Podcast
Political Climate
Hosted by Political Climate · EN
Political Climate delivers an insider’s view on the most pressing questions in energy and climate. Through biweekly analysis and debate, the podcast explores the nuances of how policy and politics are shaping the energy transition in the U.S. and around the world.
Political Climate goes beyond partisan echo chambers to bring you insider scoops and authentic conversations with voices from across the political spectrum – all with a healthy dose of wit. Tune in every other Monday with hosts Julia Pyper, Neil Chatterjee, and Brandon Hurlbut along with influential and insightful guests.
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Grid's 'All Hands on Deck' Moment
Jun 26, 202500:59:44Tap to summarizeU.S. grid operators braced for a surge in electricity demand and possible power outages this week as scorching temperatures hit the eastern half of the country. Heat waves are just one of the challenges facing increasingly strained electricity systems across the country, amid rapidly growing demand from data centers and a looming shortfall in supply. On this episode of Political Climate we’re joined by Asim Haque, SVP of Governmental and Membership Services for PJM Interconnection. Haque helps us unpack this historic "all hands on deck" moment for the U.S. power grid. Challenges and opportunities lie ahead: from preparing for AI's energy usage and tackling interconnection queues, to managing diverse resource portfolios and price increases that drag grid operators into the political fray. This period of transition is taking place against a historic debate in Congress on the future of energy tax policy, which could have major implications for how grid operators manage the supply crunch and demand spikes they're facing. We kick off the episode with our ongoing coverage of the Big, Beautiful Bill as we dig into the Senate Finance Committee's version of the tax and spending cuts package. We unpack some of the differences between the House and Senate language, next steps ahead of the President's July 4th deadline, and what the reconciliation bill means for the U.S. power system.
Transcribe →Live from Winterfest: Rich Powell and Travis Kavulla talk GOP energy priorities
Mar 3, 202500:51:04Summary readyIn this special episode of “Political Climate,” hosts Brandon Hurlbut and Emily Domenech travel to Big Sky, Montana, to record the podcast live at the Winterfest conference. Now in its twentieth year, Winterfest brings together leaders in clean energy and finance to help move the global energy transition forward. This year the conference focused on finding solutions in a singular and difficult political moment.To help make sense of the political headwinds rocking clean energy and decarbonization efforts, the hosts are joined by two conservative-minded insiders with decades of experience: Rich Powell, CEO of the Clean Energy Buyers’ Association, and Travis Kavulla, vice president of regulatory affairs at NRG. In their wide-ranging conversation, the hosts and their guests explore the clean energy projects most likely to make gains during the Trump administration, discuss how skyrocketing energy demand impacts supply, and offer advice for industry leaders unsure of how to move their projects forward amidst compounding political challenges.---Credits: Hosted by Emily Domenech and Brandon Hurlbut. Produced by Max Savage Levenson. Edited by Anne Bailey. Original music and engineering by Sean Marquand. Stephen Lacey is our executive editor. Political Climate is co-produced by Boundary Stone Partners, a leading bipartisan climate change strategic advisory and government affairs firm. Their mission-driven approach combines innovative solutions with expertise in technology, finance, policy, federal funding, and advocacy. Learn more and get in touch today at BoundaryStone.com.The energy industry is transforming - are you staying ahead of the curve? As the premier bipartisan strategic advisory firm, Boundary Stone Partners bridges the gap between technology, policy, and finance to drive real-world impact, empowering clients to shape a more sustainable future. Visit BoundaryStone.com to learn more.
SummaryHigh turbulence: What Trump’s first moves mean for clean energy
Feb 10, 202500:48:41Tap to summarizeSince President Trump took office on January 20, he has quickly enacted an expansive list of policies with immediate and dramatic impacts on climate and energy. If you feel like you’re struggling to process these rapid-fire actions, you’re not alone.Among other pursuits, the President has vowed to “terminate the Green New Deal” and paused funding for tons of clean energy projects—from offshore wind development to Solar for All and IRA grants. He has signed executive orders designed to maximize fossil fuel extraction and domestic mining, and overseen the launch of an enormous, power-hungry data center called Stargate, which could potentially employ solar as part of its fuel mix. Additionally, Trump instituted a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, and has threatened to implement additional tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods. (Okay, let’s take a breath.)In today’s episode, the hosts dig into some of these pressing issues, debate their impact on the clean energy sector, and find some common ground on the potential upside of trimming the federal government.This episode wraps up with the rapid-fire segment, the Mark-Up.---Credits: Hosted by Julia Pyper, Emily Domenech, and Brandon Hurlbut. Produced by Max Savage Levenson. Edited by Anne Bailey. Original music and engineering by Sean Marquand. Stephen Lacey is executive editor. Political Climate is co-produced by Boundary Stone Partners, a leading bipartisan climate change strategic advisory and government affairs firm. Their mission-driven approach combines innovative solutions with expertise in technology, finance, policy, federal funding, and advocacy. Learn more and get in touch today at BoundaryStone.com.The energy industry is transforming - are you staying ahead of the curve? As the premier bipartisan strategic advisory firm, Boundary Stone Partners bridges the gap between technology, policy, and finance to drive real-world impact, empowering clients to shape a more sustainable future. Visit BoundaryStone.com to learn more.
Transcribe →Fire-killing robots and executive orders galore
Jan 24, 202500:48:02Tap to summarizeAmid the ongoing fires that have plagued California this month, the conversation around mitigation and prevention has accelerated.In today’s episode, the hosts are joined by Anukool Lakhina, the CEO and co-founder of BurnBot. The company produces tank-sized robots that take in biomass, incinerate it, and extinguish it as they move. Prescribed burns are a normal part of forest management, but they typically require specific weather conditions for safety purposes. But BurnBot can operate around the clock, no matter the weather.In the interview, Anukool explains how his robots work and their potential to diminish the strength of fires like those in LA. He also discusses the bills and policies that he believes can make the biggest impact on fire mitigation moving forward.Earlier in the show, the hosts unpack and debate some of the first moves from the new Trump administration on climate and energy, including the President’s “national energy emergency,” the unwinding of President Biden’s tailpipe emissions rules, and the impact of an EPA study on the social cost of carbon.---Subscribe to Latitude Media’s newsletter to get weekly updates on tech, markets, policy, and deals across clean energy and climate tech. Political Climate is co-produced by Boundary Stone Partners, a leading bipartisan climate change strategic advisory and government affairs firm. Their mission-driven approach combines innovative solutions with expertise in technology, finance, policy, federal funding, and advocacy. Learn more and get in touch today at BoundaryStone.com.The energy industry is transforming - are you staying ahead of the curve? As the premier bipartisan strategic advisory firm, Boundary Stone Partners bridges the gap between technology, policy, and finance to drive real-world impact, empowering clients to shape a more sustainable future. Visit BoundaryStone.com to learn more.
Transcribe →Will Biden’s 11th-hour climate strategy have lasting impact?
Jan 13, 202500:43:40Tap to summarizeWhen President Biden departs the White House on January 20th, he will leave behind a nuanced and divisive legacy on climate and energy policy.On one hand, his Administration passed the momentous Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the CHIPS and Science Act, which have collectively stimulated massive investment and jobs creation.Yet IRA funds were slow to get out the door. Americans remained unaware of its impact and opportunities. Much of Biden’s work could be undone by President-elect Trump. To some of his supporters’ chagrin, Biden also oversaw record oil and gas extraction during his term.In today’s episode, the hosts discuss Biden’s successes and misses. In particular, they consider some of his Administration's final decisions: doling out huge LPO grants, instituting an offshore drilling ban and more. Later in the show, the hosts dig into a swan song report from Biden’s Department of Energy; it cautions that a further expansion of liquified natural gas could hurt consumers and the environment alike. What will the Trump Administration make of its warning?The episode wraps up with our rapid-fire segment, the Mark-Up.---Subscribe to Latitude Media’s newsletter to get weekly updates on tech, markets, policy, and deals across clean energy and climate tech. Political Climate is co-produced by Boundary Stone Partners, a leading bipartisan climate change strategic advisory and government affairs firm. Their mission-driven approach combines innovative solutions with expertise in technology, finance, policy, federal funding, and advocacy. Learn more and get in touch today at BoundaryStone.com.
Transcribe →Neil Chatterjee: “Make energy policy boring again!”
Dec 20, 202400:45:48Tap to summarizeIn today’s episode, the hosts are joined by one of the most thoughtful—and occasionally controversial—voices in energy policy today.Neil Chatterjee served on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission from 2017 to 2021. During that time, he also served two stints as the chairman of the commission. At FERC, Chatterjee gained a reputation for his candor, as well as his divisive takes. For instance, in 2020, he embraced carbon pricing, a move that drew the ire of his boss and may have cost him the chairmanship. More recently, Chatterjee frustrated his former colleagues shortly after the 2024 election when he publicly offered to give the President-elect advice on how to shrink FERC. As part of a recent media blitz, Chatterjee has celebrated the prospect of American energy dominance in the second Trump administration.In today’s episode, Chatterjee delves into a range of topics: he makes the case for throwing out the playbook on energy politics to meet the demands of AI, digs into the potential of distributed energy resources and explains why he wants to “put the nerds back in charge” of our energy system.Also in today’s episode: Emily explains what may have gone wrong for permitting reform in the lame duck session of Congress, and highlights the scenarios through which reform could get included in a 2025 reconciliation package instead.---Subscribe to Latitude Media’s newsletter to get weekly updates on tech, markets, policy, and deals across clean energy and climate tech. Political Climate is co-produced by Boundary Stone Partners, a leading bipartisan climate change strategic advisory and government affairs firm. Their mission-driven approach combines innovative solutions with expertise in technology, finance, policy, federal funding, and advocacy. Learn more and get in touch today at BoundaryStone.com.
Transcribe →A grab bag of climate conundrums: COP’s waning influence, Gov. Newsom’s Tesla troll, and more
Dec 9, 202400:40:58Tap to summarizeIn honor of the mixed assortment of Thanksgiving leftovers in our fridges, today’s episode features a grab bag of hot topics facing energy and climate policy today.The hosts kick things off with a frank assessment of COP29, which wrapped up in Azerbaijan a few weeks ago. Members agreed to provide $300B in annual support to developing nations, but the lack of a more comprehensive pledge left many attendees concerned about the waning influence of the conference writ large.Then, the hosts consider pathways for permitting reform in both the lame duck session and Congress’ upcoming reconciliation package. Later in the show, they unpack a proposal from California Gov. Gavin Newsom to offer a statewide EV tax credit if President-elect Trump kills the existing federal program. The unexpected catch? It bars Tesla from participating in the program.The hosts wrap up the episode with feedback from our listeners, including questions and comments covering everything from right-shoring and ag policy to the future of offshore wind.Lastly, we apologize for the minor audio issues in this episode!---Subscribe to Latitude Media’s newsletter to get weekly updates on tech, markets, policy, and deals across clean energy and climate tech. Political Climate is co-produced by Boundary Stone Partners, a leading bipartisan climate change strategic advisory and government affairs firm. Their mission-driven approach combines innovative solutions with expertise in technology, finance, policy, federal funding, and advocacy. Learn more and get in touch today at BoundaryStone.com.
Transcribe →U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman: What's next for permitting, geothermal, and the IRA?
Nov 25, 202400:43:54Tap to summarizeThe dust has settled on our national election, and the Republican Party has officially completed a trifecta—winning the White House and Senate, and keeping control of the House. As a result, the GOP will have enormous power to shape energy and climate policy in the next session of Congress. While many of the specifics are still coming into focus, the House Natural Resources Committee will certainly play a central role. In today’s episode, the hosts are joined by the committee’s chairman, Republican Bruce Westerman of Arkansas, to discuss some of the most pressing questions facing the energy sector: from the future of the IRA, to a pathway to permitting reform and the future of domestic mining and geothermal. Also in the show, we take a quick look at a few of President-elect Trump’s choices for Cabinet positions, and their potential—and nuanced—impact on energy and climate.Subscribe to Latitude Media’s newsletter to get weekly updates on tech, markets, policy, and deals across clean energy and climate tech. Political Climate is co-produced by Boundary Stone Partners, a leading bipartisan climate change strategic advisory and government affairs firm. Their mission-driven approach combines innovative solutions with expertise in technology, finance, policy, federal funding, and advocacy. Learn more and get in touch today at BoundaryStone.com.
Transcribe →Trump won. Now what?
Nov 8, 202400:35:05Tap to summarizeOn Tuesday, former President Donald Trump was reelected in a landslide, becoming the first Republican to win the popular vote since 2004. Republicans also re-took control of the Senate, and will likely keep a majority in the House of Representatives as well.In today’s show — which was recorded the morning after the election — the hosts unpack the results, and consider what they mean for the future of America’s clean energy sector. They focus on a series of questions: how can Democrats better message clean energy policy and energy affordability moving forward? Which Republicans in Congress are poised to be clean energy leaders? Will the Biden Administration seek to expedite IRA funds before their term ends?Subscribe to Latitude Media’s newsletter to get weekly updates on tech, markets, policy, and deals across clean energy and climate tech. Political Climate is co-produced by Boundary Stone Partners, a leading bipartisan climate change strategic advisory and government affairs firm. Their mission-driven approach combines innovative solutions with expertise in technology, finance, policy, federal funding, and advocacy. Learn more and get in touch today at BoundaryStone.com.
Transcribe →Election showdown: Down-ballot drama, closing arguments, and more
Oct 28, 202400:48:31Tap to summarizeThe 2024 election has finally arrived. Early ballots have been mailed. The candidates are crossing the country, making their final pitches. Analysts are poring over countless polls, while tension builds. Climate and energy didn’t surface as a central issue of this year’s presidential campaign. But the results of the race — as well as many more down-ballot — will have huge repercussions for the future of U.S. energy policy. In today’s episode, the hosts explore the nuanced role climate played in this election cycle, highlight some down-ballot races to watch, and consider some scenarios and priorities for the lame duck session. Also in the show: what lessons should lawmakers take away from recent catastrophic hurricanes? Could a new approach to FEMA funding and flood insurance lessen the impacts of the next big storm?This episode wraps up with our lightning round segment, the Mark-Up.Subscribe to Latitude Media’s newsletter to get weekly updates on tech, markets, policy, and deals across clean energy and climate tech. Political Climate is co-produced by Boundary Stone Partners, a leading bipartisan climate change strategic advisory and government affairs firm. Their mission-driven approach combines innovative solutions with expertise in technology, finance, policy, federal funding, and advocacy. Learn more and get in touch today at BoundaryStone.com.Concerned about how the 2024 election might impact the programs, policies, and incentives that matter most to you? Let Boundary Stone Partners' Climate24 service help you navigate the political landscape with their policy navigator tool, resources, and bespoke services. Learn more at BoundaryStone.com/Climate24.
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