policy
Newsletter
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TC Energy's secretive efforts to shape Canadian energy policies exposed
Leaked recordings reveal TC Energy's strategies to influence North American governments and foster relationships with security officials to protect its fossil fuel interests.
In short:
- TC Energy employs former Trump staffers to influence policies and manage geopolitical threats from Washington, D.C.
- Recordings detail efforts to alter Canadian legislation to benefit TC Energy's security and intelligence sharing.
- The company's strategies include leveraging geopolitical crises and relationships with national security officials.
Key quote:
“Our focus as a team is to look at what exposes us to hostile complex threats such as nation-states using asymmetric tactics, cyber-threats exploiting vulnerabilities, geopolitical uncertainties impacting global markets and supply chains, and evolving regulatory challenges.”
— Michael Evanoff, director of national security policy, geopolitical intelligence and research, TC Energy
Why this matters:
These revelations emphasize the deep ties between major fossil fuel companies and government officials, highlighting how industry influence can shape national policies on energy and security.
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US oil trade group challenges Biden administration's EV mandate in court
The American Petroleum Institute has filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration's new tailpipe emission rules, arguing they exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's authority and threaten the gas-powered car market.
In short:
- The American Petroleum Institute (API), along with co-petitioners, filed a federal lawsuit against new EPA emission rules promoting electric vehicles.
- The rules aim for up to 56% of car sales to be electric by 2032, but API claims they exceed congressional authority.
- The National Corn Growers Association and American Farm Bureau Federation join the lawsuit, citing negative impacts on the corn-ethanol industry.
Key quote:
“Today, we are taking action to protect American consumers, U.S. manufacturing workers and our nation’s hard-won energy security from this intrusive government mandate.”
— Ryan Meyers, API senior vice president and general counsel
Why this matters:
API argues that the stringent emission standards could significantly disrupt the gas-powered car market, potentially driving up costs for manufacturers and consumers alike. On the other side, environmental advocates and the Biden administration maintain that these measures are crucial for mitigating climate change and reducing pollution. The new rules are part of a broader strategy to transition towards cleaner, more efficient vehicles, with an emphasis on electric cars.
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Environmental policy reversals causing economic instability
U.S. faces rapid policy changes with each administration, impacting environmental regulations and economic stability.
In short:
- The Biden administration is reinstating stringent pollution controls, reversing previous relaxations by the Trump administration.
- Business leaders and economists express concerns over the erratic policy environment hindering long-term industrial planning and investment.
- The pattern of frequent policy reversals affects various sectors, including energy and automobile industries, leading to increased costs and uncertainty.
Key quote:
“If that planning is happening now and I make a decision anticipating that three or four years from now there will be an emissions constraint, but then by the time the model is on the market the constraint is gone, then I’ve lost money."
— John Bozzella, president of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation
Why this matters:
The frequent changes in U.S. environmental policies under different administrations create significant economic disruptions and uncertainties. This inconsistency complicates long-term business planning and investment, impeding sustainable economic and environmental progress.
Flashback to June 2020: As the nation reels, Trump Administration continues environmental policy rollbacks.
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Florida moves to remove climate change mentions from its laws
Florida is set to largely eliminate climate change references from state legislation, despite facing significant environmental challenges.
In short:
- A proposed bill in Florida aims to remove the majority of climate change mentions from state laws, amid efforts to address sea level rise and hurricane threats.
- The bill includes measures like banning offshore wind energy and relaxing natural gas pipeline regulations, signaling a reluctance to confront the root causes of climate-related impacts.
- Critics argue the bill sends a message that climate change is not a state priority, potentially stifling green industry development and ignoring public concern over climate impacts.
Key quote:
"Florida is on the front lines of the warming climate crisis, and the fact that we’re going to erase that sends the wrong message."
— Yoca Arditi-Rocha, executive director of the CLEO Institute
Why this matters:
This move may influence how climate issues are addressed, prioritized and funded, possibly leading to a reduced focus on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. If enacted, it could also set a precedent for other states, affecting national climate policy discourse and action, with implications for environmental regulation, energy policy and public awareness of climate issues.
From vaccines to elections to climate change, denial is doing lasting damage to the country.
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Climate policy marks a clear distinction in political races beyond the presidential election
Climate policy has become a pivotal issue in congressional and gubernatorial campaigns across the United States, with candidates debating the future of energy.
Jennifer McDermott and Gary D. Robertson report for The Associated Press.
In short:
- The debate intensifies as voters feel the impact of climate change, with Republicans advocating for an inclusive energy strategy and Democrats emphasizing the urgency of transitioning to renewable resources.
- Record levels of clean power resources and energy technologies were added in the U.S. last year, signaling a significant shift toward cleaner energy.
- The political landscape is divided, with differing views on how to balance economic benefits, energy independence, and environmental protection.
Key quote:
“This should never be an either-or conversation. Let’s work together to look at every reasonable option without compromising the future we should all endeavor to protect.”
— Dave Reichert, former Republican congressman running for governor
Why this matters:
Climate policy is poised to be a significant factor in the upcoming election cycle, with candidates across the spectrum acknowledging its importance. The debate is evolving from whether action should be taken to what kind of action is most effective.
Meanwhile, in the U.S. House, there is a two-faced charade of climate denial while diving into the pot of federal renewable incentives and tax breaks.
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Election rematch could shape US science policy for years
The upcoming election between Donald Trump and Joe Biden could drastically alter the future of environmental, public health, and international scientific collaboration policies.
Jeff Tollefson, Natasha Gilbert, Max Kozlov, and Mariana Lenharo report for Nature.
In short:
- Trump and Biden offer starkly different visions for climate change action, with Trump aiming to roll back environmental regulations and Biden pushing for clean-energy innovation.
- Public health funding and policy approaches also divide the candidates, with Biden supporting increased funding for health research and Trump's history of attempting to cut it.
- Immigration and international collaboration could see changes, impacting scientists and research globally, with each candidate's policy having significant implications.
Key quote:
“It’s a trope to say that every election is critical, but this election is particularly stark in the two paths that it presents for the United States.”
— Alexander Barron, environmental scientist at Smith College
Why this matters:
This election's outcome could significantly influence the United States' approach to critical issues like climate change, public health, and international scientific collaboration. The direction taken not only affects the nation's health outcomes but also its position on the global stage in tackling some of today's most pressing challenges.
Opinion: House Speaker Mike Johnson’s climate change playbook — deny the science, take the funding.
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How 2023 changed the way states do climate policy
Minnesota Democrats, newly in control of the state government, began 2023 by enacting a clean electricity standard. Michigan lawmakers followed suit months later — as one of their final acts before gaveling out for the year.
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