
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

Apr 13, 2023 • 8min
The coming legal fight over EPA’s tailpipe rules
On Wednesday, the Biden administration announced what it called the most ambitious auto pollution rules in history, with the goal of accelerating automakers’ shift to electric vehicles. But the administration will have to defend its proposals against potential legal and industry challenges. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the impact of these new rules and the coming legal battle. Plus, a federal court blocked President Joe Biden’s WOTUS rule in 24 states. 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.Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.
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Apr 12, 2023 • 9min
Why Biden isn’t taking a side in the Colorado River dispute - yet
On Tuesday, the Biden administration took a step toward being able to force water delivery cuts on states that rely on the drought-stricken Colorado River. But it declined to take a firm stance on whether California or Arizona should bear the brunt of potential water cuts. The crisis is a political minefield for the administration. The Interior Department is trying to turn up the pressure on the states in hopes of accelerating their negotiations and reaching a resolution themselves. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down the details and politics behind the Interior Department's decision. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.
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Apr 10, 2023 • 7min
The big missing piece of the EV tax credit guidance
The Treasury Department has delayed issuing guidance on the “foreign entity of concern” provision in the Inflation Reduction Act’s electric vehicle tax credits, which left companies uncertain about who they can partner with in the race to build a domestic EV industry. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down the goal of that provision, why Treasury delayed releasing the guidance, and how industry and lawmakers are reacting. Plus, the White House has proposed regulatory review changes that would benefit climate regulations. 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.Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.
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Apr 7, 2023 • 6min
Hochul drops push to weaken NY climate law
After backlash from environmentalists and state lawmakers, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is dropping her push to rewrite the state’s ambitious climate law — a controversial effort that would’ve changed how New York accounts for its emissions and weakened the landmark legislation. POLITICO’s Marie French breaks down why Hochul was looking to rewrite the climate law and the opposition she faced. Plus, EPA is aiming to slash cancer-causing chemicals from industrial plants. Marie J. French covers energy and the environment for POLITICO New York. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.
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Apr 6, 2023 • 8min
EPA tackles toxic pollutants from coal plants
On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed strengthening a successful yet contentious Obama-era rule limiting toxic pollutants, like mercury, from coal-fired power plants. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the details of the updated rule, the potential impact on the nation’s already shrinking fleet of coal plants, and how the rule fits into the Biden administration’s broader climate agenda. Plus, an appeals court dismissed a lawsuit from Louisiana and other Republican-controlled states challenging the Biden administration’s social cost of carbon. 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.Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.
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Apr 4, 2023 • 8min
Will tough-on-China sentiment hurt domestic LNG?
In recent months, Democrats and Republicans have been pushing tough-on-China bills, and that trend is worrisome for the United States’ booming natural gas export industry, which has an established business history with Beijing. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down the relationship between the US LNG industry and China, why industry is concerned, and how lawmakers are reacting. Plus, the Department of Interior approved the first commercial-scale offshore wind energy project to start turbine construction in federal U.S. waters. Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.
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Apr 3, 2023 • 8min
Breaking down Biden’s new EV guidance
On Friday, the Treasury Department released long-anticipated eligibility guidance for the $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit in the Inflation Reduction Act. The rules could have major implications for the fight against climate change, Washington’s rivalry with Beijing, and President Joe Biden’s quest to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down what the rules mean for consumers, automakers and U.S. allies. Plus, EPA approves a Biden-backed California rule that phases out diesel trucks. 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.Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.
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Mar 31, 2023 • 8min
The House GOP passed its big energy bill. Now what?
House Republicans passed their sprawling energy bill Thursday on a 225-204 vote, delivering the GOP's biggest legislative win since they took control of the chamber. And even though President Joe Biden has vowed to veto the bill, elements of the legislation could be a part of bipartisan negotiations on a narrower energy issue: permitting. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down what’s next after Republicans passed their energy bill. Plus, President Joe Biden will open up federal land for public conservation. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy.Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.
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Mar 30, 2023 • 7min
California governor wins fight with Big Oil
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been waging a public battle against the oil industry for months. On Tuesday, Newsom signed a first-in-the-nation law that’s supposed to keep gas prices in the state under control. POLITICO’s Wes Venteicher breaks down the law’s details, its evolution and why fossil fuel lobbyists couldn’t defeat it. Plus, the Senate votes to overturn Biden’s WOTUS rule. Wes Venteicher covers climate and energy energy news in California for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.
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Mar 29, 2023 • 9min
House nears vote for GOP’s energy package
House Republicans are expected to pass one of their biggest legislative priorities this week: a sprawling party-line energy package. The bill includes some of the GOP’s most popular energy policies and pitches from the past decade, while also taking aim at President Joe Biden’s climate policies. The package is considered an opening negotiating pitch by Republicans on energy permitting — a rare policy area that they hope will lead to a bipartisan deal. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down the details of the bill and the state of play of negotiations. Plus, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said the Biden administration will release its delayed five-year offshore oil and gas leasing plan in September. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy.Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.
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