Energy and Environmental Policy Reporter, Wall Street Journal
Energy and environmental policy reporter for the Wall Street Journal
PROFILE
Stephen Power
Guest
FROM Stephen Power
To the Point
Questions after Judge's Bombshell Ruling on Drilling Ban Yesterday, Federal Judge Martin Feldman ruled that the moratorium on 33 exploratory wells was arbitrary-based on the unsupported assumption that what happened to Deepwater Horizon would happen to other wells too. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said he'd appeal, but also promised a new order that would effectively reinstate the moratorium. Today, crews had to remove the cap that's been siphoning off some of the oil from the ongoing gusher. Stephen Power is covering the story for the Wall Street Journal .
Which Way, L.A.?
Obama Drills for Consensus on Energy Consensus The President says his offshore oil-and-gas proposal will "break out of the broken policies of the past." But he's set off a familiar debate over energy needs and environmental protection. Will it lead to another stalemate or a breakthrough on global warming — in an election year?
To the Point
Obama Drills for Consensus on Energy Nobody really knows how much oil and gas lie under the vast areas of the oceans that President Obama wants to open for exploration. But environmentalists are "appalled" by the danger of spills on pristine coastlines, and drilling advocates say too many areas are still being left off limits. The big question is whether the strategy of giving a bit to both sides will provide enough votes for a comprehensive policy on energy needs and climate change. With little time left until the mid-term elections, we hear about the green economy, national security and the goal of "energy independence."
Which Way, L.A.?
The Politics of Climate Change Is the seriousness of global warming exaggerated? When the Gallup Poll first asked that question in 1997, just 31% of Americans said "yes." By early this month the number had risen to 48% -- and attitudes in the past 13 years had become more politically divided .
To the Point
Political Change on Climate Change The Gallup Poll says Americans are increasingly skeptical about the dangers of global warming and the urgency of reducing the rate of climate change. The scientific consensus is as solid as ever, but public confidence has been shaken by reports of mistaken claims and sloppy research. Republicans and some Democrats want to reduce President Obama's current authority and kill proposed new limits on greenhouse gases. Does the economic crisis make environmental action look too expensive? What's the role of the news media?
To the Point
EPA Calls Global Warming a Significant Health Threat Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency said it would make no effort to regulate greenhouse gases. Today, that same EPA was part of an inter-agency group reporting that more people will die because of global warming. Will the Bush Administration tackle the global warming or leave that to the next administration? Stephen Power, who covers energy and environmental policy for the Wall Street Journal , looks at the Bush Administration, science and public health.
To the Point
Bush Lifts Father's Ban on Offshore Oil Drilling In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed an executive order banning further drilling for oil off-shore. Today, President George W. Bush lifted the ban . Stephen Power reports on energy policy for the Wall Street Journal .
To the Point
McCain Seeks to Ease Offshore Drilling Ban For decades, virtually all the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts and the Gulf of Mexico off Florida have been off-limits to oil and gas drilling, a ban supported by most Democrats, including Barack Obama . Governor Tim Kaine has broken with fellow Democrats and supported exploratory drilling off the coast of Virginia, a state crucial to the hopes of both Obama and John McCain. Today, Republican McCain said it's time to give states incentives to permit exploration. Stephen Power covers energy policy for the Wall Street Journal .
Recommended
To the Point
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.
To the Point
Will the Senate write a healthcare bill in secret? While Democrats and Republicans argue White House relations with Russia, another question is being decided behind closed doors: who gets help buying health insurance and who doesn't? We hear how the pros and cons are being shrouded in secrecy.
To the Point
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?
To the Point
The longest US war: Will Trump send more troops to Afghanistan? The Trump White House is divided over the Pentagon's request for more troops in Afghanistan—where the US has been fighting for the past 16 years. Is there a formula -- either for "victory" or a political settlement? Is there an end in sight for America's longest war?