POLITICO Energy

Mark Christie, a Republican FERC Commissioner, expresses concern about the agency's drift from its mission of keeping electricity affordable for consumers. He critiques Order 1920 for its inadequate consumer protections and calls for increased state involvement in energy projects. Christie warns of a looming reliability crisis due to rising capacity prices driven by technology demands. He advocates for establishing a consumer advocate at FERC to ensure that everyday voices are heard in regulatory decisions.

Emma Dumain, a journalist from POLITICO's E&E News, delves into the tensions between the oil and gas industry and the Democratic Party at their national convention. Despite overt hostility, fossil fuel leaders express optimism about Kamala Harris's rise. Dumain reveals how industry representatives believe that political rhetoric surrounding climate change isn’t a real threat. She also discusses the challenges Harris faces in balancing her engagement with climate-conscious voters and her past environmental record as election season approaches.

Ben Storrow, a journalist at POLITICO’s E&E News, explores the Biden-Harris administration's clean energy projects in Pennsylvania, key for the 2024 election. He discusses the potential impact of these initiatives on local economies and voter sentiment. Storrow examines the challenges of raising awareness about clean energy amidst traditional industries and the complex energy politics involving labor and environmental concerns. He also highlights setbacks faced by liquefied natural gas projects, adding depth to the ongoing energy debate.

Journalist Scott Waldman from POLITICO's E&E News, who specializes in environmental reporting, discusses how an Ohio steel plant tied to Senator JD Vance's family history faces potential funding cuts under a future Trump administration. He highlights the irony of political ties affecting local economies and examines the impact of Biden's climate policies. The conversation also reveals misconceptions in the community about grant funding while debating the future of manufacturing and clean technologies amid changing political landscapes.

Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, a champion of clean energy, joins Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss the transformative impact of the Inflation Reduction Act. They explore how Minnesota's clean energy strategy showcases the benefits of the law, aiming to persuade skeptical voters. The conversation delves into the economic advantages these initiatives bring to residents and the challenges in securing private investments compared to other states. It's a compelling look at state-federal collaboration in combating climate change.

The Democratic National Convention begins this week, and congressional Democrats are pushing Vice President Kamala Harris to make clean energy and climate change a core part of her campaign messaging. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down why Democrats think the Biden-Harris’ climate record is a winning issue on the campaign trail and the potential Republican pushback. Plus, the U.S. is planning to call for a reduction in plastic production, signaling a significant shift in position.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-energyCatherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO.Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO.Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO.Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Biden administration, Congress and U.S. companies are pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into small nuclear reactors in the hope of reenergizing America’s nuclear fleet. But so far, not a single small nuclear reactor plant is operational in the country. Today, POLITICO Energy host Josh Siegel sits down with Jake DeWitte, the CEO of Oklo, a Silicon Valley-based startup that’s racing to build its first small nuclear reactor plant by 2027. They chat about why small nuclear reactor technology is so unique, if the US nuclear revival is truly underway, and the challenges ahead for the industry.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-energyJosh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO.Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO.Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelsey Tamborrino, a reporter specializing in offshore wind and clean energy, dives into the recent $93 million lease auction for offshore wind areas off the Atlantic coast. She highlights why this event is crucial for the industry's future amid ongoing political and economic difficulties. The discussion also touches on the resilience of states like Maryland and Virginia in developing offshore wind, alongside the struggles of Puerto Rico’s power grid following Tropical Storm Ernesto.

Automakers are looking to convince governments and customers that their electric cars aren't benefiting trade adversaries, and they’re turning to a new technology to help with that goal: battery passports. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down what the new technology is and how it’s gaining the attention of policymakers and manufacturers in the United States and European Union. Plus, President Joe Biden issued an order that more than doubled the import quota for solar cells shipped to the U.S. that will not face tariffs. 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-energyJosh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.James Bikales is the host of Morning Energy and a reporter for POLITICO.Jordan Wolman is a sustainability reporter for POLITICO.Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO.Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elon Musk, the tech titan behind Tesla, joins political reporter James Bikales and energy journalist Josh Siegel for a lively discussion. They explore how Musk’s endorsement has softened Trump’s stance on electric vehicles. The trio dives into potential policy shifts if Trump regains the White House and the mixed reactions within the Republican Party about EV adoption. Additionally, they touch on the Texas Attorney General's investigation into CenterPoint Energy following Hurricane Beryl’s power outages. It's a compelling look at the intersection of politics and renewable energy.