POLITICO Energy

This week, President Joe Biden approved California’s request for stricter-than-federal vehicle emission standards – a decision that could reshape the trajectory of the American auto industry and will make it harder for President-elect Donald Trump to kill Biden’s electric vehicle transition. Mike Lee from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down the decision along with the political and legal ramifications. Plus, meet Trump's Energy Department landing team. Mike Lee covers transportation for POLITICO’s E&E News. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many Environmental Protection Agency staffers are considering leaving their jobs because of the incoming Trump administration. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down why these employees are debating whether it's time to exit and how that could affect the agency’s ability to carry out critical functions. Plus, the Biden administration has granted California permission to enforce its nation-leading pollution rules for cars and trucks. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Tuesday, the Biden administration released its long-anticipated LNG report that could make it harder for the incoming Trump administration to expand U.S. liquefied natural gas exports. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down the big takeaways from the report and the potential impact on America’s energy landscape and the incoming Trump administration. Plus, the Biden administration is poised to provide a record $15 billion loan guarantee to the California utility giant PG&E. Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, POLITICO Energy host Alex Guillén sits down for an extended interview with Chris Frey, who led EPA’s research office under President Joe Biden for three years. They discuss how a second Trump administration could impact federal science policy and lessons for the science community from Trump’s first term. Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The climate science community is bracing for Donald Trump's second term as they fear censorship, layoffs and funding cuts. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down how Trump treated science policy in his first term, the anxious mood among climate scientists right now and how they are preparing themselves. Plus, Europe’s top competition and climate official says America’s rivals are preparing to become bigger players in the clean energy space during the second Trump administration. Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration released two key climate findings this week: 2024 was the hottest year ever on record, and the Arctic tundra is now a driver of climate change. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down how NOAA’s findings could have big implications for the fight against climate change. Plus, the board of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator approved a sweeping $21.8 billion package of transmission projects to stretch across the region’s Midwest footprint. Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A bitterly divided federal appeals court upheld a ruling that Exxon Mobil must pay a record $14.25 million in fines for pollution emitted by one of its Texas oil refineries. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the historic decision, the unusual judicial infighting involved in the case and what this ruling means for oil companies like Exxon moving forward. Plus, lawmakers unveiled three bills on Wednesday to strengthen the U.S. critical mineral supply chain and reduce reliance on adversaries such as China. Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Supreme Court justices heard arguments in a case that could limit how much federal agencies can consider the climate impacts of new infrastructure projects. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the details of the case and how the eventual ruling could dramatically transform the National Environmental Policy Act. Plus, President-elect Donald Trump is promising that anyone who invests at least $1 billion in the United States will be rewarded with expedited permits and environmental approvals. Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, federal judges began debating the legality of the Biden administration’s climate rule regulating emissions from power plants. And while the incoming Trump administration is expected to try to repeal the rule, the legal deliberations could still give us clues about future rulemaking processes and litigation affecting energy policy. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the future of the case, what the judges are thinking, and the policy implications. Plus, Rep. Brett Guthrie of Kentucky is set to become chair of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee next Congress. Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro.  Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congressional Democrats are fighting over a broadly supported bipartisan bill that aims to start to clean up hundreds of thousands of abandoned mines across the country. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down the intraparty fight and what it means for the legislation. Plus, a panel of federal judges on Friday dug into EPA’s decision to base its power plant climate rule on capturing carbon emissions. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Midcontinent Independent Power Operator, which manages the power grid for 15 states, is grappling with how to meet skyrocketing power demand while keeping consumers’ bills affordable. Today, POLITICO Energy host Catherine Morehouse sits down with the grid operator’s second in command, Chief Operating Officer Clair Moeller, to discuss how MISO is planning to respond to growing grid challenges and what MISO hopes to see from the incoming Trump administration. Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arizona Rep. Raúl Grijalva announced this week he’d step down from his spot as the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee next Congress. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down the race to replace Grijalva and how it highlights a broader intraparty fight playing out within the Democratic party right now. Plus, the Energy Department will release the final version of its long-awaited report updating how it analyzes whether new natural gas exports are in the public interest later this month. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President-elect Donald Trump is aiming to take action on his first day in office to boost the natural gas export industry, but it’s unclear how far he will go. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down what Trump is considering, industry reaction and the potential legal obstacles he faces. Plus, Senate Republicans are looking to tackle energy as one of their top priorities in a reconciliation bill within the first 30 days of the Trump administration. Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FERC’s policy priorities under President-elect Donald Trump will largely depend on whether current Chair Willie Phillips stays or leaves the commission. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse previews FERC under Trump 2.0 and how Phillips’ decision could impact the agency’s agenda. Plus, the Energy Department’s Loan Programs Office makes another conditional loan commitment ahead of Inauguration Day. Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This year’s annual United Nations Climate Change Conference unofficially marked a new period in global climate diplomacy. Some countries now see China as the world’s climate leader and winner of the global clean energy race. Sara Schonhardt from POLITICO’s E&E News explains how China ascended to this position and what global climate efforts could look like with Beijing at the helm. Sara Schonhardt is an international climate reporter for E&E News. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sources exclusively told POLITICO that President-elect Donald Trump is looking to revive the Keystone XL oil pipeline on his first day back in the White House even though no companies are trying to build it anymore. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down why Trump wants to revive the pipeline and whether his plan is feasible. Plus, FERC issued a new version of its sweeping transmission rule, and this year’s global climate talks are sidestepping a previous historic pledge.  Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Biden administration is racing to finalize $25 billion in pending loans to businesses that have vowed to build major clean energy projects across the country. It’s an effort that could cement President Joe Biden’s climate legacy months before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino and Jessie Blaeser break down why a key part of Biden’s climate agenda is on the clock. Plus, Trump is looking to revive the Keystone XL oil pipeline on his first day back in the White House, and U.S. diplomats face a tricky dilemma at the UN climate conference. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy for POLITICO. Jessie Blaeser is a digital journalist at POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized the federal program that aims to build an electric vehicle charging network across the country. But eliminating that program will be challenging for Republicans and his administration. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down why Trump can’t easily repeal the federal EV charging program. Plus, House Republican leaders laid out their biggest legislative priorities for next year, and poor countries are pushing for way more climate funding at the UN climate conference.  James Bikales is the host of Morning Energy and a reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President-elect Donald Trump has picked the cabinet officials responsible for shaping his second administration's energy policy: Chris Wright at the Department of Energy, Doug Burgum at the Department of Interior, and Lee Zeldin at the Environmental Protection Agency. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel, Ben Lefebvre and Alex Guillén discuss Trump's energy roster and what the nominees mean for his agenda. Plus, the White House has asked Congress for more disaster aid and there's a trillion dollar question disrupting the UN climate conference.  Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro.  Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President-elect Donald Trump selected North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to lead the Department of Interior and the newly created National Energy Council. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and Ben Lefebvre break down Burgum’s dual energy roles and what he means for the incoming Trump administration. Plus, Trump named oil industry CEO Chris Wright to lead the Energy Department, installing a vocal critic of government efforts to fight climate change as the head of the agency at the forefront of the Biden administration’s clean energy push. Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.  Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices