POLITICO Energy

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

New York governor Kathy Hochul has strayed from a more environmentally conscious energy policy in favor of one that includes new oil pipelines and a gas-powered crypto mine in its purview. Environmental activists are dreading Hochul’s decision, yet business and labor interests are rejoicing over it. POLITICO’s Marie French dissects Hochul’s New York climate pivot and what it will mean for energy projects throughout the Empire State. Plus, a new tech and energy partnership is trying to curry favor with Trump officials to overhaul permitting rules and ease regulations surrounding energy for artificial intelligence. Josh Siegel⁠⁠⁠ is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy.  Marie J. French covers energy and the environment for POLITICO New York. ⁠⁠⁠Nirmal Mulaikal⁠⁠⁠ is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.   ⁠⁠Kara Tabor⁠⁠ is an audio producer for 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 International Energy Agency is out with its 2025 World Energy Outlook report and has brought its Current Policy Scenario section back with it. In recent years, the GOP has complained about the omission of the Current Policy Scenario analyzing future energy trends based on enacted laws and measures. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down the report and why its predictions about a natural gas glut are causing such a buzz. Plus, Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro decides to pull out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative in the state’s newly passed budget.  Josh Siegel⁠⁠ is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy.  James Bikales is a reporter for POLITICO. ⁠⁠Nirmal Mulaikal⁠⁠ is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.   ⁠Kara Tabor⁠ is an audio producer for 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 governor Gavin Newsom is in Brazil for the United Nations’ COP30 climate summit, touting the Golden State’s climate initiatives — with no President Donald Trump in sight. POLITICO’s Debra Kahn digs into Newsom’s climate showcase and how he’s being received on the world stage. Plus, the Interior Department says National Environmental Policy Act does not apply to offshore federal oil and gas lease sales mandated by Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Josh Siegel⁠ is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy.  Debra Kahn is the California Policy Editor for POLITICO. ⁠Nirmal Mulaikal⁠ is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.   Kara Tabor is an audio producer for 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

Gas prices have fallen since Donald Trump took office, but experts are debating how much credit President Donald Trump deserves – or if voters are even noticing. POLITICO’s James Bikales joins host Josh Siegel to explain how OPEC’s production moves, record U.S. output and Trump’s foreign policy choices have shaped the current energy landscape. They also discuss whether rising electricity costs, fueled by AI data centers, are becoming the new political flashpoint.  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

Rising power demand and AI data centers are causing electric rates to go up. And last week’s elections in Virginia, New Jersey and Georgia showed that voters are starting to notice. On this episode of POLITICO Energy, Josh Siegel and Kelsey Tamborrino break down how Democrats used energy affordability to help them win these key elections, and how Republicans are pivoting their message to close the gap.   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

As world leaders gather in Brazil for the COP30 climate conference, the U.S. is taking a very different approach under President Donald Trump. POLITICO’s Zack Colman joins host Josh Siegel to explain how the administration’s enthusiasm for fossil fuel exports is reshaping global climate diplomacy and challenging international climate agreements.   Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy.  Zack Colman covers climate change 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A major deadline is approaching in the high-stakes negotiations over how to share the rapidly shrinking Colorado River — a lifeline for 40 million people across the West. The seven states that depend on it still have not reached an agreement, and the Trump administration is taking an unexpectedly cautious role in the discussions. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down the latest deadline in America’s biggest water war and why the Trump administration is treading carefully. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. 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

A new report from former Biiden administration staffers, shared first with POLITICO, takes a deep look at why President Joe Biden’s trillion-dollar clean energy agenda wasn’t more successful or durable. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down the main takeaways from the report and what it could mean for U.S. energy policy. Plus, a new report from the United Nations says that new national climate plans would hardly reduce global temperature projections, which are already dangerously high.  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.  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

An under-the-radar election in Georgia today could show how rising electricity bills are shaping voter sentiment. Two seats on the state’s utility commission are up for grabs, testing whether voters back Republicans aligned with President Donald Trump’s energy agenda or turn to Democrats who are blaming the commission for high costs. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down this race and what it could say about the national politics of energy prices ahead of next year’s midterm elections. Plus, the Trump administration is taking a stake in two rare earth companies. 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.  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 trying to reassert the United States as a top exporter of nuclear technology after Russia and China’s bid to dominate the global market in recent decades. Francisco “AJ” Camacho from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down how the US is trying to gain ground and where the competition stands with China and Russia. Plus, the Trump administration will not send “high level representatives” to the upcoming United Nations climate talks in Brazil. Francisco "A.J." Camacho is a reporter for POLITICO’s E&E News. 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. 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 says China is showing interest in buying U.S. natural gas — specifically from a $44 billion export project in Alaska that’s barely made any progress for more than a decade. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down this potential US-China energy deal, what questions remain and why there’s already Republican skepticism on the Hill. James Bikales is a reporter 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

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are holding face-to-face for the first time since Trump returned to office, with energy expected to be a top-tier issue. Ben Storrow from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down the stakes of this high-tension meeting, the two countries’ contrasting energy strategies and the stakes for the global energy landscape. Plus, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee advanced President Donald Trump’s pick for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission along with a slate of other nominees and largely bipartisan energy measures. Ben Storrow is a reporter for POLITICO’s E&E News. 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.  Kara Tabor is an audio producer for 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

With just two weeks until the UN Climate Change Conference in Brazil, a new UN report shows countries are falling far short of their Paris Agreement pledges. Rising energy demand, inflation, and political divisions are adding even more pressure to the talks — especially as U.S. climate leadership wanes under President Donald Trump. Sara Schonhardt from POLITICO’s E&E News unpacks what’s at stake heading into COP30. Plus, a bipartisan coalition of 13 governors is urging Congress to pass comprehensive legislation to ease permitting rules. Sara Schonhardt is an international climate reporter for E&E News. 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

The Trump administration is pressing the newly whole Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to speed up how quickly data centers can connect to the U.S. power grid. POLITICO’s Isa Domínguez breaks down the ambitious DOE proposal, the reaction from FERC watchers, and what to expect next. Plus, Exxon Mobil is suing California over its first-in-the-nation climate disclosure laws. Isa Domínguez is an energy reporter and author of Morning 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.  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 ramping up efforts to boost America’s supply of critical minerals by striking a deal with Australia, pitching potential partnerships with African leaders, and launching a multibillion-dollar investment fund to develop new sources. The push comes as Washington tries to loosen its reliance on China, which still dominates the global supply of critical minerals and recently flexed that control as a geopolitical weapon. Hannah Northey from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down Trump’s critical minerals strategy and what it means for the U.S.-China relations. Plus, the Trump administration has officially elevated Republican Laura Swett to FERC chair. Hannah Northey covers the nexus of mining, environmental policy and politics for POLITICO’s E&E News. 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