support a key but relatively unused renewable energy source: geothermal energy. The bill could make the energy source a major contributor to President Joe Biden’s ambitious climate goals, according to supporters. But that’s only if the broader debate over the package doesn’t derail it. POLITICO’s Jonathan Custodio explains. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Jonathan Custodio is a fellow for POLITICO. Carlos ...
Jan 10, 2022•6 min•Ep. 560
This week, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the state’s latest commitments to renewable energy, including increasing offshore wind and barring fossil fuels in new building construction by 2027. 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. Carlos Prieto is an audio producer for POLITICO. Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the interim executive pro...
Jan 07, 2022•6 min•Ep. 559
Over the weekend, the European Commission recently came out with a proposal that labels some gas and nuclear power plants as green investments. Today, POLITICO EU politics reporter Hans von der Burchard explains why Germany is against the proposal and whether that proposal can survive without German support. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Hans von der Burchard is a politics reporter for POLITICO EU. Carlos Prieto is an audio producer for POLITICO. Raghu Manavalan is a senior ...
Jan 06, 2022•7 min•Ep. 558
On Tuesday, Sen. Joe Manchin, the West Virginia Democrat who has held up his party from passing their Build Back Better bill, told reporters he was largely on board with the legislation’s climate provisions. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino explains what Manchin’s comments mean moving forward. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Carlos Prieto is an audio producer at POLITICO. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy. Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio. ...
Jan 05, 2022•6 min•Ep. 557
Democrats were unable to pass President Joe Biden’s $1.7 trillion social spending package before Christmas. As Congress enters 2022 with midterm elections looming, POLITICO’s Matthew Choi breaks down what Democrats are hoping to do with the package this year. Matthew Choi is an energy reporter and author of the Morning Energy newsletter. 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 a se...
Jan 04, 2022•6 min•Ep. 556
Puerto Rico’s power grid, which has been devastated by natural disasters and mismanagement, could be revamped using emergency funding from the U.S. federal government. But, as POLITICO’s Gloria Gonzalez explains, clean energy advocates and opponents are divided on how to do that. Gloria Gonzalez is the Deputy Energy Editor at 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 of POL...
Jan 03, 2022•7 min•Ep. 555
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 host of POLITICO...
Dec 23, 2021•9 min•Ep. 534
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...
Dec 22, 2021•6 min•Ep. 533
Earlier this year, Britain’s Channel 4 released an explosive story where a lobbyist for Exxon disclosed what he called the company’s lobbying playbook. According to the lobbyist, the company’s public climate campaign is the opposite of what it pushes senators behind closed doors, and that’s just the beginning. Today, POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre discusses the company’s strategy, and how this revelation could shift the ongoing climate discussions. Ben Lefebvre covers energy for POLITICO. Anthony Adrag...
Dec 21, 2021•7 min•Ep. 532
Earlier this summer, about a quarter of the states in the US have been suffering from droughts. Along the west, the dry conditions are creating water shortages and water access crises for cities, agriculture and fishing. And with the planet warming more and more, these droughts are set to get worse. Today, POLITICO’s Annie Snider, on the effects of this year’s droughts for millions in the US now and into the future. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO. Anthony Adragna is an energy repo...
Dec 20, 2021•8 min•Ep. 531
On Thursday, the Biden administration unveiled a new mandate to remove all lead pipes from the nation’s drinking water systems. The move also comes as the EPA faced a Thursday deadline for deciding how to approach a 2020 drinking water rule put forward by the Trump administration. POLITICO’s Annie Snider explains. 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 a senior editor for POLITICO...
Dec 17, 2021•7 min•Ep. 554
While New England has avoided a Texas-style power grid disaster in the past, the region’s grid operator recently said it’s vulnerable to potential fuel constraints this winter. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse explains why the region’s power system could be in trouble and the solutions officials are examining. 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-produce...
Dec 16, 2021•6 min•Ep. 553
The Biden administration has secured billions of dollars in new federal funding to follow through on its climate and environmental justice promises, but some small and financially strapped communities may struggling to navigate the bureaucracy to get access to that funding. POLITICO’s Zack Colman explains those challenges and how the White House is responding. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro and is the host of POLITICO Energy. Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO. Nir...
Dec 15, 2021•7 min•Ep. 552
