Shift Key with Robinson Meyer and Jesse Jenkins

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm on What Comes After Biden’s Climate Agenda

Dec 18, 2024

In this engaging discussion, Jennifer Granholm, the 16th U.S. Secretary of Energy and former governor of Michigan, reflects on her tenure and the Biden administration's climate strategies. She details the transition of the Department of Energy into a driving force for clean energy innovation. Granholm delves into the complexities of fossil fuel dependency, bipartisan support, and the future of clean energy technologies, particularly in light of the Inflation Reduction Act. Her insights offer a hopeful outlook on America's energy landscape and the importance of strategic initiatives for sustainable growth.

01:02:39

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Episode guests

Jennifer Granholm

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Quick takeaways

Under Secretary Granholm has restructured the Department of Energy to prioritize clean energy initiatives, creating over 950 factories for this transition.

The Inflation Reduction Act is pivotal for achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035 and has already generated new clean energy jobs.

A just transition strategy is needed for fossil fuel communities, balancing immediate economic needs with the investment in clean energy solutions.

Deep dives

Transforming the Department of Energy

Under Secretary Jennifer Granholm's leadership, the U.S. Department of Energy has undergone a significant transformation, shifting from a focus mainly on national labs and nuclear policies to an emphasis on clean energy commercialization and deployment. The agency has been restructured to prioritize clean energy initiatives, resulting in the creation of over 950 factories dedicated to the clean energy transition since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act and the bipartisan infrastructure law. This expansion reflects a broader industrial strategy aiming to reshore manufacturing and enhance job creation, particularly in regions historically impacted by factory closures. Granholm’s vision emphasizes that this is a collective effort that transcends political lines and aims to bolster American competitiveness in the global energy market.

Intro

2min

Navigating Clean Energy Transitions

17min

Future Prospects of Clean Energy and Fossil Fuels

3min

Navigating the LNG Debate and Energy Transition

16min

Enhancing U.S. Renewable Energy Innovation and Deployment

3min

The Future of Clean Energy Technology and Infrastructure Investment

2min

Navigating Climate Policy Complexity

17min

Looking Ahead: Optimism for the Clean Energy Transition

2min

Jennifer Granholm has long been one of the most interesting figures in the Democratic Party. A former federal prosecutor, she was the governor of Michigan from 2003 to 2011, leading the state during the Great Recession and subsequent auto bailout. Since 2021, she has been the 16th U.S. Secretary of Energy. While there, she has overseen the department’s transformation from an R&D-focused agency to an aspiring engine of industrial strategy.

On this week’s episode of Shift Key, Rob sits down with Secretary Granholm in person in New York to conduct an exit interview, of sorts. What climate policies is she most proud of — and what does she hope Democrats do better next time? What does she wish that Democrats understood about fossil fuels? And what does she think the outlook for clean energy is in the years to come?

Shift Key is hosted by Robinson Meyer, the founding executive editor of Heatmap, and Jesse Jenkins, a professor of energy systems engineering at Princeton University. Jesse is off this week.

Mentioned:

Biden’s long game on climate change, by Rob

The DOE’s Earthshots initiatives

The DOE’s new Office of Technology Transitions and its liftoff reports

A Governor’s Story, by Jennifer Granholm

And here’s a transcript of the episode

This episode of Shift Key is sponsored by …

Watershed’s climate data engine helps companies measure and reduce their emissions, turning the data they already have into an audit-ready carbon footprint backed by the latest climate science. Get the sustainability data you need in weeks, not months. Learn more at watershed.com.

As a global leader in PV and ESS solutions, Sungrow invests heavily in research and development, constantly pushing the boundaries of solar and battery inverter technology. Discover why Sungrow is the essential component of the clean energy transition by visiting sungrowpower.com.

Music for Shift Key is by Adam Kromelow.

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Shift Key with Robinson Meyer and Jesse Jenkins

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm on What Comes After Biden’s Climate Agenda

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Transforming the Department of Energy

Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act

Obstacles to Decarbonization

Navigating Fossil Fuels and Transition

Communication Gaps in Policy Successes

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts