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.
As the November midterm elections approach, Republicans are predicted to take back the House and potentially the Senate. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel discusses what House GOP lawmakers might prioritize in terms of energy policy and the broader limits the party faces. Plus, President Joe Biden urged Congress on Monday to hike taxes on oil and gas companies' record profits but did not endorse a specific proposal.
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China emerges as one of America’s natural gas p...
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are rattled because of a recent energy trend: Chinese energy companies snapping up American natural gas exports, purchasing nearly half the cargoes that U.S. companies agreed to ship in the last year. And some of those companies are actually working against U.S. interests. POLITICO’s Gavin Bade breaks down why lawmakers are growing more concerned, what they are proposing to do, and how this trend could potentially fuel a new clash between the two global powers. Plus, the Interior Department is moving to cut Colorado River deliveries next year.
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Cracks emerge in the US-Europe energy relationship
Biden administration officials are holding several meetings over next several days with European energy officials to discuss two major topics: how to keep energy flowing to Europe and how to ease growing tensions about the United States’ role as the continent’s leading gas supplier. While Europe has turned to the U.S. to help with its energy needs after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the continent is wary of relying on U.S. supplies. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre discusses why these meetings are being held and what both the United States and Europe hope to accomplish. Plus, the International Energy Agency’s new landmark report says Russia’s invasion of Ukraine marks a ‘turning point’ for global fossil fuel demand and could accelerate the world’s green transition.
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Senate Dems ask SEC to press pause on Wall Stre...
Senate Democrats have privately urged SEC chairman Gary Gensler to consider additional feedback on a variety of regulations that are making Wall Street nervous. That includes the commission’s climate risk rule, which would require companies to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and be held accountable for their climate promises. POLITICO’s Declan Harty breaks down why moderate Democrats are pushing the commission to slow down and what might happen next with the climate risk disclosure rule. Plus, General Motors CEO Mary Barra said the company’s electric vehicles will qualify for full federal tax credits within three years.
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Why banks are getting caught up in the partisan...
A group of congressional Democrats is calling on JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo to stop working with the conservative State Financial Officers Foundation, which Democratic lawmakers say spreads misinformation about sustainable and green investing. POLITICO’s Jordan Wolman discusses why this issue is attracting attention from Democrats, how influential the foundation has been across the country and the response from banks as they navigate accusations about their ESG policies from Democrats and Republicans. Plus, Special Climate Envoy John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart have directly communicated in recent days but climate talks between the countries remain in “limbo.”
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How EV tax credits are straining US-South Korea...
The trade relationship between the United States and South Korea is under new pressure as the Biden administration implements its tax credits for electric vehicles from the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act. POLITICO’s Steven Overly discusses how the domestic production and content portions of those credits is angering South Korea and how the Biden administration is responding. Plus, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rejected a challenge by environmentalists to the agency’s August decision to give the embattled Mountain Valley Pipeline more time to complete construction.
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Why Americans will pay more for power this winter
Americans should brace for steep winter power bills as demand for natural gas has spiked globally, according to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down why the Biden administration has limited options to lower those bills. Plus, the state of Missouri loses its challenge to President Joe Biden’s social cost of carbon.
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Why Democrats’ energy messaging isn’t about the...
Democrats on the campaign trail are blasting oil companies for high gasoline prices and accusing Republicans of being too cozy with Big Oil. But that messaging strategy is overshadowing Democrats’ major legislative achievement this Congress: the $369 billion climate bill that President Joe Biden signed into law just two months ago. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down the reasons for that strategy, whether it’s effective and how Republicans are responding. Plus, EPA has proposed a new rule that will reduce the use of hydrofluorocarbons, a group of chemicals that are significant contributors to global warming, by 40 percent.
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Biden makes public play to reduce gas prices. W...
The Biden administration announced on Wednesday that its continuing to release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in an effort to bring down gas prices before the November midterm elections. But the administration is holding back on more dramatic and riskier actions while also facing criticism over gas prices from Republicans. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down the White House’s latest moves. Plus, the Biden administration announced $2.8 billion in grant awards to support domestic electric vehicle battery production.
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The fight over EV charging in Minnesota - and b...
Minnesota’s grid regulator and the state utility, Xcel Energy, are at odds over a $197 million proposal to build out hundreds of electric vehicle charging stations across the state. This battle is seen as the first big test case for whether EV charging stations should be in public or private hands. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse talks about why regulators put the brakes on the proposal and the broader implications this fight may have as the nation looks to transition away from fossil fuel-burning vehicles. Plus, the Biden administration is expected to tap oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve again ahead of the midterm elections.
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Critics want World Bank to step up climate inve...
The recent controversial remarks from the World Bank’s president David Malpass, in which he repeatedly dodged questions about climate science, may have given climate advocates and several western countries an opening to force the institution to adopt stronger green policies. But some countries, particularly in Africa, are skeptical of those changes. POLITICO’s Zack Colman discusses issues raised by the Malpass episode, and how the World Bank is defending itself. Plus, two House committees are probing Mississippi’s water spending amid allegations that the Republican-led state withheld resources from the predominantly Black city of Jackson.
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Solar power flourished during recent storms. Wi...
Last month, when Hurricanes Ian and Fiona made landfall, they knocked out power for 2.7 million people in Florida along with the entire island of Puerto Rico. But residents who relied specifically on solar power during the storms say their systems performed well and were critical to keeping the lights on. That success could help solar supporters dealing with regulatory and legislative battles around the country. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino and Catherine Morehouse discuss why solar power flourished during these recent storms, how industry is reacting, and the political challenges solar power still faces in Florida and Puerto Rico. Plus, the White House is expected to announce additional action this week to help bring down gas prices.
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Why New York City’s recovery from Hurricane San...
It’s been almost a decade since Hurricane Sandy devastated several Northeastern states, causing nearly $82 billion in damages and over 100 deaths. And according to a new report, New York City, which was one of the hardest hit places, has only spent nearly a quarter of the $15 billion it received in emergency relief. POLITICO’s Danielle Muoio Dunn breaks down why the recovery efforts in New York are taking so long and what city officials are recommending to not only recover but also prepare for the next storm. Plus, FERC Chair Richard Glick says he's optimistic he'll get a confirmation hearing by the end of the year because of reassurances from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and the White House.
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Zinke carries Interior scandal baggage into a n...
Former Trump Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who departed the administration under a cloud of ethics scandals, has struggled to pull away in a three-way Montana race for a House seat. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre discusses why this congressional race is unique, what’s working in Zinke’s favor, and how his challengers have brought his record into the spotlight. Plus, the Interior Department has launched a new Colorado River drought spending initiative.
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Newsom’s windfall tax whirlwind
Gas prices have climbed sharply in California, with Gov. Gavin Newsom calling a special session of the state legislature to consider a windfall profit tax on oil companies in response. POLITICO’s California Playbook author Lara Korte breaks down why prices are increasing in California and the likelihood of a windfall profit tax. Plus, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz sparked controversy on Tuesday by saying that he always knew Russian President Vladimir Putin would weaponize energy, despite Scholz’s past defense of the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
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California’s Colorado River pitch
Last week, California offered to voluntarily cut its use of Colorado River water in exchange for federal money. California is the largest user of the river so the move could potentially reenergize negotiations among the seven states that rely on its water. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down the impact of California’s proposed cuts, if the plan could actually help set the stage for a deal, and how the Biden administration might impact negotiations. Plus, the Environmental Protection Agency says lead emissions from small aircraft pose a threat, signaling the first step toward regulation.
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How rising gas prices could shake up the midterms
After nearly 100 days of declining prices at the pump, domestic gas prices are rising due to refinery outages and damage from Hurricane Ian. And that trend might continue because of OPEC’s decision to cut oil production starting in November. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down how a potential rise in gas prices could impact the political strategy for Democrats and Republicans heading into the midterm elections. Plus, the Environmental Protection Agency is expected to include EV charging under its upcoming RFS proposal.
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Biden’s OPEC dilemma
On Wednesday, OPEC announced one of the biggest cuts to oil production since the start of the pandemic: a 2 million-barrel per day cut to its target starting in November. The move threatens to push gasoline prices higher and disrupt the positive momentum Democrats and the Biden administration had enjoyed over the last couple months related to prices at the pump. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down why OPEC is cutting oil production and how the Biden administration is responding. Plus, the Biden administration has kicked off the first formal step in the process of implementing Democrats’ historic climate and energy bill.
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Why carbon capture companies are staffing up wi...
The Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided billions of dollars to invest in the controversial carbon capture industry. And now, the industry is pouring money into hiring lobbyists. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down what the industry hopes to accomplish by staffing up, the well-connected insiders being hired, and the unsettled politics behind carbon capture itself. Plus, Virginia’s governor Glenn Youngkin wants the state to bet big on nuclear power.
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Biden visits Puerto Rico after Hurricane Fiona’...
As Florida recovers from Hurricane Ian, Puerto Ricans still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona are pleading with the Biden administration to not forget the island. Power is still out for more than 100,000 Puerto Rican customers and remains unstable for those who have it. POLITICO’s Gloria Gonzalez breaks down why Puerto Ricans fear being forgotten, the Biden administration’s response to Fiona so far and how the island’s residents hope the federal government can speed up its slow rebuilding efforts. Plus, the Supreme Court debates narrowing the Clean Water Act.
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Supreme Court wades back into WOTUS debate
As the Supreme Court begins a new term today, the justices are once again set to debate what bodies of water qualify for federal protections. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down how the outcome could impact industry, the environment and the powers of the Environmental Protection Agency. Plus, President Joe Biden signed a short-term government funding measure on Friday that helped avert a government shutdown and provides disaster relief, heating assistance for low-income families and aid to Ukraine.
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The supply chain risks to Florida’s power resto...
The wreckage caused by Hurricane Ian is poised to leave millions of Floridians without power, possibly for weeks. As utilities look to restore power and repair critical infrastructure, they also face a supply-chain crunch that threatens resiliency after climate disasters. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down the state of Florida’s power system and how supply chain issues are impacting efforts to restore power. Plus, a new study finds that oil and gas producers are emitting more methane than previously thought because of flawed flaring.
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Why Manchin's fight to overhaul energy permitti...
Earlier this week, Sen. Joe Manchin conceded defeat on his push to combine his energy permitting package with a short-term government funding bill. Though the bill might have died before it reached the Senate floor, some lawmakers and clean energy advocates are hopeful a compromise can be revived. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and Kelsey Tamborrino discuss why Manchin backed off on his top priority and the remaining obstacles any future legislation faces. Plus, President Joe Biden on Wednesday warned oil companies against increasing gasoline prices as Hurricane Ian makes landfall in the United States.
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Why Tampa Bay is in the climate danger zone
As Hurricane Ian spins toward Tampa Bay, the Gulf Coast may serve as a warning about expansive development in areas at risk for climate-fueled destruction. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down why Tampa Bay is uniquely at risk of major destruction from Hurricane Ian and how the costs of climate disasters are accelerating. Plus, Senator Joe Manchin pulled his energy permitting legislation from a government spending bill on Tuesday after it looked like the measure wouldn’t pass.
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Biden team urges clean energy sector to get to ...
Last week, several Biden administration officials traveled to a major clean energy conference to deliver a message to industry executives and international energy leaders: start using the money from the Inflation Reduction Act and help the White House deliver on its international climate commitments. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down that message, the questions that remain about the legislation and how the White House views its international climate standing. Plus, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is urging Senate Republicans to vote no on advancing Sen. Joe Manchin’s permitting reform legislation as part of a government funding package.