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.

  • 33 minutes 35 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.

    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.

    8 November 2024, 11:00 am
  • 48 minutes 1 second
    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
  • 44 minutes 39 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
  • 38 minutes 35 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 29 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
  • 51 minutes 46 seconds
    John Podesta Celebrates the IRA for “Catalyzing a Clean Energy Boom”

    Exactly two years ago, President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law. With more than $800 billion devoted to renewables, batteries, transmission, carbon removal, EVs, and the factories to build them, the bill is America’s largest-ever investment in climate solutions. 

    Yet the rollout of the IRA hasn’t been the smoothest. Some projects have been slow to come online, and polls show that many voters remain unaware of its impact.

    In today’s episode, the hosts are joined by veteran Democrat John Podesta, a key player in crafting the IRA. Podesta currently serves as senior adviser to President Biden for clean energy innovation and implementation

    In the interview, Podesta reflects on the bill’s triumphs over the past two years, and addresses concerns around its implementation–voters’ unfamiliarity with the bill, reports that 40% of IRA projects have been delayed or paused, and general apprehension that the bill can’t reach its full potential without expansive permitting reform.

    Later in the show, the hosts take a quick look at two new federal bills that could also impact the future of clean energy in America: a bipartisan stab at permitting reform from Senators Manchin and Barrasso, and a plan to bar Chinese companies from benefiting from the IRA.

    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.

    16 August 2024, 3:45 pm
  • 41 minutes 37 seconds
    RNC dispatches: The fate of the IRA

    In today’s episode — the second of a two-part dispatch — Political Climate co-host Emily Domenech takes us behind the curtain at the 2024 Republican National Convention to chat with the lawmakers championing clean energy from within the GOP.

    We’ll hear from members of Congress like Rep. John Curtis of Utah and Kelly Armstrong of North Dakota, as well as advocates like Jason Grumet of the American Clean Power Association and Heather Reams of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. 

    In this second installment, Emily and her guests discuss the urgency of permitting reform, and consider the fate of the IRA in a Republican administration. They also dig into the state of nuclear energy, and offer some climate policy advice for former President Trump’s campaign.

    At the end of the episode, all three Political Climate hosts gather to discuss and debate the policies that surfaced during Emily’s reporting trip, as well as Vice President Harris’ record on climate policy.

    This episode of Political Climate was made possible by ClearPath Action, a conservative energy advocacy organization focused on reducing global emissions.

    Subscribe to Latitude Media’s newsletter to get weekly updates on tech, markets, policy, and deals across clean energy and climate tech.

    2 August 2024, 10:00 am
  • 37 minutes 10 seconds
    RNC dispatches: The GOP’s nascent climate pivot

    In today’s episode — the first of a two-part dispatch — Political Climate co-host Emily Domenech takes us behind the scenes of the 2024 Republican National Convention to chat candidly with lawmakers.

    Emily talks with Rep. John Curtis of Utah, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa, as well as advocates like Chris Barnard of the American Conservation Coalition and Heather Reams of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. 

    This first installment focuses on the incremental shift within the GOP to change the conversation around climate change. Emily and her guests also explore the long-held belief in energy independence, and consider whether soaring demand for energy in the U.S. shifts the policy conversation.

    This episode of Political Climate was made possible by ClearPath Action, a conservative energy advocacy organization focused on reducing global emissions.

    Subscribe to Latitude Media’s newsletter to get weekly updates on tech, markets, policy, and deals across clean energy and climate tech.

    29 July 2024, 2:18 pm
  • 45 minutes 37 seconds
    Rep. Scott Peters on our “old, small and dumb” grid

    Among members of Congress, few have approached climate change with the experience and diligence of Democratic California Representative Scott Peters. 

    Peters spent decades as an environmental lawyer and Environmental Protection Agency economist prior to becoming a US Representative. Now in his sixth term, Peters has put clean energy at the top of his priority list.

    In today’s episode, Representative Peters joins hosts Julia Pyper and Emily Domenech to explore a range of topics: from the Supreme Court’s recent decision to strike down the Chevron doctrine, to his unexpectedly fruitful relationship with Republican Representative Bruce Westerman and how he believes a second Trump term could impact US energy policy.

    Peters, who serves on the House Energy & Commerce and Budget Committee, also digs into the details of his recent energy and climate related bills.

    • The Fix Our Forests Act
    • The Advanced Reactor Fee Reduction Act
    • The SPEED and Reliability Act, which seeks to expedite the permitting process for new transmission lines
    • The PROVE IT Act, which seeks to study the carbon footprint of twenty-odd industrial imports.


    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.

    19 July 2024, 10:06 am
  • 51 minutes 18 seconds
    Making sense of nuclear’s resurgence

    The past month proved to be a dramatic one for America’s long-stagnant nuclear sector.

    First, on June 10, TerraPower – the company co-founded by Bill Gates – broke ground on the Western Hemisphere’s first advanced nuclear facility, in Wyoming. A week later, the Senate passed the ADVANCE Act on a vote of 88-2. (The House already passed the bill by similar margins in February.) If signed into law, ADVANCE will streamline permitting and funding policies for future nuclear projects. 

    In today’s episode, the hosts are joined by Boundary Stone co-founder Jeff Navin – who also serves as TerraPower’s Director of External Affairs – to explore the momentum behind nuclear’s resurgence. Later in the show, Jeff takes us behind the scenes of TerraPower’s Natrium project to highlight its challenges, and its promise.

    The episode kicks off with a discussion of both the recent Presidential debate and the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the wide-reaching Chevron doctrine, which gave federal agencies like the EPA the room to implement ambiguous laws as they saw fit. In Chevron’s absence, those decisions will be left to Congress and the judiciary.

    Subscribe to Latitude Media’s newsletter to get weekly updates on tech, markets, policy, and deals across clean energy and climate tech.

    And listen to Climate One, a weekly podcast hosted by journalists Greg Dalton and Ariana Brocious featuring discussions with climate advocacy experts on various aspects impacting climate change, from AI to inflation. You can find Climate One on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.


    9 July 2024, 10:28 am
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