It’s been less than a week since Rep. Mike Johnson (R-L.A) was confirmed as House speaker, but the chamber has actually been quite busy on energy policy. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down the latest energy legislation in the House and what it means for the upcoming scramble to keep Congress funded and avert a government shutdown. Plus, the United Arab Emirates will not repeat as the host of UN climate talks in 2024. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, o...
Oct 30, 2023•9 min•Ep. 1007
New House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), a climate change skeptic who hails from a top oil and gas-producing state, has a thin record on energy issues. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre dives into what the Washington energy world thinks about the Louisiana Republican and what his priorities might look like. Plus, some of Europe’s largest renewable energy and clean tech groups are warning that the continent will fall behind China and the U.S. in key industries. For more news on energy and the environment, s...
Oct 27, 2023•7 min•Ep. 1006
The Department of Energy made a controversial pitch to the fossil fuel industry this week: take our loans and use them to cut your emissions through new technology. So far though, there’s been little interest from the industry, and environmentalists are now upset with DOE’s outreach. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down DOE’s push. Plus, newly minted House Speaker Mike Johnson is already drawing the criticism of environmentalists due to his support from the oil and gas industry. For more news on ...
Oct 26, 2023•9 min•Ep. 1005
Negotiations among world governments about how to set up a new international climate fund are deadlocked, and it could threaten progress at next month’s United Nations Climate Change Conference. POLITICO’s Zia Weise breaks down the latest sticking points in the tense negotiations and how it could impact COP 28. Plus, General Motors reported Tuesday it’s losing $200 million per week due to the United Auto Workers strike. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our ...
Oct 25, 2023•6 min•Ep. 1004
Over the last two years, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has sharpened his environmental rhetoric and pushed climate change toward the top of his policy agenda – a notable evolution in political strategy highlighted by his trip to China this week. POLITICO’s Jeremy White breaks down why Newsom is embracing the role of climate champion right now and how his China trip fits into that political strategy. Plus, the Biden administration proposed banning all uses of trichloroethylene, an extremely toxic ...
Oct 24, 2023•10 min•Ep. 1003
Orsted, the company that’s planning to build New Jersey’s first offshore wind farm, made a deal with the state recently that shows it’s still financially committed to building the project. But the agreement could also allow Orsted to avoid making a $100 million payment – a third of the money the company owes to the state. POLITICO’s Ry Rivard breaks down the financial outlook of New Jersey’s first offshore wind farm and the bumpy times for the offshore wind industry as a whole. Plus, the United ...
Oct 23, 2023•7 min•Ep. 1002
Republican lawmakers are accusing Jigar Shah, the head of the Energy Department’s Loan Programs Office, of ethical lapses given his ties to the private sector. Shah, leader of an office that is crucial to President Joe Biden’s clean energy agenda, denied any wrongdoing. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down why lawmakers are targeting Shah, how he’s defending himself, and the broader GOP pushback against the Biden administration's climate and energy spending. Plus, the Federal Energy Regulato...
Oct 20, 2023•10 min•Ep. 1001
The Biden administration agreed Wednesday night to ease sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry after the Maduro government promised reforms allowing more competitive presidential elections next year. The policy shift has drawn Republican pushback and questions about the impact on global energy prices. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down the deal’s energy ramifications for the United States and the world, along with the GOP criticisms. Plus, the Biden administration will put nearly $3.5 billion to...
Oct 19, 2023•7 min•Ep. 999
The Biden administration’s push to put the World Bank in charge of an international fund that would require historically high-emitting wealthy countries to pay poorer countries for climate damages is threatening to shake up United Nations’ climate talks in November. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down why the US prefers the World Bank, the concerns from developing countries, and the broader negotiations over the fund. Plus, scientists say the U.S could achieve net-zero climate emissions by 2050 t...
Oct 18, 2023•10 min•Ep. 998
PJM Interconnection, the nation’s largest grid operator, is proposing a new plan to reduce the risk of blackouts during extreme weather events. And while both fossil fuel and renewable power generators are on board, a potential cap on the imposition of penalties when blackouts do occur is raising questions. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down the details of the plan, why it’s coming now, and how it might be the start of wider reforms by PJM. Plus, the Biden administration is expected to r...
Oct 17, 2023•9 min•Ep. 997
The Biden administration is putting $7 billion dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law into several regional hubs across the country dedicated to making and using clean hydrogen. The young industry could be potential climate solution and economic driver, but questions remain about just how green the hydrogen will be and whether it will add pollution to already-disadvantaged communities. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down the details, risks and potential rewards of Biden’s hydrogen h...
Oct 16, 2023•9 min•Ep. 996
President Joe Biden is facing a complicated Iranian dilemma in light of Hamas’ attacks on Israel: clamp down on Tehran to cut off its money from oil exports and potentially provoke a spike in global energy prices. Manuel Quiñones, the congress editor of POLITICO’s E&E News, breaks down the complicated factors behind Biden’s decision and potential consequences. Plus, the Environmental Protection Agency withdrew its new cybersecurity mandates for water utilities issued back in March citing lit...
Oct 13, 2023•8 min•Ep. 995
Electric cooperatives across the country are jumping at the chance to get billions of dollars under a new federal program that aims to bring more clean energy to rural America – a sign that some utilities in those communities, which have been among biggest coal users, are viewing wind and solar power more favorably despite the conservative backlash. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down why co-ops see this federal program as a game-changing opportunity. Plus, Stellantis announced it would b...
Oct 12, 2023•10 min•Ep. 994
The war between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas poses a major geopolitical risk for the world’s energy markets and could send global fuel prices soaring if the conflict expands across the Middle East. POLITICO’s Matt Daily breaks down how the war could impact global energy and the Biden administration. Plus, Washington’s top trade official conceded that the United States and European Union may not meet their end-of-October deadline to reach a deal on green steel and aluminum. For more new...
Oct 11, 2023•9 min•Ep. 993
Former U.S. President Donald Trump and several conservative politicians in Europe are attacking the rise of electric vehicles and making it into an election issue. POLITICO’s James Bikales and Suzanne Lynch break down the politics of electric cars and why it’s an issue on both continents. Plus, the Biden administration unveiled new guidance aiming to help customers gain immediate access to federal tax credits for electric vehicles directly from car dealers. For more news on energy and the enviro...
Oct 10, 2023•9 min•Ep. 992
In November, Republicans in Virginia have a shot at taking full control of the state legislature for the first time in a decade, and a GOP sweep could set the stage for a broader rollback of the state’s climate policies. POLITICO’s E&E news reporter Scott Waldman breaks down the climate stakes of the upcoming Virginia election, how it could set the tone for other state elections in 2024, and why it's grabbing the White House’s attention. Plus, the Biden administration says that Willie Philli...
Oct 06, 2023•9 min•Ep. 991
Three New England states reached an agreement Wednesday to coordinate on the development of offshore wind at a time when some companies are trying to renegotiate or even cancel their wind contracts along the Atlantic Coast. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down the details of this agreement, why it’s coming now, and the broader concerns within the offshore wind industry. Plus, a new government report shows that U.S. gasoline demand dropped sharply last week, offering some political breathing ...
Oct 05, 2023•8 min•Ep. 990
Democratic Senator Laphonza Butler of California is replacing the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, and she’s a mostly unknown quantity to climate change and environmental advocates. POLITICO’s E&E News reporter Timothy Cama breaks down Butler’s limited track record on green issues, how environmentalists are reacting to her, and what this means for California as it aims to be the nation’s green leader. Plus, the White House says President Joe Biden will veto House Republicans' spending bill for en...
Oct 04, 2023•6 min•Ep. 989
Several Democratic governors are urging President Joe Biden to offer more subsidies through the Inflation Reduction Act to help vulnerable offshore wind projects across the Northeast – a sign that state leaders in the president’s party are willing to publicly push their clean energy woes onto the White House. POLITICO’s Ry Rivard breaks down the governors’ request, why they are going public, and what the Biden administration can do about it. Plus, House Republicans are eyeing deeper spending cut...
Oct 03, 2023•7 min•Ep. 988
The Biden administration announced Friday that it is planning to hold the lowest number of auctions in the offshore lease program’s history over the next several years – a move that drew pushback from industry, environmental advocates, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down the plan’s details and significance, along with the expected criticisms. Plus, Congress narrowly avoided a government shutdown over the weekend, escaping an outcome that would have shutt...
Oct 02, 2023•6 min•Ep. 987
For 18 months, the Securities and Exchange Commission has been weighing how to finalize its climate risk disclosure rule. California may have just helped clear the path for the Wall Street regulator with its own landmark legislation. But it’s not clear whether the SEC will follow California's lead or go its own way. POLITICO’s Jordan Wolman breaks down how California’s legislation could impact the SEC’s rulemaking process. Plus, Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) said he is preparing legal action aga...
Sep 29, 2023•8 min•Ep. 986
The Biden administration has been meeting with officials and companies in Africa to shore up the United States’ supply of the critical minerals needed for the clean energy transition while simultaneously diminishing China’s mining dominance in the region. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down why the administration is focusing on Africa along with the pushback from Republicans and advocates for U.S. mining. Plus, Republican committee chairs are threatening Ford with a congressional subpoena over i...
Sep 28, 2023•7 min•Ep. 985
Ford Motor Company paused construction on a controversial $3.5 billion electric vehicle battery plant in Michigan that’s been caught between the United Auto Workers’ ongoing strike, President Joe Biden’s historic visit to the picket lines, and the GOP’s anti-China rhetoric. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down how Ford’s announcement and Biden’s visit may impact the UAW strike negotiations and the complicated politics of electric vehicle manufacturing in America. Plus, coastal lawmakers are push...
Sep 27, 2023•9 min•Ep. 984
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission could be short two members by the end of the year in part because of the looming government shutdown, but some FERC watchers say that could benefit the regulator as it tackles an ambitious portfolio of issues. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down how the potential government shutdown could reshape FERC and what a three-person commission can accomplish. Plus, electric vehicles sales grew to 9 percent of the car market in the second quarter of this ye...
Sep 26, 2023•9 min•Ep. 983
Regulators in charge of New York’s ambitious clean energy goals have recently grappled with a difficult pattern: companies developing green projects are requesting more public aid on top of the funding New York already agreed to provide. POLITICO’s Marie French explains why this is happening, along with the reaction from state regulators and ratepayer advocates. Plus, thousands of employees at Detroit’s Big Three automakers across 20 states walked off the job Friday to join the initial three-pla...
Sep 25, 2023•7 min•Ep. 982
The Republican party is divided over pipelines carrying carbon dioxide to disposal sites across the country – a key element of President Joe Biden’s plans to fight climate change. POLITICO’s E&E News reporter Mike Soraghan breaks down the internal tension within the party and how the fight has intensified in recent months. Plus, President Joe Biden is expanding the federal government’s use of the social cost of greenhouse gases, a metric that assigns dollar values to climate pollution. For m...
Sep 22, 2023•8 min•Ep. 981
An effort to erase billions of dollars of debt owed by the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, which runs the territory’s rickety power system, is facing pushback. POLITICO’s Gloria Gonzalez breaks down the details of the plan that could bring the utility out of bankruptcy, as well as the criticisms, and why restructuring the utility’s debt is so important to the island’s long-term grid stability. Plus, President Joe Biden is taking executive action to establish a Climate Corps. For more news ...
Sep 21, 2023•9 min•Ep. 980
An analysis by POLITICO’s E&E News and First Street revealed issues in the U.S. Green Building Council’s rating system that could spell flood danger for hundreds of structures. E&E News’s Corbin Hiar dissects the LEED certification gaps that are putting the newest generation of climate-friendly buildings in jeopardy. Plus, the EPA lost a lawsuit arguing that the agency wrongly approved a Colorado air permitting program that allowed the state to ignore ozone-forming emissions from oil and...
Sep 20, 2023•8 min•Ep. 979
The Biden Administration has been working hard with the Big Three automakers — Ford, GM and Stellantis — to vastly expand the production of electric vehicles, even as it gave a cold shoulder to Tesla. But the UAW’s latest strike may force it to rethink that strategy. POLITICO’s James Bikales explains how this strike may force the White House to build some bridges with Tesla to keep its EV goals on track. Plus, the European Commission announced that it will promote hydrogen standards to bolster w...
Sep 19, 2023•8 min•Ep. 978
Attacks on the U.S. power grid are surging to record levels, but the regulators and government officials in charge of the network’s safety are getting incomplete information about the scale of the threat, according to a POLITICO analysis of federal data and interviews with a dozen security, extremism and electricity experts. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down how utilities, government officials, and law enforcement are leaving the U.S. power grid at risk. For more news on energy and the ...
Sep 18, 2023•8 min•Ep. 969
