Political Climate

After a hiatus, Political Climate is back with more news, analysis, and bipartisan hot takes on the policy and politics shaping climate solutions — in what is sure to be a defining year. Julia Pyper is joined by Emily Domenech and Brandon Hurlbut to riff on top political stories and insider scoops – from state houses, to the halls of Congress to regulatory agencies, and international climate talks. They'll explain how those developments are driving industry decisions today. Political Climate is a show for people who want authentic conversations from voices from across the political spectrum. Listen every other Friday to learn about how energy and climate policy is shaped within both political parties – from the people who have actually shaped it. Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

After 160 episodes and four years of interviews, debates and friendly bipartisan banter, Political Climate will be taking a break starting in 2023. This will be the final episode (for now). This podcast was launched to create a forum for respectful, informative dialogue across the political divide on the policy and politics of climate and energy. Host Julia Pyper, Republican co-host Shane Skelton and Democratic co-host Brandon Hurlbut have never debated the science of climate change, but have had in-depth discussions on how to craft climate policy that's not only effective but politically feasible. The show has spanned the most pivotal four years for climate action, culminating in the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest national investment in clean energy in history. In this final episode, the hosts dig into the archives to hear from some of the show's most notable guests including Political Climate supporter Arnold Schwarzenegger, activist Greta Thunberg, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and many more. They also reflect on the rocky journey that led to this point, changes in public opinion on climate change, and the widening Overton window for climate action. Thank you to everyone for listening and for your support over the years. ***Political Climate is brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice as much renewable energy as the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it's the power of people over profit. Learn more at mceCleanEnergy.org.Support for Political Climate also comes from Climate Positive, a podcast from Hannon Armstrong, the first U.S. public company solely dedicated to investing in climate solutions. The Climate Positive podcast features candid conversations with the leaders, innovators and changemakers driving our climate-positive future. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

The Inflation Reduction Act is the largest investment in clean energy ever made by the federal government. Among the bill's more than 700 pages is a lesser-known provision that could play a pivotal role in transforming existing dirty energy infrastructure to serve the clean energy economy of the future. The new Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment Program — also known as the Section 1706 program — gives the Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office $5 billion, with the authority to provide up to $250 billion in low-interest loans. These loans could radically change the energy landscape. The program could fund efforts to repurpose old coal and gas plant sites to deploy clean energy projects, leveraging existing infrastructure to save on costs while delivering economic benefits to communities. Political Climate hosts Julia Pyper, Shane Skelton and Brandon Hurlbut are joined by two guests to discuss this new program: Alexander Bond, deputy general counsel for climate and clean energy at the Edison Electric Institute, and Uday Varadarajan, a principal at the clean-energy nonprofit RMI. They discuss the innovative structure of the Section 1706 program, challenges the Loan Programs Office will face as it rolls out the funding, and the opportunities for the program to help clean up the U.S. electric grid. Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or pretty much wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:Canary Media: How will DOE loan out $250B to make dirty energy systems clean?Canary Media: What challenges will confront DOE loan program for energy retrofits?RMI: The Most Important Clean Energy Policy You've Never Heard AboutDOE: Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment***Political Climate is brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice as much renewable energy as the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it's the power of people over profit. Learn more at mceCleanEnergy.org.Support for Political Climate also comes from Climate Positive, a podcast from Hannon Armstrong, the first U.S. public company solely dedicated to investing in climate solutions. The Climate Positive podcast features candid conversations with the leaders, innovators and changemakers driving our climate-positive future. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

The 2022 midterm elections are officially behind us. Democrats overcame historical trends to keep control of the Senate, while Republicans won a majority in the House by a surprisingly narrow margin. Ultimately, there was no red wave. There wasn't really a “green wave” either. Democrats ushered through an ambitious legislative agenda, with President Biden signing historic bills to tackle climate change, build resilient infrastructure, and accelerate the deployment of American-made clean energy. Yet these issues got relatively little play this election cycle – for or against.Have we entered a new era for climate politics? Could there even be room for collaboration? Or will a divided government post-election give new life to old debates? Political Climate hosts Julia Pyper, Shane Skelton and Brandon Hurlbut dig into the midterm results, discuss what they got right — and wrong — in their election predictions, and break down what it all means for the future of climate policy in America. Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or pretty much wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:Wesleyan Media Project: Advertising Issue SpotlightThe Atlantic: Wait, Why Wasn't There a Climate Backlash?Canary Media: How Democratic state wins in the midterms could rev up climate progressWaPo: How different groups voted according to exit polls and AP VoteCast***Political Climate is brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice as much renewable energy as the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it's the power of people over profit. Learn more at mceCleanEnergy.org.Support for Political Climate also comes from Climate Positive, a podcast from Hannon Armstrong, the first U.S. public company solely dedicated to investing in climate solutions. The Climate Positive podcast features candid conversations with the leaders, innovators and changemakers driving our climate-positive future. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Many Americans are pessimistic about the U.S. election system. From skepticism around mail-in ballots and voting machines to coping with long lines and shuttered polling places, voter confidence has slumped. When it comes to climate, research shows 66% to 80% of people support major mitigation policies. But are election related barriers preventing these voter preferences from being captured at the ballot box?With the midterm elections less than a week away, we're examining the fundamentals of the democratic process: the right to vote and public trust in elections. Plus, how the redistricting process influences both electoral outcomes and policymaking – including on climate and energy issues.Political Climate hosts Julia Pyper, Shane Skelton and Brandon Hurlbut are joined by USC Political Science and Public Policy Professor Christian Grose to discuss his research on how to improve voter access and voting rights and reduce polarization. Grose, who serves as academic director of the USC Schwarzenegger Institute, also previews new polling on Proposition 30, an environmental related ballot measure in California. Finally, he explains why you should care about redistricting if you care about climate change.Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or pretty much wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:Enhancing Democracy: Does Funding Elections and Opening Polling Places Cause Higher Voter Turnout?USC Schwarzenegger Institute Initiates Democracy Grants for Voting Access and Election AdministrationIndependent Redistricting Commissions Increase Voter Perceptions of Fairness***Political Climate is brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice as much renewable energy as the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it's the power of people over profit. Learn more at mceCleanEnergy.org.Support for Political Climate also comes from Climate Positive, a podcast from Hannon Armstrong, the first U.S. public company solely dedicated to investing in climate solutions. The Climate Positive podcast features candid conversations with the leaders, innovators and changemakers driving our climate-positive future. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Some of the most influential people in energy policy are almost completely unknown to the public. The transition to wind, solar, and other efficient technologies has the potential to make electricity more reliable and affordable for millions of Americans. But in many cases, this shift to clean energy must first be approved by gatekeepers you've never heard of.In this Political Climate episode, host Julia Pyper and producer Maria Virginia Olano are joined by Canary Media Senior Reporter Julian Spector to talk about public utility commissioners — who they are, why they are so important, and how you can engage with them to help shape your own energy future.Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or pretty much wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:Canary Media: What are public utility commissions? A beginner's guideVox: The overlooked elections this year with big climate stakesCanary Media: Who should pay to help coal communities in the energy transition?E&E News: 5 state-level races that could alter the energy transitionCanary Media: Hawaii surges toward clean energy***Political Climate is brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice as much renewable energy as the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it's the power of people over profit. Learn more at mceCleanEnergy.org.Support for Political Climate also comes from Climate Positive, a podcast from Hannon Armstrong, the first U.S. public company solely dedicated to investing in climate solutions. The Climate Positive podcast features candid conversations with the leaders, innovators and changemakers driving our climate-positive future. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

The midterm elections are less than a month away. Inflation, the economy, abortion access and election integrity are among voters' top priorities this cycle, but how will they influence decisions on the ballot and, ultimately, the balance of power? And how will that outcome shape the future of climate and energy policy in the U.S.?Political Climate hosts Julia Pyper, Shane Skelton and Brandon Hurlbut are back on the podcast to discuss what's at stake in the 2022 midterms, the latest polling results and wild cards that could drive voter turnout. Will the Inflation Reduction Act give Dems a lift?Plus, they discuss the failure of Senator Joe Manchin's bill to reform permitting for energy infrastructure, and what that failure means for the buildout of both clean energy and fossil fuel pipelines. And the hosts talk about another big piece of climate news that received little coverage: the Senate's ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol in a rare bipartisan vote. Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or pretty much wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:Vox: The unlikely allies who sank Joe Manchin's energy dealPolitical Climate: 'Need for Speed': Why Solving Climate Change Is About More Than CO2U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee: Menendez Makes Final Push for Senate Approval of Kigali Amendment to Montreal ProtocolReal Clear Politics: Latest polls***Support for Political Climate comes from Climate Positive, a podcast from Hannon Armstrong, the first U.S. public company solely dedicated to investing in climate solutions. The Climate Positive podcast features candid conversations with the leaders, innovators and changemakers driving our climate-positive future. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Clean energy is known to help grow economies and reduce carbon emissions. Can it also help strengthen democracies? That may seem like a tall order for a set of technologies. But when you consider how petro-dictatorships have roiled global markets in the past year – triggering price spikes, resource shortages, and even war – making the U.S. an arsenal of clean energy could help pave the way to greater stability. Political Climate launched the “Arsenal of Clean Energy” podcast series to tackle tough questions on how to balance climate action with immediate energy demands, while maintaining affordable prices for consumers, promoting economic growth and enhancing national security. In this fourth and final episode of the series, host Julia Pyper sits down with Josh Freed, the head of Third Way's Climate and Energy Program, to connect the dots on these topics and how to think about the path forward. To round out the episode, we hear from U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm on why now is a critical time for America to lead. The “Arsenal of Clean Energy” is made possible by Third Way, a center-left think tank championing modern solutions to the most challenging problems in US policy. Learn more at thirdway.orgRecommended content:Third Way: When America Leads: Competing for the Future of Clean EnergyThird Way: The Arsenal of Clean Energy (Podcast Series)Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music or pretty much wherever you get podcasts! Political Climate is supported by the USC Schwarzenegger Institute and published in partnership with Canary media. Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.

The Inflation Reduction Act has not only been signed into law, President Biden and Democratic leaders hosted a nearly full-day celebratory event at the White House last week to underscore passage of the historic bill. But the hard work of implementing the law and rolling out its $370 billion in climate and clean energy investments is only just beginning. In this Political Climate Newsflash episode, host Julia Pyper and producer Maria Virginia Olano bring you an inside look at what's next for companies and organizations on the front lines of making the promise of the IRA a reality. Cleantech industry leaders from BlocPower, Sunrun, Q-Cells, Breakthrough Energy and beyond gathered at a roundtable ahead of the White House event to discuss the road ahead. This episode features voices from that conversation. Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music or pretty much wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:Canary Media: Climate law may revolutionize US cleantech manufacturing. Here's howPolitical Climate: A new era for US energy innovationUtility Dive: Biden administration awards $900M to 35 states for EV charging network as automakers ramp up battery plansNew York Times: A huge side benefit of the new climate bill***Political Climate is brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice as much renewable energy as the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it's the power of people over profit. Learn more at mceCleanEnergy.org.

California experienced a record-setting heat wave in early September that brought the state's electricity grid very close to failure and forced tough choices on customers trying to stay cool while complying with alerts to save energy. Against that backdrop, the state legislature moved to pass a suite of climate and energy bills, a record $54 billion in new climate spending, and a plan to extend the life of the state's last nuclear power plant — all just days after the state finalized one of the most ambitious rules to stop the sale of new gas-powered cars. What does this big policy push say about the state of California's energy mix? And how is the world's 5th largest economy planning to cope with the intensifying impacts of climate change? Political Climate hosts Julia Pyper and Shane Skelton are joined by Sammy Roth, staff writer at the LA Times and author of the weekly Boiling Point newsletter, to discuss how the clean energy transition is playing out in California and the lessons it can teach the rest of the country. Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or pretty much wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:LA Times: Repowering the WestLA Times: Newsom enjoys his most successful legislative session yet with wins on climate, Diablo CanyonCanary Media: California faces big power challenges — even if Diablo Canyon stays openLA Times: Gov. Newsom's plan to prevent power outages has a big downside: fossil fuelsGrist: Drilling setbacks, net-zero, and a nuclear lifeline. Here's what just happened in California.***Political Climate is brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice as much renewable energy as the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it's the power of people over profit. Learn more at mceCleanEnergy.org.

Many of our homes use fossil fuels to keep us warm, heat our water, and cook our food. But as the U.S. moves to decarbonize, there's a push for homeowners to switch to electric appliances and systems. Now, with the Inflation Reduction Act signed into law, there's an enormous amount of new funding available to accelerate that transition. In this Political Climate Newsflash episode, host Julia Pyper and producer Maria Virginia Olano are joined by Ari Matusiak, CEO of Rewiring America, a non-profit working to electrify everything in our homes, businesses and communities. They break down the rebates, tax credits, and other programs in the climate law that will help American households go electric – and how much money consumers can save in the process.Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or pretty much wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:Rewiring America: How much money will you get with the Inflation Reduction Act?Canary Media: Climate bill could spur ​‘market transformation' in home electrificationRewiring America: The Electric Explainer: Key programs in the Inflation Reduction Act and what they mean for AmericansRewiring America: An overview of the climate and electrification provisions for disadvantaged communities in the Inflation Reduction Act***Political Climate is brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice as much renewable energy as the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it's the power of people over profit. Learn more at mceCleanEnergy.org.

The Inflation Reduction Act has been aptly labeled a “climate bill,” but in many ways it's an “American competitiveness bill.”Building and deploying clean energy technology within the U.S. is a major focus of the $450 billion spending package, with the potential for exporting those solutions around the globe. This new investment comes amid concerns that the US has been falling behind other nations (most notably China) in global energy innovation race.On this episode of Political Climate, we discuss how the Inflation Reduction Act — signed into law this week by President Biden — is poised to change the U.S. innovation landscape. With new support for laboratory research and real world project demonstrations, building out supply chains and more, we may be entering a new era for American competitiveness.Varun Sivaram, senior advisor to U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry and his managing director for clean energy, innovation, and competitiveness joins the podcast, as well as Nick Montoni, senior innovation policy advisor for the Climate and Energy Program at Third Way."Arsenal of Clean Energy" is made possible by Third Way, a center-left think tank championing modern solutions to the most challenging problems in US policy, including the economy, national security and climate change. Learn more at thirdway.org Recommended reading:Energizing America: A Roadmap to Launch a National EnergyThird Way: Making DOE's New Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations a SuccessThird Way: How to Unleash the LPO's True PotentialListen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music or pretty much wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.

Whiplash, anyone? After many months of intense negotiations and more than one derailment, the U.S. Senate recently passed the largest legislative investment in climate action in U.S. history.The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 contains an enormous amount of spending for climate protection and clean energy — $369 billion over 10 years — and is expected to put the country on a path to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030. But it's not all good news for everyone. In order to get the support of Democratic Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, the final bill made significant cuts to the Democrats' initial budget reconciliation plan, plus some other compromises. Political Climate hosts Julia Pyper, Shane Skelton and Brandon Hurlbut discuss how climate and clean energy provisions survived the reconciliation bill roller coaster and the impact of key elements of the Inflation Reduction Act.Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music or pretty much wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:Canary Media: Inflation Reduction Act: Follow Canary's coverageVox: The Inflation Reduction Act, explainedScientific American: Nearly $53 Billion in Federal Funding Could Revive the U.S. Computer Chip IndustryCanary Media: Climate bill could spur ​‘market transformation' in home electrificationCanary Media: What could the climate bill do for environmental justice?***Political Climate is brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice as much renewable energy as the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it's the power of people over profit. Learn more at mceCleanEnergy.org.

Have we entered a new era for nuclear power? Energy security needs, financial pressures, and climate concerns are driving renewed interest in nuclear power plants — particularly small modular reactors that are easier and cheaper to build. Amid growing global demand, the U.S. has an opportunity to lead in an emerging nuclear technology race. But the successful deployment of advanced nuclear projects hinges on policy support to mobilize investment and streamline construction. In the second episode of Political Climate's Arsenal of Clean Energy series, host Julia Pyper is joined by Alan Ahn, senior resident fellow for Third Way's Climate and Energy Program and Carol Berrigan, executive director of federal programs and supplier relations at the Nuclear Energy Institute, to discuss how inventing and deploying U.S. advanced nuclear technology can help securely decarbonize energy systems and revitalize former coal communities at home and abroad. "Arsenal of Clean Energy” is made possible by Third Way, a center-left think tank championing modern solutions to the most challenging problems in US policy, including the economy, national security and climate change. Learn more at thirdway.org Recommended reading: State Department: United States Takes Next Step in Supporting Innovative Clean Nuclear Technology in EuropeNYT: Romania Sees an Opening to Become an Energy Power in EuropeThird Way: Revitalizing America's Nuclear Energy Supply ChainCNN: This nuclear reactor could be a game changer for the climate crisis

How can you go solar when you can't put panels on your roof? Don't worry, there is a way! Through shared solar arrays — a model known as community solar. In this Political Climate Newsflash episode, host Julia Pyper and producer Maria Virginia Olano are joined by Canary Media Staff Writer Alison Takemura to discuss the growing popularity of community solar. Currently there are 4.9 gigawatts of community solar installed in the United States, and big plans to grow that number exponentially over the next decade. Not only does community solar put more clean energy on the grid and help states and municipalities reach their climate and clean energy goals, but it can also save people money on their electric bills. But the success of community solar projects often hinges on putting the right policies in place. Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or pretty much wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:Canary Media: What is community solar? And how can you sign up?Canary Media: Will California finally fix its community solar programs?U.S. Department of Energy: DOE Sets 2025 Community Solar Target to Power 5 Million HomesInstitute for Local Self-Reliance: National Community Solar Programs TrackerCanary Media: How cities and counties can grow their clean energy profilesPolitical Climate is brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice as much renewable energy as the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it's the power of people over profit. Learn more at mceCleanEnergy.org.

The U.S. Supreme Court wrapped up its term last month with a series of high-profile and controversial decisions — including on the case West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency. In that opinion, a 6-3 majority determined the EPA does not have the authority to regulate carbon emissions from power plants based on the “generation shifting” approach used in the Obama administration's Clean Power Plan.Conservative leaders applauded the decision for reigning in regulatory overreach, while liberals and environmentalists expressed shock and dismay at restrictions placed on rules to reduce emissions. What the Supreme Court case ultimately means for climate action is complex. There are regulations the EPA can still pursue. At the same time, a legal shadow now hangs over government agencies amid ongoing gridlock in Congress. To discuss the path forward, Political Climate hosts Julia Pyper and Shane Skelton are joined by Jay Duffy, an attorney with the Clean Air Task Force, who represented a diverse group of environmental and public health organizations in the West Virginia v. EPA case.Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or pretty much wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate. While you're here, please leave a review! Thank you.Recommended reading:Clean Air Task Force: Supreme Court takes key tool out of EPA's toolbox, but multiple options remain for agency to regulate climate pollutionCanary Media: Supreme Court hamstrings federal efforts to clean up US power sectorCanary Media: Most voters support EPA limiting CO2 pollution from power plants Politico: 'We don't have to pretend anymore': Greens ready to bail on D.C. Political Climate is brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice as much renewable energy as the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it's the power of people over profit. Learn more at mceCleanEnergy.org

As nations scramble to wean off of Russian energy, the U.S. has committed to supporting its European allies in their quest for energy security. At the same time, American consumers are confronting the highest rate of inflation in 40 years, paying more at the pump and for their utility bills than ever before.These trends have led to an increase in U.S. oil and gas production — and calls for even greater market expansion. But this shift could have serious implications for the clean energy transition. On this episode of Political Climate, we wrestle with how to walk the fine line between meeting today's immediate energy demands, maintaining lower prices for American consumers and achieving our climate goals.This is the first episode in a monthly podcast series we're calling “The Arsenal of Clean Energy: Strengthening the Bonds of Clean Energy, Innovation, and Sovereignty.”“Arsenal of Clean Energy” is made possible by Third Way, a center-left think tank championing modern solutions to the most challenging problems in US policy, including the economy, national security and climate change. Learn more at thirdway.orgRecommended reading:Third Way: Making the US the World's Arsenal of Clean EnergyPolitico: To Beat Putin, Europe Needs America's Clean EnergyFact Sheet: President Biden Takes Bold Executive Action to Spur Domestic Clean Energy ManufacturingCNBC: Inflation rose 8.6% in May, highest since 1981

Despite remarkable breakthroughs in clean energy deployment, there has been little progress made on the thorny issue of what to do with solar panels, wind turbines, batteries and other equipment when they reach the end of their useful life. Without proper recycling or reuse, these materials could do real harm to ecosystems and communities. Failure to effectively recycle could also threaten the long-term viability of a clean energy economy that is already facing strains in the supply of some raw materials, such as lithium and cobalt. In this Newsflash episode, host Julia Pyper and producer Maria Virginia Olano are joined by guest Emily Burlinghaus, who has been researching clean energy recycling as a fellow with the Atlantic Council's Global Energy Center and the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies in Potsdam, Germany. As part of Canary Media's dedicated week of coverage on how to make clean energy cleaner, the three discuss opportunities and roadblocks in the emerging field of recycling renewable energy assets.Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or pretty much wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:Canary Media: Recycling Renewables: A special seriesCanary Media: Why we need to recycle clean energy technologies — and how to do itAtlantic Council: As the US struggles to “green” supply chains, new EU battery regulation offers lessonsU.S. Department of Energy: DOE Releases Action Plan For Photovoltaic Systems End-Of-Life ManagementThe Carbon Copy: The battery recycling boomPolitical Climate is brought to you by FischTank PR. From PR and digital marketing to content writing, the team at FischTank helps you develop a strategy for bringing your work not only to wider audiences, but to the right audience. To learn more about FischTank's approach to cleantech and services, visit fischtankpr.comPolitical Climate is also brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice as much renewable energy as the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it's the power of people over profit. Learn more at mceCleanEnergy.org

The hydrogen debate has evolved over the past two decades, shifting from how hydrogen could be used in the auto industry toward its potential use in hard-to-decarbonize sectors such as trucking, aviation, shipping and energy-intensive heavy industry. Hydrogen projects are being announced and developed all over the world. Just this week, the U.S. government committed $8 billion in infrastructure funding to build out clean hydrogen hubs across the country. But not all hydrogen is created equal. Is it really a miracle fuel for deep decarbonization or is it an over-hyped climate solution that could lock in fossil fuel use?On this episode of Political Climate, hosts Julia Pyper and Shane Skelton are joined by Rachel Fakhry, senior advocate for the climate and clean energy program at the Natural Resources Defense Council, to talk through the promises and challenges of the hydrogen economy. Plus, the hosts talk through President Biden's new executive order to halt the threat of new tariffs on solar panels and boost domestic clean energy manufacturing. Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or pretty much wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:Canary Media: Biden to halt solar tariff threat for two yearsNRDC: Hydrogen Beta Testing Must Ensure Climate-AlignmentU.S. Department of Energy: DOE Launches Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's $8 Billion Program for Clean Hydrogen Hubs Across U.S.Canary Media: Which states will win out on $9.5B in federal clean hydrogen funding?Canary Media: Massive green hydrogen hub in Utah wins $504M federal loan guaranteeAustrian World Summit 2022Political Climate is brought to you by FischTank PR. From PR and digital marketing to content writing, the team at FischTank helps you develop a strategy for bringing your work not only to wider audiences, but to the right audience. To learn more about FischTank's approach to cleantech and services, visit fischtankpr.comPolitical Climate is also brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice as much renewable energy as the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it's the power of people over profit. Learn more at mceCleanEnergy.org

Some of the most important news doesn't make big, splashy headlines. That can be because developments unfold slowly or are super-wonky, or simply get overlooked in a busy news cycle. That's why the Political Climate team is creating a new Newsflash series, a monthly episode in your Political Climate feed in which we'll bring you a behind-the-scenes look at a news story you might have missed.In this inaugural episode, host Julia Pyper and producer Maria Virginia Olano bring you snippets from an interview with Lisa Garcia, a regional administrator at the EPA, about the work the agency is doing to deploy funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed last year. It's a huge, important topic that's gotten far too little media coverage. As Garcia put it, “The infusion of funding for infrastructure is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or pretty much wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:Canary Media: Q&A with Lisa Garcia: Getting environmental justice right at the EPAEPA Fact Sheet: EPA & the Bipartisan Infrastructure LawElectrek: Biden administration kicks off $5 billion electric Clean School Bus programThe Hill: Congress needs to support EPA's environmental protection infrastructure

Faced with record-high gas prices, more and more American consumers are looking to dump the pump. In the first three months of 2022, electric vehicle registrations shot up 60 percent, even as the overall car market shrunk. EVs have experienced steady sales growth over the past decade but are still far from being mainstream. Could the combination of expensive gasoline and exciting new plug-in models see the U.S. turn a corner on mass EV adoption?On this episode of Political Climate, hosts Julia Pyper, Brandon Hurlbut, and Shane Skelton talk about the policies and innovations unlocking greater transportation electrification – as well as the challenges ahead. From manufacturing bottlenecks and raw material supplies to high up-front costs and political opposition, there are still bumps on the road mainstreaming EVs. Plus, the hosts make a new bet – and need your help!Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or pretty much wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:Canary Media: EVs can be cheaper on a monthly basis than gas-powered carsCanary Media: Electric heavy-duty trucks are hitting the roads in California and beyondAxios: Ford F-150 Lightning review: A watershed moment for electric vehiclesPolitico: The gasoline price-gouging fight to nowherePolitical Climate: Mineral Security and Implications for the Energy TransitionPolitical Climate is brought to you by FischTank PR. From PR and digital marketing to content writing, the team at FischTank helps you develop a strategy for bringing your work not only to wider audiences, but to the right audience. To learn more about FischTank's approach to cleantech and services, visit fischtankpr.comPolitical Climate is also brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice as much renewable energy as the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it's the power of people over profit. Learn more at mceCleanEnergy.org

A major push is underway to onshore energy production and manufacturing in America now that Russia's attack on Ukraine has highlighted the vulnerabilities of global energy supply chains. But the undertaking is complicated by competing political priorities, as U.S. leaders seek to strengthen the country's energy security while advancing its climate goals. On this episode of Political Climate, our hosts talk through efforts to boost American-made clean energy through executive action. They also check the status of Democrats' budget reconciliation bill as the midterm election season approaches, and examine a new push to cut a bipartisan climate deal.Also on the show (33.30), a conversation with Abby Hopper, CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, about a trade case launched in the name of boosting American clean energy manufacturing that threatens to derail U.S. solar deployment – putting jobs at risk and climate goals out of reach. Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or pretty much wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:Politico: Dems grimace at Manchin's bipartisan energy detourCanary Media: Will the Biden administration let one company kill US solar?DOE Fact Sheet: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal Will Deliver For American Workers, Families and Usher in the Clean Energy FutureClimate Solutions Lab: Mapping U.S. Military Dependence on Russian Fossil FuelsPolitical Climate is brought to you by FischTank PR. From PR and digital marketing to content writing, the team at FischTank helps you develop a strategy for bringing your work not only to wider audiences, but to the right audience. To learn more about FischTank's approach to cleantech and services, visit fischtankpr.comPolitical Climate is also brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice as much renewable energy as the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it's the power of people over profit. Learn more at mceCleanEnergy.org

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act — a historic $1.2 trillion investment package, passed by Congress on a bipartisan basis — has received little fanfare since President Biden signed it into law last November. The bill contains more than $80 billion to advance the clean energy transition and respond to climate change, but where exactly will those dollars go?On this episode of Political Climate host Julia Pyper and producer Maria Virginia Olano speak with Leah Rubin Shen, who leads federal legislative and political engagement at Advanced Energy Economy, about how the rubber is hitting the road on infrastructure spending in states across the country. Plus, they discuss what's next for President Biden's climate agenda amid soaring gas prices and push for greater energy independence, which is fueling a national debate around increasing domestic fossil fuel production versus enhancing domestic clean energy manufacturing and deployment. We want to learn more about Political Climate listeners and how we can make this podcast better. Please take a couple of minutes to fill out this short survey and enter to win a $100 Amazon gift card!Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:AEE: Advanced Energy Infrastructure: A Roadmap for ImplementationUtility Dive: Biden invokes Defense Production Act to bolster domestic battery manufacturing for EVs, energy storageCanary Media: Here's where things stand with climate legislation in CongressCanary Media: How the infrastructure bill will fight climate change and advance clean energyPolitical Climate is brought to you by FischTank PR. From PR and digital marketing to content writing, the team at FischTank helps you develop a strategy for bringing your work not only to wider audiences, but to the right audience. To learn more about FischTank's approach to cleantech and services, visit fischtankpr.comPolitical Climate is also brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice as much renewable energy as the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it's the power of people over profit. Learn more at mceCleanEnergy.org

The Paris Agreement of 2015 set the target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This week's release of the latest climate assessment report from the U.N. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change underlines, once again, the need for deep decarbonization as quickly as possible for that goal to be met — even as world leaders rethink their energy policies amid the ongoing Russia/Ukraine conflict. On this episode of Political Climate, Julia Pyper hosts a discussion between renowned climate policy experts Laurence Tubiana, Rachel Kyte, David Sandalow and Adnan Amin about the progress toward meeting the Paris goals. They also discuss how to achieve equitable climate solutions and mobilize more climate finance. This conversation was originally recorded for the Zayed Sustainability Prize's Voices of Sustainability series and republished with approval. We want to learn more about Political Climate listeners and how we can make this podcast better. Please take a couple of minutes to fill out this short survey and enter to win a $100 Amazon gift card!Recommended reading:The Guardian: IPCC report: ‘now or never' if world is to stave off climate disasterCanary Media: COP26 finance pledges are not as great as they seemZayed Sustainability PrizePolitical Climate is brought to you by FischTank PR. From PR and digital marketing to content writing, the team at FischTank helps you develop a strategy for bringing your work not only to wider audiences, but to the right audience. To learn more about FischTank's approach to cleantech and services, visit fis​chtankpr​.comPolitical Climate is also brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice as much renewable energy as the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it's the power of people over profit. Learn more at mce​CleanEn​er​gy​.orgListen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.

Minerals and metals have a critical role to play in a low-carbon future — and a potentially controversial one, too. Conversations around extractive industries are complicated by supply chain issues, social impacts and national security concerns. This is a particularly pressing issue right now as Russia, one of the world's top suppliers of metals and minerals, continues to wage war on Ukraine. The clean energy transition will require using a lot of raw materials, such as nickel, cobalt and uranium. And those materials will need to be mined and processed to make things like electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines and power nuclear plants. While clean energy is currently responsible for only a small share of global mineral demand, it is projected to grow rapidly. Jael Holzman, mining reporter at E&E News, joins our hosts this week to discuss the hard conversations many are still avoiding on the social, environmental and security risks of mining for substances needed to build decarbonized economies.We want to learn more about Political Climate listeners and how we can make this podcast better. Please take a couple of minutes to fill out this short survey and enter to win a $100 Amazon gift card!Recommended reading:Politico: Could Russian sanctions hobble U.S. clean energy push?E&E News: Cobalt poses human rights test for Biden on clean energyE&E News: Could Russia's invasion of Ukraine revive U.S. uranium mining?Canary Media: What you need to know about minerals and the clean energy transitionCanary Media: Here are the minerals we need for batteries, solar and other clean energy techPolitical Climate is brought to you by FischTank PR. From PR and digital marketing to content writing, the team at FischTank helps you develop a strategy for bringing your work not only to wider audiences, but to the right audience. To learn more about FischTank's approach to cleantech and services, visit fischtankpr.comPolitical Climate is also brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice as much renewable energy as the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it's the power of people over profit. Learn more at mceCleanEnergy.org Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.

Russia's brutal war on Ukraine has shone a spotlight on the complex web of energy, climate and geopolitical issues — and has arguably already changed the global energy landscape in profound and lasting ways.The crisis has resurfaced debates on energy security and how to achieve it, with some rushing to call for increased oil and gas extraction to make up for Russian supply, while many others underscore the urgent need for renewable energy build-outs as a way to achieve energy independence.On this episode of Political Climate, our hosts discuss President Biden's new ban on Russian oil and gas imports and what it means for the U.S. energy mix. Plus, we examine the energy security aspects of Biden's first State of the Union Address and renewed efforts to pass a reconciliation bill.Then in the second half of the show, we turn to an interview with Anca Gurzu, a Brussels-based correspondent for the news outlet Cipher, to discuss the European perspective on the Ukraine crisis and what it means for the future of clean energy in Europe. Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:Foreign Affairs: Green Upheaval: The New Geopolitics of EnergyCanary Media: How fast can Europe wean itself off Russian gas?E&E News: Manchin outlines energy demands as Dems mull next stepsPolitical Climate is brought to you by FischTank PR. From PR and digital marketing to content writing, the team at FischTank helps you develop a strategy for bringing your work not only to wider audiences, but to the right audience. To learn more about FischTank's approach to cleantech and services, visit fischtankpr.comPolitical Climate is also brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice as much renewable energy as the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it's the power of people over profit. Learn more at mceCleanEnergy.org

State legislatures around the country have a major impact on climate policy, and yet state political races often go unnoticed. Caroline Spears says that needs to change. Caroline created Climate Cabinet Action to help state leaders develop strong platforms and communication strategies that embrace climate as a priority. Recently, the group published a Climate Cabinet Scorecard — the first national tool to hold state legislators accountable for their climate votes. On this episode of Political Climate, our hosts speak with Caroline Spears about the scorecard and how voters and donors can help candidates run, win, and legislate on the climate crisis. Recommended reading:Climate Cabinet ScorecardQuartz: Which US state legislators have the best records on climate-change policy?Canary: The top 6 ambitious state climate laws passed in 2021Political Climate: Electing Climate CandidatesPolitical Climate is brought to you by FischTank PR. From PR and digital marketing to content writing, the team at FischTank helps you develop a strategy for bringing your work not only to wider audiences, but to the right audience. To learn more about FischTank's approach to cleantech and services, visit fischtankpr.comPolitical Climate is also brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice as much renewable energy as the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it's the power of people over profit. Learn more at mceCleanEnergy.org

Senator Alex Padilla recently wrapped up his first year in the U.S. Senate as the first Latino to represent the state of California. It's been an eventful year, to put it mildly. On this episode of Political Climate, Sen. Padilla sits down with Julia, Brandon and Shane to discuss energy equity, infrastructure, prospects for the Build Back Better bill, and the future of political discourse in the U.S. The senator outlines legislation he introduced to help address the growing threat from wildfires in the West and his work to expand domestic U.S. production of cleantech mineral resources. Plus, he shares his outlook on voting rights legislation, filibuster reform and the upcoming midterm election. When it comes to addressing top Democratic priorities, the Sen. Padilla's message: "We're not giving up that easily."Recommended reading:Padilla Bill to Improve Federal Wildfire Response Gains Momentum in the SenateTimes of San Diego: California Senators Seek to Expand Federal Authority Over Threatened Salton SeaPV Magazine: Ossoff bill would address rooftop solar's cost burden on LMI peoplePolitical Climate is brought to you by Fischtank PR. From PR and digital marketing to content writing, the team at FischTank helps you develop a strategy for bringing your work not only to wider audiences, but to the right audience. To learn more about FischTank's approach to cleantech and services, visit fischtankpr.comPolitical Climate is also brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice as much renewable energy as the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it's the power of people over profit. Learn more at mceCleanEnergy.org

President Joe Biden campaigned for the White House on a number key climate promises. When he officially took office, hopes were high that bold climate action would be at the center of the Biden policy platform. One year later, where does his record stand? On this episode of Political Climate, our hosts look at what the Biden administration has achieved during the president's first year in office.Of course, a big component of President Biden's climate agenda is still in limbo. The Build Back Better Act would devote $555 billion to clean energy and climate measures, along with a suite of social programs. Prospects for passing the full bill in the Senate were quashed late last year. But now there's talk of moving some provisions forward in a trimmed down version of BBB, one that could get the 50 Democrat votes needed to pass. To kick off the show, hosts Julia Pyper, Brandon Hurlbut and Shane Skelton evaluate the odds of a climate focused Build Back Better Act making it across the finish line. Recommended reading:Politico: The climate kinks in BBBWhite House: President Biden Signs Executive Order Catalyzing America's Clean Energy Economy Through Federal SustainabilityNature: Has Biden followed the science? What researchers sayCanary Media: How the infrastructure bill will fight climate change and advance clean energyGrist: Executive Reaction: Biden vowed to undo Trump's toxic legacy. We're tracking his progress. Political Climate is brought to you by Fischtank PR. From PR and digital marketing to content writing, the team at FischTank helps you develop a strategy for bringing your work not only to wider audiences, but to the right audience. To learn more about FischTank's approach to cleantech and services, visit fischtankpr.comPolitical Climate is also brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice as much renewable energy as the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it's the power of people over profit. Learn more at mceCleanEnergy.org

California Governor Gavin Newsom proposed spending $22.5 billion on tackling the climate crisis this week, as part of his $286.4 billion budget proposal. The so-called California Blueprint includes funding for everything from electric buses and building retrofits to support services for firefighters.As other states have stepped up on climate, some have accused California of falling behind. Could Newsom's plan reclaim the Golden State's title as climate change leader?On this episode, we discuss the climate and clean energy provisions in Newsom's budget proposal with Lauren Sanchez, the governor's Senior Advisor for Climate and former advisor to the Biden-Harris administration.Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:LA Times: COVID-19, children, climate change are focal points in Newsom's budget planSacramento Bee: Gavin Newsom seeks to reclaim California's status as climate change leader in his budgetCNBC: California's blueprint budget has $6.1 billion for electric vehicle initiativesCanary Media: California's Gov. Newsom says ​‘changes need to be made' to the state's polarizing net-metering proposalPolitical Climate is brought to you by Fischtank PR. From PR and digital marketing to content writing, the team at FischTank helps you develop a strategy of bringing your work to not only wider audiences, but the right audience. To learn more about FischTank's approach to cleantech and services, visit fischtankpr.comPolitical Climate is also brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice the amount of renewable energy compared to the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it's the power of people over profit. Learn more at mceCleanEnergy.org

2021 was a productive year for climate policy – particularly for U.S. states. Both red and blue states passed ambitious climate bills last year. Several of the new laws address emissions from multiple sectors of the economy, include strong labor provisions and center environmental justice in meaningful ways.In the first Political Climate episode of 2022, we look at some of the biggest political wins of 2021 that took place around the country. From Oregon and Illinois joining the party on 100% emissions-free electricity, to a wide-ranging cap-and-trade bill in Washington and a net zero goal in North Carolina, there was no shortage of action.Host Julia Pyper speaks with Canary Media's Jeff St. John about key elements of these new state policies, how they came to pass, and why they're so significant. Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:Canary Media: The top 6 ambitious state climate laws passed in 2021Political Climate: Winning political messages with David RobertsCanary Media: Washington state now has the nation's most ambitious climate policyCanary Media: Illinois' new climate bill is ambitious, justice-focused and a model for the nationPolitical Climate is brought to you by Fischtank PR. From PR and digital marketing to content writing, the team at FischTank helps you develop a strategy of bringing your work to not only wider audiences, but the right audience. To learn more about FischTank's approach to cleantech and services, visit fischtankpr.comPolitical Climate is also brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice the amount of renewable energy compared to the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it's the power of people over profit. Learn more at mceCleanEnergy.org

Is Build Back Better really dead? Could the climate and clean energy provisions live on? Political Climate weighs in on the timely issue of Senator Manchin's “no” on President Biden's marquee legislation. Plus, Brandon, Shane and Julia share some 2022 predictions.In the second half of the show we look at the troubling rise in global methane emissions. Methane is 80 times more potent as a global warming gas than carbon dioxide, and is responsible for roughly one-quarter of the climate warming we see today. Recognizing the scope and scale of the issue, the United States and European Union recently spearheaded a Global Methane Pledge at COP26, which has been signed by around 100 countries. In addition, the U.S. EPA has proposed new rules to tackle methane leaks from oil and gas production. To round out the episode, we speak to Sarah Smith, program director of super pollutants at the Clean Air Task Force, about why methane emissions are such a big problem and what's being done to address it. Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.P.S. All we want for Christmas are your Apple Podcast reviews! If you have a moment over the holidays, we'd love to get your feedback. Your ratings help us grow and if there's a topic you'd like the podcast to cover, please let us know!Recommended reading:NYT: What the Stalled Build Back Better Bill Means for Climate, in One ChartCanary Media: The US oil patch is the Wild West. We need regulation to control the sector's methane emissionsCNN: Biden announces new methane rules and launches global pledge to slash planet-warming emissions

The clean energy transition is accelerating — but progress isn't always smooth. The global energy crisis and related price spikes have raised some difficult political questions around the push for decarbonization. At the same time, local opposition to clean energy projects threatens to undermine meeting national net zero goals. Similarly, complexities around accessing materials needed to make cleantech solutions threaten to disrupt the sector.These are the kinds of tough issues that longtime climate and energy journalist Amy Harder is used to covering — and continues to cover in her role as executive editor at Cipher, a recently-launched news publication backed by Bill Gates' Breakthrough Energy. In this episode, podcast host Julia Pyper, with co-hosts Brandon Hurlbut and Shane Skelton of policy firm Boundary Stone Partners, speak to Amy about some of the latest trends and challenges in the race to net zero emissions.Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get podcasts. Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:Cipher: What's really driving the energy crisis and how cleantech fits inCipher: U.S. climate and energy laws push rest of world, IEA chief saysCipher: What happened in Main matters in Glasgow

As we enter the holiday season, our hosts run through 10 powerful stats that will help you navigate the inevitable question from a curious family member: “So, what's going on with the climate?” As a listener of this podcast, you are probably no stranger to these conversations with loved ones. But this year in particular — amid more in-person visits and a slew of recent headlines on climate policy, climate impacts, and global climate summits — there is a lot of catching up to do. These stats will equip you with the content you need to deliver a brief climate keynote address over the third helping of potatoes. To kick things off, we catch up on the big ticket items in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and what's next for the Build Back Better Act, which together could be the most significant pieces of American climate legislation passed in our lifetimes. (And that's a good thing, should your aunt ask).Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:White House: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal Fact SheetPrinceton University's REPEAT ProjectCanary Media: The vast majority of Americans love solar and wind powerE2: Clean Jobs AmericaIHS: Corporate US renewable procurement outlookIEA: COP26 climate pledges could help limit global warming to 1.8 °CBBC: How China shapes the world's coalInside EVs: Global Plug-In Car Sales Doubled To A New Record, September 2021California Solar and Storage Association: An S.O.S. In The Sand – Governor: More Solar, Not OilArs Technica: Natural gas customers in Texas get stuck with $3.4 billion cold-snap surcharge

Climate finance has been center stage at COP26. Meeting the globe's climate goals will require mobilizing trillions of public and private dollars. So what exactly does that look like?During the first week of the UN climate summit, 450 financial institutions with $130 trillion in assets under management pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The announcement from the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) led by UN Special Envoy Mark Carney represents a massive commitment to shift funds out of fossil fuels and into creating sustainable economies.But will the promise live up to the hype? We break down the significance of this and other major finance pledges made at COP26 with Justin Guay, director for global climate strategy at the Sunrise Project.Plus, a commitment from wealthy countries to spend $100 billion per year on helping poorer nations mitigate and adapt to climate change remains a sticking point in the global climate negotiations. But even if rich nations deliver more money in climate aid, many countries will see little benefit because they face enormous hurdles accessing the funds available.In the second half of this episode we speak to Benjamin Bartle, project director with RMI's Climate Finance Access Network (CFAN) about what it really takes to put these climate dollars to work.Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:Bloomberg: Carney Unveils $130 Trillion in Climate Finance CommitmentsScientific American: U.S. Agrees to End Fossil Fuel Financing AbroadAP: UK sets net-zero plan for its financial sectorRMI: The Crisis of Climate Finance: “Access Means Survival"

Where are the offshore wind projects in America? While turbines have become a familiar sight in states across the country, offshore wind is virtually non-existent. Even with thousands of miles of coastline, the U.S. only has around 40 MW of offshore wind production, most of it from a single wind farm. This pales in comparison to other parts of the world, particularly Europe, which has more than 25 GW of offshore wind capacity from more than 100 offshore wind farms.But the market landscape for offshore wind in the U.S. is poised to change dramatically, with industry and policy efforts aligning to finally access this untapped clean energy resource.In this episode, we discuss this new frontier in the U.S. energy transition with Heather Zichal, Chief Executive Officer, of the American Clean Power Association.Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:Heather Zichal: Testimony House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Energy Subcommittee “Offshore Wind, Onshore Benefits: Growing the Domestic Wind Energy Industry”USC Schwarzenegger Institute: California's Offshore Wind Electricity OpportunityCanary: Could the US lead​​ the world in floating offshore wind? Canary: California offshore wind could save billions and help prevent blackouts. What's holding it back?Axios: Biden plan expected to include at least $500B for climate

Policy debates on Capitol Hill today fit into a bigger political picture. In Part 2 of this conversation with David Roberts, hosts Julia Pyper, Brandon Hurlbut, and Shane Skelton talk about political sentiments, campaign messaging, and things Democrats don't want to hear — as well as asymmetry in the media landscape and its impact on electoral politics today.Plus, David shares what he's genuinely excited about when it comes to clean energy technology and how Illinois recently passed a big, bold climate bill that offers a new model for the nation. David Roberts is the founder and writer of the newsletter Volts, host of the podcast by the same name, and Editor-At-Large at Canary Media. Check out Part 1 of this conversation on last week's episode. Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:Canary: The unstoppably good news about clean energyCanary: Illinois' new climate bill is ambitious, justice-focused and a model for the nationNYT: David Shor Is Telling Democrats What They Don't Want to Hear

David Roberts is worried. Democrats have control of the House, Senate and the White House and an opportunity to pass bold climate policy and political reform — perhaps their last opportunity for a long time — but are stuck in political gridlock. The stakes are high, with procedural deadlines and the COP26 global climate summit looming. On this episode, Julia Pyper, Brandon Hurlbut and Shane Skelton speak to clean energy and politics reporter David Roberts about the state of play in Washington D.C. and why he's both anxious and (surprisingly) optimistic. Roberts is the founder and writer of the newsletter Volts, host of the podcast by the same name, and Editor-At-Large at Canary Media. Part 2 of this conversation will air on the podcast feed next week! Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:Politico: Dem tension keeps spiking ahead of make-or-break 3 weeksCanary: What's in the latest version of House Dems' proposed clean energy legislation?Axios: Pondering Biden's Plan(et) BVolts: The most important job ahead for DemocratsMSNBC: All In with Chris Hayes, 10/12/21

With several major deadlines looming, U.S. lawmakers remain divided on how to move forward with the bipartisan infrastructure bill and Democrats' larger $3.5 billion spending package — both of which contain critical funding and programs to fight climate change and promote clean energy. At the same time, Congress must immediately pass a spending package to avoid a government shutdown. Also (because there isn't enough going on) lawmakers must act quickly to raise the debt limit, with the nation's borrowing authority set to expire on October 18, which would be devastating for the U.S. economy.On this episode of Political Climate, hosts Julia Pyper, Brandon Hurlbut and Shane Skelton discuss the rifts on Capitol Hill and what to expect from Congress in the coming days. Plus, they talk through some of the most significant commitments made by governments and the private sector during Climate Week NYC — a stepping stone to the UN's COP26 climate summit.Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.Recommended reading:The Guardian: Fate of Biden's economic agenda at stake as House faces crucial voteCNN: Why we're willing to put our votes on the line for the Build Back Better ActNYT: Biden Administration Makes First Major Move to Regulate Greenhouse GasesCanary Media: Climate Week NYC 2021

Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico is no stranger to climate and energy issues. In recent months, he's sponsored legislation on zero-emission homes, electric transmission, energy storage, a civilian climate corps, and more. Now, these proposals are being considered as part of Democrats' sweeping $3.5 trillion budget plan. What's likely to stay in and what's likely to get cut?On this episode of Political Climate, Sen. Heinrich weighs in on what's at stake with the budget reconciliation and bipartisan infrastructure bills, and how climate impacts are influencing political action. Plus, we discuss the significance of President Biden's cross-country climate tour and Governor Gavin Newsom's big win in the California recall.Recommended reading:Canary Media: What's in the latest version of House Dems' proposed clean energy legislation?Rewiring America: Electrifying America's Future ResolutionNYT: Your Next Car and Clothes Dryer Could Help Save Our PlanetListen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.P.S. We have a brand new show page on Canary Media! Check it out.

The U.S. political climate has changed a lot in 2021, especially when it comes to climate and energy issues on Capitol Hill. The Political Climate podcast has changed too. Rather than debate macro politics, we're focused on analyzing concrete proposals, policy choices, and getting at the “how” of achieving our shared climate goals. Unlike in the past, there is no shortage of policy action!On August 10, the U.S. Senate approved a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill — the largest spending for infrastructure projects in the country in over a decade — with bipartisan support. Senators also approved a budget measure along party lines that paved the way for Democrats' $3.5 trillion spending package, which includes a suite of climate and social initiatives.After a weeks-long stalemate between moderates and leadership in the House over the two large pieces of legislation, it's now crunch time for Democrats to pass their climate and clean energy priorities. This episode offers an insider perspective on how policy negotiations are evolving, what the top priorities are for House and Senate leadership, as well as the Biden White House, and what we can expect in the next month as both the bipartisan infrastructure bill and Democrats' massive spending package move forward (or not). Recommended resources:Vox: What's in the new infrastructure bill — and why it's a big dealCanary Media: Infrastructure bill contains less transmission funding than advertisedCanary Media: We need gargantuan investment in EV charging stations. Where will the money come from?E&E: Uncertainty on reconciliation as House returnsCanary Media: Climate policy crunch time: We need Congress to pass a clean energy standard and tax creditsListen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.

Political Climate is coming back to the airwaves! Catch new episodes every two weeks — wherever you get podcasts — starting Thursday, September 2nd. Brandon Hurlbut, Shane Skelton and Julia Pyper will be discussing all of the climate and energy issues that you want to know about, along with a roster of fantastic guests who know the ins and outs of the politics and policies shaping the future of our planet. This reboot of Political Climate is presented in partnership with Canary Media, and with support from the USC Schwarzenegger Institute. There is no shortage of action on climate and energy these days. Get the latest news and analysis with a side of debate and friendly banter on upcoming episodes of Political Climate.Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get podcasts. Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate.

We always new that 2021 would start with a bang — between the Georgia Senate runoff election, the inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden, cabinet announcements, coronavirus relief and, of course, earnest discussions on the future of American climate policy. A deadly assault on the United States Capitol incited by the President was not on the calendar, although the seeds of division and misinformation were sown long ago. So what’s the path forward? Democrats have secured a narrow majority in Congress, which will have an enormous impact on how policy moves in the months ahead. We discuss pathways for climate action. We also opine on the future of the Republican Party and how that could influence the broader political landscape.But first, we kick it all off with some Political Climate news!Recommended reading:Volts: What the Georgia Senate wins do (and don't) mean for climate policyWaPo: Schwarzenegger compares Capitol mob violence to Kristallnacht destruction by Nazis in viral videoVox: How Joe Biden plans to use executive powers to fight climate changeListen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate!

The past few years have been a mixed bag for climate. U.S. emissions declined to their lowest level in three decade this year, but these reductions came at an incredible cost as the economy shut down amid the coronavirus pandemic. The challenge now is to make these emissions cuts sustainable for years to come, while getting millions of Americans back to work.We dig into a new analysis on how to put the U.S. on a path to deep decarbonization and economic growth on this episode of Political Climate — the final episode in our "Relief, Rescue, Rebuild" series. Lindsey Walter, senior policy advisor for Third Way’s Climate and Energy program, breaks down the policies and technology pathways to reach net zero emissions by 2050 in an equitable and affordable way. Plus, we speak to two wind energy technicians who are training the next generation of wind workers in the Midwest about how the industry has affected their region, the opportunities for growth and their message to policymakers. Mike Gengler is the wind energy coordinator at Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, Iowa. Jay Johnson in an assistant professor for the wind energy technician program at the Lake Region State College in Devil’s Lake North Dakota.The "Relief, Rescue, Rebuild" series is supported by the think tank Third Way. The series theme song was created by @AYMusik.Recommended resources:USA Today: Due to COVID-19, 2020 greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. are predicted to drop to lowest level in three decadesThird Way: Congress Makes a Downpayment on Our Clean Energy FuturePrinceton: Big but affordable effort needed for America to reach net-zero emissions by 2050Relief, Rescue, RebuildPath to ZeroListen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play or wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate!

It will take a massive war-time mobilization effort to effectively address the climate emergency, argues Saul Griffith — inventor, MacArthur genius fellow, CEO of Otherlab, and co-founder of Rewiring America, an organization dedicated to creating millions of American jobs while combating climate change. So, what does a war-time mobilization effort look like? How much will it cost? Will we have to make sacrifices in the process? What does this shift mean for the future of utilities? And will politicians ever get on board? Griffith explains in this episode of Political Climate. Plus, he weighs in on the massive year-end spending bill that passed in Congress this week and includes significant climate and clean energy measures. If signed into law, will this legislation put the U.S. on the right track to achieve deep decarbonization?Recommended reading:Rewiring America HandbookNo Place Like Home: Fighting Climate Change (and Saving Money) by Electrifying America’s HouseholdsMobilizing for a zero carbon America: Jobs, jobs, jobs, and more jobsNYT: To Cut Emissions to Zero, U.S. Needs to Make Big Changes in Next 10 YearsNYT: Climate Change Legislation Included in Coronavirus Relief Deal'Need for Speed': Why Solving Climate Change Is About More Than CO2Political Climate is hosted by Julia Pyper, Brandon Hurlbut and Shane Skelton and supported by the USC Schwarzenegger Institute. Listen and subscribe to on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play or wherever you get podcasts! We're also on Twitter @Poli_Climate.

Crowdfunding, blockchain, artificial intelligence and neobanks. What do all of these buzz words have to do with fighting climate change? On this episode of Political Climate’s DITCHED series, host Julia Pyper speaks to the authors of a new report on “climate fintech,” an emerging ecosystem that leverages digital technology to help move more capital into climate change solutions. The report, published by the startup accelerator New Energy Nexus, offers a valuable overview of what this rapidly evolving ecosystem looks like today. Andrew Chang, New Energy Nexus climate fintech program director based in Shanghai, and Aaron McCreary, New Energy Nexus fintech lead for Europe and the United States, describe how and why traditional finance is bring disrupted by new technology — and what this means for decarbonization. Recommended resources:Climate Fintech Report: An Emerging Ecosystem of Climate Capital CatalystsDITCHED: Greening the BanksIf you’re just joining us, the DITCHED series is all about fossil fuel divestment and rapidly evolving world of green finance. We’re airing these episodes in addition to our regular Thursday shows on climate and energy politics and policies.You can find all segments in the DITCHED series on the Political Climate podcast feed, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get podcasts! You can also find the series on the Political Climate website or via the leading independent environmental news platform Our Daily Planet.

2020 has been a remarkable year. It witnessed the coronavirus pandemic, an economic crash, a historic and divisive U.S. election, widespread protests for racial justice and more. And yet, amid all of the turbulence, the world took several major steps toward realizing a low carbon future.The numbers are still coming in and the trends are still formalizing, but we have a pretty good sense of how the climate and energy landscape evolved over the past several months.On this episode of Political Climate, hosts Brandon Hurlbut, Shane Skelton and Julia Pyper discuss how climate action and the clean energy transition fared in 2020.Recommended reading:Reuters: Solar the new 'king of electricity' as renewables make up bigger slice of supply: IEAS&P: Global emissions peaked in 2019 as pandemic hastens energy transition – reportDITCHED: Why 2020 Could Be a Tipping Point for Fossil FuelsInside EVs: Global Plug-In Electric Car Sales October 2020: Near Record LevelE&E: Biden's energy agenda hinges on FERC, red statesAtlantic: Why the 2020s Could Be as Dangerous as the 1850sPC: David Roberts on 'Radical' Climate Action and Political TribalismListen and subscribe to Political Climate on on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play or wherever you get podcasts!

Cities and states have powerful roles to play in divesting from fossil fuels and directing investments toward sustainable industries. There are a number of ways for these sub-national actors to participate in the divest/invest movement and help pave the way for more widespread action. In this episode of Political Climate’s DITCHED series, we go to the home of Wall Street and look at steps being taken by New York City and New York State to accelerate the movement of funds from brown to green resources. We speak to NYC’s chief climate policy advisor Dan Zarrilli about the city’s pledge to fully divest its pension funds from fossil fuels. Then, in the second half of the episode, we speak to NY Green Bank President Alfred Griffin about how green banks operate and the role they fill in transforming financial markets.Recommended reading:NYC: Mayor, Comptroller, Trustees Announce First-In-The-Nation Goal to Divest From Fossil FuelsSmart Cities Dive: 12 major cities pledge fossil fuel divestmentInside Climate: Could New York’s Youth Finally Convince the State to Divest Its Pension of Fossil Fuels?NRDC: First Global Survey of Green Banks Finds Rapid Growth in their Numbers and Importance in Low-Carbon FinanceVox: New York just passed the most ambitious climate target in the country

When Neil Chatterjee was appointed to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission by President Trump in 2017, stakeholders in the climate and clean energy space were concerned about what his agenda would be. Headlines dubbed him “McConnell’s coal guy” and “fossil fuel champion Chatterjee,” referring to his role as a former aide to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). But Chatterjee has proven to be much more than a “coal guy,” despite his sympathies for struggling Kentucky coal communities. The Republican leader recently voted in favor of rules supporting distributed energy resources and carbon pricing, and views these decisions as powerful steps in advancing the energy transition. His openness to supporting policies that benefit clean energy may have cost him his leadership position at FERC. President Trump demoted Chatterjee from the chairman role last month, although he remains on the commission and will serve alongside two new appointees confirmed by the Senate this week.In this episode, we speak to FERC Commissioner Neil Chatterjee about several of the agency’s recent rulemakings, past controversies and his outlook for the future of U.S. energy policy in today’s shifting political landscape.Recommended reading:GTM: Why Rick Perry’s Coal-Friendly Market Intervention Was Legally DoomedGTM: FERC Orders PJM to Restrict State-Backed Renewables in Its Capacity MarketUtility Dive: FERC confirms carbon pricing jurisdiction in wholesale markets, Chatterjee 'encourages' proposalsUtility Dive: Competitive generators move away from FERC's PJM order, toward carbon pricingGTM: ‘Game-Changer’ FERC Order Opens Up Wholesale Grid Markets to Distributed Energy ResourcesQuartz: How one obscure federal agency is clearing the path for a US carbon priceThe Hill: Senate approves two energy regulators, completing panelListen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play or wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate!

2020 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for fossil fuel divestment. Despite economic disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, a growing number of countries, companies and financial institutions are committing to quit coal and are beginning to ditch oil and gas projects, too. In this episode of Political Climate’s special DITCHED series, host Julia Pyper speaks to Tim Buckley at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) about what’s driving the increase in fossil fuel exits around the globe, including in historically coal-dependent economies such as China and India. Will 2020 prove to be a tipping point in the energy-finance transition?Recommended resources:IEEFA: Why 2020 is turning out be a pivotal year for fossil fuel exitsIEA: Renewable power is defying the Covid crisis with record growth this year and nextArgus: Coal India to diversify into solar powerPV Tech: Indian solar tariffs fall to record low following SECI auctionReuters: Satellites reveal major new gas industry methane leaksIEEFA: Is the Gas Industry Facing Its Volkswagen Moment?Episodes of DITCHED will air Mondays over the next several weeks. Listen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play or wherever you get podcasts! You can also find DITCHED episodes via Our Daily Planet.

The coronavirus pandemic has created an opportunity to reboot the American economy in a way that is cleaner and helps to mitigate climate change for future generations. But it’s not only that, this is also a moment to build back the U.S. economy with more resilience. The word “resilience” is thrown around frequently. But what does it really mean? And how should leaders be factoring resilience into their recovery efforts?In this episode, we speak to Norfolk, Virginia City Councilwoman Andria McClellan about how her coastal city, home to the world's largest naval station, is coping with rising seas and worsening flooding. And we hear what she hopes lawmakers in Washington D.C. will do to help address the growing crisis. But first, we check in with Josh Freed, founder and leader of Third Way's Climate and Energy Program. We discuss how President-Elect Joe Biden’s administration is shaping up and what to watch for on the policy front post-election. This is the fourth episode in our "Relief, Rescue, Rebuild" series supported by Third Way. The series theme song was created by @AYMusik.Recommended reading:E&E: Here are Biden's next moves on climateWaPo: Climate Change Turns the Tide on Waterfront LivingSciAm: A Running List of Record-Breaking Natural Disasters in 2020New Deal Forum: Policy Proposals for Growing a Clean Economy and Protecting CommunitiesThird Way: Clean Energy Targets are TrendingListen and subscribe to Political Climate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play or wherever you get podcasts! Follow us on Twitter at @Poli_Climate!