POLITICO Energy

The latest news in energy and environmental politics & policy — must-know stories and candid insights from POLITICO’s energy team and journalists across our newsroom. All in just five minutes each morning.

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301
Indo-Pacific countries make a play for America’...
Southeast Asian nations are the latest foreign trading partners looking to access America’s coveted electric vehicle tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. But their campaign creates challenges for the Biden administration, which is looking to balance its efforts to deepen economic ties in the Indo-Pacific with its promise of a clean energy transition that will help revitalize American manufacturing. POLITICO’s Steven Overly breaks down the latest negotiations. Plus, the Interior Department finalized an effort to block new oil and gas drilling on federal land surrounding Chaco Canyon, a region in New Mexico culturally important to Native tribes.  Steven Overly covers the intersection of trade and technology 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
8 min
302
Why some Dems are frustrated with the debt deal...
Some Democrats are frustrated with the energy-related measures in the debt ceiling package, which must be signed into law by President Joe Biden by June 5 in order to avoid a government default. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down what’s bothering Democrats, why the White House is defending its debt ceiling deal, and what’s next in terms of energy permitting negotiations. Plus, a panel of grid experts warned senators Thursday that the U.S. power system is ill-prepared to combat the climate crisis under the current regulatory framework.  Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean 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. 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
9 min
303
The fight to ensure New England’s winter grid r...
The New England Independent System Operator has asked federal regulators to approve a plan to help improve the region’s power reliability during the region’s cold winters by paying oil and gas producers to store extra fuel on site. But powerful officials and advocacy groups are pushing back, arguing that the plan’s steep cost isn’t justified. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down the grid operator’s plan and the pushback it’s receiving. Plus, the Department of Justice is suing West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice’s coal empire, seeking more than $5 million in unpaid civil penalties. 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 an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.
6 min
304
What's inside the permitting debt deal — and ho...
The tense negotiations between the White House and House Republicans over the debt ceiling offers some updates to environmental permitting rules that would benefit both oil and gas and clean energy projects — though many of the most contentious measures were left for Congress to haggle over. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks it all down with Kelsey Tamborrino.
9 min
305
Edison International’s Pizarro on permitting, I...
Today, POLITICO’s Josh Siegel chats with Pedro Pizarro, the president and chief executive officer of Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison. Pizarro, who is also vice chair of the Edison Electric Institute, the industry's largest trade group, gives his take on federal policy issues impacting the nation’s power grid, the permitting reform push in Congress, and the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act. Pedro Pizarro is president and chief executive officer of Edison International. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. 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
11 min
306
Supreme Court curbs Clean Water Act in blow to ...
The Supreme Court issued a ruling Thursday that significantly constrained the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate wetlands under the Clean Water Act. The decision is a major blow to the Biden administration’s efforts to protect millions of acres of wetlands while delivering a victory to multiple powerful industries, including mining, oil and gas and homebuilding. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down the details of the ruling. Plus, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration projects a "near normal" Atlantic hurricane season, but officials cautioned other factors could complicate that forecast.  Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. 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
8 min
307
GOP’s gas stove anger burns Biden
House Republicans once again attacked the Biden administration yesterday for trying to regulate gas stoves, portraying proposed efficiency standards from the Energy Department as federal overreach. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down why the GOP is reigniting the gas stove culture wars, the Biden administration’s insistence it is not banning the appliances, and the policy debate. Plus, the Energy Department unveiled a new initiative aimed at accelerating the development of low-carbon fuels for sectors like heavy transportation and chemical production. 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 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. Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.
7 min
308
DOE backs off Microvast grant plans amid GOP’s ...
The Biden administration announced on Monday it is dropping plans to give a $200 million dollar federal grant to Microvast, a Texas-based battery company whose connections to China had drawn criticism from Republican lawmakers. It’s the latest example of how the rivalry between Washington and Beijing is complicating President Joe Biden’s clean energy agenda. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino discusses DOE’s decision and how the situation highlights broader challenges the Biden administration must navigate as it pushes for a clean energy transition. Plus, the House passed a resolution on Tuesday that would nullify EPA’s new heavy duty trucks rule, but President Joe Biden has vowed to veto it. 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 Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.
6 min
309
Colorado River plan offers relief to a thirsty ...
California, Arizona and Nevada released a plan on Monday to significantly reduce their water use from the drought-stricken Colorado River over the next three years. It’s a historic moment for the seven western states and 40 million Americans that depend on the river, which has seen its flows diminished by 20 percent over the past two decades. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down the details of the tentative deal and remaining concerns for the states. Plus, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) announced Monday he will not run for reelection, leaving behind an environmental legacy that’s spanned more than two decades. 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 Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.
7 min
310
Why US-EU talks for an EV tax credit deal have ...
For months now, European Union officials have pressed the Biden administration for a trade deal that would give EU automakers access to a larger chunk of the electric vehicle tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act. But reaching that agreement is taking longer than expected, and talks could drag into the summer. POLITICO’s Steven Overly breaks down the sticking points in negotiations and why the White House is under immense pressure from Congress to broker a favorable agreement. Plus, a bipartisan group of senators is starting discussions on a broad permitting deal outside the tense debt ceiling negotiations.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
8 min
311
Questions linger about New Jersey’s ambitious o...
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is hoping his state will be the nation’s leading producer of offshore wind energy by 2040. But his ambitious plans are facing criticisms for two big reasons: questions remain about how the state’s wind projects will be financed and the opposition stirred up by unfounded claims that those projects are linked to several whale deaths along the coast. POLITICO’s Ry Rivard breaks down if New Jersey’s offshore wind plans are still on track and how they are important to the Biden administration’s clean energy goals. Plus, hear some of the main takeaways from POLITICO’s first-ever energy summit. 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
9 min
312
The fight over funding Puerto Rico’s power grid
Congress has directed about $14 billion dollars to repair Puerto Rico’s troubled energy grid, but disagreements over how to spend those funds could slow the effort to stave off power disruptions as the territory seeks to create a 100 percent clean power grid by 2050. POLITICO’s Gloria Gonzalez breaks down solar advocates’ concerns and how fights over funding could affect the island. Plus, a new EPA proposal could force the utility sector to better control and clean up inactive coal ash ponds located near coal-fired power plants. We want to invite you to POLITICO’s first Energy summit! Hear from Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi, and more to hear about the new energy transition. Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 18th. See you in person here in DC, or you can join us virtually. For more details and to RSVP: https://www.politico.com/live-events/2023/05/18/politico-energy-summit-00001441 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
8 min
313
Why Biden’s carbon capture bet is sparking fear...
Congress is injecting $12 billion in subsidies into carbon capture technology and storage, setting the stage for massive private investment to battle climate change in the coming years. But a new POLITICO investigation found that federal and state authorities aren’t prepared to regulate the carbon capture industry. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre lays out the concerns around Biden’s carbon capture initiative and how it could challenge the administration’s environmental justice pledges. Plus, as part of the debt ceiling negotiations, House Republicans are pushing for a two-step deal that would first address narrow energy project permitting measures and then tackle thorny transmission issues. We want to invite you to POLITICO’s first Energy summit! Hear from Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi, and more to hear about the new energy transition. Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 18th. See you in person here in DC, or you can join us virtually. For more details and to RSVP: https://www.politico.com/live-events/2023/05/18/politico-energy-summit-00001441 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
8 min
314
What Biden’s new global trade vision could mean...
President Joe Biden is trying to usher in an era of new economic order that moves past old models of free trade and reliance on markets. Instead, he’s trying to push a "worker-centered" trade policy, raise wages around the world and bolster environmental standards. So far though, the Biden administration has struggled to define its vision in less abstract terms, let alone implement it. POLITICO’s Gavin Bade breaks down why Biden is trying to reshape the global economic system and what it could mean for America’s energy policy. Plus, a new nonprofit analysis shows that military spending to clean up toxic chemicals in drinking water isn’t keeping up with the growing scope of the problem.  We want to invite you to POLITICO’s first Energy summit! Hear from Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi, and more to hear about the new energy transition. Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 18th. See you in person here in DC, or you can join us virtually. For more details and to RSVP — https://www.politico.com/live-events/2023/05/18/politico-energy-summit-00001441 For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to our free newsletter here: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And subscribe to POLITICO Pro to read our Morning Energy newsletter here: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy
9 min
315
How Biden’s latest climate rule could impact th...
U.S power companies are warning that President Joe Biden’s new power plant rule could hurt the reliability of the nation’s grid at a time when outages are on the rise. But former regulators and EPA backers say industry’s concerns are overblown. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down the potential impact of Biden’s rule on the nation’s power network. Plus, the Biden administration unveiled its latest guidance for companies to earn additional “bonus” credits under the Inflation Reduction Act by using domestically produced steel, iron and manufactured products.
8 min
316
Inside Biden’s crackdown on power plant emissions
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed its latest rule to impose stricter limits on fossil fuel power plants. The Biden administration says the draft regulation will reduce the effects of climate change and provide better-paying jobs, but the rule will likely face major challenges from GOP-led states and questions from utilities who say the power sector isn’t ready for the proposed changes. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the details of the new rule. Plus, the Senate on Thursday narrowly voted to overturn two Biden administration policies intended to protect endangered species.
9 min
317
The thorny politics of Biden’s new power plant ...
The Biden administration is releasing a major new regulation aimed at slashing or capturing emissions from new and existing coal and natural gas plants. Republicans plan to use that regulation to attack vulnerable Democrats and President Joe Biden heading into the 2024 elections. Some Democrats counter that the GOP’s strategy will be out of step with voters, while others are distancing themselves from Biden’s climate policies. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down the complicated politics behind Biden’s new power plant rule. Plus, the White House said on Wednesday it wants permitting reform removed from negotiations with Republicans to raise the debt limit.
8 min
318
Why environmental justice groups are fighting B...
The Biden administration is proposing to fight climate change by investing billions of dollars into carbon capture projects. However, some environmental justice groups are trying to stop these projects, and their resistance is gaining traction in communities across the country. POLITICO’s Allison Prang breaks down why Biden’s carbon capture plan is facing challenges. Plus, the Department of Energy starts the process to make it easier to build large power lines in the United States.
7 min
319
Why Democrats and Republicans are worried about...
If Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va) decides to run for reelection in 2024, he might be the most vulnerable Democratic senator in the country. West Virginia is a deep red state, and Manchin’s approval rating has plummeted according to a recent Morning Consult poll. But he hasn’t lost in West Virginia since the 1990s, and he’s long-benefited from distancing himself from national Democratic leaders and attacking party-line policies, including the Inflation Reduction Act. POLITICO’s Holly Otterbein breaks down the signals to Manchin’s eventual re-election decision. Plus, a panel of federal judges expressed skepticism about an effort by major oil companies to move a climate change lawsuit brought by the District of Columbia into federal court.
6 min
320
The partisan fight over China’s clean energy do...
Democrats and Republicans agree that the United States must end its dependence on China for clean energy components. But both parties say the other side isn’t tough enough on Beijing and their proposed strategies aren’t helping the US become the world's dominant clean energy economy. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino and Josh Siegel break down how the clean energy industry is responding to the partisan fight. Plus, the Department of Transportation is proposing a new rule cracking down on natural gas pipeline leaks.
8 min
321
New York enacts landmark gas ban
New York is set to become the first state in the country to ban natural gas and other fossil fuels in new buildings through legislation. Enacted on Tuesday, the ban will affect most new smaller buildings starting in 2026 and larger buildings in 2029. It's part of the state’s effort to switch to cleaner energy sources and reduce carbon emissions. Climate advocates applaud the legislation, but it could also spark pushback and challenges from fossil fuel interests and Republican lawmakers. POLITICO’s Marie French breaks down the impact of the ban. Also, key Senate Republicans introduced a pair of bills intended to speed up the approval process of fossil fuel and renewable energy projects.
6 min
322
Manchin, Biden clash over Democrats’ IRA implem...
Senator Joe Manchin helped write and pass the Inflation Reduction Act last summer, but lately he’s been criticizing the Biden administration’s implementation of it, saying the White House has strayed from the purpose of the bill. Democrats are growing concerned about Manchin’s attacks and disagree that the Biden administration has diverged from the law’s intent. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down Manchin’s criticism and why he’s been particularly outspoken recently. Plus, the Senate voted Wednesday with bipartisan support to pass a resolution undoing President Biden’s two-year pause on solar import tariffs from four Southeast Asian countries.
7 min
323
Supreme Court could put Biden’s climate regulat...
On Monday, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a case aimed at overturning a legal precedent that helps federal agencies defend environmental rules in courts. So-called “Chevron deference,” which conservatives have targeted for years, says courts should defer to a government agency interpretation when laws passed by Congress are ambiguous. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the legal principle, why the court is taking up this case now, and how it could impact the Biden administration’s climate initiatives. Plus, Sen.Joe Manchin is accusing the Biden administration of jeopardizing offshore oil and renewable energy development.
7 min
324
California cracks down on fossil fuel-powered t...
California state regulators approved new rules last week phasing out combustion engines in trucks, buses and trains in the coming years as the state shifts toward zero-emission vehicles. POLITICO’s Wes Venteicher breaks down the details of these new rules and potential implications for other states. Plus, the Supreme Court announced on Monday that next term it will hear a case on federal agencies authority to interpret ambiguous statutes. The outcome could have major implications for the Biden administration’s climate agenda.
7 min
325
Inside the ethanol industry’s big week
The ethanol industry scored two major political victories last week: The Environmental Protection Agency said it would allow the sale of higher-ethanol gasoline this summer, and corn-state Republican lawmakers protected incentives for biofuels in the House GOP’s debt ceiling package. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down the ethanol industry’s wins and influence in D.C. Plus, the House delivered a rebuke to President Joe Biden on Friday by voting to rescind his solar tariff moratorium.
8 min