POLITICO Energy

New House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), a climate change skeptic who hails from a top oil and gas-producing state, has a thin record on energy issues. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre dives into what the Washington energy world thinks about the Louisiana Republican and what his priorities might look like. Plus, some of Europe’s largest renewable energy and clean tech groups are warning that the continent will fall behind China and the U.S. in key industries. 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 Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of the POLITICO Energy podcast.Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO.Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Department of Energy made a controversial pitch to the fossil fuel industry this week: take our loans and use them to cut your emissions through new technology. So far though, there’s been little interest from the industry, and environmentalists are now upset with DOE’s outreach. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down DOE’s push. Plus, newly minted House Speaker Mike Johnson is already drawing the criticism of environmentalists due to his support from the oil and gas industry.  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 Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of the POLITICO Energy podcast.Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Negotiations among world governments about how to set up a new international climate fund are deadlocked, and it could threaten progress at next month’s United Nations Climate Change Conference. POLITICO’s Zia Weise breaks down the latest sticking points in the tense negotiations and how it could impact COP 28. Plus, General Motors reported Tuesday it’s losing $200 million per week due to the United Auto Workers strike.  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 Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of the POLITICO Energy podcast.Zia Weise is a reporter covering climate policy for POLITICO Europe.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.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the last two years, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has sharpened his environmental rhetoric and pushed climate change toward the top of his policy agenda – a notable evolution in political strategy highlighted by his trip to China this week. POLITICO’s Jeremy White breaks down why Newsom is embracing the role of climate champion right now and how his China trip fits into that political strategy. Plus, the Biden administration proposed banning all uses of trichloroethylene, an extremely toxic chemical linked with cancer and developmental effects.  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 Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of the POLITICO Energy podcast.Jeremy B. White is a senior reporter covering the intersection of politics in policy in California.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Orsted, the company that’s planning to build New Jersey’s first offshore wind farm, made a deal with the state recently that shows it’s still financially committed to building the project. But the agreement could also allow Orsted to avoid making a $100 million payment – a third of the money the company owes to the state. POLITICO’s Ry Rivard breaks down the financial outlook of New Jersey’s first offshore wind farm and the bumpy times for the offshore wind industry as a whole. Plus, the United States will not reimpose steel and aluminum tariffs on the European Union at the end of the year even if the sides cannot come to an agreement on a so-called green steel deal. 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 Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of the POLITICO Energy podcast.Ry Rivard covers energy, the environment and transportation in New Jersey 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jigar Shah, top Biden energy official, faces accusations of ethical lapses. The podcast explores the GOP's pushback against the administration's climate and energy spending. It also discusses the Senate hearing where Shah defends his actions. Additionally, the approval of new natural gas projects and the unveiling of hydrogen hubs are discussed.

The Biden administration agreed Wednesday night to ease sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry after the Maduro government promised reforms allowing more competitive presidential elections next year. The policy shift has drawn Republican pushback and questions about the impact on global energy prices. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down the deal’s energy ramifications for the United States and the world, along with the GOP criticisms. Plus, the Biden administration will put nearly $3.5 billion toward hardening electricity infrastructure in a move it says represents the largest-ever investment in the nation’s power grid. 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 Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of the POLITICO Energy podcast.Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Biden administration’s push to put the World Bank in charge of an international fund that would require historically high-emitting wealthy countries to pay poorer countries for climate damages is threatening to shake up United Nations’ climate talks in November. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down why the US prefers the World Bank, the concerns from developing countries, and the broader negotiations over the fund. Plus, scientists say the U.S could achieve net-zero climate emissions by 2050 thanks to new federal investments. 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 Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of the POLITICO Energy podcast.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.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PJM Interconnection, the nation’s largest grid operator, is proposing a new plan to reduce the risk of blackouts during extreme weather events. And while both fossil fuel and renewable power generators are on board, a potential cap on the imposition of penalties when blackouts do occur is raising questions. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down the details of the plan, why it’s coming now, and how it might be the start of wider reforms by PJM. Plus, the Biden administration is expected to reach a deal today with Venezuela to ease oil sanctions, according to a media report. 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 Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of the POLITICO Energy podcast.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Biden administration is putting $7 billion dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law into several regional hubs across the country dedicated to making and using clean hydrogen. The young industry could be potential climate solution and economic driver, but questions remain about just how green the hydrogen will be and whether it will add pollution to already-disadvantaged communities. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down the details, risks and potential rewards of Biden’s hydrogen hub program. Plus, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will consider a new slate of proposed liquefied natural gas projects and a carbon dioxide pipeline next week. 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 Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of the POLITICO Energy podcast.Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices