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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26
It’s debate day for Harris and Trump. Here’s an...
8 min
27
Georgia’s got a split personality on EVs. That’...
9 min
28
What the Trump-Harris fracking debate is really...
7 min
29
How this Trump policy could make your gas price...
7 min
30
A federal backstop for US critical minerals pro...
The Biden administration is considering a new policy that would use federal dollars to support U.S. critical minerals projects, which have faced cancellations and delays because of an influx of cheaper Chinese materials.
8 min
31
Why Commissioner Christie thinks FERC has stray...
FERC Commissioner Mark Christie, a Republican, says the agency has dramatically departed from one of its core missions over the years: keeping power bills for millions of Americans affordable. Today, POLITICO Energy host Catherine Morehouse sits down with Christie for an extended interview about why he thinks the regulatory process has shifted in favor of large power companies at consumers’ expense and how he would fix it.
23 min
32
Why the oil and gas industry isn’t sweating Dem...
Even though Democrats have been openly hostile to the oil and gas industry at the party’s national convention this week, fossil fuel leaders say there are reasons to feel optimistic by Vice President Kamala Harris' rise and that party officials speak differently behind closed doors. Emma Dumain from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down how oil industry leaders were messaging at the DNC and if that’s a political risk for Kamala Harris’ campaign. Emma Dumain covers Congress for POLITICo’s E&E News. Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO. Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for 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
9 min
33
Is the Biden-Harris clean energy play in Pennsy...
The Biden-Harris administration is investing hundreds of millions of dollars into clean energy projects in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state in the 2024 presidential election. But it’s unclear if those projects will help Vice President Kamala Harris in her presidential campaign and if voters are even noticing the investments. Ben Storrow from POLITICO’s E&E News looks at whether the Biden-Harris clean energy effort in Pennsylvania is paying off politically. Plus, liquefied natural gas developer NextDecade has withdrawn its application to build a carbon capture and storage project on its embattled Rio Grande LNG facility. 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 Storrow is a reporter for POLITICO’s E&E News. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO. Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
9 min
34
How the Ohio steel plant that shaped JD Vance m...
Democrats delivered hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding to an Ohio steel plant that coincidentally played a big role in the family history of Senator JD Vance. But if the Trump-Vance ticket wins the White House in November and Republicans take back Congress, that plant could lose the funding it needs for its resurgence. Scott Waldman from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down how the Ohio steel plant that shaped JD Vance may lose out in a second Trump administration. Plus, Billionaire Elon Musk secured a lower, individual duty on the cars his company Tesla makes in China and sells to the European Union. 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 Scott Waldman is the White House reporter for E&E News focused on climate change. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO. Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
8 min
35
Can Tim Walz’s Minnesota help sell Democrats’ c...
Vice President Kamala Harris and Democrats are trying to convince voters that the Inflation Reduction Act has created a clean energy boom. And they may use her running mate, Tim Walz, and his clean energy efforts in Minnesota as an example of the law’s success. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel, Kelsey Tamborrino and Catherine Morehouse discuss how Minnesota benefited from the IRA and why Dems think it could help convince voters to vote blue. Plus, red states and coal interests are asking the Supreme Court to put a hold on EPA's update to the Mercury and Air Toxics Standard. 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. 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. Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO. Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
8 min
36
Why Dems say Harris should play up her climate ...
The Democratic National Convention begins this week, and congressional Democrats are pushing Vice President Kamala Harris to make clean energy and climate change a core part of her campaign messaging. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down why Democrats think the Biden-Harris’ climate record is a winning issue on the campaign trail and the potential Republican pushback. Plus, the U.S. is planning to call for a reduction in plastic production, signaling a significant shift in position. 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. Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO. Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
8 min
37
Why America is banking on new-wave nuclear reac...
The Biden administration, Congress and U.S. companies are pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into small nuclear reactors in the hope of reenergizing America’s nuclear fleet. But so far, not a single small nuclear reactor plant is operational in the country. Today, POLITICO Energy host Josh Siegel sits down with Jake DeWitte, the CEO of Oklo, a Silicon Valley-based startup that’s racing to build its first small nuclear reactor plant by 2027. They chat about why small nuclear reactor technology is so unique, if the US nuclear revival is truly underway, and the challenges ahead for the 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 Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO. Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
20 min
38
Offshore wind may have avoided a flop this week...
The Biden administration scored $93 million from offshore wind developers Wednesday in a lease auction for areas off the Atlantic coast, which is a good sign for the nascent industry that still faces political and economic headwinds. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down why the sale is the latest barometer for the industry and the challenges it still faces. Plus, Puerto Rico’s fragile power grid suffered another massive failure after Tropical Storm Ernesto hit the territory. 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. Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
7 min
39
Get ready for ‘battery passports’ in your elect...
Automakers are looking to convince governments and customers that their electric cars aren't benefiting trade adversaries, and they’re turning to a new technology to help with that goal: battery passports. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down what the new technology is and how it’s gaining the attention of policymakers and manufacturers in the United States and European Union. Plus, President Joe Biden issued an order that more than doubled the import quota for solar cells shipped to the U.S. that will not face tariffs.  For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. James Bikales is the host of Morning Energy and a reporter for POLITICO. Jordan Wolman is a sustainability 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.
7 min
40
Inside the EV implications of the Trump-Musk re...
Donald Trump has softened his attacks against electric vehicles after picking up Elon Musk’s endorsement. But EV industry officials say their relationship is unlikely to deter Trump from going after Joe Biden’s EV policies if he returns to the White House. POLITICO’s James Bikales and Josh Siegel discuss the EV policy implications of the Trump-Musk relationship. Plus, the Texas attorney general is investigating CenterPoint Energy over its response to Hurricane Beryl, which left millions without power last month. 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. Josh Siegel 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.
6 min
41
Inside Kamala Harris’ energy permitting quandary
The bipartisan energy permitting bill gaining momentum in the Senate could help President Joe Biden’s clean energy goals, but it could also put Vice President Kamala Harris in a tough spot with environmental activists. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down why Harris may face a permitting predicament in the next couple months. Plus, China is suing the European Union at the World Trade Organization over the bloc putting tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
9 min
42
Why businesses worried about Trump and Azerbaij...
The corporate world is expected to have a smaller-than-usual presence at this year’s global climate talks due to a confluence of factors: Donald Trump, the host country Azerbaijan, and numerous logistical challenges. Sara Schonhardt from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down why the corporate presence likely won’t be as strong this year, and what that means for global efforts to fight climate change. Plus, the Energy Department says it has conditionally committed to a $1.45 billion loan guarantee for solar manufacturer Qcells to open a facility in Georgia. 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 Sara Schonhardt is an international climate reporter for E&E News. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
9 min
43
What Brett Guthrie would do if he becomes House...
The top Republican position on the influential House Energy and Commerce Committee is up for grabs next Congress, and the race could have a big impact on the future of President Joe Biden’s climate agenda. POLITICO Energy host Josh Siegel sits down with Kentucky GOP Rep. Brett Guthrie, who is a leading contender in that race. They discuss Guthrie’s energy stances, his vision for that committee, and if he will follow through on GOP threats to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
15 min
44
Inside Gov. Tim Walz’s energy and climate crede...
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who Vice President Kamala Harris selected as her running mate, could help Democrats with their energy and climate messaging, which the party views as a key part of the 2024 campaign. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down Walz’s energy record, what he could bring to the ticket, and potential criticisms he might face from Republicans. Plus, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit once again ruled that FERC did not go far enough in assessing the environmental impacts of two major liquefied natural gas projects in Texas.   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 the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
9 min
45
Why a Pennsylvania plastics facility could hurt...
The Biden administration’s manufacturing and environmental justice goals are clashing in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state, because of a proposed plastics recycling facility. POLITICO’s Jordan Wolman breaks down why this project is so controversial and how the administration is trying to navigate those tensions. Plus, the Biden administration is appealing a Louisiana federal court decision that stopped its pause on issuing new liquefied natural gas export permits.  For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Jordan Wolman is a sustainability reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
8 min
46
New Jersey’s historic environmental justice law...
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and his administration are set to fight legal challenges against their landmark environmental justice law, which aims to protect millions of state residents in low-income areas and communities of color from heavy industrial pollution. POLITICO’s Ry Rivard breaks down the legal dispute and how it could be a major setback for residents and the Murphy administration. Plus, Chevron, the second-largest oil company in the country, says it will move its corporate headquarters from California to Texas. 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 Ry Rivard covers energy, the environment and transportation in New Jersey for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
6 min
47
Permitting reform is heating up again in the Se...
This week, a major permitting reform bill authored by Sens. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) cleared its first hurdle in a Senate committee. But the legislation still faces a difficult path forward during an election year. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down what’s in the bill and the challenges ahead. Plus, Senate appropriators unanimously advanced a $61.47 billion bill to fund the Energy Department and federal water infrastructure programs for the next fiscal year. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy 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 the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
8 min
48
Will energy policies boost Josh Shapiro’s Veep ...
Some Democratic allies are calling on Vice President Kamala Harris to select Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro as her running mate to ease concerns from the fossil fuel industry and its workers, many of whom are in labor groups. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and Jordan Wolman discuss how Shapiro could potentially help the Harris campaign from an energy and political perspective in Pennsylvania. Plus, the Senate Energy Committee advanced the permitting package authored by Chair Joe Manchin and top Republican John Barrasso. 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. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
9 min
49
How the climate world is preparing for Trump 2.0
Around the world, a mix of like-minded governments, diplomats and organizations are quietly preparing a global climate strategy in case Donald Trump wins the 2024 presidential election. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down this global effort and the Biden administration’s role in it. Plus, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is delaying the implementation of tariff increases on Chinese electric vehicles and other goods that were due to take effect tomorrow.  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 the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
9 min
50
How Trump could dismantle Biden’s ambitious cli...
If Donald Trump wins the 2024 presidential election, he’s promised to dismantle President Joe Biden’s ambitious climate and clean energy agenda. But how much of that legacy could Trump actually roll back? POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down the issue. Plus, Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign pledged the likely Democratic presidential nominee would not ban fracking. 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 the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
9 min