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.
Why Steyer’s and Bloomberg’s climate records ar...
Despite their records on climate change, the two billionaire Democratic candidates are struggling in the polls, both still in the single digits and far away from the top contenders. Pro’s Zack Colman explains why other candidates’ climate agendas are appealing to more voters. Plus, the new trade deal passes the Senate. And an associate of the president’s lawyer brings Rick Perry back into the impeachment controversy.
9 min
1127
Upwind air pollution is back in court.
A lawsuit from Maryland and Delaware urging for federal action against upwind states on air pollution is bringing the EPA to court. Pro's Alex Guillen is following the case, which could have repercussions for similar action nationwide. Plus, FERC's controversial vote to set a price floor that would exclude renewable energy and nuclear sources from the large PJM capacity market is drawing mixed reviews.
6 min
1128
Major changes to the WOTUS rule are coming.
President Trump's new rule cuts back on which water bodies are under federal protections. Pro's Annie Snider explains why farmers are welcoming this deregulation. Plus, the world's largest asset manager says it will put climate change at the center of its investing strategy.
8 min
1129
Congress studies phasing out HFCs
The gases, prevalent in many types of coolants, were key in helping recover the Ozone layer. However, their greenhouse effect is thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide, and Pro's Eric Wolff is following bills to reduce their uses. Plus, a supporter of nuclear power drops out of the presidential race. And, the Energy Department quietly publishes energy efficiency rules.
5 min
1130
Oil prices fall despite Iran tension
Despite last week's tensions between Iran and the U.S., global oil prices fell to the lowest point since last July, and on Sunday, multiple top American government officials were questioned on the Trump administration’s actions in the Middle East. Plus, USMCA is under the microscope of six Senate committees, and California's governor addresses the possibility of taking over the country's most controversial utility.
5 min
1131
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
1132
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
1133
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
1134
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
1135
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
1136
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
1137
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
1138
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
1139
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
1140
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
1141
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
1142
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
1143
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
1144
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
1145
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
1146
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
1147
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
1148
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
1149
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
1150
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.