POLITICO Energy

The Environmental Protection Agency misdirected hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding for removing lead from drinking water systems, according to a new report from the agency’s inspector general. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down EPA’s missteps and how it’s a blow to the Biden administration’s climate and public health efforts. Plus, the Energy Department announced it will deploy $428 million to grow clean energy manufacturing in communities affected by coal mine or power plant closures.Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO.Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switchAnd for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Montana Senator Jon Tester, one of the most vulnerable Democrats this election cycle, is trying to avoid political blame after a mine company announced it was laying off hundreds of union workers last month. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down why Tester is being blamed for the layoffs and how it’s impacting his race. Plus, the next major move in the battle over the West’s most important river will be decided by the next president.James Bikales is the host of Morning Energy and a reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO.Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switchAnd for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The rise of artificial intelligence could help unlock new technologies to curb greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector – but its massive energy needs of its data centers are threatening to drive an expansion of fossil fuels. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down how AI could be both a blessing and a curse to the power grid. Plus, the Supreme Court says it will decide when certain EPA rules should be challenged in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals versus the regional circuits.Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO.Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switchAnd for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vice President Kamala Harris is calling for creating a national stockpile of critical minerals in an effort to bolster America’s economic and national security. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down what a national critical minerals reserve would look like and why some experts are skeptical. Plus, the Energy Department announced it has awarded another $2 billion toward hardening the nation’s power grid. James Bikales is the host of Morning Energy and a reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO.Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switchAnd for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alex Guillén, an Energy reporter for POLITICO Pro, delves into the Supreme Court's decision to uphold Biden's climate rule for power plants. He discusses the ruling's surprising political ramifications and the legal challenges that lie ahead. The conversation also touches on how this ruling may influence the upcoming elections. Additionally, Guillén covers the new FERC regulation aimed at reducing costs for consumers by addressing reactive power charges. It's a deep dive into the evolving landscape of energy policy.

Josh Siegel, an energy reporter for POLITICO, talks with Camila Thorndike, the new climate engagement director for Kamala Harris' campaign. They discuss Thorndike's strategy to rally young voters around climate issues just weeks before the election. The conversation highlights how recent hurricanes have raised awareness about climate change and the contrasting policies of the current and previous administrations. Additionally, they delve into campaign tactics in battleground states and the federal push for nuclear energy as part of the clean energy transition.

Zack Colman, a POLITICO reporter specializing in climate change and energy, discusses the lack of engagement by North Carolinians with federal relief funds after Hurricane Helene. He reveals the emotional and financial struggles families face, tied to their homes. The conversation highlights the inadequacies of disaster recovery programs and stresses the urgent need for increased investment in renewable energy to meet global targets. Zack’s insights paint a vivid picture of the broader challenges posed by climate change.

David Turk, the Deputy Energy Secretary, brings his expertise in leading the Biden administration's clean energy investments to the discussion. He highlights the urgent need for permitting reform to meet climate goals, stressing Congress's role in this effort. Turk addresses the complexities of expanding transmission capacity and LNG export approvals while balancing environmental standards. He also emphasizes reforming critical minerals permitting to enhance domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign resources. The conversation underscores the importance of collaboration between Congress and the administration to drive energy policy forward.

Zack Colman, a climate change reporter for POLITICO, delves into the pressing issues surrounding state-backed insurers as climate disasters intensify. He reveals how hurricanes are exacerbating financial instability for these insurers, driving a retreat of private companies from high-risk areas. The conversation highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions to protect homeowners and discusses proposed federal reinsurance initiatives aimed at strengthening these programs. Colman's insights provide a critical glimpse into the future of insurance in a changing climate.

Annie Snider, a water issues reporter for POLITICO Pro, discusses a recent corrosion leak at Illinois' carbon sequestration plant that jeopardizes Biden's climate agenda. She highlights the technical challenges of carbon capture technologies and the EPA's warnings about steel usage. Additionally, the conversation touches on how misinformation from influential figures like Elon Musk complicates federal responses to natural disasters, further complicating the current environmental landscape.