
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

Oct 24, 2023 • 10min
How Gavin Newsom’s China trip is part of his bigger political evolution
Over the last two years, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has sharpened his environmental rhetoric and pushed climate change toward the top of his policy agenda – a notable evolution in political strategy highlighted by his trip to China this week. POLITICO’s Jeremy White breaks down why Newsom is embracing the role of climate champion right now and how his China trip fits into that political strategy. Plus, the Biden administration proposed banning all uses of trichloroethylene, an extremely toxic chemical linked with cancer and developmental effects. 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 Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of the POLITICO Energy podcast.Jeremy B. White is a senior reporter covering the intersection of politics in policy in California.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.
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Oct 23, 2023 • 7min
How New Jersey could lose $100M on its first offshore wind farm
Orsted, the company that’s planning to build New Jersey’s first offshore wind farm, made a deal with the state recently that shows it’s still financially committed to building the project. But the agreement could also allow Orsted to avoid making a $100 million payment – a third of the money the company owes to the state. POLITICO’s Ry Rivard breaks down the financial outlook of New Jersey’s first offshore wind farm and the bumpy times for the offshore wind industry as a whole. Plus, the United States will not reimpose steel and aluminum tariffs on the European Union at the end of the year even if the sides cannot come to an agreement on a so-called green steel deal. 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 Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of the POLITICO Energy podcast.Ry Rivard covers energy, the environment and transportation in New Jersey 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.
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Oct 19, 2023 • 7min
What does easing sanctions on Venezuela mean for crude oil?
The Biden administration agreed Wednesday night to ease sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry after the Maduro government promised reforms allowing more competitive presidential elections next year. The policy shift has drawn Republican pushback and questions about the impact on global energy prices. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down the deal’s energy ramifications for the United States and the world, along with the GOP criticisms. Plus, the Biden administration will put nearly $3.5 billion toward hardening electricity infrastructure in a move it says represents the largest-ever investment in the nation’s power 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 Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of the POLITICO Energy podcast.Ben Lefebvre is an energy 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.
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Oct 18, 2023 • 10min
Why a funding fight is brewing ahead of the UN climate talks
The Biden administration’s push to put the World Bank in charge of an international fund that would require historically high-emitting wealthy countries to pay poorer countries for climate damages is threatening to shake up United Nations’ climate talks in November. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down why the US prefers the World Bank, the concerns from developing countries, and the broader negotiations over the fund. Plus, scientists say the U.S could achieve net-zero climate emissions by 2050 thanks to new federal investments. 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 Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of the POLITICO Energy podcast.Zack Colman covers climate change 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.
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Oct 17, 2023 • 9min
Inside PJM’s new plan to keep the lights on during extreme weather
PJM Interconnection, the nation’s largest grid operator, is proposing a new plan to reduce the risk of blackouts during extreme weather events. And while both fossil fuel and renewable power generators are on board, a potential cap on the imposition of penalties when blackouts do occur is raising questions. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down the details of the plan, why it’s coming now, and how it might be the start of wider reforms by PJM. Plus, the Biden administration is expected to reach a deal today with Venezuela to ease oil sanctions, according to a media report. 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 Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of the POLITICO Energy podcast.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.
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Oct 16, 2023 • 9min
The dawn of Biden-backed clean hydrogen
The Biden administration is putting $7 billion dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law into several regional hubs across the country dedicated to making and using clean hydrogen. The young industry could be potential climate solution and economic driver, but questions remain about just how green the hydrogen will be and whether it will add pollution to already-disadvantaged communities. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down the details, risks and potential rewards of Biden’s hydrogen hub program. Plus, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will consider a new slate of proposed liquefied natural gas projects and a carbon dioxide pipeline next week. 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 Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of the POLITICO Energy podcast.Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy.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.
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Oct 12, 2023 • 10min
How the Inflation Reduction Act is a game-changer for rural cooperatives
Electric cooperatives across the country are jumping at the chance to get billions of dollars under a new federal program that aims to bring more clean energy to rural America – a sign that some utilities in those communities, which have been among biggest coal users, are viewing wind and solar power more favorably despite the conservative backlash. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down why co-ops see this federal program as a game-changing opportunity. Plus, Stellantis announced it would build another massive joint venture battery plant with Samsung SDI in Kokomo, Indiana. 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 Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of the POLITICO Energy podcast.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.
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Oct 11, 2023 • 9min
What will the Israel-Hamas war mean for world energy markets?
The war between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas poses a major geopolitical risk for the world’s energy markets and could send global fuel prices soaring if the conflict expands across the Middle East. POLITICO’s Matt Daily breaks down how the war could impact global energy and the Biden administration. Plus, Washington’s top trade official conceded that the United States and European Union may not meet their end-of-October deadline to reach a deal on green steel and aluminum. 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 Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of the POLITICO Energy podcast.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.
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Oct 10, 2023 • 9min
Inside the transatlantic pushback against electric vehicles
Former U.S. President Donald Trump and several conservative politicians in Europe are attacking the rise of electric vehicles and making it into an election issue. POLITICO’s James Bikales and Suzanne Lynch break down the politics of electric cars and why it’s an issue on both continents. Plus, the Biden administration unveiled new guidance aiming to help customers gain immediate access to federal tax credits for electric vehicles directly from car dealers. 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 Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of the POLITICO Energy podcast.Suzanne Lynch is POLITICO Europe’s Chief Brussels Correspondent, and the host of our EU Confidential podcast. James Bikales is the host of Morning Energy and a 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.
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Oct 5, 2023 • 8min
New England to coordinate offshore wind development plans
Three New England states reached an agreement Wednesday to coordinate on the development of offshore wind at a time when some companies are trying to renegotiate or even cancel their wind contracts along the Atlantic Coast. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down the details of this agreement, why it’s coming now, and the broader concerns within the offshore wind industry. Plus, a new government report shows that U.S. gasoline demand dropped sharply last week, offering some political breathing space for President Joe Biden on the economy. 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 Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of the POLITICO Energy podcast.Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy.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.
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