POLITICO Energy

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-switchAnd 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-switchAnd 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-switchAnd 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

In this insightful discussion, Alex Guillén, an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro, unpacks the recent federal appeals court ruling that mandates ExxonMobil to pay a hefty $14.25 million fine for pollution from its Texas refinery. He explores the intricacies of the judicial battles among a rare 17-judge panel and the mixed opinions that emerged. Guillén also highlights the broader implications for environmental accountability in the oil industry, along with new legislative efforts aimed at securing the U.S. critical mineral supply chain, particularly amid rising tensions with China.

Alex Guillén, an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro, discusses a pivotal Supreme Court case that may limit federal agencies' ability to assess climate impacts under the National Environmental Policy Act. He highlights tensions between environmental concerns and infrastructure development, particularly around a crude oil railway in Utah. The conversation also covers how differing ideological views among justices could reshape the energy project approval process, potentially leading to expedited permits for major investors promised by President-elect Trump.

Federal judges are weighing the legality of the Biden administration's climate rule on power plant emissions. As the Trump administration looms, its potential repeal could reshape legal outcomes and future energy policies. The discussions focus on carbon capture technology and its critical role in judicial arguments. Additionally, the impact of new political dynamics is explored through Representative Brett Guthrie's upcoming chair position in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, setting the stage for future energy debates.

Bipartisan efforts to clean up abandoned mines are causing rifts among Congressional Democrats. Tensions arise as some members voice environmental concerns, framing opposition as a risk to clean water initiatives. The discussions highlight the challenge of balancing party loyalty with environmental priorities. Additionally, federal judges examine the EPA's carbon capture climate rule, adding another layer to the debate over environmental legislation. This internal struggle reveals the complexities of modern policymaking.

Clair Moeller, Chief Operating Officer of MISO, discusses the challenges of managing the power grid across 15 states while addressing skyrocketing demand and the decline of coal. He emphasizes the role of gas generation as a transition solution to ensure reliability amidst decarbonization goals. Moeller also explores how a Republican administration could affect gas plant construction and the critical need for regulatory reforms. Collaboration among stakeholders is highlighted as essential for tackling energy challenges and ensuring a sustainable, affordable energy future.

A pivotal leadership shift is brewing in the House Natural Resources Committee as Rep. Raúl Grijalva steps down. The race to replace him reveals a clash between generational dynamics and party identity. Young candidates are emerging, eager to redefine energy policies and confront Republican strategies. As tensions rise, the upcoming report on natural gas exports adds more weight to the ongoing intra-party conflict. Expect a fascinating interplay of alliances and the future direction of the Democrats.

The podcast dives into President-elect Trump's ambitious plans to boost the natural gas export industry on his first day in office. It highlights industry reactions and potential legal challenges, particularly in light of the Biden administration's permit pause. Listeners will hear skepticism about whether Trump's actions will significantly enhance the U.S. position in LNG exports or merely serve as symbolic moves. The discussion captures the tension between regulatory hurdles and the promise of natural gas growth, painting a vivid picture of an evolving energy landscape.