Why the DOE might loan millions to a controversial mine project

Last week, the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office conditionally agreed to provide a $700 million loan to a controversial lithium mining project in Nevada. The site would extract critical minerals crucial to meeting President Joe Biden’s clean energy goals, but has drawn significant environmental concerns. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down the debate over the project and why the loan office is expected to be a major oversight focus of the GOP-controlled House. Plus, FERC is expected to vote on a final rule to strengthen utility cybersecurity standards. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.