
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 11, 2022 • 8min
California’s Colorado River pitch
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.
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Oct 7, 2022 • 8min
How rising gas prices could shake up the midterms
After nearly 100 days of declining prices at the pump, domestic gas prices are rising due to refinery outages and damage from Hurricane Ian. And that trend might continue because of OPEC’s decision to cut oil production starting in November. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down how a potential rise in gas prices could impact the political strategy for Democrats and Republicans heading into the midterm elections. Plus, the Environmental Protection Agency is expected to include EV charging under its upcoming RFS proposal. 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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Oct 6, 2022 • 8min
Biden’s OPEC dilemma
On Wednesday, OPEC announced one of the biggest cuts to oil production since the start of the pandemic: a 2 million-barrel per day cut to its target starting in November. The move threatens to push gasoline prices higher and disrupt the positive momentum Democrats and the Biden administration had enjoyed over the last couple months related to prices at the pump. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down why OPEC is cutting oil production and how the Biden administration is responding. Plus, the Biden administration has kicked off the first formal step in the process of implementing Democrats’ historic climate and energy bill. 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.
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Oct 5, 2022 • 8min
Why carbon capture companies are staffing up with lobbyists
The Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided billions of dollars to invest in the controversial carbon capture industry. And now, the industry is pouring money into hiring lobbyists. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down what the industry hopes to accomplish by staffing up, the well-connected insiders being hired, and the unsettled politics behind carbon capture itself. Plus, Virginia’s governor Glenn Youngkin wants the state to bet big on nuclear power. 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.
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Oct 4, 2022 • 8min
Biden visits Puerto Rico after Hurricane Fiona’s devastating hit
As Florida recovers from Hurricane Ian, Puerto Ricans still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona are pleading with the Biden administration to not forget the island. Power is still out for more than 100,000 Puerto Rican customers and remains unstable for those who have it. POLITICO’s Gloria Gonzalez breaks down why Puerto Ricans fear being forgotten, the Biden administration’s response to Fiona so far and how the island’s residents hope the federal government can speed up its slow rebuilding efforts. Plus, the Supreme Court debates narrowing the Clean Water Act. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the Deputy Energy Editor at 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.
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Oct 3, 2022 • 8min
Supreme Court wades back into WOTUS debate
As the Supreme Court begins a new term today, the justices are once again set to debate what bodies of water qualify for federal protections. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down how the outcome could impact industry, the environment and the powers of the Environmental Protection Agency. Plus, President Joe Biden signed a short-term government funding measure on Friday that helped avert a government shutdown and provides disaster relief, heating assistance for low-income families and aid to Ukraine. 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.
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Sep 30, 2022 • 6min
The supply chain risks to Florida’s power restoration efforts
The wreckage caused by Hurricane Ian is poised to leave millions of Floridians without power, possibly for weeks. As utilities look to restore power and repair critical infrastructure, they also face a supply-chain crunch that threatens resiliency after climate disasters. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down the state of Florida’s power system and how supply chain issues are impacting efforts to restore power. Plus, a new study finds that oil and gas producers are emitting more methane than previously thought because of flawed flaring. 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.
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Sep 29, 2022 • 8min
Why Manchin's fight to overhaul energy permitting isn't over
Earlier this week, Sen. Joe Manchin conceded defeat on his push to combine his energy permitting package with a short-term government funding bill. Though the bill might have died before it reached the Senate floor, some lawmakers and clean energy advocates are hopeful a compromise can be revived. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and Kelsey Tamborrino discuss why Manchin backed off on his top priority and the remaining obstacles any future legislation faces. Plus, President Joe Biden on Wednesday warned oil companies against increasing gasoline prices as Hurricane Ian makes landfall in the United States. 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.
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Sep 28, 2022 • 9min
Why Tampa Bay is in the climate danger zone
As Hurricane Ian spins toward Tampa Bay, the Gulf Coast may serve as a warning about expansive development in areas at risk for climate-fueled destruction. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down why Tampa Bay is uniquely at risk of major destruction from Hurricane Ian and how the costs of climate disasters are accelerating. Plus, Senator Joe Manchin pulled his energy permitting legislation from a government spending bill on Tuesday after it looked like the measure wouldn’t pass. 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.
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Sep 27, 2022 • 8min
Biden team urges clean energy sector to get to work
Last week, several Biden administration officials traveled to a major clean energy conference to deliver a message to industry executives and international energy leaders: start using the money from the Inflation Reduction Act and help the White House deliver on its international climate commitments. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down that message, the questions that remain about the legislation and how the White House views its international climate standing. Plus, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is urging Senate Republicans to vote no on advancing Sen. Joe Manchin’s permitting reform legislation as part of a government funding package. 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.
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