The Mountain Valley Pipeline’s controversial southern extension, known as the Southgate Expansion project, is facing a much more difficult path forward compared to the main pipeline as it navigates significant legal, regulatory and political challenges. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down why Southgate is so important to the long-term success of the Mountain Valley Pipeline, the different obstacles it faces, and how the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission may weigh in. Plus, the International Energy Agency says the world’s electric vehicle battery manufacturing capacity is now on track to help reach net-zero emissions by 2050. 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 Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is a congressional 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.

Construction on part of the controversial Mountain Valley Pipeline has temporarily stopped because of a federal court ruling, and the project’s developer now says it's considering taking the case to the Supreme Court. It's the latest twist in the legal saga surrounding the proposed 303-mile pipeline, which would transport natural gas from West Virginia to Virginia. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down the Mountain Valley Pipeline’s legal troubles and the reaction to the federal court’s decision. Plus, U.S. natural gas prices will rise in the second half of the year, according to the U.S. Energy Information 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 Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO.

House Republicans are kicking off “ESG month,” including votes and holding hearings to scrutinize how corporations integrate climate and social goals into their business plans. POLITICO’s Zach Warmbrodt breaks down what the GOP is trying to achieve and why criticizing ESG investing is actually a delicate policy issue for House Republicans. Plus, last week was the hottest in recorded world history, according to an U.N. agency. Zach Warmbrodt covers financial services for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO. 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

The developers of New York’s offshore wind projects are asking for increased subsidies from the state’s taxpayers, arguing that their work may not move forward without additional funding. But their requests raise questions about the viability of those projects, which in turn threaten the state’s ambitious climate targets and efforts to become a hub for the nascent offshore wind industry. POLITICO’s Marie French breaks down why the state’s offshore wind projects are now in doubt. Plus, the Interior Department is drafting language into a new rule that would allow companies holding offshore oil leases to convert them to allow the acreage to be used to store carbon dioxide instead.  Marie J. French covers energy and the environment for POLITICO New York. Josh Siegel is a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO. 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

President Joe Biden is aiming to build a national network of reliable electric vehicle chargers so that EV owners can travel long-distance without hitting charging deserts. But the Biden administration estimates it only has about a fraction of the funds to reach that goal and must also manage supply chain constraints, pushback from GOP-led states and an evolving private sector. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down the Biden administration’s ambitious strategy on EV charging and the challenges. Plus, major truck manufacturers have committed to California’s shift to zero-emission vehicles even if those rules face legal blowback. James Bikales is the host of Morning Energy and a reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO. 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

The European Union is investing billions of dollars into the production of hydrogen, a clean-burning fuel that’s expected to create jobs and help fight climate change. But as of now, the United States is attracting more hydrogen investment and has its sights set on overtaking Europe. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down the transatlantic interest in hydrogen, why the US is currently a more attractive investment target, and the potential consequences of this fierce competition between allies. Plus, the Department of Energy is launching a $1 billion effort to spur clean hydrogen demand. Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO. 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

The proposed plan to pull Puerto Rico’s government-owned utility out of bankruptcy and cut its debt is receiving forceful pushback from many residents and environmental groups, which argue it could increase already high electric bills and contribute to the island’s expensive cost of living. POLITICO’s Gloria Gonzalez breaks down the efforts behind Puerto Rico’s utility bankruptcy plan and why it has led to protests. Gloria Gonzalez is the Deputy Energy Editor at POLITICO Pro. Josh Siegel is a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO. 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

During California’s state budget negotiations this week, Governor Gavin Newsom fought for last-minute changes to accelerate energy infrastructure permitting, testing the state legislature’s autonomy and sparking policy disagreements. POLITICO’s Camille von Kaenel breaks down the changes to the state’s landmark environmental law, the pushback, and parallels to federal permitting reform efforts. Plus, FERC approved all remaining construction related to the controversial Mountain Valley Pipeline. Camille von Kaenel is a Calfironia environmental reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO. 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

The push toward electric vehicles in the United States and European Union is actually creating a giant strategic opportunity for China, whose carmakers already dominate global markets for batteries and clean energy technology. And the threat of Beijing taking over the electric vehicle industry across the two continents is shaping debates about jobs, trade and the fight against climate change. E&E News reporter David Ferris breaks down how the US and Europe are responding in different ways to the China EV threat. Plus, EPA is opening up $7 billion in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act to states, cities and nonprofit groups to grow residential and community solar projects.  David Ferris covers the intersection of transportation and the electric grid for POLITICO’s E&E News. Josh Siegel is a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO. 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

Climate change is destabilizing the insurance market, with some insurers pulling out of areas heavily impacted by extreme weather. In response, the Treasury Department is calling on insurers and state regulators to ramp up their efforts to evaluate risks posed by climate change. POLITICO’s Jasper Goodman breaks down the department’s new recommendations and the Biden administration’s wider effort to address climate-related financial risk. Plus, one of the top auto standards-making bodies announced it would standardize Tesla’s charging technology.  Jasper Goodman is an editorial intern at POLITICO. Josh Siegel is a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO. 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

Billions of dollars in infrastructure spending could be wasted because the federal government is relying on an outdated weather model, according to a new study from climate research firm First Street Foundation. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down how federal dependence on that model presents multiple risks for state and local governments and potentially wastes taxpayer money. Plus, a global panel backed by the G-20 issued new climate and sustainability disclosure standards.  Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO. 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

Several cities and neighborhoods in the United States are experiencing climate gentrification – the process in which wealthier people move to areas less impacted by climate change. Often as a result, disadvantaged residents are priced out of their neighborhoods due to rising property values, taxes, rents, and other economic factors. POLITICO’s Gloria Gonzalez breaks down what’s driving this trend and how activists and local politicians are fighting back. Plus, French President Emmanuel Macron is calling to revamp the international taxation system to finance climate efforts. Gloria Gonzalez is the Deputy Energy Editor at POLITICO Pro. Josh Siegel is a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO. 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

On Thursday, the Supreme Court ruled against the Navajo Nation — the largest Native American reservation in the United States – in its effort to make the federal government take steps to secure water from the Colorado River for the tribe. The decision comes as seven states are fighting over access to the West's most important river, whose flows have shrunken roughly 20 percent over the past two decades of drought. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down the court’s ruling and how it impacts the tribe and the ongoing Colorado River water dispute. Plus, the Department of Energy announced a conditional $9.2 billion loan to help build three factories to make batteries for Ford Motor Company’s electric vehicles.  Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. Josh Siegel is a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO. 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

The Biden administration’s final rule under the Renewable Fuel Standard aims to modestly increase the amount of biofuels that oil refiners must blend into the nation’s fuel mix over the next three years. But multiple powerful industries aren’t completely happy with the regulation: the agricultural sector says the administration’s blending mandates are too low, while the oil industry argues the levels aren’t achievable. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down the details of Biden’s RFS rule, the tricky politics behind it, and how the administration is defending itself. Plus, the Senate failed to override President Joe Biden’s veto of a resolution targeting an EPA truck pollution rule. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy. Josh Siegel is a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO. 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

Lawmakers, consumer advocates, independent experts, and regulators are pushing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to revisit the competitive power markets that dominate the US electricity system. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down why organized competitive power markets are drawing scrutiny and what sort of solutions lawmakers are proposing. Plus, a federal court struck down an EPA rule banning the use of disposable containers for transporting hydrofluorocarbons, the potent greenhouse gas used as a refrigerant. Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO. 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

Clean energy advocates and green groups are fighting over how the Treasury Department should implement the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean hydrogen tax credit, which offers billions of dollars in federal incentives to companies that produce hydrogen in a climate-conscious way. The Biden administration believes investing in the nascent clean hydrogen industry could be a political and climate win, but their bet depends on how the tax credit is shaped. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down the debate over the credit and why clean hydrogen is so important to the Biden administration. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy. Josh Siegel is a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO. 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

After scoring wins in four states to pass costs of recycling plastic onto manufacturers over the past two years, recycling advocates had hoped to build on the momentum in more states across the country. But this year, nearly a dozen state-level bills to fund increased recycling have gone nowhere in state legislative sessions or have been watered down into feasibility studies. POLITICO’s Jordan Wolman breaks down the politics of passing recycling bills and what this trend means for the nation’s ability to curb its growing waste problem. Plus, the Bureau of Land Management proposed updating its regulations governing wind and solar development on public lands, potentially reducing project fees by as much as 80 percent.  Jordan Wolman is a sustainability reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO. 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

The White House’s semi-annual rulemaking agenda released on Tuesday shows the Biden administration is planning to unveil significant regulatory actions in the energy and climate space in the first half of 2024 — including major policy priorities from the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Interior and Energy Departments. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down what to expect and why it’s important for the White House to get those rules finished as soon as possible ahead of the 2024 elections. Plus, House Republicans unveiled a measure to significantly cut back funding for climate activities and other Biden administration priorities at the Energy Department and federal water agencies.  Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO. 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

Ford and General Motors’ recent decisions to adopt Tesla’s EV charger technology puts the Biden administration on the losing side of a charging “standards war” and threatens President Joe Biden’s ambitious electric vehicle adoption goals. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down the origins of this EV charging fight and how the Biden administration might respond. Plus, FERC Chair Willie Phillips announced new commitments to mitigating the impacts of industrial pollution on low-income communities and communities of color.  James Bikales is the host of Morning Energy and a reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO. 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

The Texas Railroad Commission, the state’s oil and gas regulator, is posing a major obstacle to the Biden administration’s goal of reducing methane emissions. At the same time, the commission’s Republican regulators take in millions of dollars from the fossil fuel industry. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down how the regulatory agency’s actions are at odds with one of President Joe Biden’s key climate policies. Plus, the Biden administration urged a federal court to reverse its decision that struck down a ban on gas hookups in Berkeley, California as a violation of federal energy efficiency law.  Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO. 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

General Motors and Ford – two of the biggest electric vehicle producers – announced they would adopt Tesla’s charging technology for their electric vehicles in the coming years. That’s significant because the federal government earlier this year chose to require another EV charging technology rather than Tesla’s technology in its federally-funded chargers under the bipartisan infrastructure law. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down what these developments mean for the future of EV charging. Plus, the Energy Department is providing a $850 million conditional loan for the construction of an advanced battery cell manufacturing facility in Arizona. James Bikales is the host of Morning Energy and a reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO. Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department. 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

This week, hazardous smoke spewing from hundreds of Canadian wildfires spread across much of Canada and the Northeast and Midwest United States. POLITICO’s Zi-Ann Lum breaks down the health risks of wildfire smoke exposure, the federal response from the U.S. and Canadian governments, and how climate change is playing a role in the situation. Plus, the U.S. and U.K. will start negotiating a critical minerals deal immediately to mitigate the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act. Zi-Ann Lum covers Canadian federal politics and energy and environmental policy for POLITICO. 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. Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department. 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

The United Arab Emirates, one of the world’s wealthiest oil states and host of the upcoming UN climate talks in November, has tried to cast itself as an environmental leader through a wide-ranging public relations and lobbying campaign that began in 2019. But the UAE’s efforts and its host status are facing significant criticism from lawmakers and environmentalists in both the United States and Europe. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down why the UAE is trying to green its image and the pushback it’s facing. Plus, a bipartisan duo in the Senate introduced legislation Wednesday that would take the first step toward penalizing imports of high-polluting goods.  Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO. Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department. 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

Across the country, medical professionals and Washington policymakers are pushing to decarbonize the American healthcare system, which is responsible for 8.5 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Joanne Kenen, a POLITICO Magazine contributing writer, breaks down the movement to green the healthcare system, how the Biden administration is playing a role, and whether the sector’s transformation is happening as quickly and deeply as needed. Plus, West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin advocated for further action on federal permitting reform this year and pushed back against opposition to the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Joanne Kenen is the Commonwealth Fund journalist-in-residence at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a POLITICO Magazine contributing writer. 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. Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department. 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

Lawmakers included only modest changes to permitting as part of the debt ceiling deal. But the Supreme Court’s recent decision to sharply curb federal protections under the Clean Water Act could have a far bigger impact on the permitting process across the country. POLITICO’s Annie Snider reports. Plus, the Biden administration on Monday laid out a road map to scale up U.S. clean hydrogen production while driving down costs.  Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO. Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department. 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