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Inside the Cover: Why You Won’t Own Your Road

May 16, 2013

In this week's National Journal cover story, a look at how private companies are stepping in to fill the gaps in public projects, like highways, ports — even space-flight facilities.

Why You Won’t Own Your Road

Fawn Johnson | May 16, 2013

Cash-strapped states such as Virginia are turning to the private sector to help finance large infrastructure projects.

The GOP Energy Tent Is Slowly Getting Bigger

Coral Davenport | May 16, 2013

House members like Rep. Kevin McCarthy are still avid fossil-fuel proponents, but they’ve begun to advocate for renewables, too.

Bachmann Airing Ads On Minnesota TV

Scott Bland | May 15, 2013

Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., has purchased TV advertising time for the next two weeks with a Minneapolis station, according to filings with the Federal Communications Commission. Beginning Thursday, Bachmann's campaign will air 31 30-second spots on KMSP, a local Fox affiliate, for $14,565 over...

The Coming GOP Civil War Over Climate Change

Coral Davenport | May 9, 2013

Science, storms, and demographics are starting to change minds among the rank and file.

Will New Oil Reserves Tempt Americans Back Into Wastefulness?

Coral Davenport | May 9, 2013

Recently discovered reserves suggest fossil fuels will last longer than we thought. But the economy won’t grow if Americans don’t use that energy efficiently.

Hydropower Bills Enjoy Bipartisan Support in Congress

Amy Harder | April 22, 2013

With a pair of bills on hydropower, lawmakers are reviving two pieces of conventional wisdom long forgotten in gridlocked Washington: Energy issues tend to be more geographical than ideological, and Republicans can (and do) support renewable energy.

Why the U.S. Should Give Its Fracking Technology to China

Steve LeVine and Quartz | April 22, 2013

But don’t count on much popular support for U.S. help.

Second Boston Bombing Suspect Alive and in Custody

Alexander Abad-Santos and Dashiell Bennett and Philip Bump and and Sara Morrison | April 19, 2013

A chaotic 24-hour manhunt for the Boston Marathon bombing suspects has ended with one of the men, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, dead, and his brother and accomplice, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, captured alive. This is a breaking story and we'll keep updating throughout the night, and you can also see all of our related stories at The Atlantic Wire's Boston Marathon hub.

Neil Fried, Majority Chief Counsel, Communications and Technology Subcommittee

Brian Fung | April 17, 2013

Neil Fried came to Washington without a shred of telecom experience. Now, he’s counted as one of the top tech-policy experts in government—so much so that he was considered for chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, according to industry analysts.

The 218 Year History of the House Energy and Commerce Committee

National Journal Staff | April 17, 2013

Historical highlights of the oldest standing legislative committee in the House of Representatives

7 Things to Know About Obama's Budget

Matthew Cooper | April 10, 2013

You’ll see a lot about the aggregate budget size of $3.8 trillion. But here are the things that are really worth knowing.

Sen. Wyden to Grill Obama's Energy Nominee on Nuclear-Waste Site

Amy Harder | April 7, 2013

On Tuesday, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Ernest Moniz, President Obama’s nominee for Energy secretary, are going to square off like it’s 1998.

U.S. Carbon Emissions Hit Lowest Point Since 1994

Todd Woody and Quartz | April 5, 2013

Carbon emissions have now declined every year since 2007 save for 2010.

Could Your Smartphone Lower Your Electricity Bill?

Sophie Quinton | April 2, 2013

Smart-grid technology aims to prevent blackouts, cut costs, and maybe even change the way you use energy.

U.S. Renewable Energy Production Now Tops Nuclear Power

Todd Woody and Quartz | April 1, 2013

How's the U.S. energy landscape looking?

Lynch, Markey Ads Highlight Their Strengths

Kevin Brennan | March 22, 2013

Rep. Stephen Lynch and Rep. Edward Markey, the two Massachusetts Democrats competing to succeed Secretary of State John Kerry in the Senate, each have debuted their opening two television ads over the last two weeks, and their respective strategies reveal dueling priorities for the two campaigns. Ly...

Why the White House Loves Natural Gas

Coral Davenport | March 14, 2013

While green groups protest outside, the president huddles inside the White House with oil and gas executives.

America's 3 Biggest Cybersecurity Vunerabilities

Matt Vasilogambros | March 13, 2013

The Obama administration has put cyberattacks at the top of the list of global threats, and concerns are rising about at-risk infrastructure.

Electromagnetic Pulse Caucus Battles Skeptics in Push to Protect the Planet

Billy House | March 10, 2013

A small but growing cadre of House members is set to relaunch efforts to protect the nation against what they say is a very real threat: the unleashing of an electromagnetic pulse either by a solar storm or a nuclear-armed foe that could cripple much of the nation’s electrical infrastructure.

Play of the Day: Snowquester Passes, but Sequester Remains

Ross Gianfortune and Government Executive | March 7, 2013

The clever name for the storm that (kind of) hit the Washington region Wednesday made some waves on late-night TV, with Conan O’Brien taking the opportunity to mention that Congress hasn’t gotten anything done lately. On The Colbert Report, host Stephen Colbert highlighted the use of portmanteaus like “Snowquester.”

Tech Central: What It Takes To Become a Startup City

Sophie Quinton | March 4, 2013

Hip Austin gets all the love, but San Antonio is the new home for innovative tech entrepreneurs in Texas.

Gina McCarthy, Obama's 'Green Quarterback,' Has a History of Working With Industry

Coral Davenport | March 4, 2013

Gina McCarthy, President Obama’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, has been called the president's "green quarterback." But she also has a reputation as a political pragmatist who works well with industry and listens to concerns. If confirmed she will become the face of Obama’s sweeping ambitions to tackle climate change as a legacy issue and will write rules to force the coal industry to change its ways.

Can Climate-Change Denier Ken Cuccinelli Win a Swing State?

Coral Davenport | March 3, 2013

In storm-battered Virginia, the Republican candidate for governor still doubts the science.

Is the United States Hacking China Back?

Brian Fung | February 28, 2013

Experts warn that Chinese digital spies have managed to thoroughly infiltrate U.S. computer networks. But that doesn’t necessarily mean Washington isn’t snooping back.

The Sequester and The Oscars

Ross Gianfortune and Government Executive | February 26, 2013

Colbert explain the next steps in “big government out of control” in Hollywood.

Obama Administration Reaches Out to Local Governments to Spread Its Climate Message

Coral Davenport | February 24, 2013

President Obama used his Inaugural Address and State of the Union speech to issue the boldest, clearest call to action on climate change ever voiced by a sitting U.S. president—but don’t expect him to barnstorm across the country with that message.

Nuclear Waste in the Age of Climate Change

Coral Davenport | February 21, 2013

Concerns about global warming are giving a boost nuclear power. And that's bringing new focus—and a possible solution—to the problem of radioactive waste.

What Unites Obama's Coalition — and What Could Divide It

Ronald Brownstein | February 21, 2013

One conclusion that jumps from the Pew Research Center/USA Today national survey released Thursday is that the coalition that reelected President Obama last fall remains in step behind him — and is largely unified behind the key elements of his increasingly aggressive second-term agenda. But the poll also suggests that failure to generate more-rapid economic recovery could nonetheless strain the powerful coalition Obama has assembled.

Which Senator of Color Is Alone on the Conservative/Liberal List?

Jody Brannon | February 20, 2013

National Journal's annual list of most conservative and most liberal senators is out, and it includes only one person of color — Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J.

Insiders Grade Obama on State of the Union

Michael Catalini and Naureen Khan and Peter Bell | February 16, 2013

National Journal's Political Insiders of different parties had drastically different views of President Obama's State of the Union address. Asked to grade his performance, nearly all of the Democratic Insiders put him in the A to B range, while the majority of Republican Insiders -- more than half -- gave the President a C, with a tenth even failing the commander-in-chief. What grade would you give President Obama's State of the Union address? Democrats (88 votes) Republicans (80 votes) A 44% 0% B 49% 17% C 6% 58% D 1% 17% F 0% 8%

Play of the Day: The States (And Colbert) Take on The Banks

Ross Gianfortune and Government Executive | February 15, 2013

Stephen Colbert looks at the government going after Standard & Poor's.

Poll: Markey Starts With Small Massachusetts Primary Lead Over Lynch

Steven Shepard and Kevin Brennan | February 15, 2013

Massachusetts Democrats tried to clear the field for Rep. Edward Markey in the special election to succeed Secretary of State John Kerry in the Senate, but a new poll released Friday shows Markey with only a slight lead over Rep. Stephen Lynch in the Democratic primary. The WBUR-FM poll, conducted...

Why Japan Can't Quit Nuclear Power

Olga Belogolova | February 14, 2013

Since the Fukushima meltdown, the country has tried to reduce its reliance on nuclear reactors. But with nearly a third of its energy needs powered by the atom, change is difficult.

Play of the Day: North Korea's Nukes and a State of the Union

Ross Gianfortune and Government Executive | February 13, 2013

The comedy late-night shows tape in the late afternoon, so the hosts did not get to actually talk about Barack Obama’s fourth State of the Union address to Congress, but some did get some jokes in about the president. Jay Leno, Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon all had some words about the speech. Meanwhile, with North Korea conducting its third nuclear test this week, The Daily Show, Fallon and Craig Ferguson analyzed the hermit kingdom.

The Most Important Policies In President Obama's 2013 State of the Union Address

National Journal Staff and Nancy Cook and Coral Davenport and Brian Fung and Catherine Hollander and Fawn Johnson and Margot Sanger-Katz and Sara Sorcher and and Matt Vasilogam | February 12, 2013

Everything you need to know from 2013's State of the Union address, from health care and the budget to immigration and guns.

Breakthrough Nears on Tapping Offshore Energy Supply

Coral Davenport | February 5, 2013

In a season of political gridlock, a breakthrough could be near on legislation to promote energy production off the nation’s coastlines.

Brown Won't Run in Mass. Senate Special

Kevin Brennan and Alex Roarty | February 1, 2013

Former Sen. Scott Brown, R-Mass., won't run in the special election to replace Sen. John Kerry. Brown's decision, conveyed in a statement emailed to reporters on Friday, represents a potentially crippling blow to national Republicans' hopes of flipping the seat. "I have received a lot of encouragem...

Lynch Could Surprise in Mass. Special Election

Kevin Brennan | January 31, 2013

In his bid to succeed Sen. John Kerry, Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., has won support from a slew of Democratic elected official in the state, leaders in Washington and even Vicki Kennedy. But bring up the notion of Markey's inevitability, and Massachusetts Democrats issue a warning: Don't sleep on hi...

John Kerry Departure Leads to Racial Milestone in the Senate

Elahe Izadi | January 30, 2013

For the first time, the Senate will have two African-American members.

The Inauguration Was Great and All, but Where Was the Hopelessness?

Cory Bennett | January 23, 2013

Most late-night shows were bumped for Inauguration Day on Monday, but they got their chance last night to get in some jokes on everything from Malia Obama photo-bombing her parents, to the lack of hopelessness in President Obama's speech, to the first couple's stiff inaugural ball dancing. Wi...

Democratic Senators Pass Torch to EPA on Climate Change

Amy Harder | January 22, 2013

After years of trying—and failing—to get climate-change legislation through Congress, top Senate Democrats are publicly ready to hand over the power to President Obama and the Environmental Protection Agency.

How Obama Can Tackle Climate Change Without Congress

Coral Davenport | January 22, 2013

President Obama’s Inaugural Address was his boldest, clearest signal to date that he intends to take on the challenge of fighting climate change as a signature achievement of his presidency.

7 Pressing Foreign Policy Challenges for Obama’s 2nd Term

Caren Bohan and Matt Vasilogambros | January 21, 2013

Now that President Obama's inaugural festivities are over, he will turn his attention to tackling gun control, immigration, climate change and a series of looming budget confrontations with Republicans. Obama and his aides hope that the winding down of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will help him maintain a focus on domestic priorities.

Meet Todd Jones, Obama's Nominee for A.T.F. Director

J.K. Trotter and Atlantic Wire | January 16, 2013

President Obama announced Wednesday that he will nominate B. Todd Jones as director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. No nominee for the position has been confirmed in almost seven years. So who is Todd Jones?

Obama Could Look West to Fill Interior Job

Coral Davenport | January 16, 2013

President Obama could look west to fill the job of Interior secretary that will become vacant in March with the departure of Ken Salazar. Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire, who supports the president’s progressive clean-energy and climate-change agenda, is one possible candidate.

Congress Feels the Heat on Idea of Carbon Tax

Coral Davenport | January 15, 2013

Moments after the fiscal-cliff deal passed the House on New Year’s Day, Grover Norquist, the powerful antitax lobbyist, tweeted, “Obama’s budget adds ten trillion more debt. We cut more spending or he smashes average Americans with energy taxes. I vote: cut his spending.”

The Republican Plan to Build That Keystone XL Pipeline

Amy Harder | January 14, 2013

Congressional Republicans have fewer avenues to approve the Keystone XL pipeline than they did when the election was hanging over President Obama’s head. But that doesn’t mean they have no avenues.

Obama Faces Dilemma on 'Mother of All’ Climate-Change Regulations

Coral Davenport | January 10, 2013

How President Obama could clean up carbon emissions—alone.

Matt Walker Heads to the National Restaurant Association

Alex Roarty | January 8, 2013

The National Restaurant Association picks former Senate aide as its new vice president of government affairs. Matt Walker will lead the group’s advocacy efforts in the Senate.

Battle Over Wind Subsidy Leaves Industry Bruised

Amy Harder | January 3, 2013

The battle to get Congress to renew the wind-energy production tax credit before year’s end strained relationships among utilities, splintered support within the industry’s biggest trade group, and is setting up the industry—and its supporters in Congress—for a 2013 that's even more contentious than 2012.

Battle Over Wind Subsidy Leaves Industry Bruised

Amy Harder | January 3, 2013

The battle to get Congress to renew the wind-energy production tax credit before year’s end strained relationships among utilities, splintered support within the industry’s biggest trade group and is setting up the industry—and its supporters in Congress—for a 2013 even more contentious than 2012.

Arnold Schwarzenegger: Terminator, Body-Builder, and Global Leader on Climate-Change

Coral Davenport | December 30, 2012

If the United States ever enacts a major climate-change law, it will owe a debt to Arnold Schwarzenegger.

EPA Scrambles on Year-End Regulatory Push

Amy Harder | December 21, 2012

Forget the fiscal cliff and the National Rifle Association. The Environmental Protection Agency really went back to business on Friday after an election-year bottleneck. It unleashed two new regulations and a controversial report on oil and natural-gas drilling.

Should Congress Support Wind Tax Credit?

Sen. Lamar Alexander and R-Tenn. | December 17, 2012

[Editor's note: Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., is guest-moderating and providing the question this week. Alexander is a member of the committees on Appropriations and Environment and Public Works.] Should Congress extend wind power's federal tax credit for six years at a cost of about $50 billion...

NJ Topics Electricity

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