POLITICO Energy

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

The Trump administration is preparing to propose opening up federal waters in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans for new oil drilling — a move that’s expected to spark strong backlash from governors in coastal states across party lines and could specifically put California Governor Gavin Newsom in a tough political position. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down this potential proposal, the political fallout ahead and if this is actually something the energy industry wants. Plus, the Interior Department announced on Thursday that it will take several steps to open up Alaska wilderness to drilling and mining. 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 and the government of Qatar are warning the European Union to roll back a major corporate climate regulation — or risk higher energy prices. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down why Washington and Doha are teaming up to target this specific law and how Trump is once again using energy as a political weapon against Europe. 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 powerful typhoon recently devastated the Native Alaskan village of Kipnuk — months after the Trump administration canceled a $20 million EPA grant meant to protect it from flooding. Now, Kipnuk and dozens of other towns are fighting that decision in court. Jean Chemnick from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down what happened in Kipnuk, why the grants were pulled, and what’s at stake for federal climate resilience funding. Plus, Abigail Ross Hopper will step down next year after nearly nine years as the president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association. Jean Chemnick covers climate change at EPA and other agencies for 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

The ongoing government shutdown has sent uneven shock waves through federal climate and energy agencies, leaving operations frozen, offices short-staffed and priorities in limbo. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the shutdown’s impact on those agencies and how it compares to previous shutdowns. Plus, the United States and Australia announced an agreement on Monday to jointly invest in the mining and processing of critical minerals.  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

POLITICO is exclusively reporting that Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s relationship with the White House is strained because of a series of political missteps and policy disputes, according to 10 people familiar with the dynamic. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down why there’s tension and if Wright’s job is in jeopardy. Plus, the Trump administration is preparing to allow oil and gas leasing across the entire Arctic National Wildlife Refuge coastal plain. 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

The Trump administration is relaunching and rebranding the Energy Department’s Loan Programs Office starting with a $1.6 billion loan guarantee to rebuild thousands of miles of electric transmission lines. The move comes after months of Republican criticism that had called the future of the office into question. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down how Trump is revamping the Loan Programs Office and why this announcement is notable. Plus, a new report from the World Meteorological Organization says that global carbon pollution hit a record high last year.  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

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission finally has a full slate of commissioners for the first time in six months, and the agency faces a packed agenda. POLITICO’s Isa Domínguez breaks down what’s ahead for the commission, how the White House is influencing its agenda, and why these decisions matter for consumers and the tech industry alike. Plus, President Donald Trump’s trade war just cost Canada’s auto industry in a big way. 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

The Trump administration has dealt another blow to renewable energy. Last week, the Bureau of Land Management sent back to the drawing board the country’s biggest proposed solar project, known as the Esmerelda Seven in Nevada. But even though President Donald Trump’s administration was behind the move, not all Republicans are taking it lightly, especially as energy demand is set to surge to feed the global AI boom. POLITICO Energy host Josh Siegel speaks with POLITICO reporter James Bikales about why BLM changed course on this project, how industry is responding given Trump’s icy relationship with renewables, and what it means politically going forward. 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.   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 giving energy companies something they’ve wanted for years: a quicker timeline for oil and gas drilling permit approvals. According to a new analysis by POLITICO, Trump’s Bureau of Land Management has issued 4,483 applications for permits to drill on federal and Native American land — more than double the number approved during the first year of his first term.  POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and James Bikales discuss what’s driving the surge in oil and gas permits under Trump, whether it will be tempered by lower crude oil prices, and how much it actually matters in the race to meet rising power demand.  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.   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

America’s oil industry is hitting record highs, but the boom may not last as production surges, demand stagnates and storage tanks around the world fill up. That slowdown could deliver a political double-edged sword for President Donald Trump: cheaper fuel for consumers, but trouble for his biggest ally. Ben Storrow from POLITICO’s E&E News explains why America’s oil producers are bracing for a bust and how this could impact the president politically. Plus, EPA began furloughing employees Thursday, according to agency staffers. 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.  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

Artificial intelligence’s growing thirst for power is putting New York’s energy and climate goals under pressure by straining the state’s power system, driving up costs and threatening its ambitious clean energy targets. POLITICO’s Marie French breaks down how New York is trying to balance AI growth with its environmental goals and what this story means for other states facing similar challenges. Plus, the Ukrainian government is asking the United States to increase shipments of natural gas to stave off what it is calling a potential humanitarian crisis. Marie J. French covers energy and the environment for POLITICO New York.  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 warning of looming power shortages just as electricity prices rise in the country. But it’s also moving to cancel $8 billion in clean energy funding meant to boost power generation and modernize the grid. POLITICO’s James Bikales, Kelsey Tamborrino and Josh Siegel discuss what these cuts could mean for the country’s energy supply, electricity prices, and how both parties are preparing to message around the issue ahead of next year’s midterm elections. Plus, U.S. oil production hit a record high in July and is increasing quicker than expected in the Gulf of Mexico, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.  James Bikales is a reporter for POLITICO.  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

A new POLITICO analysis shows states that embrace renewable energy are more likely to save money for consumers compared to those relying on fossil fuels or nuclear power. It’s a finding that undermines one of the Trump administration’s main justifications for its aggressive rollback of federal clean energy policies. POLITICO’s Catherine Allen and Matt Daily break down what the data shows and the politics of this issue. Plus, several groups that would have benefited from EPA’s Solar for All program have sued the agency for terminating $7 billion in grants. Catherine Allen is an energy and environment data reporter at 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

The Trump administration has canceled funding for nearly half of the federally backed megaprojects designed to pull carbon dioxide from the atmosphere — a major blow to the U.S. direct air capture industry that had flourished under former President Joe Biden. Corbin Hiar from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down how these cuts could reshape the future of U.S. carbon removal, why the projects matter for climate goals, and what this decision signals about the administration’s approach to energy innovation. Plus, the Supreme Court on Friday said it will take up an appeal from Exxon Mobil as the energy giant attempts to recoup economic losses caused when its Cuban assets were seized by Fidel Castro's revolution in the early 1960s. Corbin Hiar is a climate and business 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

President Donald Trump is escalating his attacks on clean energy, cutting $8 billion in funding in states that didn’t vote for him in last year’s election – but some GOP districts will take some collateral damage. The decision comes amid a heated partisan blame game over the ongoing government shutdown and builds on Trump’s broader rollback of clean energy policies. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino unpacks the politics of this move, the pushback, and how it ties into the government shutdown.  James Bikales is a reporter for POLITICO.  Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy 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