POLITICO Energy

After years of setbacks and little policy progress, there’s new congressional legislation and rules from the Biden administration looking to reignite the nuclear power industry, which is an area of bipartisan interest. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down the recent legislation supporting the nuclear industry. Plus, President Joe Biden signaled a continued focus on climate and environmental issues in his annual budget request to Capitol Hill on Monday.   For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro:  https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is the audio host-producer of POLITICO Energy. Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

A little-known program under the Inflation Reduction Act is bringing climate planning to almost every state in the country, including in places where Republicans have shown little interest in decarbonization. Adam Aton from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down the details of the program. Plus, the United States just experienced the warmest winter on record according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.    For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy   Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Adam Aton covers the politics of climate change for POLITICO’s E&E News. Nirmal Mulaikal is the audio host-producer of POLITICO Energy. Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved a long-awaited rule that will require public companies to report their greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks. Even though the commission weakened the regulation from its original proposal, it’s still historic and set to face litigation. POLITICO’s Jordan Wolman breaks down the significance and pushback to the rule. Plus, companies installed a record amount of clean energy power across the United States last year, breaking the previous record by more than 12 percent.   For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro:  https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy   Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Jordan Wolman is a sustainability reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is the audio host-producer of POLITICO Energy. Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

Today, POLITICO Energy host Josh Siegel sits down with President Joe Biden’s National Climate Adviser Ali Zaidi ahead of tonight’s State of the Union address. They discuss the president’s energy and climate record, what a second Biden administration would like to accomplish, the internal tension within the party on those policy issues, and more.    For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro:  https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy   Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is the audio producer of POLITICO Energy. Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to split up its upcoming power plant rule into two separate rulemakings came after the agency faced pushback from the White House. The move reflects months of simmering tension between EPA and the White House about rules central to President Joe Biden’s climate agenda. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down the internal administration tension and how it impacted the rollout of the rule. Plus, the Biden administration finalized regulations for direct cash payment of several clean energy credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.    For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy   Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO.  Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

John Kerry will be exiting his position as President Joe Biden’s top climate diplomat on Wednesday. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down Kerry’s climate legacy and previews what to expect from his replacement. Plus, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission unveiled a long-awaited proposal aimed at speeding up licensing for advanced reactors that are critical to creating a zero-emissions grid.    For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro:  https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy   Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO.  Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

In a surprise move, the Environmental Protection Agency announced it was separating and postponing a major piece of its power plant rule last week, and the decision is receiving mixed reaction from greens. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down EPA’s decision and the political and climate risks. Plus, EPA is strengthening its risk management requirements for oil refineries, chemical producers, agricultural distributors and thousands of other industrial sites.   For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro:  https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy   Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

Utility bills have shot up by as much as 127 percent over the last decade in California, and the state’s ambitious climate goals and spending are partially to blame. That trend is putting political pressure on state lawmakers to take legislative action. POLITICO’s Wes Venteicher breaks down the high cost of California’s climate ambitions and why it’s concerning Democratic lawmakers in other states.  Plus, the White House named three nominees to fill seats on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.   For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro:  https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy   Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Wes Venteicher covers climate and energy energy news in California for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

The Biden administration is pouring billions of dollars into seven regional hubs meant to jumpstart and grow the nascent clean hydrogen industry. But the leaders of the hubs are warning the Treasury Department's proposed clean hydrogen tax credit could undercut their projects and President Joe Biden’s climate goals. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down their concerns and the tightrope the Biden administration must navigate with the tax credit. Plus, the White House is close to nominating two or three new FERC commissioners in a matter of weeks, according to West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin.   For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro:  https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy   Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO

The Biden administration is expected to finalize a new air regulation that’s pitting its environmental justice work, cancer prevention goals, and efforts to ensure the stability of the medical device industry against each other. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down how the administration is trying to balance its public health priorities and the pushback against the rule. Plus, EPA announced that the remaining $1 billion in Superfund money from the bipartisan infrastructure law will go toward work at over 110 sites around the U.S.   For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy   Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

President Joe Biden’s decision to pause new exports of U.S. natural gas is making his allies nervous in the critical swing state of Pennsylvania heading into the 2024 election. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down why some Democrats are questioning the president’s strategy and the different energy dynamics at play in the state. Plus, West Virginia made another move as part of its ongoing attack on environmental, social and governance policies.   For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy   Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

Lawmakers in Pennsylvania and Virginia are fighting over whether their states should participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative just as the program itself attempts to hammer out what its next iteration will look like. POLITICO’s Jordan Wolman breaks down what the fights in Pennsylvania and Virginia say about the challenge of expanding RGGI to fossil fuel reliant states. Plus, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management issued its final approval for Equinor's Empire Wind project — teeing up construction for the offshore wind effort off the coast of New York.   For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy   Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Jordan Wolman is a sustainability reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

The Biden administration's push for an electric vehicle transition is facing economic and political challenges, particularly in the crucial swing state of Michigan. And now, Biden’s regulators are expected to scale back a rule that was intended to spur that transition. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down why Biden’s EV transition is stalling and the administration’s planned response. Plus, the Energy Department plans to provide roughly $710 million for a pair of electric vehicle battery supply chain projects at existing facilities in Michigan and Ohio.    For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro:  https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy   Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

The Biden administration is planning to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to install solar power in Puerto Rico on thousands of homes — an ambitious effort to improve the territory’s fragile power grid. But the program is facing political pushback from Republican lawmakers and some practical concerns from Puerto Rican residents. POLITICO’s Gloria Gonzalez breaks down the skepticism and how the administration is defending its solar program. Plus, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm firmly said there is no "ban" in place on liquefied natural gas in the face of bipartisan concerns.   For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy   Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

World governments have made little progress in setting up a historic new fund that would distribute millions of dollars in financial assistance to the nations most impacted by climate change. Sara Schonhardt from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down why wealthy countries are fighting over the fund and how that could impede progress for vulnerable nations and future international climate talks. Plus, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is predicting that the Biden administration will increase the availability of gasoline blends containing 15 percent ethanol across the country next year.   For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro:  https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy   Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Sara Schonhardt is an international climate reporter for E&E News. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

Today, POLITICO’s Josh Siegel sits down with GOP Rep. Kelly Armstrong, who is retiring from Congress and running for governor of North Dakota. They discuss the Inflation Reduction Act, permitting negotiations, and President Joe Biden’s LNG pause, along with why Republicans are leaving Congress and Armstrong’s energy ambitions as his state’s potential next governor.   For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro:  https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy   Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Kelly Armstrong is  U.S. representative for North Dakota's at-large congressional district.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

Environmental activists are publicly and privately pressuring President Joe Biden to wage a stronger fight against climate change, which is putting him in a tough position as the 2024 presidential campaign heats up. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down how green groups are testing the president. Plus, the House delivered a bipartisan rebuke against Biden’s controversial decision to pause new natural gas permits.   For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy   Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

Today, POLITICO’s Josh Siegel chats with GOP Rep. Jeff Duncan of South Carolina, who is one of the leaders of House Republicans’ legislative attacks on the Biden administration’s pause of new LNG export permits. Duncan, who is retiring at the end of this term, is also the chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s energy, climate, and grid security subcommittee. They discuss the Republican criticisms of the pause, his retirement, and the larger exodus of GOP members from the influential House Energy and Commerce Committee.   For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro:  https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy   Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Jeff Duncan is a United States representative for South Carolina's 3rd congressional district.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

The Biden administration’s pause on LNG export permits has Republicans concerned about international climate efforts and Democrats taking an America-first stance — a reversal of traditional partisan arguments from both parties about fossil fuels. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down why there’s flipped political rhetoric around LNG exports. Plus, new research previewed exclusively by POLITICO says the Chinese region of Xinjiang continues to subject members of the Uyghur ethnic group to forced labor, which has been directly linked to the production of solar panels and lithium for electric vehicle batteries.    For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy   Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

The United States has spent decades removing pollution from its air, but the impacts of climate change could erase that progress and expose millions of Americans to poor air quality, according to a new report released by climate risk group First Street Foundation. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down who will be impacted by worsening air quality. Plus, a federal judge questioned why FERC is declining to assess the significance of greenhouse gas emissions generated by new fossil fuel facilities.   For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy   Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.