When it comes to the reconciliation bill, fights over health care and taxes — which are still unresolved by the way — have been the focus while other major policy areas like climate have received little attention.

But that’s about to change.

House committees have now marked up the key pieces of climate policy. And with the Senate’s return this week, all eyes will once again be on Sen. Joe Manchin, who as chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is responsible for writing the single most important piece of climate legislation.

It’s a bill that could determine whether the United States meets an aggressive emissions-reduction target scientists say is needed to avert global catastrophe (no pressure).

Raghu Manavalan is the host of POLITICO's Playbook.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. 
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.