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Much at Stake as Energy Department Weighs Permits for Exporting Natural Gas

Amy Harder | May 20, 2013

Christopher Smith, the Energy Department official in charge of shaping the Obama administration’s policy on exporting natural gas, recalls working for Chevron on an import facility during the first part of the last decade. At the time, U.S. reserves were thought to be scarce and fuel prices were accordingly high.

$hydraulic fracturing$

Proposed 'Fracking' Rules Anger Environmentalists, Annoy Industry

Coral Davenport | May 16, 2013

The Obama administration on Thursday unveiled a new proposal for its first major regulation of hydraulic fracturing on public lands, attempting to address at least a portion of the controversial drilling practice that’s unlocked vast new supplies of U.S. oil and gas but has also raised fears about its environmental impact, particularly on local water supplies.

Senate Committee Approves Gina McCarthy EPA Nomination Along Party Lines

Coral Davenport | May 16, 2013

Senate Republicans on Thursday eased their opposition to the nomination of Gina McCarthy, President Obama’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency—but her confirmation by the full Senate is not yet assured.

Obama's Outrage Focused on Republicans More Than IRS

George E. Condon Jr. | May 13, 2013

At press briefing with British Prime Minister David Cameron, Obama slams Benghazi investigation as partisan.

'Obamacare' Repeal: Will the 37th Time Be the Charm?

Billy House and Nancy Cook and Coral Davenport and Fawn Johnson and Sara Sorcher and and George E. Condon Jr. contributed | May 12, 2013

With tensions over fiscal issues building, and the three-month suspension of the nation’s debt limit set to expire Sunday, lawmakers this week will be rehashing on the House floor their messaging war over repealing President Obama’s three-year-old health care law.

New Fracking Rules Have Environmental Groups Worried

Coral Davenport | May 12, 2013

The energy industry is optimistic about new regulations for hydraulic fracturing expected to be issued as soon as Tuesday.

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.

The U.S. Has Much, Much More Gas and Oil Than We Thought

Amy Harder | April 30, 2013

The United States has double the amount of oil and three times the amount of natural gas than previously thought stored deep under the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana, according to new data the Obama administration released Tuesday.

Landrieu Primed to Lead Energy Panel – If She Wins Reelection

Amy Harder | April 28, 2013

A domino effect prompted by Max Baucus’s coming retirement leaves her poised to chair what is arguably the most important committee to energy-rich Louisiana.

What If Oil Lasts Forever?

Charles C. Mann - The Atlantic | April 25, 2013

New technology and a little-known energy source suggest that fossil fuels may not be finite. This would be a miracle—and a nightmare.

Conservatives Come Out for Renewable-Energy Projects

Amy Harder | April 23, 2013

Defying conventional wisdom in the era of Solyndra, conservatives in Washington are coming out to back 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.

David McCarthy, Majority Chief Counsel, Environment and Economy Subcommittee

Amy Harder | April 17, 2013

David McCarthy is chief counsel for the majority on the Energy and Commerce Environment and Economy Subcommittee.

Tom Hassenboehler, Chief Counsel, Energy and Power Subcommittee

April 17, 2013

When Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, R-Mich., hired Tom Hassenboehler in December 2012, it was a reunion of sorts for the 35-year-old policy expert.

Companies Battle, With Gas Prices at Stake

Amy Harder | April 17, 2013

The lobbying fight over how much natural gas the United States should export has picked up considerably this year.

Renewable-Fuels Standard Gets Bipartisan Attention

Amy Harder | April 17, 2013

For the first time since President Obama won the White House in 2008, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, R-Mich., and ranking member Henry Waxman, D-Calif., are working together on a controversial energy policy: the renewable-fuels standard.

How Much Natural Gas Should the U.S. Export?

Amy Harder | April 17, 2013

The Energy and Commerce Committee’s leaders and aides are unsure how to tackle one of the biggest debates in the energy space right now: natural-gas exports.

5 Things Immigration, Gay Marriage, and Gun Control Have That Climate Change Doesn't

Amy Harder | April 17, 2013

The amount of change happening in Washington is impressive, but this kind of sea change can’t happen right now with energy and climate policy. Here's why.

Slow-Motion Gun Battle Plays Out in Senate

Billy House | April 14, 2013

Lawmakers will stage some slow-going drama this week as the Senate proceeds in its deliberations on gun-control legislation with a series of votes on amendments—many of them likely to usher in their own mini-floor fights, or even filibusters.

Natural-Gas Exports Dominate Moniz Confirmation Hearing

Amy Harder | April 9, 2013

Tuesday’s confirmation hearing for President Obama’s nominee to be Energy secretary, Ernest Moniz, was dominated by the energy industry’s topic du jour: natural-gas exports.

New Era for Energy Department Expected Under a Secretary Moniz

Coral Davenport | April 8, 2013

With stimulus funding for clean energy at an end, climate-change policy dead in Congress, and harsh budget cuts looming over all agencies thanks to the sequestration, the days of President Obama’s vision of the Energy Department as a green juggernaut have probably come to an end.

Agenda Is Stacked for Return of Congress; Obama Will Pile on More With His Budget

Billy House and George E. Condon Jr. and Nancy Cook and Coral Davenport and Fawn Johnson and Margot Sanger-Katz and and Sara Sorcher contributed | April 7, 2013

The prospects for renewed talks on a long-term deficit-reduction deal reach a pivotal point this week with the release Wednesday of President Obama’s budget plan, which offers cuts to Social Security and Medicare in the hope of softening Republican opposition to tax hikes.

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.

$hydraulic fracturing$

Will California's Shale Oil Boom Go Bust?

Todd Woody and Quartz | April 4, 2013

When it comes to fracking used to extract oil and gas from shale, California regulators have remarkably little idea what is going on.

U.S. Renewable Energy Production Now Tops Nuclear Power

Todd Woody and Quartz | April 1, 2013

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

Ethanol Debate Has Glimpse of Bipartisanship

Amy Harder | March 27, 2013

The top Republican and Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee are finally on the same page about a controversial energy policy after reading from two completely different playbooks the last four years.

How Cyprus, A Two-Bit Country, Could Change the World

Michael Hirsh | March 22, 2013

Tiny Cyprus poses an existential threat to the eurozone, proof that little countries can occasionally have big consequences.

Upton, Waxman Launch Debate on Biofuels Mandate

Amy Harder | March 20, 2013

For the first time since President Obama won the White House in 2008, the top Republican and Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee are working collaboratively on a controversial piece of energy policy: the renewable-fuels standard.

The Great Party Paradox

Ronald Brownstein and Stephanie Czekalinski | March 14, 2013

A year of surveys shows that Americans don't line up consistently behind Republicans or Democrats -- but like a little of each.

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.

Can a Pathetic Congress Really Pass Tax Reform?

Matthew Cooper | March 14, 2013

Despite all odds, some members of Congress still believe. NJ chats with one.

How Fracking Could Transform Transportation

Todd Woody and Quartz | March 14, 2013

What to do with the natural gas glut produced by the U.S. fracking boom? One answer: Planes, trains and automobiles.

3 Energy Pipelines That Could Shake Up Geopolitics

Steve LeVine and Quartz | March 12, 2013

Three of the most volatile parts of the Middle East—Iran, Iraq and Israel—are the scene of oil and gas initiatives that could shake up geopolitics there and beyond. The efforts center on three energy pipelines, at least two of which seem likely to be built.

Outsourcing the Fight Against Terrorism

James Kitfield | March 7, 2013

The United States is using local soldiers to fight al-Qaida allies in East Africa.

On the Move

Christopher Snow Hopkins and Mike Magner | February 21, 2013

Angela Rye launches a new lobby shop, Impact Strategies. Domingo Herraiz is Motorola's new VP of North American government affairs. Campaign insider Tharon Johnson joins McKenna Long & Aldridge.

The Hidden Obstacles to Legal Immigration Reform

Major Garrett | February 19, 2013

If you think questions of legalization, border security, and fundamental party politics are the biggest obstacles to immigration reform, think again.

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.

Is the Minimum Wage a Job Crusher or a Job Creator?

Catherine Hollander | February 14, 2013

President Obama wants to hike the minimum wage, but wading into the economic debate is enough to make your head spin.

Obama Cites Storms, Drought to Build Case For Climate Action

Coral Davenport | February 13, 2013

Fifteen years ago, when President Clinton raised the specter of climate change in his State of the Union address, he spoke of a “gathering crisis” that would need to be stopped “at some point in the next century.” Now scientists say that crisis is starting to arrive – and President Obama has noticeably shifted his rhetoric, describing an urgent problem that’s here now, already harming American people.

Cliffs Notes on Obama's 2013 State of the Union Address

Michael Catalini | February 12, 2013

The first State of the Union address since President Obama's second inauguration focused overwhelmingly on domestic policy. He devoted roughly one paragraph each to Afghanistan, North Korea--which reportedly tested a nuclear weapon on Monday--and Iran. For comparison's sake, that's the roughly the same amount of time he spent on cybersecurity in the address.

Full Text: Marco Rubio's 2013 State of the Union Response

National Journal Staff | February 12, 2013

The Office of Speaker Boehner released a transcript of Marco Rubio's State of the Union speech (as prepared for delivery). Read the full text of the rebuttal below:

5 Things Obama Tried to Say During His State of the Union Address -- But Didn't

Matthew Cooper | February 12, 2013

Some words missing from tonight's State of the Union address: Iraq. Famine. Sudan. Moon. Mars. Assault rifles. Keystone XL. Videogames. Clinton. Fracking.

Snyder, Kasich Move to the Middle With Medicaid Expansion

Alex Brown | February 6, 2013

Two days after Ohio Gov. John Kasich announced his support for implementing a federal Medicaid expansion, it appears fellow Republican Gov. Rick Snyder will recommend the same in Michigan. After contentious early term battles, the moves signal the swing state executives feel they've done enough to p...

Five Energy/Environment Hill Staffers to Watch

Amy Harder | February 3, 2013

Congress is unlikely to tackle any major energy and environment legislation through regular order. So if any sliver of policy does get through either or both chambers, it will be thanks to the small cadre of energy and environment aides in congressional leadership offices. Here’s who you need to know.

Immigration Reform Ramping Up This Week

January 28, 2013

CongressWhite HouseNational SecurityPoliticsEnergyEconomy & BudgetHealth Care TOP FIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM RAMPING UP THIS WEEK. Concerted immigration reform efforts begin this week, with President Obama unveiling a proposal and a bipartisan group of lawmakers agreeing on a set of principles...

How Should Washington Address Climate Change?

Amy Harder | January 28, 2013

How, if at all, should President Obama and Congress address climate change?

Frustrated Aides Leaving Capitol Hill

Amy Harder | January 24, 2013

Fed up with gridlock, legislative staffers who specialize in energy and environment are fleeing.

Pennsylvania Dems Search For Right Candidate To Challenge Vulnerable Corbett

Courtney McBride | January 21, 2013

Midway through his first term, Pennsylvania Republican Gov. Tom Corbett appears vulnerable, and Democrats are hoping to make him the first one-term chief executive since the state's governors became eligible for second terms in 1970. While numerous Democrats reportedly are considering bids,...

The Education of Steven Chu

Coral Davenport | January 17, 2013

The Nobel physicist was brought in to transform the energy economy, but faced political battles.

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.”

Should America Exploit Energy Exports?

Amy Harder | January 14, 2013

How--if at all--should the United States take advantage of fossil-fuel exports? President Obama has cited energy exports in two recent interviews. "The United States is going to be a net exporter of energy because of new technologies and what we're doing with natural gas and oil," Obama said in an...

Five Sleeper Issues Washington Could Face in 2013

Amy Harder and Stacy Kaper and Fawn Johnson and Coral Davenport and Catherine Hollander | December 31, 2012

The incoming Congress has big challenges ahead. But don’t be distracted by the bright shiny objects that are tax reform, entitlement reform, and maybe even gun control. There are some important issues for the U.S. economy and U.S. industries that could pop to the top of the agenda in 2013 and have widespread implications for Washington and the country.

Heitkamp to be Key Energy Voice Among Moderate Democrats

Amy Harder | December 27, 2012

Heidi Heitkamp—the Democrat who surprised everyone and beat her Republican challenger Rick Berg to win the North Dakota Senate seat in this year’s election—will be an important leader in a growing group of moderate Democratic senators hailing from energy-rich states.

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.

What's at Stake for Energy, Environment in Fiscal Cliff?

Amy Harder | December 10, 2012

What are the risks and potential opportunities for energy and environment issues as Washington debates a way to avoid the fiscal cliff?

Manufacturers Troubled by Prospect of Exporting More Natural Gas

Coral Davenport | December 6, 2012

The administration appears poised to allow increased gas sales overseas. It will expand America’s influence, but it carries economic risk.

What does America's Energy Boom Mean for Washington?

Amy Harder | November 26, 2012

The United States is producing more fossil fuels than ever. So what--if anything--should President Obama and Congress do about it? The United States is one of the world's biggest producers of oil, natural gas, and coal. In its World Energy Outlook 2012 published earlier this month, the...

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