
POLITICO Energy
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.
Latest episodes

Mar 8, 2024 • 9min
Why the SEC’s historic climate disclosure rule faces pushback
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved a long-awaited rule that will require public companies to report their greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks. Even though the commission weakened the regulation from its original proposal, it’s still historic and set to face litigation. POLITICO’s Jordan Wolman breaks down the significance and pushback to the rule. Plus, companies installed a record amount of clean energy power across the United States last year, breaking the previous record by more than 12 percent. 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 Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Jordan Wolman is a sustainability reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is the audio host-producer of POLITICO Energy.Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
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Mar 7, 2024 • 20min
Joe Biden’s climate czar says clean energy spending is winning over Americans
Today, POLITICO Energy host Josh Siegel sits down with President Joe Biden’s National Climate Adviser Ali Zaidi ahead of tonight’s State of the Union address. They discuss the president’s energy and climate record, what a second Biden administration would like to accomplish, the internal tension within the party on those policy issues, and more. 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 Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is the audio producer of POLITICO Energy.Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
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Mar 6, 2024 • 8min
Inside the tense internal battle over Biden’s power plant rule
The Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to split up its upcoming power plant rule into two separate rulemakings came after the agency faced pushback from the White House. The move reflects months of simmering tension between EPA and the White House about rules central to President Joe Biden’s climate agenda. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down the internal administration tension and how it impacted the rollout of the rule. Plus, the Biden administration finalized regulations for direct cash payment of several clean energy credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. 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 Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO. Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
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Mar 5, 2024 • 7min
The John Kerry climate era ends tomorrow
John Kerry will be exiting his position as President Joe Biden’s top climate diplomat on Wednesday. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down Kerry’s climate legacy and previews what to expect from his replacement. Plus, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission unveiled a long-awaited proposal aimed at speeding up licensing for advanced reactors that are critical to creating a zero-emissions grid. 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 Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO. Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
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Mar 4, 2024 • 9min
Why greens are split over EPA’s power plant pivot
In a surprise move, the Environmental Protection Agency announced it was separating and postponing a major piece of its power plant rule last week, and the decision is receiving mixed reaction from greens. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down EPA’s decision and the political and climate risks. Plus, EPA is strengthening its risk management requirements for oil refineries, chemical producers, agricultural distributors and thousands of other industrial sites. 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 Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
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Mar 1, 2024 • 8min
Inside the high cost of California’s climate ambitions
Utility bills have shot up by as much as 127 percent over the last decade in California, and the state’s ambitious climate goals and spending are partially to blame. That trend is putting political pressure on state lawmakers to take legislative action. POLITICO’s Wes Venteicher breaks down the high cost of California’s climate ambitions and why it’s concerning Democratic lawmakers in other states. Plus, the White House named three nominees to fill seats on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. 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 Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Wes Venteicher covers climate and energy energy news in California for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
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Feb 29, 2024 • 8min
Inside Biden’s hydrogen hub conundrum
The Biden administration is pouring billions of dollars into seven regional hubs meant to jumpstart and grow the nascent clean hydrogen industry. But the leaders of the hubs are warning the Treasury Department's proposed clean hydrogen tax credit could undercut their projects and President Joe Biden’s climate goals. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down their concerns and the tightrope the Biden administration must navigate with the tax credit. Plus, the White House is close to nominating two or three new FERC commissioners in a matter of weeks, according to West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin. 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 Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy for POLITICO.Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO
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Feb 28, 2024 • 8min
How Biden’s latest air rule threatens the medical device industry
The Biden administration is expected to finalize a new air regulation that’s pitting its environmental justice work, cancer prevention goals, and efforts to ensure the stability of the medical device industry against each other. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down how the administration is trying to balance its public health priorities and the pushback against the rule. Plus, EPA announced that the remaining $1 billion in Superfund money from the bipartisan infrastructure law will go toward work at over 110 sites around the U.S. 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 Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
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Feb 27, 2024 • 9min
Will Biden’s LNG pause hurt him in Pennsylvania?
President Joe Biden’s decision to pause new exports of U.S. natural gas is making his allies nervous in the critical swing state of Pennsylvania heading into the 2024 election. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down why some Democrats are questioning the president’s strategy and the different energy dynamics at play in the state. Plus, West Virginia made another move as part of its ongoing attack on environmental, social and governance policies. 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 Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
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Feb 26, 2024 • 8min
States’ carbon trading program sparks fights in Pennsylvania and Virginia
Lawmakers in Pennsylvania and Virginia are fighting over whether their states should participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative just as the program itself attempts to hammer out what its next iteration will look like. POLITICO’s Jordan Wolman breaks down what the fights in Pennsylvania and Virginia say about the challenge of expanding RGGI to fossil fuel reliant states. Plus, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management issued its final approval for Equinor's Empire Wind project — teeing up construction for the offshore wind effort off the coast of New York. 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 Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Jordan Wolman is a sustainability reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
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