The Carbon Reduction Paradox: Why Do Some Oppose Nuclear Energy? with Neil Chatterjee

In this episode of The Vivek Show, host Vivek Ramaswamy explores the paradox of carbon reduction advocates opposing nuclear energy and discusses the complexities of US energy policy with guest Neil Chatterjee, former Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). They delve into FERC's role in overseeing competitive wholesale power markets, the challenges faced by differing state policies on decarbonization, and the consequences of shutting down coal plants on communities. The conversation covers the role of public policy and market forces in shaping the energy landscape, touching on the controversial topic of carbon capture pipelines and the potential for fostering nuclear energy without subsidies. Throughout the episode, Ramaswamy and Chatterjee engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the future of US energy policy and the potential for reforming key regulatory agencies.

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Indranil "Neil" Chatterjee is a prominent American lawyer, political advisor, and former member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). He served twice as FERC Chairman, from August 10, 2017, to December 7, 2017, and October 24, 2018, to November 5, 2020. Prior to FERC, Chatterjee was an energy policy advisor to United States Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and held roles with the United States House Committee on Ways and Means, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Throughout his career, he has been committed to shaping balanced energy policies that promote both energy production and environmental stewardship.

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Time-codes:
00:00:00 - Mystery of carbon reduction advocates not supporting nuclear energy
00:01:19 - Possible anti-growth agenda in the US
00:02:53 - Introduction of guest Neil Chatterjee
00:08:21 - Structure of FERC for independent judgment
00:09:37 - Constitutionality concerns over independent agencies
00:11:59 - Oversight and nomination process reining in radical FERC agenda
00:16:12 - FERC's role in competitive wholesale power markets
00:17:58 - Implementation of a minimum offer price rule
00:20:56 - Reversal of the minimum offer price rule after 2020 election
00:34:36 - Vivek questions the need for a top-down energy transition
00:36:19 - Neil's support for solar plus storage
00:38:57 - Impact of shutting down coal plants on communities
00:40:41 - Neil's opposition to burdensome EPA regulations
00:43:50 - Vivek's skepticism on government-subsidized carbon capture pipelines
00:44:53 - Biden administration's clean energy transition and transmission line challenges
00:46:20 - Opposition to energy infrastructure built near homes
00:52:06 - Bilateral contracting in energy markets
00:53:07 - Roles of RTOs and ISOs in energy markets
00:56:49 - Fostering nuclear energy without subsidies and private capital's role
00:57:38 - Public Utility Commission's role in evaluating utility rates
00:58:38 - Challenge of short-term thinking for long-term energy projects
01:01:04 - Vivek's proposal for a new nuclear energy regulatory agency