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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The funding obstacle to the World Bank’s green ...
U.S. and European leaders are urging transformation and an increase in lending efforts by the World Bank to fight climate change, but have been unwilling to provide additional funding to the institution. That’s prompting questions about whether the bank can effectively fight climate change alongside its traditional mandate of eradicating poverty, without an increase in funding. POLITICO’S Zack Colman breaks down the proposed transformation of the World Bank and the challenges. Plus, FERC will tackle two embattled Texas LNG projects this week.
7 min
502
Inside Japan’s G-7 LNG push
Japan, the world’s top importer of liquefied natural gas, will be pushing G-7 nations this weekend to endorse LNG’s long-term future. That plan has alarmed environmentalists and has put the Biden administration in another difficult spot as it attempts to balance the fossil fuel industry, environmental groups and a key Pacific ally. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down the details of Japan’s LNG push and how the US is responding. Plus, Progressive Democrats are urging the Biden administration to suspend Willow oil project permits.
9 min
503
The coming legal fight over EPA’s tailpipe rules
On Wednesday, the Biden administration announced what it called the most ambitious auto pollution rules in history, with the goal of accelerating automakers’ shift to electric vehicles. But the administration will have to defend its proposals against potential legal and industry challenges. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the impact of these new rules and the coming legal battle. Plus, a federal court blocked President Joe Biden’s WOTUS rule in 24 states.
8 min
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Why Biden isn’t taking a side in the Colorado R...
On Tuesday, the Biden administration took a step toward being able to force water delivery cuts on states that rely on the drought-stricken Colorado River. But it declined to take a firm stance on whether California or Arizona should bear the brunt of potential water cuts. The crisis is a political minefield for the administration. The Interior Department is trying to turn up the pressure on the states in hopes of accelerating their negotiations and reaching a resolution themselves. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down the details and politics behind the Interior Department's decision.
9 min
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The big missing piece of the EV tax credit guid...
The Treasury Department has delayed issuing guidance on the “foreign entity of concern” provision in the Inflation Reduction Act’s electric vehicle tax credits, which left companies uncertain about who they can partner with in the race to build a domestic EV industry. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down the goal of that provision, why Treasury delayed releasing the guidance, and how industry and lawmakers are reacting. Plus, the White House has proposed regulatory review changes that would benefit climate regulations.
7 min
506
Hochul drops push to weaken NY climate law
After backlash from environmentalists and state lawmakers, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is dropping her push to rewrite the state’s ambitious climate law — a controversial effort that would’ve changed how New York accounts for its emissions and weakened the landmark legislation. POLITICO’s Marie French breaks down why Hochul was looking to rewrite the climate law and the opposition she faced. Plus, EPA is aiming to slash cancer-causing chemicals from industrial plants. 
5 min
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EPA tackles toxic pollutants from coal plants
On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed strengthening a successful yet contentious Obama-era rule limiting toxic pollutants, like mercury, from coal-fired power plants. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the details of the updated rule, the potential impact on the nation’s already shrinking fleet of coal plants, and how the rule fits into the Biden administration’s broader climate agenda. Plus, an appeals court dismissed a lawsuit from Louisiana and other Republican-controlled states challenging the Biden administration’s social cost of carbon.
7 min
508
Will tough-on-China sentiment hurt domestic LNG?
In recent months, Democrats and Republicans have been pushing tough-on-China bills, and that trend is worrisome for the United States’ booming natural gas export industry, which has an established business history with Beijing. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down the relationship between the US LNG industry and China, why industry is concerned, and how lawmakers are reacting. Plus, the Department of Interior approved the first commercial-scale offshore wind energy project to start turbine construction in federal U.S. waters.
7 min
509
Breaking down Biden’s new EV guidance
On Friday, the Treasury Department released long-anticipated eligibility guidance for the $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit in the Inflation Reduction Act. The rules could have major implications for the fight against climate change, Washington’s rivalry with Beijing, and President Joe Biden’s quest to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down what the rules mean for consumers, automakers and U.S. allies. Plus, EPA approves a Biden-backed California rule that phases out diesel trucks.
8 min
510
The House GOP passed its big energy bill. Now w...
House Republicans passed their sprawling energy bill Thursday on a 225-204 vote, delivering the GOP's biggest legislative win since they took control of the chamber. And even though President Joe Biden has vowed to veto the bill, elements of the legislation could be a part of bipartisan negotiations on a narrower energy issue: permitting. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down what’s next after Republicans passed their energy bill. Plus, President Joe Biden will open up federal land for public conservation.
7 min
511
California governor wins fight with Big Oil
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been waging a public battle against the oil industry for months. On Tuesday, Newsom signed a first-in-the-nation law that’s supposed to keep gas prices in the state under control. POLITICO’s Wes Venteicher breaks down the law’s details, its evolution and why fossil fuel lobbyists couldn’t defeat it. Plus, the Senate votes to overturn Biden’s WOTUS rule.
7 min
512
House nears vote for GOP’s energy package
House Republicans are expected to pass one of their biggest legislative priorities this week: a sprawling party-line energy package. The bill includes some of the GOP’s most popular energy policies and pitches from the past decade, while also taking aim at President Joe Biden’s climate policies. The package is considered an opening negotiating pitch by Republicans on energy permitting — a rare policy area that they hope will lead to a bipartisan deal. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down the details of the bill and the state of play of negotiations. Plus, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said the Biden administration will release its delayed five-year offshore oil and gas leasing plan in September.
8 min
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Hurricane season looms over Puerto Rico’s britt...
It’s been almost six months since Hurricane Fiona battered Puerto Rico’s brittle power grid, and while the territory hasn’t faced any major disruptions since then, this year’s hurricane season is quickly approaching. Some Puerto Ricans worry that their good fortune might not last much longer, and that they may once again face potentially fatal consequences from devastating blackouts. POLITICO’s Gloria Gonzalez breaks down the short and long-term concerns from Puerto Ricans about the territory’s power infrastructure. Plus, the White House vows to veto House Republicans’ energy bill that’s expected to reach the chamber floor this week.
7 min
514
How Biden might ease the EU-US EV rift
The Biden administration may allow European companies to qualify for U.S. tax incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act if the two sides can reach a trade deal in the next few weeks, a senior administration official told POLITICO on Friday. It’s a move that could ease a major source of transatlantic friction and help President Joe Biden meet his promise to consumers to help make electric vehicles more affordable. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down the details of the trade talks. Plus, FERC finds that a Southeast pipeline project would have a limited environmental impact, paving the way forward for a project tapped for expedited review.
8 min
515
Canada’s controversial nuclear waste plan
A Canadian plan for a permanent storage facility for nuclear waste is drawing protests from some U.S. lawmakers, who took their concerns to President Joe Biden’s ahead of his visit to Canada this week. The Canadian plan calls for burying waste containers underground 30 miles from the shoreline of Lake Huron. POLITICO’s Joseph Gedeon breaks down Canada’s plan and the pushback from both sides of the border. Plus, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm sparred with a Republican lawmaker over her recent comments on China.
8 min
516
A stumbling block for nat gas: reliability
Extreme cold blasts during two of the last three winters have crippled gas-fired power plants, leaving millions in the dark and hundreds dead. And as natural gas is projected to grow in its role as a dominant source for electricity in the U.S., regulators are again worrying about the reliability of natural gas plants. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down the natural gas’ reliability concerns, potential solutions and what it means for natural gas broadly in the future. Plus, House Oversight Republicans are launching a probe into DOE climate spending.
8 min
517
Going beyond the UN’s dire climate warning
The United Nations put out a sprawling, sobering report this week about the world’s progress in slowing global warming. POLITICO Europe’s Karl Mathiesen breaks down the big takeaways from the report, what was missing, and the limitations of the UN’s climate change panel in general. Plus, DOE says private-sector spending needs to ramp up to hit President Joe Biden’s climate goals.
8 min
518
The Western water wars collide with Navajo Nati...
The Supreme Court began oral arguments in a case on Monday that pits the Navajo Nation against the Biden administration, along with four Southwest states, over the tribe’s rights to the Colorado River, the West’s most important waterway. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down the arguments and what’s at stake. Plus, a federal judge blocks President Joe Biden’s WOTUS rule in Texas and Idaho. 
8 min
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The problem with Congress’ permitting push
Republicans in Congress are pushing for changes in how the nation’s big infrastructure projects are permitted – mostly by easing rules under the National Environmental Policy Act. But energy experts say the proposed changes won’t dramatically speed up the approvals.
8 min
520
How a bipartisan House duo is tackling energy p...
Republican Bruce Westerman and Democrat Scott Peters are leading the effort to find common ground on an important, but highly elusive energy issue: permitting reform. And their effort comes as House Republicans have introduced an energy package that many Democrats are already dismissing. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down the lawmakers’ joint approach, the permitting priorities for Democrats and Republicans, and the reform effort’s chances. Plus, FERC approved a new supply chain cybersecurity standard.
8 min
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EPA’s pollution plan hits coal plants
On Wednesday, EPA issued a new sweeping plan to curb pollution from power plants and manufacturing facilities across 23 states. The measure is the latest in a series of EPA regulations aimed at cutting down pollution and toxic waste from coal-fired power plants, and it’s likely to further shrink the nation’s fleet of coal-fired power generation. However, the regulation might face resistance from industry because of cost compliance and grid concerns. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down EPA’s latest rule and the pushback. Plus, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer slammed the House GOP’s energy agenda, calling it “as bad and partisan as it gets.”
8 min
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EPA tackles ‘forever chemicals’ in historic wat...
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed the first-ever federal limits for toxic PFAS "forever chemicals" that are found in the drinking water of 200 million Americans. If finalized, the rule would mark the first major upgrade in the safety of the nation's drinking water in the past three decades. However, getting it across the finish line is far from certain, and the new safety measures would cost American households hundreds of millions of dollars. POLITICO's Annie Snider breaks down the cost and potential regulatory obstacles. Plus, the state of Ohio is suing Norfolk Southern for the costs associated with the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment.
8 min
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What to know about Biden’s Willow project approval
The Biden administration approved the long-debated Willow oil project in Alaska on Monday -- the latest concession by President Joe Biden to the oil and gas industry and Republican critics, and which came over the pleas to quash it from environmental groups and some nearby tribal communities. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down the project’s details, how the administration is defending itself and the reaction from environmentalists. Plus, Volkswagen picks Ontario for the site of its first battery plant outside Europe as countries rush to build an electric vehicle supply chain.
7 min
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What we know – and don't know – about the Nord ...
There's still no conclusive answer to the six-month-old question of who blew up the Nord Stream pipelines, which sent geopolitical shockwaves around the world. POLITICO’s Charlie Cooper breaks down the prevailing theories and the global energy implications of each culprit. Plus, Senator Joe Manchin said he would not support President Joe Biden’s nominee to a top Interior Department position.
8 min
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What Biden’s budget means for his energy goals
President Joe Biden unveiled his $1.7 trillion budget and likely campaign blueprint on Thursday. While the government funding proposal likely has no chance of passing Congress as is, it marks both a campaign pitch and an opening shot at House Republicans who have demanded significant spending cuts. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and Kelsey Tamborrino discuss Biden’s energy funding proposals and how it impacts his green goals. Plus, the Biden administration met with natural gas industry representatives and foreign government officials on Thursday in Houston to discuss 'clean gas' standards.
7 min