The Carbon Reduction Paradox: Why Do Some Oppose Nuclear Energy? with Neil Chatterjee

In this episode of The Vivek Show, host Vivek Ramaswamy explores the paradox of carbon reduction advocates opposing nuclear energy and discusses the complexities of US energy policy with guest Neil Chatterjee, former Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). They delve into FERC's role in overseeing competitive wholesale power markets, the challenges faced by differing state policies on decarbonization, and the consequences of shutting down coal plants on communities. The conversation covers the role of public policy and market forces in shaping the energy landscape, touching on the controversial topic of carbon capture pipelines and the potential for fostering nuclear energy without subsidies. Throughout the episode, Ramaswamy and Chatterjee engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the future of US energy policy and the potential for reforming key regulatory agencies.

--

Donate here: https://t.co/PE1rfuVBmb

For more content follow me here:

Twitter - @VivekGRamaswamy

Instagram - @vivekgramaswamy

Facebook - http://facebook.com/VivekGRamaswamy

Truth Social - @VivekRamaswamy

Rumble - @VivekRamaswamy

--

Indranil "Neil" Chatterjee is a prominent American lawyer, political advisor, and former member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). He served twice as FERC Chairman, from August 10, 2017, to December 7, 2017, and October 24, 2018, to November 5, 2020. Prior to FERC, Chatterjee was an energy policy advisor to United States Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and held roles with the United States House Committee on Ways and Means, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Throughout his career, he has been committed to shaping balanced energy policies that promote both energy production and environmental stewardship.

--

Time-codes:

00:00:00 - Mystery of carbon reduction advocates not supporting nuclear energy

00:01:19 - Possible anti-growth agenda in the US

00:02:53 - Introduction of guest Neil Chatterjee

00:08:21 - Structure of FERC for independent judgment

00:09:37 - Constitutionality concerns over independent agencies

00:11:59 - Oversight and nomination process reining in radical FERC agenda

00:16:12 - FERC's role in competitive wholesale power markets

00:17:58 - Implementation of a minimum offer price rule

00:20:56 - Reversal of the minimum offer price rule after 2020 election

00:34:36 - Vivek questions the need for a top-down energy transition

00:36:19 - Neil's support for solar plus storage

00:38:57 - Impact of shutting down coal plants on communities

00:40:41 - Neil's opposition to burdensome EPA regulations

00:43:50 - Vivek's skepticism on government-subsidized carbon capture pipelines

00:44:53 - Biden administration's clean energy transition and transmission line challenges

00:46:20 - Opposition to energy infrastructure built near homes

00:52:06 - Bilateral contracting in energy markets

00:53:07 - Roles of RTOs and ISOs in energy markets

00:56:49 - Fostering nuclear energy without subsidies and private capital's role

00:57:38 - Public Utility Commission's role in evaluating utility rates

00:58:38 - Challenge of short-term thinking for long-term energy projects

01:01:04 - Vivek's proposal for a new nuclear energy regulatory agency

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices