
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

May 25, 2023 • 8min
GOP’s gas stove anger burns Biden
House Republicans once again attacked the Biden administration yesterday for trying to regulate gas stoves, portraying proposed efficiency standards from the Energy Department as federal overreach. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down why the GOP is reigniting the gas stove culture wars, the Biden administration’s insistence it is not banning the appliances, and the policy debate. Plus, the Energy Department unveiled a new initiative aimed at accelerating the development of low-carbon fuels for sectors like heavy transportation and chemical production. 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 Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.
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May 24, 2023 • 7min
DOE backs off Microvast grant plans amid GOP’s China criticisms
The Biden administration announced on Monday it is dropping plans to give a $200 million dollar federal grant to Microvast, a Texas-based battery company whose connections to China had drawn criticism from Republican lawmakers. It’s the latest example of how the rivalry between Washington and Beijing is complicating President Joe Biden’s clean energy agenda. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino discusses DOE’s decision and how the situation highlights broader challenges the Biden administration must navigate as it pushes for a clean energy transition. Plus, the House passed a resolution on Tuesday that would nullify EPA’s new heavy duty trucks rule, but President Joe Biden has vowed to veto it. 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 Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy.Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.
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May 23, 2023 • 7min
Colorado River plan offers relief to a thirsty West
California, Arizona and Nevada released a plan on Monday to significantly reduce their water use from the drought-stricken Colorado River over the next three years. It’s a historic moment for the seven western states and 40 million Americans that depend on the river, which has seen its flows diminished by 20 percent over the past two decades. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down the details of the tentative deal and remaining concerns for the states. Plus, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) announced Monday he will not run for reelection, leaving behind an environmental legacy that’s spanned more than two decades.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 Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.
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May 22, 2023 • 9min
Why US-EU talks for an EV tax credit deal have stalled
For months now, European Union officials have pressed the Biden administration for a trade deal that would give EU automakers access to a larger chunk of the electric vehicle tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act. But reaching that agreement is taking longer than expected, and talks could drag into the summer. POLITICO’s Steven Overly breaks down the sticking points in negotiations and why the White House is under immense pressure from Congress to broker a favorable agreement. Plus, a bipartisan group of senators is starting discussions on a broad permitting deal outside the tense debt ceiling negotiations. 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 Steven Overly covers the intersection of trade and technology for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.
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May 19, 2023 • 10min
Questions linger about New Jersey’s ambitious offshore wind plans
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is hoping his state will be the nation’s leading producer of offshore wind energy by 2040. But his ambitious plans are facing criticisms for two big reasons: questions remain about how the state’s wind projects will be financed and the opposition stirred up by unfounded claims that those projects are linked to several whale deaths along the coast. POLITICO’s Ry Rivard breaks down if New Jersey’s offshore wind plans are still on track and how they are important to the Biden administration’s clean energy goals. Plus, hear some of the main takeaways from POLITICO’s first-ever energy summit. 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 Ry Rivard covers energy, the environment and transportation in New Jersey for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.Brook Hayes edited this POLITICO energy podcast.Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.
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May 18, 2023 • 8min
The fight over funding Puerto Rico’s power grid
Congress has directed about $14 billion dollars to repair Puerto Rico’s troubled energy grid, but disagreements over how to spend those funds could slow the effort to stave off power disruptions as the territory seeks to create a 100 percent clean power grid by 2050. POLITICO’s Gloria Gonzalez breaks down solar advocates’ concerns and how fights over funding could affect the island. Plus, a new EPA proposal could force the utility sector to better control and clean up inactive coal ash ponds located near coal-fired power plants.We want to invite you to POLITICO’s first Energy summit! Hear from Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi, and more to hear about the new energy transition. Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 18th. See you in person here in DC, or you can join us virtually. For more details and to RSVP: https://www.politico.com/live-events/2023/05/18/politico-energy-summit-00001441For 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 Gloria Gonzalez is the Deputy Energy Editor at POLITICO Pro.Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.Brook Hayes edited this POLITICO energy podcast.Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.
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May 17, 2023 • 9min
Why Biden’s carbon capture bet is sparking fears in oil producing states
Congress is injecting $12 billion in subsidies into carbon capture technology and storage, setting the stage for massive private investment to battle climate change in the coming years. But a new POLITICO investigation found that federal and state authorities aren’t prepared to regulate the carbon capture industry. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre lays out the concerns around Biden’s carbon capture initiative and how it could challenge the administration’s environmental justice pledges. Plus, as part of the debt ceiling negotiations, House Republicans are pushing for a two-step deal that would first address narrow energy project permitting measures and then tackle thorny transmission issues. We want to invite you to POLITICO’s first Energy summit! Hear from Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi, and more to hear about the new energy transition. Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 18th. See you in person here in DC, or you can join us virtually. For more details and to RSVP: https://www.politico.com/live-events/2023/05/18/politico-energy-summit-00001441For 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 Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.Brook Hayes edited this POLITICO energy podcast.Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.
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May 16, 2023 • 9min
What Biden’s new global trade vision could mean for energy
President Joe Biden is trying to usher in an era of new economic order that moves past old models of free trade and reliance on markets. Instead, he’s trying to push a "worker-centered" trade policy, raise wages around the world and bolster environmental standards. So far though, the Biden administration has struggled to define its vision in less abstract terms, let alone implement it. POLITICO’s Gavin Bade breaks down why Biden is trying to reshape the global economic system and what it could mean for America’s energy policy. Plus, a new nonprofit analysis shows that military spending to clean up toxic chemicals in drinking water isn’t keeping up with the growing scope of the problem. We want to invite you to POLITICO’s first Energy summit! Hear from Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi, and more to hear about the new energy transition. Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 18th. See you in person here in DC, or you can join us virtually. For more details and to RSVP — https://www.politico.com/live-events/2023/05/18/politico-energy-summit-00001441 For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to our free newsletter here: https://www.politico.com/power-switchAnd subscribe to POLITICO Pro to read our Morning Energy newsletter here: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Gavin Bade is a trade reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.Brook Hayes edited this POLITICO energy podcast.Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.
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May 15, 2023 • 8min
How Biden’s latest climate rule could impact the power grid
U.S power companies are warning that President Joe Biden’s new power plant rule could hurt the reliability of the nation’s grid at a time when outages are on the rise. But former regulators and EPA backers say industry’s concerns are overblown. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down the potential impact of Biden’s rule on the nation’s power network. Plus, the Biden administration unveiled its latest guidance for companies to earn additional “bonus” credits under the Inflation Reduction Act by using domestically produced steel, iron and manufactured products. Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.Brook Hayes edited this POLITICO energy podcast.Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.
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May 12, 2023 • 9min
Inside Biden’s crackdown on power plant emissions
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed its latest rule to impose stricter limits on fossil fuel power plants. The Biden administration says the draft regulation will reduce the effects of climate change and provide better-paying jobs, but the rule will likely face major challenges from GOP-led states and questions from utilities who say the power sector isn’t ready for the proposed changes. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the details of the new rule. Plus, the Senate on Thursday narrowly voted to overturn two Biden administration policies intended to protect endangered species. Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.Brook Hayes edited this POLITICO energy podcast.Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.
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