Energy Policy Now
News & Politics
About
Energy Policy Now offers clear talk on the policy issues that define our relationship to energy and its impact on society and the environment. The series is produced by the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania and hosted by energy journalist Andy Stone. Join Andy in conversation with leaders from industry, government, and academia as they shed light on today's pressing energy policy debates.
Episodes
- From Corporate Standard to Climate Policy: The Greenhouse Gas Protocol
Danny Cullenward discusses the evolution of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol from a corporate emissions accounting standard to a key element in climate policy. He addresses ongoing scrutiny of its governance, decision-making, and transparency a…
- When Geopolitics Disrupts Energy Systems
Helen Thompson, a political economist from Cambridge, analyzes the historical influence of geopolitical conflict on global oil and gas markets. The discussion covers how past disruptions, from the Suez Crisis to recent Gulf tensions, have…
- Insurance and the Shifting Boundaries of Climate Risk
Carolyn Kousky discusses how climate change is reshaping insurance markets, impacting costs, availability, and community recovery. She explains insurance's role in defining acceptable risks and influencing resilience through investment and…
- The Arctic and the Geopolitics of Strategic Minerals
This episode of Energy Policy Now discusses the Arctic's growing role in the global competition for strategic minerals essential for the energy transition. Professor Saleem Ali examines how these resources fit into evolving supply chains,…
- The Endangerment Finding and the Future of EPA’s Authority
Penn law experts Cary Coglianese and Shelley Welton discuss the EPA's rescission of the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which formed the basis for federal greenhouse gas regulation. They examine the legal strategy behind this shift in climate p…
- When Oil Sanctions Meet Dark Shipping
Penn economist Jesús Fernández-Villaverde discusses how oil export sanctions have spurred the growth of a "shadow fleet" engaged in dark shipping. This phenomenon reshapes global energy markets and has significant economic consequences, in…
- How PJM Is Grappling With Data Center Power Demand
PJM Interconnection, the largest U.S. grid operator, is proposing a plan to federal regulators to manage the increasing electricity demand from data centers and other large loads. The proposal aims to balance system reliability and consume…
- Planning the Grid in an Age of Uncertain Demand Growth
AI data centers are increasing electricity demand, complicating grid planning. Shana Ramirez and Arne Olson explain that grid planning must account for forecast uncertainty to maintain reliability and affordability, rather than relying on…
- Why a New Gas Power Boom Is Putting Methane Emissions Back in the Spotlight
The episode explores the contradiction between the US favoring gas power with relaxed methane regulations and international efforts to curb potent methane emissions. Mark Brownstein of the Environmental Defense Fund highlights the importan…
- When the Last Mile Turns Hot: Delivery Drivers in a Warming Climate
Economic sociologist Steve Viscelli discusses the heightened risks of extreme heat for over 1.5 million delivery drivers driven by e-commerce expansion. He examines how industry structures and monitoring technologies impact driver safety a…
- The Cost of Pulling Back from China in the EV Transition
John Helveston of George Washington University explains the risks of the US distancing itself from China in the electric vehicle (EV) transition. He argues that China
- How the Trump Administration Is Reshaping Nuclear Oversight
The Trump administration is prioritizing nuclear power expansion, aiming to quadruple capacity. This push raises concerns about the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's independence and whether safety may be compromised due to increased pressur…
- U.S. Offshore Wind at an Impasse
The U.S. offshore wind industry faces significant challenges due to inflation, rising interest rates, and supply-chain issues, alongside political headwinds. Elizabeth Wilson of Dartmouth College discusses the lessons learned in risk shari…
- Why Energy Inequities Could Persist in the Clean Energy Transition
Sanya Carley and David Konisky, authors of "Power Lines," discuss how existing energy inequities in America's system could continue into the clean energy future if not addressed. Their book explores the social and economic divides reflecte…
- Union Leaders Push Clean Energy Jobs Agenda in Pennsylvania
Leaders from Pennsylvania's labor unions discuss strategies for creating unionized clean energy jobs and ensuring community benefits. They address the impact of policy shifts, Governor Shapiro's "Lightning Plan," and the role of Union Ener…
- The Conflicted Role of Auditors in Carbon Markets
This episode discusses the conflicted role of auditors in carbon markets, noting that while they are intended as watchdogs, conflicts of interest may undermine their credibility. Experts explore flaws in offset auditing and their potential…
- U.S.–China Competition in the Age of Trump’s Energy Law
Scott Moore joins Energy Policy Now to discuss the implications of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The law alters U.S. energy policy by reducing clean energy incentives, emphasizing fossil fuels and new technologies, and incr…
- From the Energy Policy Now Archive: How Virtual Power Plants Could Strengthen the Electrical Grid
This episode discusses the potential of virtual power plants (VPPs) to enhance electrical grid reliability. VPPs aggregate distributed energy resources, offering a solution to supply shortages and reliability issues, though regulatory and…
- From the Energy Policy Now Archive: Bridging the Partisan Climate Divide
Michael Mann speaks with former Republican Congressman Bob Inglis about conservative views on climate change, how messaging has changed, and finding common solutions to the partisan divide on climate issues. The discussion covers carbon pr…
- Why This Energy Transition is Different
Cutler Cleveland explores the historical context of the current energy transition, noting that while it follows past patterns, it remains in its early stages. The discussion examines why this transition feels politically and socially charg…
- Will Interconnection Reform Unlock the Grid?
The U.S. grid faces rising electricity demand from AI and other technologies, while fossil fuel plants retire. Thousands of clean energy projects await grid connection, but the interconnection process is a significant bottleneck due to per…
- Will "Big Beautiful Bill” Derail Clean Energy Growth?
Derrick Flakoll of BloombergNEF analyzes the potential impact of the proposed House budget bill on U.S. clean energy development. The discussion covers risks to existing tax credits and incentives for renewable energy, electric vehicles, a…
- Renewable Energy’s Land Use Reckoning
Grace Wu and Jonathan Thompson discuss the significant land use requirements for renewable energy expansion and how siting decisions impact ecosystems, farmland, and communities. They explore strategies and policies to minimize negative ef…
- Consumers on the Sidelines? The Fight Over the Grid’s Future
This episode of Energy Policy Now examines the debate around the future of the U.S. electricity grid, focusing on the consumer perspective. Patrick Cicero and John Quigley discuss the implications of building new natural gas plants versus…
- Beyond Yield: Climate, Nutrition and the Future of Farming
Dr. Lindiwe Majele Sibanda discusses the shift from traditional to large-scale farming, its impact on food production, and the resulting challenges. The conversation covers efforts to make agriculture more resilient and sustainable, focusi…
- Planning for Net Zero in an Imperfect World
Niall Mac Dowell, Professor of Future Energy Systems at Imperial College London, discusses the challenges and requirements for achieving net zero emissions. He addresses the economic, political, and technological hurdles and explores the f…
- Can California’s Emissions Market Survive Past 2030?
Danny Cullenward, vice chair of California’s Independent Emissions Market Advisory Committee, examines the legal and policy challenges that could affect the state's carbon cap-and-trade program beyond 2030. The discussion covers the progra…
- Bridging the Partisan Climate Divide
Michael Mann and former Republican Congressman Bob Inglis discuss conservative viewpoints on climate change and potential solutions. The conversation, moderated by Sanya Carley, explores bridging the partisan divide on climate issues and s…
- Carbon Tariffs & Global Trade: Inside the EU’s CBAM Plan
The EU is launching its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in January 2026, a carbon tariff on imports like steel and aluminum. Mohammed Chahim, the European Parliament's lead negotiator for CBAM, discusses its function, impact on g…
- The Midwest's Big Bet on Clean Electricity Transmission
Aubrey Johnson, head of transmission planning at MISO, explains the $22 billion initiative to expand and modernize the Midwest
- The Future of Electricity Demand in the AI Era
The electricity grid faces challenges from a dramatic increase in demand due to AI data centers and manufacturing growth. Rob Gramlich of Grid Strategies discusses a new report on demand growth and potential strategies for the grid to meet…
- North America’s Looming Electricity Supply Shortages
A grid policy expert discusses North America’s projected electricity supply shortages, focusing on the PJM Interconnection region
- Rethinking Air Conditioning in A Hotter World
Experts Dorit Aviv and Adam Rysanek discuss the projected tripling of global air conditioner use by mid-century and its impact on electricity grids and climate. They explore sustainable cooling methods that prioritize cooling people over a…
- Could Clean Energy Thrive Despite Trump Policy Changes?
Two Bloomberg NEF experts, Meredith Annex and Derrick Flakoll, analyze the potential impacts of President-elect Trump's vowed reductions in clean power support on U.S. clean energy development, considering political constraints and the Inf…
- Why Electrical Grid Governance Needs Reforming
Shelley Welton and Joshua Macey discuss the complex governance of the U.S. electrical grid, identifying fragmented regulatory structures and vested interests as significant barriers to its greening. They examine conflicts between federal a…
- Empowering Communities for Climate and Energy Justice
Jacqueline Patterson, recipient of the Carnot Prize, explores how the clean energy transition can foster energy and climate justice. Patterson directs The Chisholm Legacy Project, empowering communities of color facing climate change impac…
- Beyond Labor: The Expanding Scope of the Just Energy Transition
Kirsten Jenkins explores the concept of a just energy transition, noting its origins in labor movements and arguing for an expanded definition that addresses broader energy system injustices and inequalities.
- How Virtual Power Plants Could Strengthen the Electrical Grid
Ryan Hledik of The Brattle Group discusses virtual power plants (VPPs), which combine distributed energy resources like rooftop solar to function as a traditional power plant. He explains their potential to enhance grid reliability and add…
- How Identity Politics Shape U.S. Energy Policy
David Spence examines the rise of identity politics in the U.S. and its impact on partisan divisions regarding the clean energy transition, as detailed in his book Climate of Contempt.
- Why AI Consumes So Much Energy - and What Might Be Done About It
Dion Harris of Nvidia and Benjamin Lee from the University of Pennsylvania explain why AI is driving increased electricity consumption and discuss how this energy appetite might be managed, considering the strain on the power grid and deca…
- Exploring Electricity Pricing: Are Alternatives to Flat-Rate Plans Worth It?
Arthur van Benthem explores time-varying electricity rates, contrasting them with flat-rate pricing. He discusses their potential to lower grid costs and support renewable energy, while also warning about design flaws that could negate ben…
- From the Archive: Michael Mann on the Lessons of Climate Past
Climatologist Michael Mann discusses his book “Our Fragile Moment,” which examines Earth's climate history to inform our current climate trajectory. Mann addresses climate doomism and emphasizes the role of human agency in mitigating clima…
- From the Archive: Senator Sheldon Whitehouse on the Rising Prospects for a U.S. Carbon Border Fee
This episode of Energy Policy Now features Senator Sheldon Whitehouse discussing the prospects for a U.S. carbon border fee and the protection of clean energy initiatives. Recorded during Penn Energy Week, the conversation also touches on…
- Navigating the Geopolitical Risks of Solar Geoengineering
Two experts, Scott Moore and Craig Martin, discuss the geopolitical risks and potential for conflict associated with solar geoengineering, a method of modifying Earth's atmosphere to reduce global warming. They explore the uneven distribut…
- The Crisis of Confidence in Voluntary Carbon Offsets
Danny Cullenward examines the integrity, effectiveness, and climate impact of voluntary carbon markets, noting that most offset projects failed to deliver promised climate benefits. He discusses why governments hesitate to regulate these m…
- Why New Tech is Key for EPA Methane Rule Compliance
The EPA's new methane regulations for the oil and gas industry rely on technological advancements for monitoring and verifying emissions. Guests Arvind Ravikumar and John Quigley discuss the challenges of measuring emissions across dispers…
- Can the Global LNG Market Support U.S. Export Ambitions?
Anne-Sophie Corbeau analyzes the global LNG market, examining how demand might support the expansion of U.S. LNG exports. The discussion covers potential oversupply and factors affecting U.S. industry competitiveness in a crowded market.
- Power Struggle: The Electric Grid’s Natural Gas Challenge
The U.S. electric grid faces reliability challenges as natural gas becomes the primary fuel source for electricity generation. Seth Blumsack discusses the increasing interdependence of the electricity and natural gas systems and the need f…
- Will Latest Solar Trade Dispute Impact U.S. Solar Growth?
Eric Wesoff discusses the U.S. solar trade dispute concerning imports from Southeast Asia, its history, and potential effects on the growth of solar power and domestic manufacturing. The episode contrasts this case with previous disputes a…
- California’s Solar Equity Challenge
Severin Borenstein discusses California’s residential solar market, which is at an inflection point after a decrease in net metering rates. The episode explores the challenges of balancing equity, solar growth, and electrification in the s…