POLITICO Energy

Americans should brace for steep winter power bills as demand for natural gas has spiked globally, according to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down why the Biden administration has limited options to lower those bills. Plus, the state of Missouri loses its challenge to President Joe Biden’s social cost of carbon. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Catherine Morehouse 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democrats on the campaign trail are blasting oil companies for high gasoline prices and accusing Republicans of being too cozy with Big Oil. But that messaging strategy is overshadowing Democrats’ major legislative achievement this Congress: the $369 billion climate bill that President Joe Biden signed into law just two months ago. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down the reasons for that strategy, whether it’s effective and how Republicans are responding. Plus, EPA has proposed a new rule that will reduce the use of hydrofluorocarbons, a group of chemicals that are significant contributors to global warming, by 40 percent. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Biden administration announced on Wednesday that its continuing to release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in an effort to bring down gas prices before the November midterm elections. But the administration is holding back on more dramatic and riskier actions while also facing criticism over gas prices from Republicans. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down the White House’s latest moves. Plus, the Biden administration announced $2.8 billion in grant awards to support domestic electric vehicle battery production. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Ben Lefebvre 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Minnesota’s grid regulator and the state utility, Xcel Energy, are at odds over a $197 million proposal to build out hundreds of electric vehicle charging stations across the state. This battle is seen as the first big test case for whether EV charging stations should be in public or private hands. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse talks about why regulators put the brakes on the proposal and the broader implications this fight may have as the nation looks to transition away from fossil fuel-burning vehicles. Plus, the Biden administration is expected to tap oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve again ahead of the midterm elections. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Catherine Morehouse 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The recent controversial remarks from the World Bank’s president David Malpass, in which he repeatedly dodged questions about climate science, may have given climate advocates and several western countries an opening to force the institution to adopt stronger green policies. But some countries, particularly in Africa, are skeptical of those changes. POLITICO’s Zack Colman discusses issues raised by the Malpass episode, and how the World Bank is defending itself. Plus, two House committees are probing Mississippi’s water spending amid allegations that the Republican-led state withheld resources from the predominantly Black city of Jackson. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Zack Colman covers climate change 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last month, when Hurricanes Ian and Fiona made landfall, they knocked out power for 2.7 million people in Florida along with the entire island of Puerto Rico. But residents who relied specifically on solar power during the storms say their systems performed well and were critical to keeping the lights on. That success could help solar supporters dealing with regulatory and legislative battles around the country. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino and Catherine Morehouse discuss why solar power flourished during these recent storms, how industry is reacting, and the political challenges solar power still faces in Florida and Puerto Rico. Plus, the White House is expected to announce additional action this week to help bring down gas prices. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy.Catherine Morehouse 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been almost a decade since Hurricane Sandy devastated several Northeastern states, causing nearly $82 billion in damages and over 100 deaths. And according to a new report, New York City, which was one of the hardest hit places, has only spent nearly a quarter of the $15 billion it received in emergency relief. POLITICO’s Danielle Muoio Dunn breaks down why the recovery efforts in New York are taking so long and what city officials are recommending to not only recover but also prepare for the next storm. Plus, FERC Chair Richard Glick says he's optimistic he'll get a confirmation hearing by the end of the year because of reassurances from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and the White House. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Danielle Muoio Dunn is a City Hall reporter for POLITICO New YorkNirmal 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Trump Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who departed the administration under a cloud of ethics scandals, has struggled to pull away in a three-way Montana race for a House seat. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre discusses why this congressional race is unique, what’s working in Zinke’s favor, and how his challengers have brought his record into the spotlight. Plus, the Interior Department has launched a new Colorado River drought spending initiative. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Ben Lefebvre 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gas prices have climbed sharply in California, with Gov. Gavin Newsom calling a special session of the state legislature to consider a windfall profit tax on oil companies in response. POLITICO’s California Playbook author Lara Korte breaks down why prices are increasing in California and the likelihood of a windfall profit tax. Plus, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz sparked controversy on Tuesday by saying that he always knew Russian President Vladimir Putin would weaponize energy, despite Scholz’s past defense of the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Lara Korte covers state politics and is a co-author of POLITICO California Playbook.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, California offered to voluntarily cut its use of Colorado River water in exchange for federal money. California is the largest user of the river so the move could potentially reenergize negotiations among the seven states that rely on its water. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down the impact of California’s proposed cuts, if the plan could actually help set the stage for a deal, and how the Biden administration might impact negotiations. Plus, the Environmental Protection Agency says lead emissions from small aircraft pose a threat, signaling the first step toward regulation. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices