President Obama’s senior adviser John Podesta “rebuked U.S. environmental leaders Friday for challenging the White House’s energy strategy, saying he was ‘surprised’ they would question his commitment to addressing climate change,” the Washington Post reports.

In a two-page letter, Podesta “provided a detailed account of steps Obama has taken to reduce the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions, and others he has pledged to undertake as part of the climate action plan he unveiled in June. Podesta, who has spent several years championing an aggressive national and global climate strategy as chairman of the liberal think tank Center for American Progress, began advising Obama this month on issues including energy and the environment.”

The Hill: “Podesta’s defense came in response to a letter sent by top environmental organizations, including the Sierra Club and Environmental Defense Fund earlier this week.”

Wonk Wire: Growing rift between Obama and environmental groups.