Presented by TerraPower — Opponents to the group characterized it as anti-environment{beacon} Energy & Environment Energy & Environment   The Big Story  GOP governors form 'energy choice' group  Ten Republican governors have joined together this week to form a group they say will promote "energy choice" policies at the state level. © Jay Paul, Associated Press Members of the coalition are Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon.    The organization — the Governors Coalition for Energy Choice — said in a statement that it aims to “ensure continued energy choice, minimize permitting and other regulatory barriers, limit expensive energy mandates, focus on affordability and reliability of energy infrastructure, and coordinate to positively manage energy resources and the environment.” While the governors characterized the effort as supporting choice, opponents characterized it as anti-environment.   “'Energy choice' is a thinly veiled code for more expensive natural gas projects,” Tim Cywinski, communications director for the Virginia chapter of the Sierra Club, told The Hill. “Natural gas isn’t just pollution-intensive, it’s also unreliable in the cold, and comes with a volatile, ever-increasing price point. Clean Energy isn’t only the cheaper option, it also doesn’t come with the trade-off of making our communities sick.” Read more at TheHill.com.  Welcome to The Hill’s Energy & Environment newsletter, we’re Rachel Frazin and Zack Budryk — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains.   Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here.   Essential Reads  How policy will affect the energy and environment sectors now and in the future:  Hawley optimistic at radiation compensation deal prospectsSen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) expressed optimism Thursday that lawmakers would soon reach a deal to extend radiation compensation for victims of U.S. nuclear weapons testing.   Full Story  Biden administration proposes wide eligibility for EV charger tax credit The Biden administration has proposed a rule maximizing the number of electric vehicle (EV) chargers that can qualify for tax credits.  Full Story   Biden pitches ‘better choice’ in economic speech, seeking contrast with Trump President Biden on Thursday touted what he called a “declaration of progress” after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates, arguing his economic agenda had put the country on strong footing and warning of the risks that could come with a return to former President Trump’s policies.  Full Story  In Other News  Branch out with a different read from The Hill: Congress passes $3B bill to plug VA shortfall amid concerns about veterans’ checks The Senate passed an emergency spending bill Thursday to provide billions of dollars in funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), but rejected an amendment that would axe funding for Energy Department loans.  Full Story   What We're Reading  News we've flagged from other outlets touching on energy issues, the environment and other topics: Internal BLM email raises questions about lithium mine review (E&E News)  Upstream electrification can cut oil and gas production emissions by more than 80%, report says (Reuters) Climate migration doesn’t look like you think it does (Grist)   What Others are Reading  Two key stories on The Hill right now: Robinson says he’s staying in NC governor’s race after bombshell CNN report North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R) on Thursday said he’s staying in the gubernatorial race following speculation throughout the day that he might drop out in response to an explosive CNN report. Read more Local Teamsters unions in key battleground states endorse Harris Local unions within the International Brotherhood of Teamsters are putting their support behind Vice President Harris in November, despite the wider union’s decision to withhold a presidential endorsement this year. Read more  Close Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here The latest in politics and policy. Direct to your inbox. Sign up for the Energy and Environment newsletter Subscribe