Political Climate

Political Climate

A bipartisan podcast on energy and environmental politics in America. Presented by the USC Schwarzenegger Institute and the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. Political Climate goes beyond the echo chambers to bring you civil conversations, fierce debates and insider perspectives, with hosts and guests from across the political spectrum. Join Democrat and Republican energy experts Brandon Hurlbut and Shane Skelton, along with Greentech Media's Julia Pyper, as we explore how energy and environment policies get made.

  • 48 minutes 2 seconds
    Fire-killing robots and executive orders galore

    Amid 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.

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    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.

    24 January 2025, 11:00 am
  • 43 minutes 40 seconds
    Will Biden’s 11th-hour climate strategy have lasting impact?

    When 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.

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    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.

    13 January 2025, 11:00 am
  • 45 minutes 48 seconds
    Neil Chatterjee: “Make energy policy boring again!”

    In 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.

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    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.

    20 December 2024, 11:00 am
  • 40 minutes 58 seconds
    A grab bag of climate conundrums: COP’s waning influence, Gov. Newsom’s Tesla troll, and more

    In 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!

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    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.

    9 December 2024, 11:00 am
  • 43 minutes 54 seconds
    U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman: What's next for permitting, geothermal, and the IRA?

    The 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.

    25 November 2024, 11:00 am
  • 35 minutes 5 seconds
    Trump won. Now what?

    On 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.


    8 November 2024, 11:00 am
  • 48 minutes 31 seconds
    Election showdown: Down-ballot drama, closing arguments, and more

    The 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.

    28 October 2024, 10:00 am
  • 45 minutes 9 seconds
    Chips Ahoy: Unpacking the politics of microchip deregulation

    With less than four months left in office, President Biden has green-lit another divisive climate-related policy.

    On October 2, Biden signed the Building Chips in America Act into law. The bill allows the manufacture of microchips—like the ones in smartphones, medical devices, cars and more—to bypass federal environmental review. 

    The bill’s supporters hope it will drive domestic production and maximize the potential of Biden’s 2022 CHIPS and Science Act. But a solid chunk of congressional Democrats oppose the bill, citing the health and environmental risks that chips production facilities pose.

    In today’s episode, the hosts unpack the nuanced political dynamics behind the bill and debate the impacts it could have on November’s elections.

    Also in the show—the hosts take a deep dive on the climate rhetoric in the recent vice presidential debate and offer an insider perspective on New York Climate Week.

    The episode wraps up with the lightning round segment, the Markup.

    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.

    11 October 2024, 10:00 am
  • 39 minutes 5 seconds
    Can Congress pull off a NEPA overhaul?

    The team returns back from a mid-season break rested and ready to dig into a new Congressional attempt to fast-track clean energy projects. 

    Earlier this month, GOP Rep. Bruce Westerman of Arkansas introduced draft legislation to overhaul the long-standing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The plan could provide critical momentum to get clean energy (and fossil fuel) projects built faster. Yet it has also caught flak from some Democrats who describe it as extreme, and tie it to the controversial Project 2025.

    In today’s episode, the hosts consider the obstacles surrounding existing NEPA policy, as well as the impacts of Westerman’s plan and the criticisms surrounding it.

    Also in this episode: Brandon, Emily, and Julia discuss the energy and climate rhetoric in this month’s presidential debate, as well as a proposal from Harris campaign adviser Brian Deese to loan other countries billions of dollars to buy American clean energy tech. 

    The episode wraps up with the 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.

    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.

    27 September 2024, 10:00 am
  • 40 minutes 59 seconds
    DNC dispatches: Navigating America’s skyrocketing energy demand

    In today’s episode, the Political Climate team takes us back behind the scenes of the 2024 Democratic National Convention to chat candidly with lawmakers and leading activists about some of the most pressing issues that Democrats will have to navigate after the election - no matter who occupies the Oval Office - and how they plan to tackle them.

    In this episode, we’ll hear from a range of experts and leaders: from Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Representative Sean Casten of Illinois to Maria Korsnick of the Nuclear Energy Institute and Boise, Idaho mayor Lauren McLean. 

    These climate advocates help unpack a series of top questions facing the country—how can the U.S. mitigate rising energy demands? What are the risks of embracing nuclear energy? Should Democrats take the imperfect Manchin-Barrasso permitting reform deal, or wait for a more appealing alternative?

    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.

    6 September 2024, 10:00 am
  • 38 minutes 44 seconds
    DNC dispatches: It’s the climate economy, stupid!

    In today’s episode – the first of a two-part dispatch – the Political Climate team takes us behind the scenes of the 2024 Democratic National Convention to chat candidly with lawmakers and leading activists about Democrats’ strategy for pitching climate policies in the lead up to November’s election.

    Although Vice President Harris barely mentioned climate policy in her marquee speech, clean energy advocates from the public and private sectors are championing the economic impacts of the IRA and other policies. 

    In this episode, we hear from a range of experts and leaders – from climate champions like Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts and former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, to activists like Saad Amer and congressional leaders like Representative Sean Casten of Illinois – who explain what’s working, and how to use climate issues to appeal to swing voters.

    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.

    30 August 2024, 10:52 am
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