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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1101
Activists vow to cut fossil fuel's money flow
Environmental activists plan to announce a new effort to pressure big financial companies to divest from the fossil fuel industry. Pro's Zack Colman has details on what this strategy will consist of. Also, president Trump reverses his comments that climate is a hoax, even as he announces big changes to NEPA.
7 min
1102
Maryland takes the EPA to court over the Chesap...
The state seeks to pressure the EPA to take actions against Pennsylvania for ignoring its promise to reduce pollution runoff into the Bay. Pro's Annie Snider says this lawsuit could have legal repercussions for water preservation nationwide, but it could also be a political issue in 2020. Plus, the president says the situation in the Middle East is no threat for America's oil.
6 min
1103
Changes to NEPA are coming
The Trump administration is expected to announce changes to the environmental permitting rule that governs reviews for a variety of infrastructure projects. Pro's Zack Colman deepens on the significance of these changes. Plus, the Senate Energy Chairman says key nominations for executive offices will be frozen unless they get unanimous consent, and the Atlantic Coast pipeline project gets another loss in court.
5 min
1104
Congress retakes action on PFAS regulations.
After negotiators failed to include PFAS regulations in must-pass bills last year, House members are starting 2020 by taking up action on the chemicals. Pro’s Annie Snider has more details on this new push in Congress for more regulations. Plus, an American oil company pulls its U.S. employees from Iraq as fears rise about possible Iranian retaliation.
5 min
1105
Power shift: the past and future of energy policy
The 2010s was a decade marked by the rise of climate and energy policy as one of the top issues in national politics. And to start the 2020s, POLITICO's energy team takes a deep look at the biggest moments of the decade, and what's in store for this sector in the years ahead.
38 min
1106
Climate policy takes the stage
The last Democratic debate of the year, hosted by POLITICO and PBS Newshour, delivered a lengthy conversation on energy and climate policy. PRO's Eric Wolff explains the candidates' answers on the topic. Plus, FERC decides to curb wind, solar and nuclear power in the largest U.S. power market in a closely watched ruling.
7 min
1107
The 2020 Democratic race on climate
As 2020 candidates meet on the debate stage tonight, Pro’s Anthony Adragna analyzes their climate plans. Plus, Pro’s Gavin Bade and Eric Wolff walk us through a FERC decision today that could define a multi-state capacity market.
8 min
1108
Winners and losers of the tax extenders deal
As part of the 2020 spending package now heading to the Senate, lawmakers reached a deal with the Treasury Secretary over a package of tax extenders, which affects a number of energy producers. Pro's Eric Wolff details the winners and losers of this deal. Plus, Pro's Gavin Bade fleshes out the candidates' positions on carbon emissions ahead of Thursday's Democratic presidential debate, hosted by POLITICO and PBS.
8 min
1109
What's in the budget deal?
A finished bipartisan deal on the government budget for 2020 is expected to be signed next week, averting another December shutdown. Pro's Annie Snider reports why many of the Democrats' plans related to PFAS chemicals didn't make it to the final version of the deal. And, ahead of the Democratic presidential debate on Thursday, Pro's Ben Lefebvre breaks down the candidates' positions on oil and gas.
8 min
1110
The failures at COP 25
The UN climate summit started with an ambitious agenda to further global policy on climate change. Instead, Pro's Zack Colman says it resurfaced bad blood among parties of the Paris Climate Agreement. Plus, Pro's Gavin Bade explains how FERC could stop the climate agenda of many progressive Democratic presidential hopefuls. And, a special analysis of the Democratic candidates' views on nuclear power with Pro's Eric Wolff.
10 min
1111
The climate summit may end without a deal
The climate conference in Spain is coming to a close, and negotiations on global climate policies still appear to be far from successful. Pro's Zack Colman breaks down what's happened in Madrid. But in Capitol Hill, a deal on funding seems to be within reach, scaring away the ghosts of another government shutdown over the holidays.
6 min
1112
The EU considers carbon tariffs
The tariffs aim at leveling the playing field with respect to countries that haven't matched its climate change policies. Pro's Zack Colman explains how this would impact the US. Meanwhile, negotiations continue at the climate conference in Madrid. And, the new Energy secretary is sworn in.
4 min
1113
Key PFAS regulations are out of the defense bud...
Pro’s Annie Snider explains why House Democrats gave up on their effort to include two key provisions related to PFAS regulations in the National Defense Authorization Act. Plus, Exxon Mobil escapes a lawsuit in New York, and the EPA’s watchdog concludes one of its investigations into the agency’s chief of staff.
5 min
1114
How small governments are uniting against clima...
Pro’s Zack Colman reports from the climate conference in Madrid about groups of local governments around the world that have stepped forward in defense of the Paris Climate Agreement. The move will get backing by Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg.
5 min
1115
Trying to break the logjam at COP 25
Top government officials from around the world fly to Madrid to try to strike deals on climate policies central to the UN conference. Pro's Zack Colman is in Spain to see how their presence could impact the negotiations. Plus, a deal on the defense spending budget inches closer.
6 min
1116
Will the US miss out on a global carbon market?
Members of the Paris Climate Agreement are trying to design a global carbon market at the COP 25 in Madrid, and Pro's editor Matt Daily explains there's a risk American companies could be left off a hundred-billion-dollar market. Also, House Democrats give up on including PFAS regulations in the annual defense bill.
6 min
1117
A review on solar panel tariffs
The U.S. International Trade Commission will review the effectiveness of tariffs imposed on photovoltaic solar equipment. Pro's Eric Wolff explains why the industry fears the administration will double down on these tariffs. Also, the EPA watchdog will announce whether the agency overstepped its authority with its proposal repealing glider truck emissions rules.
5 min
1118
Cruz blasts Trump over Russian gas pipelines
The Texas senator criticized the administration's lack of interest in trying to stop the completion of two natural gas pipelines that would deepen Europe's reliance on Russian natural gas. Pro's Ben Lefebvre explains Cruz's discontent. Plus, the House Intelligence Committee releases the impeachment report.
7 min
1119
Arguments on superfund sites get to the Supreme...
Alex Guillen follows a case that could decide whether companies can be forced to pay more for cleanup than federal regulations require. Plus, EPA documents show industry experts were favored over academics to join a panel of advisers. And, Rick Perry's replacement at the Energy department is approved.
5 min
1120
COP 25 kicks off in Madrid
World leaders meet at the Spanish capital to discuss carbon trading and other climate issues. POLITICO Europe’a Kalina Oroschakoff is going to be following the convention. Plus, former politicians and celebrities get together to speak up on climate change.
6 min
1121
Rick Perry's report card
Pro's Ben Lefebvre and Gavin Bade go over some of the key moments in Rick Perry's tenure as Energy Secretary. Plus, Pro's Zack Colman breaks down the bleak news from a new U.N. climate report.
8 min
1122
National Grid settles with New York
New York Energy Pro's Marie French has details on a settlement between the state and a big energy utility over a pipeline dispute.
4 min
1123
The U.S. is neglecting a push for aviation emis...
The climate pullback by the U.S. under the Trump administration is allowing countries like China to weaken efforts to curb aviation emissions. Pro's Zack Colman looks at the ways the U.S. has neglected to push for this global regulation. Plus, Rick Perry responds to accusations that he knew about the investigations into the former vice president. And, another well known climate activist enters the presidential race.
6 min
1124
The administration is dragging its feet on PFAS...
Pro's Annie Snider is following reports that EPA has been holding off on a plan to regulate the toxic chemicals. Plus, House Democrats unveil a bill that sets a deadline for a clean economy. And, Brouillette's confirmation as Energy Secretary could come as soon as the first week of December.
6 min
1125
"Everyone was in the loop" (including Rick Perry)
The U.S. ambassador to the EU delivers explosive testimony as part of the impeachment probe, and Pro's Anthony Adragna, Ben Lefebvre, and Eric Wolff say it casts new doubts into how much the Energy Secretary knew about the administration's dealings with Ukraine. Plus, the climate gets some attention on the Democratic debate stage.
7 min