POLITICO Energy

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

Federal and state officials are descending on Las Vegas this week for a pivotal conference that could shape the future of the drought-stricken Colorado River. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down what’s at stake in Vegas, how the Trump administration is influencing the talks, and why the fight could ultimately land before the Supreme Court. Plus, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is set to take up a high-profile co-location proceeding at its open meeting this week. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro.  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 United States this week escalated its pressure campaign against President Nicolás Maduro’s regime by seizing a sanctioned oil tankers off Venezuela’s coast — a move that underscores President Donald Trump’s willingness to wield energy as a foreign-policy weapon. POLITICO’s James Bikales unpacks what’s behind the dramatic seizure, how it fits into Trump’s broader strategy, and why oil traders are closely watching what the administration does next. Plus, the Republican-led House passed a trio of bills aimed at speeding up permitting for energy projects and bolstering power grid reliability. Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO.  James Bikales is an oil and gas 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

A year into his second term, President Donald Trump has moved aggressively to dismantle America’s offshore wind power industry — pulling permits, wiping out tax credits, and launching agency reviews that have rattled developers. Ben Storrow from POLITICO’s E&E News explains how those actions exposed deep internal divisions within the industry and are putting its business future in serious jeopardy. Plus, the Interior Department raised $279 million in the U.S.’s first offshore oil and gas lease sale since 2023, the second-highest total in a decade. Ben Storrow is a reporter for POLITICO’s E&E News. 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

How should Democrats talk about energy heading into the 2026 midterm elections? A new survey from a center-left group suggests they should pivot from their 2024 strategy under former President Joe Biden as voters remain anxious about the economy. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and Kelsey Tamborrino break down the findings, along with how both parties are struggling to communicate around affordability and energy prices. Plus, a federal judge called the Trump administration's executive action to halt permits for both onshore and offshore wind projects across the country illegal. 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

House Republicans are launching a two-week legislative sprint to update the nation’s permitting laws, aiming to speed up approval for new energy infrastructure projects. But President Donald Trump is creating a politically complicated path for House Republicans. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down what’s in the upcoming bills, how Trump is complicating the push, and whether Republicans can actually deliver on permitting reform.  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

For the past decade, the U.S. power market was defined by predictability. But in 2025, that stability has broken down, creating an increasingly volatile system at a time when energy prices are rising nationwide. Ben Storrow from POLITICO’s E&E News explores why the U.S. power market is getting messier and why that matters for everyone. Plus, Florida's full congressional delegation is urging the Trump administration to remove their state's waters from its proposed offshore leasing map.  Ben Storrow is a 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

Nearly a year into Republican control of the federal government, the oil and gas industry is still waiting on its biggest policy priority: a major overhaul of the nation’s permitting process. While the industry remains generally optimistic about the Trump administration, time is running out for lawmakers to act. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and James Bikales discuss how the industry is still waiting on major permitting reform and what they’re hearing on the Hill and from industry. 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 Trump administration announced on Wednesday that it’s relaxing the fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks — a move that will strike a blow against electric vehicle manufacturing and in turn former President Joe Biden’s climate legacy. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the details of the move and the impact on the auto industry and climate. Plus, the National Petroleum Council issued reports to Energy Secretary Chris Wright calling for quicker permitting for energy projects and greater coordination between the nation’s natural gas and electric systems. Alex Guillén is an 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 is releasing billions of dollars in federal energy assistance as families across the country grapple with soaring utility bills and the start of the winter heating season. The move offers short-term relief but comes as Trump is also proposing to eliminate the very program that provides it. Brian Dabbs from POLITICO’s E&E news explains how the funding helps families now and what it signals for the future of the program. Plus, Energy Secretary Chris Wright made the case Tuesday that the surge in data centers will actually lower Americans’ utility bills. Brian Dabbs covers the Energy Department and White House for POLITICO’s E&E News. 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 is aggressively rolling back climate regulations in his second term with strong support from Republican lawmakers. But U.S. business groups and industries are worried that the rapid policy swings are creating uncertainty for their long-term planning and global competitiveness. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén explains the business and legal stakes of Trump’s climate deregulatory push. Alex Guillén is an 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 is pushing for a major nuclear revival as part of its energy dominance agenda and as a way to help the United States win the AI race with China. But U.S. utility companies aren’t on board, hesitating to build new plants despite projections that electricity demand is expected to rapidly rise in the coming years. AJ Camacho from POLITICO’s E&E News explains why utilities are resisting Trump’s nuclear push. Francisco "A.J." Camacho is a reporter for POLITICO’s E&E News. 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

Meeting the rising energy demands of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and other emerging technologies is one of the big challenges facing the Trump administration. And Dario Gil, the undersecretary for science at the Energy Department, is one of the key officials searching for solutions. Today, POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly talks with Gil about the administration’s energy priorities, competition with China, and the future of federal research. Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology. 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 is putting a $1 billion dollar loan toward helping restart the Three Mile Island nuclear plant. The move underscores the administration’s push for nuclear power as energy bills rise for Americans. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down why the Department of Energy is moving forward with the loan. Plus, the Trump administration launched an effort to roll back the Biden administration’s changes to the Endangered Species Act. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO. 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 U.S. void is big at this year’s United Nations Climate Conference, and China is showing that it's ready to fill the space. POLITICO’s Zack Colman is on the ground and explains the implications of China becoming the dominant force in global climate talks. Plus, environmental groups sued the Interior Department to block a planned oil and gas lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico next month. Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO.  Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy. 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

California regulators have signaled they may block a Biden-era deal to retire the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System in the Mojave Desert thanks to grid reliability concerns and regulatory uncertainty. POLITICO’s Noah Baustin joins the show to explain the politics behind the reversal and what the California Public Utilities Commission will do next.  Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy.  Noah Baustin is a 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

Coastal communities in Louisiana are urging the Supreme Court to take their side in a lawsuit against Chevron and other large oil companies, who they say failed to obtain proper approvals for drilling activity. The state and two parishes are pressing the high court to rule that the dispute should stay in state court – a decision that could have implications for similar energy and climate lawsuits nationwide.   Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy.  Niina Farah is a reporter at POLITICO E&E News 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