DOE’s about-face on power transformers

The Energy Department is dramatically walking back new energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers – a move that highlights how the Biden administration is trying to balance its climate agenda and concerns from lawmakers, industry groups, and pro-union allies in an election year. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down why DOE is scaling down the rule and how Biden’s climate agenda is walking a tightrope. Plus, the European Union says carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and industrial sites dropped a record 15.5 percent last year. 

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Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO.

James Bikales is the host of Morning Energy and a reporter for POLITICO.

Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.

Annie Rees is a senior audio producer-host at POLITICO.

Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.

Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.