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President Donald Trump could more closely align the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission with his energy agenda by nominating a new agency commissioner to fill an open seat. POLITICO's Cat Morehouse breaks down who Trump is rumored to be considering for the vacancy and how this new commissioner could make FERC more fossil-fuel oriented. Plus, the Interior Department on Friday asked for public comment on how to overhaul its rules, bringing its deregulatory efforts to the general populace. Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of Morning Energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. 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. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week Allen discusses the European Investment Bank's major wind farm investment in Romania, the financial performance of German energy giant RWE, and the potential cancellation of Equinor's Empire Wind Project due to regulatory challenges. Sign up now for Uptime Tech News, our weekly email update on all things wind technology. This episode is sponsored by Weather Guard Lightning Tech. Learn more about Weather Guard's StrikeTape Wind Turbine LPS retrofit. Follow the show on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Linkedin and visit Weather Guard on the web. And subscribe to Rosemary Barnes' YouTube channel here. Have a question we can answer on the show? Email us! Welcome to Uptime News. Flash Industry News Lightning fast. Your host, Allen Hall, shares the renewable industry news you may have missed. Allen Hall: Okay, starting off the week over in Romania, the European investment bank is investing 30 million euros in a major wind farm project in Romania. The poster two project located near the Black Sea, will have a capacity of up to 400 megawatts. That's enough to supply over 1.4 million Romanian households for an entire year. The EIB is partnering with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners on the project with the total investment expected to be in excess of 500 million Euros. Construction is due to start later this year and it will bolster the European Union's push for climate neutrality by mid-century. German energy Giant RWE, reported an adjusted EBITDA of 1.3 billion euros [00:01:00] for the first three months of 2025. Adjusted net income amounted to 0.5 billion euros as expected earnings were below the level of the same quarter last year. This decline was primarily attributable to normalization of income in the flexible generation segment and a weaker start to the year in the trading business. The commissioning of new offshore wind farms, solar plants, and battery storage facilities had a positive impact on the company's performance. RWE commissioned 600 megawatts of new generation capacity in the first quarter alone. The company, currently has new plants with a combined capacity of 11.2 gigawatts under construction. Michael Mueller, chief financial officer of RWE, stated that they were reaffirming their full year earnings forecast after a solid start to the year. He noted, that the company is making great progress in expanding its portfolio in a value accretive manner. Construction projects remain on schedule [00:02:00] and on budget. Over in Norway, Equinor is warning it may cancel its Empire Wind Project off New York's coast. Following a Trump administration stop work order, the company is spending $50 million weekly to keep the project afloat while awaiting resolution. Molly Morris, president of Equinor's US renewable energy arm, describe the situation as unsustainable. The Interior Department led by Secretary Doug Bergham ordered Equinor to halt construction on April 17th. The order cited information suggesting the Biden administration may have approved the project without a thorough environmental analysis. The stop work order stemmed from a report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. However, Equinor says it has not seen the report and is not aware of the specific concerns raised. The project represents a significant investment for Equinor. The company has already invested $2.7 billion in the [00:03:00] Empire Wind Facility. Currently, 11 vessels with 100 workers remain on board, sitting on the water, waiting for an order to resume work. That's this week's top. New stories. Stay tuned tomorrow for the Uptime Wind Energy Podcast.
In this National Park and Public Lands news roundup, we dive into the proposed 38% budget cut for the National Park Service, which could lead to the removal of some sites from the system. We cover the Interior Department's leaked plans to allow drilling, mining, and selling off federal land, as well as the potential reopening of Alcatraz as a federal prison. Updates on Yosemite's summer reservations, a tragic crash near Yellowstone, various park closures, and more. Find the Slinky Stove that's right for your next adventure at: https://www.slinkystove.com/?ref=PARKography 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:35 Sponsor Message: Slinky Stove 01:22 Trump Administration's Budget Proposal for National Parks 03:09 Leaked Interior Department Plan for Federal Lands 04:20 National Monuments and Endangered Species 05:15 House Appropriations Bill and National Park Funding 07:18 Staffing Issues and USACE Campground Closures 11:26 Yosemite Summer Reservations 13:01 Tragic Crash Near Yellowstone 13:41 Theft at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park 14:24 Jackson Hole Airport Achieves Dark Sky Status 15:18 Conclusion
The Trump administration has dismissed all of the scientists working on the newest version of the National Climate Assessment, the most important climate science report issued by the federal government. Scott Waldman from POLITICO's E&E News breaks down why these firings happened, how they might impact the report's future and the Trump administration's broader plans. Plus, Interior Department staff were told to upload their resumes by midday Tuesday to help officials determine which employees will be fired as part of the DOGE-driven reduction-in-force effort. Scott Waldman is the White House reporter for E&E News focused on climate change. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. 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. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this newscast: Black bears are emerging from hibernation and roaming around Juneau in search of food; The Alaska Senate passed a bill today that would substantially boost long-term funding for public schools; Juneau's firefighter union sent out a statement Thursday warning residents that emergency response times may be delayed due to major staffing concerns; The Juneau School District and its largest union are more than two months into contract negotiations; The U.S. Interior Department says it's going to fast-track permits for oil, gas and mining, cutting a process that normally takes years down to no more than 28 days; Alaska residents have less than a week to apply to get on a rental assistance program waitlist with the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
The Washington Post is reporting that officials with the Interior Department are considering shrinking at least six national monuments in the West. According to the Post, the monuments that may see their acreage reduced dramatically include Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante in southern Utah.
with Brad Friedman & Desi Doyen
On today's newscast: The National Weather Service's seasonal outlook predicts a wetter-than-average summer across northern Arizona, a Navajo Nation Council delegation met with the head of the Interior Department, the Yavapai County sheriff criticized Gov. Katie Hobbs' veto of immigration legislation, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren didn't appear in person for the State of the Nation Address, and more.
The U.S. Interior Department halts the Empire Wind Project due to environmental concerns, prompting political backlash and legal considerations. The Offshore Wind Industry Council releases a framework to better protect marine life, and a new assessment reveals job opportunities in the Canadian offshore wind energy market. Sign up now for Uptime Tech News, our weekly email update on all things wind technology. This episode is sponsored by Weather Guard Lightning Tech. Learn more about Weather Guard's StrikeTape Wind Turbine LPS retrofit. Follow the show on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Linkedin and visit Weather Guard on the web. And subscribe to Rosemary Barnes' YouTube channel here. Have a question we can answer on the show? Email us! Welcome to Uptime Newsflash, industry News Lightning fast. Allen Hall: The United States Interior Department has ordered a halt to all activities related to the Empire Wind Project off the coast of New York. In a director's order dated April 16th, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management instructed Empire offshore wind, LLC to suspend ongoing activities. Related to the Offshore wind project. The stoppage order follows in part feedback received from the National oceanic and Atmospheric Administration about environmental concerns. In a July, 2023 assessment, NOAA determined the project would quote, result in significant adverse impacts to essential fish habitat federally managed species, the prey, and other resources, unquote. Noah expressed particular concerns about the project's overlap with the Clara Bank and important [00:01:00] ecological area that provides valuable habitat for numerous fish species. Interior Secretary Doug Burnham stated The project is being stopped until further review of information that suggests the Biden administration rushed through its approval without sufficient analysis unquote. New York Governor Kathy Hoel has criticized the decision pledging to fight it. Empire Win one is already employing hundreds of New Yorkers, including 1000 good paying union jobs as part of a growing sector, unquote. She characterized the order as quote, federal. Overreach and vowed to protect union jobs, affordable energy, and New York's economic future. Equinor, the parent company of Empire Offshore Wind, LLC announced it would comply with the order and suspend offshore construction, but is engaging with the relevant authorities to clarify the matter and is considering legal remedies including appealing the [00:02:00] order unquote. The Empire Wind Project Construction included up to 147 wind turbine generators with a substantial submarine cable network connecting the turbines to the mainland electric grid in New York. The Offshore Wind Industry Council has published a framework report to help offshore wind industries better coordinate underwater noise management, various seabed activities, including surveys, turbine installation, and unexploded ordinance clearance need improved coordination to protect marine wildlife. Conservation measures already exist in areas like the Southern North Sea, a marine protected area for harbor purposes. The report identifies a critical need for better planning when government thresholds might prevent multiple projects from operating simultaneously. Key proposals include a coordinated framework for cooperation and a transparent decision making process to quickly resolve scheduling conflicts. [00:03:00] Juliet Shrimpton and Ben Sykes from Ørsted emphasize the importance of balancing biodiversity protection with clean energy development to meet UK's 2030 targets. And Marine Renewables Canada's new assessment reveals significant opportunities for atlantic Canada's wind energy supply chain. Under medium development scenarios. Offshore wind projects could create up to 6,000 jobs during peak periods while onshore wind could generate 5,000 jobs. Of 1070 companies assessed for offshore wind. Roughly 25% were considered highly applicable b...
There has been much upheaval in the National Park Service this year, with firings, then rehires, and staff deciding to retire now rather than risk sticking around and being fired. There have been fears that more Park Service personnel are about to be let go through a reduction in force. While Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has ordered the Park Service to ensure that parks are properly to support the operating hours and needs of each park unit,” that message said nothing about protecting park resources. Among all this upheaval the question that goes begging is whether the Interior Department is as concerned about protecting natural resources, including wildlife, as it is about seeing that visitors have a good national park experience? Our guest today is Dr. Michael Soukup, who during his National Park Service career served as the agency's chief scientist. When he joined the Park Service in 1975 Dr. Soukup, a distinguished coastal ecologist, biologist and researcher, brought a clear vision for natural resource stewardship that would be embraced throughout the NPS and supported by visitors and local citizens. He was directly responsible for launching the Natural Resource Challenge, a $100 million funding initiative that brought the protection of natural resources of the parks to the forefront.
President Donald Trump's early moves have sparked fears that the United States will suffer a brain drain of scientists, researchers and scientific programs. Experts are warning that if there is a brain drain, that could hurt America's reputation as a beacon of scientific inquiry — it could even impact the US economy. POLITICO's Zack Colman breaks down what Trump is doing and the potential impacts. Plus, POLITICO reported Friday that more than 5 percent of the staff at the Interior Department's Bureau of Land Management are taking voluntary severance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the News Now podcast, we break down a Flathead County murder trial verdict, a landmark tribal lawsuit against federal tariffs at the U.S.-Canada border, and promising updates on Montana's spring snowpack. Stay informed with the latest top stories from northwest Montana, reported by the Daily Inter Lake — the state's largest independent newsroom.Read more of this week's stories: Jackson acquitted of killing mom, guilty of murdering her boyfriend Blackfeet tribal members sue feds over Canada tariffs Wet March delivers needed boost to Northwest Montana snowpack Read more local and state coverage: Cuts to federal humanities funds hit the Flathead Valley Potential buyers seek permit to operate historic Holland Lake Lodge Judge Dan Wilson launches new bid for Montana Supreme Court seat Interior Department staff, including those at national parks, offered buyouts and early retirement #MontanaNews #FlatheadCounty #BlackfeetNation #MontanaSnowpack #DailyInterLake #CrimeNews #TribalRights #NorthwestMontana #PodcastNews #MontanaWeatherA big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at lorensauto.com. In Season 3 of Daily Inter Lake's Deep Dive podcast, we explore the devastating fire that struck the small town of Noxon, Montana. By the end of the day on February 27, 2024, three-quarters of the town's business community were wiped out. Listen to the two-part story on any audio platform you prefer, or watch the series on our YouTube channel.Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.
This week's public lands update covers developments from April 3 through April 11, with a quick rewind to catch a few major stories we missed last week (because hey, I'm just a girl, and the news cycle waits for no one)Topics Covered This Week:On April 3rd, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins issued a memo that designates 112 million acres of National Forest lands as part of an “emergency” Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum quietly issued Order No. 3426, requiring all national park closures or service changes to be approved by political leadership in D.C. (even those made for urgent safety reasons.)One day after the order, National Park Service employees received another “Fork in the Road” buyout offer, asking staff to resign by midnight on April 9.During the Senate's budget reconciliation vote-a-rama on April 6, a proposed amendment to ban the sale of public lands failed, 48 to 51. On April 10, the House passed the reconciliation in a 216 - 214 vote.On April 8th, the Department of the Interior announced that the Colosseum Mine in California can resume mining operations under its existing Bureau of Land Management-approved plan. On April 8, 2025, the Interior Department also revealed a set of actions to revitalize the coal industry, emphasizing coal as a cornerstone of American energy dominance.The next day on April 9th, the Department of the Interior announced more than $13 million in grants aimed at revitalizing coal country by reclaiming abandoned mine lands in North Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas.On April 9th, over 60 outdoor industry companies have come together under a new coalition, Brands for Public Lands, to fight the increasing threats facing America's wild landscapes. Two major announcements dropped on April 10th from the Department of the Interior that together mark a sharp acceleration in fossil fuel development.Phase 2 of the Agency Reorganization and Reduction Plan is due April 14, and more federal layoffs and budget cuts could follow. Vote in the REI Board Election: https://vote.escvote.com/REI/ Have tips, testimonials, or insights on public land changes? Submit them through our Google Form (https://forms.gle/JwC73G8wLvU6kedc9)Links & Resources:https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/sm-1078-006.pdf https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/04/04/secretary-rollins-announces-sweeping-reforms-protect-national-forests-and-boost-domestic-timber https://www.nrdc.org/press-releases/usdas-logging-emergency-cover-widespread-forest-destruction https://www.nrdc.org/media/executive-orders-direct-massive-expansion-logging-public-lands https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order/so-3426-ensuring-national-parks-are-open-and-accessible https://www.npca.org/articles/7868-parks-group-warns-secretary-burgum-s-order-will-endanger-park-visitors-and https://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2025/4/8/public-land-sell-offs-back-on-the-table-in-budget-reconciliation https://www.npca.org/articles/7967-trump-administration-promotes-unauthorized-mining-in-mojave-national https://www.blm.gov/announcement/colosseum-mine-california-given-go-ahead-continue-mining-operation https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/department-interior-moves-restore-coal-industry https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-department-disburses-over-13-million-revitalize-coal-communities https://conservationalliance.com/2025/04/businesses-unite-to-defend-public-lands/ https://www.rei.com/newsroom/article/deepening-our-commitment-to-public-lands https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-announces-major-increase-gulf-america-oil-and-gas-reserves http://doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-will-no-longer-pursue-lengthy-analysis-oil-and-gas-leasing-decisions-seven https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/latest-memos/guidance-on-agency-rif-and-reorganization-plans-requested-by-implementing-the-president-s-department-of-government-efficiency-workforce-optimization-initiative.pdf
Four Senate Republicans are joining a growing number of GOP House lawmakers publicly expressing their support for keeping the clean energy tax credits in Democrats' Inflation Reduction Act. POLITICO's Josh Siegel, who obtained the letter with those lawmakers' position, breaks down why there's a growing number of Republicans defending the IRA's green incentives and how this could set up an intra-party fight over President Donald Trump's domestic agenda. Plus, President Trump's pick to lead the Interior Department's agency in charge of public lands oversight abruptly withdrew her nomination on Thursday. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's newscast: Thousands rally in "Hands Off" protest in Flagstaff and across the state, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced a temple in Flagstaff, Sedona has implemented several changes to make it less desirable to own a short-term rental, the Interior Department is directing national parks to remain open despite staff cuts, and more.
In Episode 490 of District of Conservation, Gabriella welcomes her friend and former Trump 1.0 Interior Department official, Todd Wynn, to the program. He discusses his foray into conservation/energy policy, working under Trump's first administration Interior Secretaries (Zinke, Bernhardt), his thoughts on new Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, leading the charge to legalize atlatl hunting in his adopted state of Arizona, if his daughters will take up hunting, and how to get more adult onset hunters into the sport. Tune in to learn more!SHOW NOTESConnect with Todd WynnAZ Atlatl Association
On today's newscast: Lower Basin States want the Interior Department to look at the future of Colorado River management, APS is utilizing AI to detect wildfires sooner, feds send warning to ASU and other universities about antisemitism on campus, an extensive pavement preservation project starts in Prescott, and more.
President Trump has hit the ground running with executive orders, making it clear that strengthening economic and energy policy is one of his top priorities. To get an inside look into how Capitol Hill is adjusting to the Trump Administration, Bret was given exclusive looks into both the Treasury Department & Interior Department. Bret shares his discussions with both Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who spoke about the new Administration's efforts to reduce government spending and end the Russia-Ukraine War, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who outlined how his Department is looking to unleash American energy production, build new pipelines, and improve infrastructure across the country. Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
with Brad Friedman & Desi Doyen
with Brad Friedman & Desi Doyen
with Brad Friedman & Desi Doyen
We begin this episode of The ReidOut with Mark Greenblatt, the former Inspector General of the Interior Department, who was among 18 inspectors general abruptly fired in a Friday night purge by Donald Trump. When questioned, a White House official claimed the firings were part of an effort to shed remnants of the Biden administration that did not align with the new Trump administration. However, inspectors general are apolitical by design, tasked with investigating misconduct regardless of partisan considerations. Moreover, the firings likely violate federal law, which mandates a 30-day congressional notice and justifications for removing an inspector general. Predictably, sycophantic Republican senators, including Lindsey Graham, remain unperturbed by this latest move from Trump.
My next guest has worked as a federal inspector general for more than five years. He was also the chairman of the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, CIGIE. And until Friday, he was the IG for the Interior Department. He's one of more than a dozen IG's the Trump administration let go on Friday. But that's not the end of the story. Mark Lee Greenblatt joins me in studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
My next guest has worked as a federal inspector general for more than five years. He was also the chairman of the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, CIGIE. And until Friday, he was the IG for the Interior Department. He's one of more than a dozen IG's the Trump administration let go on Friday. But that's not the end of the story. Mark Lee Greenblatt joins me in studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Comprehensive coverage of the day's news with a focus on war and peace; social, environmental and economic justice. UN marks World Clean Energy Day with call for phasing out fossil fuels to address climate crisis Senate committee votes advance Trump nominees to head Environmental Protection Agency, Interior Department, and Energy Department, with full Senate confirmation likely Purdue Pharma agrees to $7.4 billion settlement in lawsuit over company's OxyContin opioid marketing Federal judge temporarily blocks President Trump's executive order ending birthright citizenship, calling the Trump order “blatantly unconstitutional” Trump pardons dozens of anti-abortion activists convicted for blocking and shutting abortion clinics The post UN World Clean Energy Day calls for fossil fuel phaseout; Judge blocks Trump birthright citizenship order – January 23, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.
The devastating wildfires burning across Los Angeles have prompted plenty of finger pointing — and artificial intelligence is catching some of the blame. Data centers consume large amounts of water and electricity, and critics have been quick to pounce on the industry's environmental footprint. Now, California lawmakers are looking for ways to make AI more sustainable. POLITICO's California tech reporter Tyler Katzenberger joins host Steven Overly to discuss. Plus, Donald Trump's picks to lead the Interior Department and EPA look to have smooth paths to confirmation after their relatively drama-free hearings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's newscast: Sen. Ruben Gallego questioned the nominee to head the Interior Department in yesterday's hearing, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren says he wants to foster a positive relationship with President-elect Donald Trump, 11 arrested in train robbery, Sen. Wendy Rogers again filed a bill to rename State Route 260, and more.
On today's newscast: All inner corridor trails in Grand Canyon National Park are closed due to a chlorine leak, Gov. Katie Hobbs plans to request funds to speed up the repatriation of Native American human remains, U.S. Rep. David Schweikert introduced a bill to release every record related to the JFK assassination, and more. Plus, a look at Trump's nominee to head the Interior Department.
President Biden signed an executive order to enhance energy resources for AI data centers in the U.S. The order instructs federal agencies to expedite the development of AI infrastructure at government sites while ensuring compliance with certain requirements. Federal sites will become available for AI data centers and clean energy facilities. Agencies will facilitate electric grid connections and streamline construction permits. The electricity demand for U.S. data centers has tripled in the past decade and may double or triple again by 2028, with projected consumption reaching 12% of the country's electricity. The Departments of Defense and Energy will identify sites for private AI data centers, and developers will finance their construction while ensuring clean energy supply. The order mandates public labor agreements for federal site construction and requires studies on data center impacts on electricity prices. Additionally, the Interior Department will identify lands for clean energy development to support these centers. The order aligns with proposals to limit AI chip exports due to security concerns, but environmental groups criticize it for insufficient protections. The executive order does not address water usage issues related to data centers. The growth of the AI sector brings challenges in balancing technological advancement with environmental stewardship.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he unpacks the top stories shaping America and the world. In today's episode, we cover: California's Controversial Fire Spending: While battling devastating wildfires, California legislators prioritize $25 million to protect illegal immigrants over fire victims, sparking outrage. Trump's Cabinet Confirmations Begin: Pete Hegseth, Doug Burgum, and John Ratcliffe face Senate scrutiny for their nominations to lead the Pentagon, Interior Department, and CIA, respectively. We dive into the controversies and policy implications. China's Military Advances: Alarming new developments in China's military capabilities, including drone carriers and cable-cutting technology, threaten Taiwan and global security. Wind Farms and National Security: As Europe faces an energy crisis, we examine how offshore wind farms could become vulnerabilities in global conflicts. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32
In a new report released this week, the Energy Department's internal watchdog identified several issues tied to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm's electric vehicle road trip during 2023. POLITICO's Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down the report's findings and the reaction from DOE and Republicans. Plus, the Interior Department announced that its oil lease sale for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge generated no interest from oil companies. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. 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. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This Day in Legal History: District of Columbia Suffrage ActOn this day in legal history, January 8, 1867, the U.S. Congress overrode President Andrew Johnson's veto to enact the District of Columbia Suffrage Act. This landmark legislation granted African American men the right to vote in the nation's capital, making it the first federal law to extend voting rights to Black men. This milestone occurred three years before the ratification of the 15th Amendment, which would prohibit racial discrimination in voting nationwide. The Act was a significant step during the Reconstruction era, as the United States grappled with integrating millions of formerly enslaved individuals into its civic life. By enfranchising Black men in Washington, D.C., Congress set an example for the expansion of voting rights elsewhere in the country. However, the process was not without contention. President Andrew Johnson, a Southern Democrat, opposed the bill, reflecting his broader resistance to Reconstruction policies that aimed to promote racial equality. Congress's decision to override Johnson's veto demonstrated its determination to lead Reconstruction efforts and address the injustices of slavery. This vote also highlighted the tensions between the legislative and executive branches over how best to rebuild the nation after the Civil War. The District of Columbia Suffrage Act stands as a pivotal moment in the fight for civil rights, symbolizing the beginning of federal measures to ensure greater political inclusion for African Americans during a transformative period in American history.The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has filed a lawsuit against Experian Plc, alleging the credit reporting company failed to properly investigate consumer disputes and ensure the accuracy of information on credit reports. According to the CFPB, Experian did not adequately collect or relay dispute information to data furnishers, sometimes accepting illogical or unreliable responses from credit card companies and debt collectors. These practices led to inaccurate information on credit reports, which negatively impacted consumers' credit scores, potentially resulting in higher loan interest rates, limited housing opportunities, and employment challenges. The CFPB accused Experian of violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Consumer Financial Protection Act by conducting inadequate dispute investigations. Director Rohit Chopra criticized Experian for "sham investigations" and emphasized the importance of compliance with federal laws. Experian has denied the allegations, calling the lawsuit an example of regulatory overreach and claiming the agency did not respond to prior communications. The company highlighted its history of working with the CFPB to improve dispute processes. The lawsuit builds on prior CFPB actions against Experian, including a $3 million fine in 2017 for misleading consumers about its credit scores. The current case alleges persistent systemic failures in Experian's dispute handling and reporting processes.Experian Sued by CFPB for Botching Consumer Data Disputes (2)A Supreme Court case this week could determine TikTok's future in the United States, pitting national security concerns against free speech rights. President-elect Donald Trump has asked the Court to block a pending U.S. ban on the app, citing First Amendment concerns, while many Republican lawmakers and state attorneys general argue for upholding the ban. The law, passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden, requires TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or face a ban by January 19, over fears of Chinese government access to American user data.TikTok and ByteDance contend the law infringes on free speech, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent for banning platforms with foreign ties. Trump, in a reversal of his earlier stance, now opposes a ban and sees TikTok as politically valuable. The Justice Department defends the law, citing national security risks, while Republican attorneys general argue that TikTok's ties to China pose significant dangers.The Court's decision could have far-reaching implications for digital platform regulation and internet freedom in the U.S. and beyond. If upheld, experts warn other foreign-backed platforms, such as Telegram, could face similar scrutiny. Meanwhile, tech giants Apple and Google have been asked to prepare for TikTok's removal from app stores, potentially rendering the app obsolete over time without updates.TikTok's fate divides Trump and fellow Republicans as Supreme Court action looms | ReutersThe state of Alaska has filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration, alleging violations of a Congressional mandate to permit oil and gas development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). The lawsuit challenges the Interior Department's December 2024 decision to impose restrictive conditions on drilling leases in the refuge's coastal plain, arguing the limits make development impractical on the 400,000 acres set for auction. Alaska seeks to overturn the decision and prevent the leases from being issued with the restrictions.Governor Mike Dunleavy criticized the Biden administration's stance, claiming it undermines U.S. energy independence by restricting access to domestic resources. Alaska argues the restrictions, combined with the administration's earlier cancellations of leases granted during Donald Trump's presidency, significantly reduce expected revenue from ANWR development. The Biden administration has prioritized environmental protection for the 19.6-million-acre refuge, home to species like polar bears and caribou. This legal dispute is the latest in a series of lawsuits from Alaska opposing federal efforts to limit drilling in ANWR. The battle reflects ongoing tensions between environmental priorities and energy development in the region, a long-standing political flashpoint.Alaska sues Biden administration over oil and gas leases in Arctic refuge | ReutersIn my column for this week, I talk about a facility fee charged for nonresident performers and athletes in Pittsburgh. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is set to rule on the constitutionality of Pittsburgh's so-called “jock tax,” a 3% fee imposed on income earned by nonresident athletes and entertainers at publicly funded venues. This case raises complex questions about tax uniformity under the state constitution, as opponents argue the fee unfairly targets a specific group of workers. The city contends the fee achieves fairness by equalizing tax burdens between nonresidents and residents, who already pay a combined 3% in local taxes. Without this fee, nonresident performers would enjoy a tax advantage over residents, who contribute to funding public infrastructure and services that benefit everyone using the city's venues. Critics claim the tax violates uniformity principles by singling out nonresidents in certain professions, and asking them to pay 3% despite not receiving access to services ostensibly paid for by the tax like the local school system. But taxation has never operated strictly as a direct exchange for services rendered. Much like H.L.A. Hart's “No Vehicles in the Park” thought experiment, interpreting “uniformity” in taxation requires considering intent. The fee's purpose is to ensure nonresidents contribute their fair share for the public resources they use, aligning with broader fairness goals rather than rigid formalism. Rejecting the fee would create an inequitable system where nonresidents effectively have their use of public resources subsidized by residents. For Pittsburgh and other cities balancing local budgets, the facility fee represents a practical, equitable solution that respects the principles of shared responsibility.Pittsburgh 'Jock Tax' Facilitates Parity and Should Be Upheld This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
On today's newscast: The Washington Post documented nearly double the number of deaths of Native American children in Indian boarding schools than what the U.S. Interior Department acknowledged, a citizen's group filed a petition for a referendum to repeal Camp Verde's livestock ordinance, Sedona's Poco Diablo Resort was sold and a rebrand in the works, the CDC warns of a potential COVID surge with the holiday season and more.
In this episode of the Energy News Beat Daily Standup, the host, Stuart Turley, delivers an action-packed Energy News Beat daily update covering various stories: Doug Burgum's priorities at the Interior Department amidst regulatory challenges, fluctuating oil prices due to crude inventory draws and fuel builds, China's drop in November gas imports, India's efforts to expand Russian energy imports, and GM's costly failure with its Cruise Robotaxi venture. He highlights the global demand for fossil fuels, the strategic approaches of energy companies like Exxon, and the importance of affordable energy access. Turley also emphasizes his investment successes, urging listeners to explore energy opportunities and tax deductions.Highlights of the Podcast00:00 - Intro01:20 - Job One for Doug Burgum at Interior – David Blackmon03:51 - Oil Wobbles on Crude Inventory Draw, Large Fuel Builds05:19 - China's November gas imports drop06:48 - India seeking to expand Russian energy imports – Moscow's envoyCruise in 2016 and then Blowing $10 Billion on It08:50 - GM Shuts Down its Misbegotten Robotaxi Money-Pit after Acquiring Cruise in 2016 and then Blowing $10 Billion on It12:57 - OutroPlease see the links below or articles that we discuss in the podcast.Job One for Doug Burgum at Interior – David BlackmonOil Wobbles on Crude Inventory Draw, Large Fuel BuildsChina's November gas imports dropIndia seeking to expand Russian energy imports – Moscow's envoyGM Shuts Down its Misbegotten Robotaxi Money-Pit after Acquiring Cruise in 2016 and then Blowing $10 Billion on ItFollow Stuart On LinkedIn and TwitterFollow Michael On LinkedIn and TwitterENB Top NewsEnergy DashboardENB PodcastENB SubstackENB Trading DeskOil & Gas Investing In 2024– Get in Contact With The Show –
We've been interviewing some of the federal executives who recently became fellows in the National Academy of Public Administration. My next guest is one of them. And if it has to do with the disbursement of money, she's done if or overseen it. The deputy assistant secretary for budget, finance, grants and acquisitions at the Interior Department, Andrea Brandon joins me now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
We've been interviewing some of the federal executives who recently became fellows in the National Academy of Public Administration. My next guest is one of them. And if it has to do with the disbursement of money, she's done if or overseen it. The deputy assistant secretary for budget, finance, grants and acquisitions at the Interior Department, Andrea Brandon joins me now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
with Brad Friedman & Desi Doyen
Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss the nominations of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be Trump's HHS secretary and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum leading the Interior Department. They also talk about Trump's promise to end “wokeness” in education, and this week's House hearings on UFO's and whether the Trump administration will release more information on UFO phenomenon. Next, Tom talks to Richard Porter, National Committee member for the RNC from Illinois, about Matt Gaetz and other Trump appointees. And then Andrew talks to RCP contributor Charlie Tidmarsh, author of the “This Week in Censorship” column about how Trump's election will alter efforts to fight disinformation by the State Department and other agencies.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has filed to run for reelection in 2026, according to the Federal Election Commission. Pelosi, whose district covers San Francisco, has been in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1987. She was speaker of the House twice: from 2007 to 2011 and from 2019 to 2023. President-elect Donald Trump has chosen former presidential rival North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to lead the Department of the Interior. It's a critical position in Trump's plan to change American energy policy. The Interior Department was created to protect and manage the United States' natural resources and cultural heritage. The Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Parks Service, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs all fall under its umbrella. A newly introduced House bill would strip away the Chinese Communist Party's preferred trade status. The new tariffs would go to supporting U.S. farmers and manufacturers, with the aim of preventing the regime from continuing to grow its economic edge using unfair trade practices. ⭕️ Watch in-depth videos based on Truth & Tradition at Epoch TV
Does RFK Jr have the experience to head up the Department of Health and Human Services? Trump looks to Doug Burgum for Interior Department.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi Files to Run for Reelection; Trump Picks Doug Burgum to Lead Interior Department | NTD Good Morning
The ongoing controversy over who should be permitting carbon capture projects escalated recently after the news of a leak at the nation's first carbon injection plant. POLITICO's Ben Lefebvre and Annie Snider break down how the fight over permitting CCS is playing out in states like Texas and why that's a big deal for President Joe Biden's climate agenda. Plus, a senior Interior Department official violated ethics standards by not disclosing ownership of shares in conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway on her initial financial disclosure statement but did not violate conflict-of-interest laws. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently adopted comprehensive new land management regulations known as the “Conservation and Landscape Health Rule,” or simply, “the Public Lands Rule.” The rule has spurred litigation challenging the Interior Department’s authority to establish a conservation “overlay” over 245 million acres of federal lands. Some argue that this rule, which aims to “build and maintain the resilience of ecosystems on public lands,” violates the Federal Land Policy Management Act (FLPMA), which requires BLM to “manage the public lands under principles of multiple use and sustained yield” and “regulate, through easements, permits, leases, licenses, published rules, or other instruments as the Secretary deems appropriate, the use, occupancy, and development of the public lands.” In the Public Lands Rule, BLM claims “wide discretion to determine how those [FLPMA] principles [of multiple use and sustained yield] should be applied.” Whether this new rule improperly places “conservation” above other uses of federal lands – for grazing, recreation, energy production, or otherwise – is the subject of heated debate. In this FedSoc Forum, a panel of experts from different vantage points will consider the legal and policy merits of the “Public Lands Rule” and address whether the rule should survive judicial review and/or congressional scrutiny.Featuring:Prof. Sam Kalen, Associate Dean, William T. Schwartz Distinguished Professor of Law, University of Wyoming College of Law Jeffrey Wood, Partner, Baker Botts LLPJonathan Wood, Vice President of Law & Policy, Property and Environment Research CenterModerator: Jim Burling, Vice President of Litigation, Pacific Legal Foundation--To register, click the link above.
The slogan never should have been "Every Child Matters!" That was like responding to "Black Lives Matter" with "All Lives Matter." We should have used "Native Children Matter" or "Our Children Matter." But the final report from the Interior Department on Residential Schools suggest our children didn't and still don't matter to government officials. The sad part is, we aren't showing much concern for Deb Haaland's whitewash of this American Genocide either.
Politico scooped last week that the Environmental Protection Agency has launched an enforcement action against the country's first underground carbon sequestration facility in Decatur, Illinois…after a leak at a monitoring well was discovered earlier this year. The Biden administration has made carbon capture a key piece of its effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Politico's Annie Snider breaks it all down. Plus, a federal judge in North Dakota blocked the Interior Department from enforcing its methane rule in several Republican-led states, a potential blow to the Biden administration's climate agenda.
Electric vehicles are transforming Georgia's economy with billions of dollars in investments and jobs, but local voters aren't interested in in buying the new vehicles. That presents a unique political problem for Democrats and Republicans who want to win the crucial swing state this November. David Ferris from POLITICO's E&E News breaks down Georgia's EV identity crisis and what that means for the 2024 presidential race. Plus, the Government Accountability Office said in a new report that the Interior Department doesn't have sufficient data to know if it's receiving all the money it's owed from companies producing oil and gas on federal land. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy David Ferris covers the intersection of transportation and the electric grid for POLITICO's E&E News. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO. 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.
Today's Headlines: Venezuela is facing unrest as Nicolás Maduro claims victory in a contested election, with opposition data suggesting Edmundo Gonzalez won 67% of the vote. Protests have led to 16 deaths and over 750 arrests. In Israel, the military killed Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in retaliation for an attack on a Druze community. Shukr, a high-profile figure, was involved in a 1983 Beirut bombing. Paul Dans has resigned from his role as director of Project 2025, a project linked to Donald Trump, amid criticism from Trump's campaign. Kevin Roberts from the Heritage Foundation will replace him. Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe testified about security failures in the assassination attempt on Trump, acknowledging gaps in communication and coordination. An Interior Department investigation found that at least 973 Native American children died in abusive government-run boarding schools designed to forcibly assimilate them. Meta has agreed to a $1.4 billion settlement with Texas over illegal facial recognition data collection, addressing violations of state privacy laws. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NY Times: Street Clashes Turn Deadly as Venezuela's Power Struggle Deepens WSJ: Israel Says It Killed Hezbollah Commander in Beirut, in Response to Golan Heights Attack WA Post: Project 2025 to end policy work after Democratic attacks angered Trump AP News: Vance praises a key leader behind Project 2025, a conservative effort Trump has disavowed NY Times: Acting Secret Service Chief Admits Security Failures Before Trump Shooting Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
(2:00) The Debate is now about Biden's Future — Will Dems Do a Great Replacement?Hysteria on the left, combined with a phon "who knew"Jon Stewart on the left and others on the right push 25th Amendment replacement of BidenWATCH What does the Fetterman election tell us about mentally incapacitated candidates' chances of winning?Jill was always intoxicated with power — remember the first G7?Colonel Macgregor — it's obvious the US govt is in "unelected hands"Weekend with Brezhnev, a Precedent for President Biden? - Soviet leader "died" in 1976 stroke but "ruled" another 6 years in a daz(32:11) What does the debate transcript tell us?The most amazing thing about the debate was not Biden's mental issues but the fact that NO vital issues were discussed. Here's what they ignored…Both candidates lied or avoided answering even the weak questioning about non-vital issues by CNNMass Murdering Child Killers — as the vaccine only got brief mention, a NEW STUDY from Hong Kong confirming the "New Normal" of childhood heart attacks thanks to Trump & BidenGuess why there was not a single question about 2nd Amendment rights(1:24:46) Reckless Pollution, Endangering Protected Species — This is What "Climate Change" Has Become in 2024Several thousand Joshua Trees — protected by TWO laws — destroyed for a "solar farm"Not even eagles are protected as Interior Department prioritizes windmillsLithium — dirty, destructive, and China has been given a monopoly on manufacturing60,000 gallons of lye into the ocean are only the beginning of this hair-brained CO2 schemeForget "Ze Bugs", DARPA wants you to eat plasticInformation to fight the globalist 2030 scheme at the state level(1:59:27) Amy Coney Barrett — CONSISTENTLY WRONG on 1st AMENDMENTHundreds of Jan6 convictions overturned by Supreme Court as Barrett joins Obama appointeesSteve Bannon, one of Trump's favorite Goldman Sachs bankers and someone who has conned conservatives from "We Build the Wall" to Jan6 — heads to jail and plays the martyr(2:16:15) INTERVIEW Shiva: SCOTUS Speech Case Was Rigged to FailDr. Shiva Ayyadurai, Shiva4President.com, ShatterTheSwarm.com, va_shiva on XThe recent trashing of Free Speech by the Supreme Court in Murthy vs Missouri. Why was Shiva's case in Massachusetts not used with its clear government involvement in censorship?The debateWhat is "The Swarm"? No one in Washington is coming to save you so how can YOU fight it?Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.comIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to DavidKnight.gold for great deals on physical gold/silverFor 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to TrendsJournal.com and enter the code KNIGHTBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-david-knight-show--2653468/support.