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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.