Political Climate

House Speaker Mike Johnson is racing against time to pass a major budget reconciliation bill, impacting spending cuts and tax extensions. The discussion digs deep into the fate of U.S. energy tax credits and which clean energy policies might be at risk. The contrasting energy strategies of Democrats and Republicans showcase challenges surrounding nuclear and geothermal energy. Current tariffs are affecting the clean energy sector, raising questions about investment and regulatory authority. Political maneuvering becomes critical as reconciliation bills shape the future.

Hey Political Climate listeners, we’re jumping on to let you know that we’re taking a short recess. The show will be back in another couple of weeks, with hosts Julia Pyper, Emily Domenech, and Brandon Hurlbut to help you understand the latest news with perspectives from across the political spectrum. There is no shortage of activity, from tariffs to reconciliation, DOGE program cuts, and so much more. Follow Political Climate wherever you listen, so you don’t miss the latest episode release.Thank you for listening! Back soon.

The hosts dive into the EPA's controversial new energy regulations and the potential consequences of deregulating power plants. They discuss the future of clean energy tax credits and the surprising bipartisan support among some House Republicans. The impact of Trump's tariffs on the energy sector is also examined, alongside the challenges of using NGOs for grant distribution. As they celebrate a year of relaunching, they reflect on the evolving energy policy landscape and its implications for both the environment and local economies.

In this special episode of “Political Climate,” hosts Brandon Hurlbut and Emily Domenech travel to Big Sky, Montana, to record the podcast live at the Winterfest conference. Now in its twentieth year, Winterfest brings together leaders in clean energy and finance to help move the global energy transition forward. This year the conference focused on finding solutions in a singular and difficult political moment.To help make sense of the political headwinds rocking clean energy and decarbonization efforts, the hosts are joined by two conservative-minded insiders with decades of experience: Rich Powell, CEO of the Clean Energy Buyers’ Association, and Travis Kavulla, vice president of regulatory affairs at NRG. In their wide-ranging conversation, the hosts and their guests explore the clean energy projects most likely to make gains during the Trump administration, discuss how skyrocketing energy demand impacts supply, and offer advice for industry leaders unsure of how to move their projects forward amidst compounding political challenges.---Credits: Hosted by Emily Domenech and Brandon Hurlbut. Produced by Max Savage Levenson. Edited by Anne Bailey. Original music and engineering by Sean Marquand. Stephen Lacey is our executive editor.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.The energy industry is transforming - are you staying ahead of the curve? As the premier bipartisan strategic advisory firm, Boundary Stone Partners bridges the gap between technology, policy, and finance to drive real-world impact, empowering clients to shape a more sustainable future. Visit BoundaryStone.com to learn more.

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.