POLITICO Energy

President Donald Trump's State of the Union address served as both a victory lap and a messaging blueprint for Republicans heading into the midterm elections. POLITICO’s Zack Colman and Scott Waldman unpack what the Trump emphasized, what he left out and whether energy is shaping up to be a defining issue for voters this November. Scott Waldman is the White House reporter for POLITICO. Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO.  Stefan Todorovic is the video producer of POLITICO Energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. Cyril Zaneski is executive editor of POLITICO’s E&E News. Debra Kahn is the editorial director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Follow the show on Apple, Spotify, Youtube and Instagram. Follow POLITICO here:    ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/ ➤ Instagram:  / politico      ➤ Facebook:  / politico   For more reporting on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As data centers rapidly expand across the country to power AI and cloud computing, some Democratic underdogs are turning the energy-hungry facilities into a 2026 campaign issue, arguing that they could raise electricity bills and strain local resources. POLITICO’s Timothy Cama breaks down this trend, what voters actually think about data centers, and whether it’s an effective political strategy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, POLITICO Energy host Kelsey Tamborrino sits down for an extended interview with David Carroll, the newly elected chair of the board of the American Clean Power Association, for his first official interview in that role. ACP, which represents most of the companies building new wind, solar and battery projects across the country, is at the center of President Donald Trump’s sweeping push against clean energy. They discuss Trump’s offshore wind stop-work orders, permitting reform, energy affordability, data center demand and how the clean energy industry is navigating Trump’s second term. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy for POLITICO. Stefan Todorovic is the video producer of POLITICO Energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. Cyril Zaneski is executive editor of E&E News. Debra Kahn is the editorial director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Follow the show on Apple, Spotify, Youtube and Instagram. Follow POLITICO here:    ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/ ➤ Instagram:  / politico      ➤ Facebook:  / politico   For more reporting on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the Trump administration offered a striking contrast in its environmental agenda — blasting Maryland leaders over an ecological disaster at home while successfully pushing the International Energy Agency to remove climate change as a top priority abroad. POLITICO’s Miranda Willson and Sara Schonhardt break down what this split-screen approach reveals about the Trump administration’s priorities and its implications for the United States and world. Plus, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will take up three of President Donald Trump’s energy nominees next Wednesday. Miranda Willson covers water and the environment for POLITICO. Sara Schonhardt is an international climate reporter for E&E News. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. Cyril Zaneski is executive editor of E&E News. Debra Kahn is the editorial director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Follow the show on Apple, Spotify, Youtube and Instagram. Follow POLITICO here:    ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/ ➤ Instagram:  / politico      ➤ Facebook:  / politico   For more reporting on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump has reshaped the Nuclear Regulatory Commission over the past year to align it more closely with his administration’s nuclear ambitions. But current and former officials told POLITICO that the NRC is no longer operating independently, raising new questions about the future of the nation’s nuclear safety watchdog. POLITICO’s A.J. Camacho joins host Nirmal Mulaikal to explain what’s changed inside the agency and how that could impact public safety and America’s nuclear revival. Plus, EPA’s repeal of the greenhouse gas endangerment finding will be published in today’s Federal Register, and President Donald Trump slammed a new clean energy agreement between California and the United Kingdom. Francisco "A.J." Camacho is a reporter for POLITICO’s E&E News. Stefan Todorovic is the video producer of POLITICO Energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. Cyril Zaneski is executive editor of E&E News. Debra Kahn is the editorial director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Follow the show on Apple, Spotify, Youtube and Instagram. Follow POLITICO here:    ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/ ➤ Instagram:  / politico      ➤ Facebook:  / politico   For more reporting on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration has moved to repeal the 2009 “endangerment finding” — the scientific determination that underpins the federal government’s authority to regulate climate change. The decision marks one of the most consequential climate policy shifts in years and sets up a major legal and political battle. POLITICO’s Jean Chemnick and Alex Guillén join host Nirmal Mulaikal to explain what the endangerment finding does, why it matters, and what happens next for U.S. climate policy. Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Jean Chemnick covers climate change at EPA and other agencies for E&E News.  Stefan Todorovic is the video producer of POLITICO Energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. Cyril Zaneski is executive editor of E&E News. Debra Kahn is the editorial director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Follow the show on Apple, Spotify, Youtube and Instagram. Follow POLITICO here:    ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/ ➤ Instagram:  / politico      ➤ Facebook:  / politico   For more reporting on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

POLITICO exclusively reported this week that the Trump administration is pushing some of the world’s biggest tech companies toward a new voluntary agreement that could reshape how data centers are built and who pays for the energy they consume. POLITICO’s Sophia Cai breaks down what’s in the draft agreement, what’s still unclear, and the implications for the U.S. power grid and the average American consumer. Plus, a new POLITICO poll shows that slightly more Americans think Democrats are the party most committed to reducing energy prices, and the endangerment finding, which is the scientific basis for several federal greenhouse gas regulations, is set to be repealed on Thursday. Sophia Cai is a White House reporter at POLITICO and co-author of West Wing Playbook. Stefan Todorovic is the video producer of POLITICO Energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. Cyril Zaneski is executive editor of E&E News. Debra Kahn is the editorial director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Follow the show on Apple, Spotify, Youtube and Instagram. Follow POLITICO here:    ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/ ➤ Instagram:  / politico      ➤ Facebook:  / politico   For more reporting on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, POLITICO Energy host James Bikales sits down for an extended interview with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright. They discuss a wide range of topics, including his upcoming visit to Venezuela, energy affordability, data centers, gas prices, nuclear power, the recent winter storms, Russia and more. James Bikales is an oil and gas reporter for POLITICO.  Stefan Todorovic is the video producer of POLITICO Energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. Cyril Zaneski is executive editor of E&E News. Debra Kahn is the editorial director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Follow the show on Apple, Spotify, Youtube and Instagram. Follow POLITICO here:    ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/ ➤ Instagram:  / politico      ➤ Facebook:  / politico   For more reporting on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, POLITICO Energy reporters Zack Colman and A.J. Camacho break down what they learned this week about how data centers are dramatically reshaping the U.S. power system. They discuss the recent comments from the commissioners of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, how the average American feels according to new POLITICO polling, and the potential political consequences in an election year. Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO.  Francisco "A.J." Camacho is a reporter for POLITICO’s E&E News. Stefan Todorovic is the video producer of POLITICO Energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. Cyril Zaneski is executive editor of E&E News. Debra Kahn is the editorial director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the Trump administration unveiled a pair of high-stakes moves aimed at securing America’s supply of critical minerals: a $12 billion initiative to create a national strategic reserve and a summit today convening more than 50 U.S. allies to discuss a new global minerals market. POLITICO’s Hannah Northey breaks down the details of these moves, the questions that remain, and the political and policy challenges ahead for the Trump administration. Plus, the White House plans to issue more licenses to open up Venezuela oil production, and a federal judge handed the Trump administration another major loss in its effort to halt offshore wind construction. Hannah Northey covers the nexus of mining, environmental policy and politics for POLITICO’s E&E News. Stefan Todorovic is the video producer of POLITICO Energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. Cyril Zaneski is executive editor of E&E News. Joe Schatz is the deputy editor-in-chief of POLITICO. Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Follow the show on Apple, Spotify, Youtube and Instagram. Follow POLITICO here:    ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/ ➤ Instagram:   / politico      ➤ Facebook:   / politico   For more reporting on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, POLITICO Energy host Josh Siegel sits down with West Virginia Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito for an extended interview. They discuss how high utility bills could hurt Republicans during the upcoming midterm elections, if President Donald Trump’s anti-renewable energy strategy undercuts the GOP’s message on affordability, what Congress can do to support the U.S. power grid amid rising energy demand, and the future of congressional permitting reform negotiations. Josh Siegel is a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO.  Stefan Todorovic is the video producer of POLITICO Energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. Cyril Zaneski is executive editor of E&E News. Joe Schatz is the deputy editor-in-chief of POLITICO. Follow POLITICO here:    ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/ ➤ Instagram:   / politico      ➤ Facebook:   / politico   For more reporting on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

POLITICO’s award-winning energy podcast is returning for a new season! The show will still bring you the in-depth reporting and analysis from the largest energy policy newsroom in the world, but now we’re offering exclusive interviews with the power players shaping energy and climate policy through both audio and video. New episodes will drop on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. You can find audio versions of the show on ⁠Apple⁠ and ⁠Spotify⁠ along with video versions of the show on ⁠Youtube⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

POLITICO’s award-winning energy podcast is returning for a new season! The show will still bring you the in-depth reporting and analysis from the largest energy policy newsroom in the world, but now we’re offering exclusive interviews with the power players shaping energy and climate policy through both audio and video. New episodes will drop on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. You can find audio versions of the show on Apple and Spotify along with video versions of the show on Youtube and Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration’s decision to pause five offshore wind power farms that were already under construction may have indirectly stalled bipartisan permitting negotiations on the Hill. It’s a development that comes as the midterm elections are less than a year away, energy prices are skyrocketing, and congressional permitting reform has support from almost everyone in the U.S. energy industry. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and Kelsey Tamborrino discuss how Trump’s attack on offshore wind could deal a crippling blow to congressional permitting reform.  Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO.  Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration announced Monday that it’s immediately pausing all offshore wind leases under construction, citing “national security risks.” The move represents the administration’s most aggressive action yet against the renewable energy sector, and it comes as the White House faces mounting criticism over soaring energy costs. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino explores what the pause actually does, how the wind industry is reacting, and where the political and economic fight goes next.  Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO.  Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre has learned that President Donald Trump’s administration has quietly approached major oil companies about the prospect of returning to Venezuela if Nicolás Maduro falls. Ben joins host Josh Siegel to discuss how the White House is already gaming out a post-Maduro energy landscape — even as companies remain wary of the political and commercial risks.  Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy.  Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at POLITICO.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The House passed a bipartisan permitting reform bill this week aimed at speeding up environmental reviews for energy projects but only after a bruising intra-party fight among Republicans. That clash highlights just how politically fraught permitting reform has become and raises doubts about whether any deal can advance in the Senate. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down what’s in the House bill and what comes next in permitting reform negotiations. Plus, a coalition of tribal, environmental, local and consumer groups filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's rules making it harder for wind and solar projects to earn federal tax credits. James Bikales is an oil and gas reporter for POLITICO.  Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO.  Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump ramped up pressure on Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro this week, targeting the backbone of Venezuela’s economy: its oil exports. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down what Trump’s latest escalation means for Venezuela, the United States and global energy markets. Plus, the American Clean Power Association said it’s yanking its support for House Republicans’ permitting bill, which is expected to receive a floor vote today. James Bikales is an oil and gas reporter for POLITICO.  Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO.  Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in a new report that the Arctic last season was the hottest it’s been in 125 years. That finding has global significance because Arctic warming can drive sea level rise, extreme weather, and energy system instability. POLITICO’s Zack Colman unpacks the report, what it means for climate change, and concerns about political interference from the Trump administration.  Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO.  Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO.  Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Household electricity prices are increasing nationwide, and some voters are pointing the finger at energy-hungry data centers. That backlash is pushing some Republican lawmakers to break with President Donald Trump, which potentially gives an opening for Democrats as the midterm elections loom. Nico Portuondo from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down how data centers are becoming a political problem for Republicans and if Democrats can step up on the issue.  Nico Portuondo is a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO’s E&E News. Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO.  Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices