Shift Key with Robinson Meyer and Jesse Jenkins

Jody Freeman, Archibald Cox Professor of Law at Harvard and architect of the Obama administration's landmark auto emissions deal, joins a discussion about the Trump administration's controversial declaration that carbon dioxide is not a dangerous pollutant. They explore its potential to dismantle regulations on greenhouse gases and analyze the implications for U.S. climate policy. Freeman critiques the legal and scientific basis of this move and highlights the historical context of bipartisan climate efforts, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to tackle climate challenges.

The discussion revolves around the impending surge in electricity demand in the U.S., reminiscent of the 1970s. Key topics include the impact of political decisions on renewable energy financing, particularly the repeal of tax credits. They explore how rapid increases in natural gas exports and supply chain issues could drive electricity prices up. Insights from recent market auctions reveal potential crises in electricity affordability, affecting both consumers and the economy. Additionally, there's a look at the strategic importance of electricity in AI and manufacturing.

Explore how sunlight and wind are transforming electricity generation. Discover the fascinating connection between solar panels and semiconductors, and why it took so long for solar tech to scale up. Uncover the importance of inverters in the future power grid and learn about the mechanics of wind turbines. Plus, delve into the historical evolution of these technologies and their rising contributions to clean energy. From perovskite solar cells to wind patterns, this discussion covers the exciting journey of renewable energy.

Jillian Goodman, Deputy Editor at Heatmap, dives into the recent shifts in U.S. climate policy following the Republican reconciliation bill that significantly cuts clean energy tax credits. She discusses the immediate impacts on industries like solar and EVs, the future challenges in manufacturing and supply chains, and the emotional responses from climate advocates navigating these turbulent changes. Goodman underscores the importance of bipartisan support and innovative strategies to adapt to the altered landscape of climate legislation.

Discover the machines that have powered our electricity since 1890, focusing on fossil fuels and nuclear energy. Learn how the Rankine cycle uses steam for efficient electricity generation and why natural gas plants are more efficient than coal. Explore the historical shift from direct current to alternating current and the impact of nuclear energy in the U.S. post-World War II. Delve into how steam technology shaped power generation and what that means for future energy challenges.

Dive into the basics of energy and power as the hosts break down key concepts like joules, watts, and megawatts. Discover how shifting from incandescent to LED lights saves energy, and learn about the rising energy demands of electric vehicles. The podcast also clarifies how electricity consumption varies across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Packed with practical examples, it sets the stage for better understanding of our power grid and its future challenges.

Michael Grunwald, author of 'We Are Eating the Earth' and a prominent climate journalist, dives deep into the connections between food, land use, and climate change. He exposes how food production contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions but often gets sidelined in climate policies. Grunwald critiques the dilemmas of land use, especially between biofuels and food, while sharing his journey towards reducing beef consumption for environmental reasons. He emphasizes moving towards sustainable meat sources and highlights the need for policy reforms to support eco-friendly agricultural practices.

In this discussion, John Henry Harris, the cofounder and CEO of Harbinger Motors, delves into the electrification of medium-duty trucks, a surprising focus for sustainability efforts. He explains how these vehicles are prime candidates for electric power due to their daily mileage needs. The conversation covers the intricacies of designing long-lasting electric trucks, the economic advantages over diesel alternatives, and the impacts of trade policies on U.S. manufacturing. Harris also shares insights on the specific maintenance benefits and potential savings for operators.

Jessica Green, a political science professor at the University of Toronto and author of 'The Existential Politics of Climate Change,' dives into the complexities of decarbonization. She critiques traditional views on climate action, proposing a focus on asset ownership instead. The conversation highlights the political risks of transitioning away from fossil fuels and the challenges posed by collective action. Green advocates for a pragmatic approach to climate policy, underscoring the need to navigate the nuances of ownership dynamics and regulatory hurdles in achieving net zero emissions.

Nicholas Bagley, a law professor at the University of Michigan and former Chief Legal Counsel to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, delves into the Supreme Court's landmark decision on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The ruling, which could favor fossil fuel expansion, sparks a debate on the balance between infrastructure development and environmental protection. Bagley explores the implications for future environmental litigation and the evolving landscape of permitting laws, highlighting a potential transformation in how NEPA is interpreted.