Letter from the US: Granholm treads the centre ground… for now
The energy secretary nominee’s rhetoric is thus far placatory. But her record suggests the oil and gas industry should buckle up
Fossil fuels will remain a key component of the US economy even as it transitions to a greener future. Thus President Joe Biden’s nomination for energy secretary, former Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm, told her confirmation hearing. But previous form suggests the latter aim will take greater priority over the former. “If we're going to get to net carbon zero emissions by 2050, we cannot do it without coal, oil and gas being part of the mix,” says Granholm. Against that, on the campaign trail, Biden advanced a $2tn promise to achieve net-zero emissions from the power grid by 2035 and for the economy as a whole by 2050. That ambitious spending plan has raised eyebrows. But Biden’s top cli

Also in this section
1 April 2025
There is method to the US president’s apparent madness, and those seeking to understand need look no further than their local bookshop
1 April 2025
Strong economic growth targets are encouraging for the country’s energy demand growth, even if meeting those goals might be a tall order
28 March 2025
The Central Asian country is positioning itself as a low-carbon leader, but antiquated infrastructure and a dependence on Russia are holding it back
28 March 2025
MCEDD 2025 took place in Madrid this week with record attendance and a wide-ranging programme, reflecting the deepwater sector’s renewed momentum, strategic focus and accelerating technological innovation.