When the Obama administration released its carbon rule this summer, it was hailed as a "historic step" to cutting carbon pollution. But is it really?

Lots of supporters and analysts think the targets are too weak. Many now worry that the government created a rule so fragile that it could break down with a modest change in the energy mix.

The reason: existing nuclear has been left out. In this episode, we'll talk with energy analyst Jesse Jenkins about why maintaining nuclear plants is vital to keeping Obama's climate rule from collapsing.

Later in the show, we'll talk about the fight over demand response that hit the Supreme Court this week. We'll also look at how energy and climate were discussed during the Democratic presidential debate.

This podcast is sponsored by Huawei Technologies, a leading global ICT solutions. Huawei is proud to offer its FusionSolar PV solution – a unique approach to integrating, optimizing and digitizing solar power plants.

Stories referenced in the podcast:

Nuclear Retirements Would Sabotage Clean Power Plan Carbon Reductions

Sweeping Retirement of Nuclear Power Could Make Obama’s Climate Plan ‘Impossible’

Bill Gates on Why We Need an 'Energy Miracle'

FERC Energy-Saving Rule in Doubt After Supreme Court Session

Supreme Court Will Hear FERC Order 745 Demand Response Case

Climate Change Takes the Stage at Democratic Debate

The Democratic Party Has Come a Long Way on Climate Change, but CNN Hasn’t