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.
The White House has finalized a rule that will once again require federal agencies to consider indirect and cumulative environmental impacts of their actions, including those related to climate change. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén explains the implications of this rule, how it fits into the Biden administration’s climate agenda and what’s next.
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Can Biden learn from New Mexico’s energy playbook?
New Mexico is one of the top fossil fuel producing states. It's also home to some of the most pro-green energy lawmakers in Congress. Can the White House learn a lesson from how the two interests coexist in the state? POLITICO’S Ben Lefebvre reports.
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California’s ambitious gas car phase out plan
California’s air regulators have unveiled a plan that would simultaneously ramp up the sales of electric and zero-emission vehicles while phasing out the sales of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035. But, automakers say that timeline is “extremely challenging” while environmentalists argue it’s too slow. POLITICO’s Colby Bermel reports.
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Why Ukraine needs US cash to pay for natural gas
Amid Russia’s invasion, the executives for Ukrainian energy companies are asking Congress and the Biden administration to help the country secure natural gas before this coming winter. They’re warning that disruptions to the country’s fuel supply will lead to a humanitarian crisis. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre explains what Ukranian energy executives are asking for and what lawmakers can actually do about it.
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Why Biden’s energy moves have unsettled his gre...
President Joe Biden’s latest actions to reduce high fuel prices and inflation have left his green supporters discouraged, divided and wondering if the moment has passed to get major climate legislation passed during this Congress. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel reports.
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Biden’s ethanol Hail Mary
On Tuesday, President Joe Biden announced that he will be lifting the ban on summertime sales of gasoline that contain 15 percent ethanol. The move is part of the administration’s effort to tame high gas prices ahead of the midterm elections. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino explains the actual impact of this move at the pump and how greens and the ethanol industry are reacting.
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A climate compromise at FERC?
FERC’s Democratic members may compromise with one of their Republican counterparts on two controversial pipeline policy statements. But, that compromise could remove FERC's ability to reject a pipeline project if its level of greenhouse gas emissions — and its impact on climate change — is considered too high. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse explains.
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Lawmakers sick of gas price gaslighting
Democrats and Republicans are growing frustrated with the political spin in Congress around high gasoline prices, and lawmakers are hoping to advance energy policies to manage the problem. But these policies are not easy to implement, especially as the midterm elections loom. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel explains why gas prices are actually high and the policies lawmakers are pursuing to lower them.
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What a Russian oil, gas ban actually means
Congress voted Thursday to suspend normal trade relations with Russia and ban the import of Russian oil and gas to the United States. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down what a ban actually means and if Congress can enact any other policies to punish Russia.
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The political strategy behind Wednesday’s Big O...
On Wednesday, Democrats and Republicans played the blame game as oil company executives testified about high gasoline prices at a House committee hearing. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel spoke to Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), chair of the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, to understand the political strategy behind Wednesday’s hearing and whether anything can be done about gas prices.
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The oil industry’s defender
The House Energy and Commerce is meeting today with the leadership of BP America, Chevron, Devon Energy, Exxon Mobil, Pioneer Natural Resources and Shell USA. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel previews the hearing with Mike Sommers, the president and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute.
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A short-term oil, long-term green deal?
As Democrats look to pass a party-line climate change and social spending bill ahead of the midterm elections, House progressives may accept policies that boost fossil fuels in the short term in order to win Sen. Joe Manchin's support for the broader bill. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel explains.
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Biden’s high-mileage plan
Last week, the Transportation Department released new tailpipe pollution standards that will require cars and light trucks to become more fuel efficient by 2026. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down that rule and how it fits into President Joe Biden’s climate agenda.
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The climate advocates who have Manchin's ear
The White House and Democrats are hoping to strike a deal on a slimmed down version of the Build Back Better bill that includes major climate and clean energy legislation – a key priority before the midterm elections. That’s brought all eyes back to Sen. Joe Manchin, who’s been a defender of fossil fuels in the caucus, but has also been open to a historic green energy push. POLITICO’s Zack Colman takes a look at the climate confidants of the West Virginia senator who could help shape his policy positions.
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Breaking down Canada’s new climate plan
Earlier this week, Canada released its latest climate plan that includes billions of dollars in new spending to meet the country’s 2030 targets. That plan calls for the oil and gas sector to cut emissions by 42 percent from current levels. POLITICO’s Zi-Ann Lum reports.
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Why Biden can’t get a climate-focused bank regu...
More than a year into President Joe Biden’s term, none of the government’s major bank regulators have Senate-confirmed leaders. That’s because some of Biden’s nominees believe that financial regulators should have a major role in fighting climate change — a position rejected by Republican legislators. POLITICO’s Victoria Guida explains.
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Why Commerce’s imports probe could upend the so...
After months of waiting, the Biden administration finally announced that it will initiate an investigation into solar modules from four Southeast Asian nations. The decision comes after a petition from a small California-based manufacturer argued that Chinese solar companies were avoiding existing tariffs on products from China. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down how that decision could impact the industry and the Biden administration’s clean energy goals.
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Inside the fight over cyber rules for pipeline ...
The federal government’s first attempt to require pipeline companies to meet basic cybersecurity standards is floundering. And that tension comes amid heightened concerns about Russian cyberattacks stemming from the war in Ukraine. POLITICO’s Eric Geller explains why the pipeline industry is pushing back against these cyber rules.
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FERC’s gas policy reset
After weeks of blowback from Republican lawmakers, industry groups and Senator Joe Manchin, FERC voted unanimously on Thursday to walk back its two controversial gas policies that would have scrutinized new fossil fuel projects. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse explains that decision and what that means for new projects moving forward.
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Why states aren’t all in for Biden’s climate ju...
President Joe Biden hopes that he can push states to spur transformative climate and equity programs nationwide using money from last year’s $550 billion infrastructure package. The problem is that states control most of the cash and may not share his goals of tackling climate change or reversing the effects of institutionalized racism. POLITICO’s Zack Colman reports.
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Why FERC Chair Glick is on the hot seat
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chair Richard Glick is one of President Joe Biden’s biggest allies when it comes to putting climate change at the forefront of federal energy policy. But that climate focus may cost him his job since he has pushed policies that have angered prominent lawmakers — including many Republicans and, perhaps most crucially, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair Joe Manchin. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse reports.
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Europe’s LNG dilemma
The European Union wants the United States to send more liquefied natural gas to help the continent reduce its dependence on Russian natural gas. But, what more can President Joe Biden offer? POLITICO’s Zack Colman explains.
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The link between the Texas power grid and the g...
The Texas power grid’s ability to withstand extreme weather events could hinge on the outcome of the state’s gubernatorial election. That’s because the candidates — Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and Democratic challenger Beto O’Rourke — have very different views on the reliability of the state’s power system. POLITICO’s Jonathan Custodio breaks down each candidate’s power plans.
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Court allows Biden to use social cost of carbon...
A federal appeals court lifted a district judge’s injunction against President Joe Biden’s social cost of carbon on Wednesday. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén explains the impact this ruling will have on federal agencies as they try to achieve Biden’s ambitious climate and clean energy goals.
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Why greens are pushing Dems to pass climate leg...
Amid high energy prices resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Democrats and green groups are ramping up pressure on President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to move forward on a package of policies that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down the timing of this push and what policies the party is looking to pass.