A senior official at the Energy Department’s Loan Programs Office recently said there’s a strong case for building traditional, large-scale nuclear plants, pointing to the completion of Georgia Power's Vogtle plant. That would be a major shift in sentiment for the nuclear energy industry, which has focused on deploying smaller-scale reactors for years. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down how the delayed and overbudget Vogtle reactors could actually open the door for new large nuclear plans. Plus, two major biofuels trade groups are asking the Supreme Court to weigh in on the best legal venue to examine small refinery exemptions under the nation's biofuels blending program. Correction: An earlier version of this episode incorrectly named a power plant as a recipient of LPO funding. 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. 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.

POLITICO Energy host Josh Siegel talks with Andrew Wheeler, Donald Trump's former Environmental Protection Agency chief, in today’s extended episode. They discuss what a second Trump administration would look like in terms of energy policy, why he thinks several of Biden’s climate rules aren’t likely to last, and if Wheeler is ready to take back his old job if his former boss wins the White House in November. 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 Andrew Wheeler served as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from 2019 to 2021 under Former President Donald Trump. 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. Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

The Biden administration announced several actions on Thursday to support U.S solar manufacturers, which could ultimately help create domestic jobs but also threaten America’s clean energy growth. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down the moves and why solar imports continue to be a complicated political and policy issue for the president. Plus, the Interior Department proposed ending new federal coal leasing in the Powder River Basin in Wyoming and Montana, the nation's biggest coal field. 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 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. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

California Republicans are breaking with conservatives in other parts of the country who have echoed former President Donald Trump’s attacks on electric vehicles. POLITICO’s Alex Nieves breaks down why Trump and California Republicans diverge on EVs and what that means for auto manufacturers and policymakers. Plus, Trump will travel to Houston next week for a luncheon with about two dozen energy industry executives to talk about fundraising for his reelection campaign. 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 Nieves covers climate for POLITICO California. Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

The Biden administration announced Tuesday that it will raise tariffs on electric vehicles, clean energy technologies, computer chips and metals imported from China – an escalation in the U.S. trade war with Beijing that has major energy implications. POLITICO’s Gavin Bade breaks down how the administration’s move will impact different energy industries and the politics behind the decision. Plus, a coalition of red states and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association have asked a federal court to block EPA’s climate rule for existing coal and new natural gas-fired power plants. 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 Gavin Bade is a trade reporter 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. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission released highly-anticipated rules on Monday that aim to make it easier to build new interstate power lines and set criteria to figure out who should pay for them. The rules are critical to President Joe Biden’s clean energy agenda, but have been a contentious topic at FERC and on Capitol Hill. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down the details of these historic rules and the reaction from the Hill and industry. Plus, President Joe Biden plans to quadruple the tariff that former President Donald Trump imposed on Chinese electric vehicles to 100 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 Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter 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. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is expected to issue a new rule today that’s critical to America’s energy future: who will pay for badly-needed power lines? POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down the importance of this rule to President Joe Biden’s clean energy transition and why the issue has bedeviled lawmakers and presidential administrations for years. Plus, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) plans to support a Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn the Biden administration’s rules implementing the electric vehicle tax credit. 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. 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. oil industry is preparing for the possible return of Donald Trump to the White House by writing up executive orders and other policy paperwork that the former president could sign on day one. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down why this effort by the oil industry is a bit unusual and what they are preparing to do. Plus, 25 Republican-controlled states are suing the Biden administration to try and kill EPA’s controversial power plant rule.  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 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.

America’s new top climate diplomat John Podesta and his equally fresh Chinese counterpart are meeting in Washington this week, marking the beginning of a more challenging era in US-China climate relations. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down this new dynamics expected as the two climate envoys meet face to face. Plus, the Department of Energy is taking a major step toward giving federal regulators new authority to override states when they decide to delay or block construction of new power lines. 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 Zack Colman covers climate change 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. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

President Joe Biden is betting that $1.6 trillion in spending and tax breaks embodied in his climate, infrastructure, chips and pandemic-relief laws can transform America. But a new monthslong POLITICO analysis found that a large portion of the money is still unspent, and the clock is ticking as the 2024 presidential election looms. POLITICO Energy host Josh Siegel chats with colleagues Jessie Blaeser and Ben Storrow to understand the reporting behind this project and what’s at stake for Biden’s legacy. 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 Jessie Blaeser is a digital journalist at POLITICO. Benjamin Storrow is a reporter for E&E News. 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.

The Federal Trade Commission is alleging in a new complaint that the head of one of the top oil producers in the United States tried to collude with OPEC to boost oil prices. The allegations could help Democrats try and turn the tables on Republicans who have been campaigning on high energy prices for months. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down the allegations and why they could give Democrats a new election weapon. Plus, for the first time, the European Commission has proposed sanctions on Russia’s powerful liquefied natural gas industry. 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 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.

President Joe Biden’s ambitious new drinking water rules for toxic forever chemicals could produce significant public health benefits. But they could also spur more sales of public water systems to private companies — a controversial move that could saddle local communities with higher costs. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down how Biden’s PFAS push may privatize water and what that means for consumers. Plus, the Biden administration released new rules that grant automakers some flexibility on how to qualify for the electric vehicle tax credit. 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. 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.

The Federal Trade Commission is allowing ExxonMobil to buy Pioneer Natural Resources, the biggest crude producer in the Permian Basin, on the condition that Pioneer’s founder does not serve on Exxon’s board because of his alleged contact with OPEC. POLITICO’s Matt Daily breaks down the significance of these allegations and how it raises questions about Big Oil. Plus, the Biden administration announced the next $3 billion tranche of funding to help remove lead pipes from drinking water systems. 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. 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 released new permitting rules this week that aim to speed up the building of energy infrastructure while also giving communities more input. But the regulations are already facing pushback and larger permitting priorities remain unaddressed by Congress. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down how big of an impact Biden’s permitting regulations could have and the issues that remain. Plus, the Interior Department is taking another step toward auctioning offshore wind leases off the coast of Oregon and in the Gulf of Maine. 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 Zack Colman covers climate change 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.

Global leaders met in Ottawa, Canada, this past week for U.N. talks aimed at significantly curtailing the world’s plastic pollution. POLITICO’s Jordan Wolman sat down with California Democrat Rep. Jared Huffman on the sidelines of the Ottawa talks to discuss the importance of reaching an ambitious deal, the deep domestic divisions and tricky global dynamics complicating the negotiations and why he isn't on board with the Biden administration's approach. 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 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 U.S. solar industry is divided, and the split could significantly impact President Joe Biden’s climate agenda and America’s ongoing trade war with China. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down the domestic solar standoff and the president’s tricky balancing act as he races toward the 2024 election. Plus, the United Nations is drawing up new guidelines to help governments and companies access critical minerals in an environmentally and economically friendly way. 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 for POLITICO. Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Kara Tabor is an audio producer 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.

The Biden administration finalized a highly-anticipated suite of regulations aimed at cracking down on pollution from coal-fired and new natural gas power plants – a major move in the president’s efforts to fight climate change. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the importance of the latest climate rules along with the expected political and legal challenges. Plus, the Energy Department finalized a new program that’s expected to nearly halve the average time for federal permitting of new power lines.  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. 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.

Domestic solar manufacturers are asking the Biden administration to investigate a record influx of cheap Chinese-linked solar panel components flowing into the United States – once again testing the president’s ability to balance his clean energy ambitions and trade goals. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down why domestic solar companies are taking this action and the administration’s response. Plus, the Interior Department took another step on Wednesday to help prop up the struggling offshore wind industry. 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 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.

For years now, coal’s role in power production has been dramatically declining, but the industry’s short-term outlook is also about to get worse. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the different political and regulatory challenges facing the coal industry and whether it has the political might to recover. Plus, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission just took a critical step aimed at bringing new nuclear technologies to market faster. 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. 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.

POLITICO Energy host Annie Snider sits down with Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) to talk about how the United States is at a critical juncture when it comes to accessing clean, safe and affordable water. Padilla, who is the leading voice on water issues in the chamber, discusses the Biden administration’s latest regulations, low-income assistance, and the Colorado River water crisis. 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. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO. Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

The Interior Department is preparing to reject a controversial mining road in the remote Alaskan wilderness – a decision that highlights how the administration is trying to balance its clean energy and conservation goals while not harming tribal communities. POLITICO contributor Adam Federman breaks down why the administration might reject the project and the stakes for the energy sector. Plus, the Biden administration is moving to reimpose oil sanctions on Venezuela. 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 Adam Federman is a contributor 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.

The World Bank, which begins its spring meetings today in Washington, is expected to play a key role in helping world governments fight climate change by giving them financing. But their efforts are facing geopolitical battles and key funding questions. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down the bank’s obstacles and the climate stakes. Plus, the U.S. grid could support nearly 100 gigawatts of new power through relatively simple technology upgrades according to a new report released by the Department of Energy. 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 Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO. Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

Iran’s attack on Israel over the weekend has heightened tensions yet again in the Middle East, putting the global oil market on edge. POLITICO’s Matt Daily breaks down how the Israel-Iran conflict could increase world oil prices. Plus, the Biden administration has rejected industry arguments that called for a weakened air pollution rule. 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. 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 approved another massive oil project in Texas, drawing criticism from environmental groups and highlighting the administration’s tricky balancing act on fossil fuel production. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down Biden’s ongoing oil conundrum. Plus, the Biden administration is urging a federal court to reconsider its Line 5 shutdown order. 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 James Bikales is the host of Morning Energy and a 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.

The Biden administration has finalized the first national standard to limit dangerous “forever chemicals” in the nation’s drinking water – the most significant upgrade to the system in over three decades. But the regulation will come with a hefty price tag and potential legal challenges. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down the details, importance and steep cost of this rule. Plus, the backlog of clean energy resources trying to connect to the power grid jumped again in 2023. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. 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.