The discussion kicks off with a lighthearted Super Bowl chat before diving into the serious implications of President Trump's rapid policy shifts on clean energy. The hosts analyze the funding freeze on renewable projects and the push towards fossil fuels. They explore the challenging landscape for job creation in the clean energy sector and the negative impacts of governmental decisions. The conversation also addresses the future of solar energy, its challenges with tariffs, and the importance of adapting to changing regulations for a sustainable energy landscape.

Anukool Lakhina, the CEO and co-founder of BurnBot, shares his insights on innovative wildfire mitigation through robotic technology. He discusses how these tank-sized robots can manage biomass, incinerate it, and operate in any weather, transforming fire prevention efforts. Lakhina also highlights key bills and policies crucial for effective fire management. Additionally, the conversation touches on the Trump administration's recent climate and energy policies, including their controversial impacts on carbon emissions and environmental regulations.

The podcast dives into Biden's complex climate legacy, balancing major legislative victories with contentious challenges. It discusses the slow rollout of funds from the Inflation Reduction Act and the impact of record oil and gas extraction. The hosts explore Biden's final decisions, including an offshore drilling ban, and highlight a report warning against expanding liquefied natural gas. Rapid insights on renewable energy solutions, like solar power and battery cars, showcase the ongoing evolution in climate policy and its implications.

Neil Chatterjee, a former commissioner at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, is known for his straightforward and sometimes provocative views on energy policy. In this discussion, he advocates for a fresh approach to energy politics, especially in light of AI's growing role. Chatterjee pushes for the re-emergence of technical expertise in energy decision-making and highlights the potential of distributed energy resources. The conversation also touches on the complexities of legislative reform in Congress and the future of clean energy initiatives.

In honor of the mixed assortment of Thanksgiving leftovers in our fridges, today’s episode features a grab bag of hot topics facing energy and climate policy today.The hosts kick things off with a frank assessment of COP29, which wrapped up in Azerbaijan a few weeks ago. Members agreed to provide $300B in annual support to developing nations, but the lack of a more comprehensive pledge left many attendees concerned about the waning influence of the conference writ large.Then, the hosts consider pathways for permitting reform in both the lame duck session and Congress’ upcoming reconciliation package. Later in the show, they unpack a proposal from California Gov. Gavin Newsom to offer a statewide EV tax credit if President-elect Trump kills the existing federal program. The unexpected catch? It bars Tesla from participating in the program.The hosts wrap up the episode with feedback from our listeners, including questions and comments covering everything from right-shoring and ag policy to the future of offshore wind.Lastly, we apologize for the minor audio issues in this episode!---Subscribe to Latitude Media’s newsletter to get weekly updates on tech, markets, policy, and deals across clean energy and climate tech.Political Climate is co-produced by Boundary Stone Partners, a leading bipartisan climate change strategic advisory and government affairs firm. Their mission-driven approach combines innovative solutions with expertise in technology, finance, policy, federal funding, and advocacy. Learn more and get in touch today at BoundaryStone.com.

Bruce Westerman, Republican Congressman from Arkansas and chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, dives into the energy and climate policies reshaping the U.S. following the Republican trifecta. He discusses the future of the Inflation Reduction Act and explores pathways for permitting reform, particularly regarding geothermal energy and mining. Westerman emphasizes the crucial role of forests in environmental health and advocates for sustainable management practices. He also reflects on how post-election dynamics can energize collaboration to advance energy legislation.

The hosts delve into the fallout from Trump's landslide victory and its implications for clean energy policy. They discuss how Democrats can sharpen their messaging and identify key Republican figures who may champion climate initiatives. Personal experiences from a California canvasser reveal disconnects between politics and voter awareness, while the potential rise of protectionism in trade policy raises questions for the clean energy sector. Humor mingles with analysis as they explore the intricacies of post-election governance and its impact on climate advocacy.

The 2024 election has finally arrived. Early ballots have been mailed. The candidates are crossing the country, making their final pitches. Analysts are poring over countless polls, while tension builds. Climate and energy didn’t surface as a central issue of this year’s presidential campaign. But the results of the race — as well as many more down-ballot — will have huge repercussions for the future of U.S. energy policy. In today’s episode, the hosts explore the nuanced role climate played in this election cycle, highlight some down-ballot races to watch, and consider some scenarios and priorities for the lame duck session. Also in the show: what lessons should lawmakers take away from recent catastrophic hurricanes? Could a new approach to FEMA funding and flood insurance lessen the impacts of the next big storm?This episode wraps up with our lightning round segment, the Mark-Up.Subscribe to Latitude Media’s newsletter to get weekly updates on tech, markets, policy, and deals across clean energy and climate tech.Political Climate is co-produced by Boundary Stone Partners, a leading bipartisan climate change strategic advisory and government affairs firm. Their mission-driven approach combines innovative solutions with expertise in technology, finance, policy, federal funding, and advocacy. Learn more and get in touch today at BoundaryStone.com.Concerned about how the 2024 election might impact the programs, policies, and incentives that matter most to you? Let Boundary Stone Partners' Climate24 service help you navigate the political landscape with their policy navigator tool, resources, and bespoke services. Learn more at BoundaryStone.com/Climate24.

With less than four months left in office, President Biden has green-lit another divisive climate-related policy.On October 2, Biden signed the Building Chips in America Act into law. The bill allows the manufacture of microchips—like the ones in smartphones, medical devices, cars and more—to bypass federal environmental review. The bill’s supporters hope it will drive domestic production and maximize the potential of Biden’s 2022 CHIPS and Science Act. But a solid chunk of congressional Democrats oppose the bill, citing the health and environmental risks that chips production facilities pose.In today’s episode, the hosts unpack the nuanced political dynamics behind the bill and debate the impacts it could have on November’s elections.Also in the show—the hosts take a deep dive on the climate rhetoric in the recent vice presidential debate and offer an insider perspective on New York Climate Week.The episode wraps up with the lightning round segment, the Markup.Subscribe to Latitude Media’s newsletter to get weekly updates on tech, markets, policy, and deals across clean energy and climate tech.Political Climate is co-produced by Boundary Stone Partners, a leading bipartisan climate change strategic advisory and government affairs firm. Their mission-driven approach combines innovative solutions with expertise in technology, finance, policy, federal funding, and advocacy. Learn more and get in touch today at BoundaryStone.com.Concerned about how the 2024 election might impact the programs, policies, and incentives that matter most to you? Let Boundary Stone Partners' Climate24 service help you navigate the political landscape with their policy navigator tool, resources, and bespoke services. Learn more at BoundaryStone.com/Climate24.

The team returns back from a mid-season break rested and ready to dig into a new Congressional attempt to fast-track clean energy projects. Earlier this month, GOP Rep. Bruce Westerman of Arkansas introduced draft legislation to overhaul the long-standing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The plan could provide critical momentum to get clean energy (and fossil fuel) projects built faster. Yet it has also caught flak from some Democrats who describe it as extreme, and tie it to the controversial Project 2025.In today’s episode, the hosts consider the obstacles surrounding existing NEPA policy, as well as the impacts of Westerman’s plan and the criticisms surrounding it.Also in this episode: Brandon, Emily, and Julia discuss the energy and climate rhetoric in this month’s presidential debate, as well as a proposal from Harris campaign adviser Brian Deese to loan other countries billions of dollars to buy American clean energy tech. The episode wraps up with the rapid-fire segment, the Mark-Up.Subscribe to Latitude Media’s newsletter to get weekly updates on tech, markets, policy, and deals across clean energy and climate tech.Political Climate is co-produced by Boundary Stone Partners, a leading bipartisan climate change strategic advisory and government affairs firm. Their mission-driven approach combines innovative solutions with expertise in technology, finance, policy, federal funding, and advocacy. Learn more and get in touch today at BoundaryStone.com.Concerned about how the 2024 election might impact the programs, policies, and incentives that matter most to you? Let Boundary Stone Partners' Climate24 service help you navigate the political landscape with their policy navigator tool, resources, and bespoke services. Learn more at BoundaryStone.com/Climate24.