POLITICO Energy

Matt Christiansen, former general counsel at FERC, shares insights from his extensive tenure at the agency. He discusses FERC's significant successes and challenges, particularly regarding LNG regulations and climate considerations. Christiansen emphasizes the importance of FERC’s independence amidst political pressures and staffing shortages. He reflects on innovative policies like Order 1920, which reshape transmission planning. Concluding with a hopeful outlook, he notes recent strides in improving the regulatory process while advocating for the agency's vital role in the energy infrastructure.

Join Alex Guillén, an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro, as he dives into a significant Supreme Court ruling that simplifies environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act. They discuss how this decision may diminish the power of environmental groups to challenge projects, potentially accelerating fossil fuel developments. The conversation also touches on Tesla's criticism of a Republican megabill that threatens vital clean energy tax credits, reflecting the ongoing battle between innovation and regulation in the energy sector.

Cat Morehouse, an energy reporter and author of Morning Energy for POLITICO, dives into the recent power outages affecting 100,000 residents in New Orleans. She discusses how this crisis raises questions about grid reliability and could fortify Trump’s fossil fuel agenda. The conversation highlights challenges faced by nuclear plants, the impact of climate change on energy demand, and the Department of Energy's push to keep coal plants operational. It's a compelling look at the intersection of energy policy and real-world power struggles.

The discussion highlights President Trump's recent executive orders aimed at boosting the U.S. nuclear industry. Key initiatives focus on strengthening supply chains and expediting reactor approvals. Bipartisan support for nuclear power is emphasized, stressing its reliability and zero-carbon potential. However, challenges like high construction costs and foreign dependencies remain. The reactions within the industry reveal a divide between those hopeful for growth and skeptics concerned about safety and regulatory changes.

Gerard Barron, CEO and Chair of The Metals Company, is at the forefront of deep sea mining—a field he believes is crucial for America's energy future. He tackles the intricate interplay of economic benefits and environmental concerns in this burgeoning industry. Barron discusses the Trump administration's mining ambitions and the complex permit process with U.S. regulatory agencies. He also sheds light on the competitive landscape with China and the potential for bipartisan support, all while emphasizing the necessity for critical minerals to meet clean energy goals.

House Republicans are making big waves by altering clean energy tax credits in a recent bill, leaving advocates anxious. The changes include tougher qualifications for solar and wind projects and even adding nuclear energy into the mix. The Senate's decision to reverse California's phase-out of gasoline vehicles signifies a potential pivot back to fossil fuels. Experts dive into the negotiations, raising concerns about the impact on renewable projects amidst a partisan tug-of-war.

Zack Colman, a climate change reporter for POLITICO, dives into the fierce rift within the Republican Party regarding clean energy strategies related to China's market dominance. He discusses the contrasting views on federal investments in clean energy and the implications of Trump's policies for America's competitive edge. Colman sheds light on how these internal conflicts complicate negotiations over significant legislation, and he examines the risks posed by retreating from the clean energy race amidst global competition.

The discussion dives into President Trump's agenda for a domestic critical minerals industry amidst challenges from his own party's reconciliation package. It exposes the tensions that could hinder U.S. production and the race against China in this critical sector. The implications of proposed legislative changes on electric vehicle tax credits also take center stage, raising alarms about national security and domestic sourcing. Plus, California's vehicle emission waivers face a potential overhaul, and exciting developments in wind energy construction are highlighted.

James Bikales, a POLITICO reporter, dives into the clean energy conundrum facing Republicans like Arizona Congressman Juan Ciscomani. As a rising GOP star, Ciscomani grapples with the challenge of supporting the Inflation Reduction Act while dealing with the expectations of his constituents who are benefiting economically. The conversation also highlights exciting developments in local clean energy projects, including EV manufacturing and solar initiatives, alongside the political rifts within the party and recent federal actions on natural gas exports.

Catherine Morehouse, an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of Morning Energy, discusses President Trump's potential appointment of a new commissioner to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. This move could align FERC with a pro-fossil fuel agenda, emphasizing candidates like Austin Lepari and Tricia Pridemore. They explore the implications for coal and LNG policies, while also addressing uncertainty surrounding the current chair's future. The conversation reveals how shifts in leadership may impact pipeline approvals and the broader regulatory landscape.