POLITICO Energy

<p>The latest news in energy and environmental politics & policy — must-know stories and candid insights from POLITICO’s energy team and journalists across our newsroom. All in just five minutes each morning.</p>

Lawmakers unveiled a new permitting plan. Will this be the one?

The bipartisan House Problem Solvers Caucus unveiled a new permitting reform framework this week that aims to speed the construction of energy and infrastructure projects. But after years of gridlock and failed attempts, can Congress finally get a deal across the finish line? POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down what’s in the new proposal, why the Problem Solvers are taking the lead, and what obstacles still stand in the way. Plus, the White House is pulling its nominee to run the Bureau of Reclamation.  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

09-19
11:10

Is it the end of U.S. climate pollution tracking?

The Trump administration is proposing to eliminate EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, a federal program that’s tracked U.S. climate pollution since 2009. The move is drawing backlash from environmental groups, along with concern from Republicans and industry leaders who worry it could undermine U.S business interests. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down why the EPA is targeting the program and the political fight it’s set to spark. Plus, one of the United States' most respected scientific bodies rejected claims from Trump administration officials that rising temperatures posed little danger, saying on Wednesday the evidence of climate change was “beyond scientific dispute” and that impacts on the nation are worsening.  Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO.  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.    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

09-18
08:59

One of the biggest U.S. wind farms was nearly complete. Then Trump shut it down.

The Trump administration has halted construction on Revolution Wind, one of the largest U.S. offshore wind projects, even though it was nearly complete and set to power New England. That decision has triggered a costly legal battle, backlash from state political and business leaders, and raised fresh questions about the future of offshore wind in the United States. Ben Storrow from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down why the administration stepped in and what comes next. Plus, a coalition of green groups on Monday sued EPA over its decision to forego new water pollution limits for meat and poultry processing facilities.  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

09-17
09:25

For Trump, energy wins at the pump come at a cost to US companies

Americans may be getting relief at the pump this year, but U.S. oil companies are feeling the squeeze, cutting jobs and scaling back investments. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre explains why these conflicting trends are happening and what they mean for President Donald Trump’s energy dominance agenda. Plus, a new study published shows that climate change will cost the European Union an estimated $50 billion this year.  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

09-16
08:37

SEIA’s CEO on Trump 2.0 and what’s ahead for solar

Since taking office, the Trump administration has putting clean energy under pressure -- cancelling funding, revoking permits, and tightening access to key tax credits. That comes at a time when solar remains among the fastest-growing sources of electricity in the United States and as energy demand is projected to surge in the coming years. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino sits down for an extended interview with Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, to talk about how the industry is navigating Trump’s second term and what’s ahead for the sector.  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

09-15
24:30

Trump vs. renewables: the Capitol Hill fallout

President Donald Trump’s campaign against renewable energy since taking office isn’t just hitting approved projects and green industries — it’s quietly rippling through Congress in small but significant ways across party lines. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down how the president's anti-clean energy agenda is complicating the Senate energy committee, permitting negotiations and even Republican House races.   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

09-12
11:02

How MAHA plans to tackle America’s environmental hazards

The Trump administration’s latest Make America Healthy Again report was supposed to crack down on America’s environmental hazards. Instead, it delivers major wins for industry, including calling for faster chemical approvals and weaker pollution rules. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down how the report tackles environmental issues and why some MAHA loyalists feel it falls short. Plus, the Interior Department proposed to rescind rules that offered public land for conservation leasing.  Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro.  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

09-11
09:15

What Buy Canadian means for energy, trade and US-Canada relations

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney recently unveiled a new industrial policy -- Buy Canadian – as the Washington and Ottawa try to sort out their trade tensions. It’s a protectionist move that mirrors the Trump administration’s Buy American strategy and comes as President Donald Trump’s tariffs have hit Canada’s manufacturing sectors. POLITICO’s Zi-Ann Lum breaks down why this policy is coming now and how it impacts energy, trade, and U.S.-Canada relations. Plus, the share of disposable income U.S. drivers are paying for gasoline this year will likely fall to a 20-year low, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said Tuesday.  Zi-Ann Lum covers Canadian federal politics and energy and environmental policy 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

09-10
07:00

Trump is behind the solar industry’s projected slowdown

The U.S. solar industry has been one of the fastest-growing sources of electricity, but a new forecast out this week warns that momentum could slow as Trump-era policies and Republican tax changes take effect. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down how the solar industry’s outlook is at risk in the near future and what it all means for America’s power grid. Plus, the House Natural Resources Committee is holding a hearing  tomorrow to review three bipartisan permitting proposals.  Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy 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

09-09
08:00

Trump’s permitting guru on fossil fuels, renewables, and reform

Today, POLITICO’s Josh Siegel sits down for an extended conversation with Emily Domenech, executive director of the Federal Permitting Council and a top Trump administration official. They discuss the council’s permitting strategy so far, the administration’s behind-the-scenes approach to different energy sources, and what it wants from Congress on permitting reform.   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

09-08
19:57

The latest House Energy bill is a preview of a tough spending battle ahead

House Republicans narrowly passed a $57 billion energy and water bill on Thursday that slashes clean energy and boosts GOP priorities — squeaking it through by just one vote after two last-minute flip-flops. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down the details of the package, how it exposes deeper GOP divisions, and why lawmakers face a difficult government spending fight ahead. Plus, President Donald Trump’s nominees to fill the two vacancies at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission vowed to protect the agency’s independence amid growing concerns over political interference from the White House.  Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy.  Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro.  Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.   Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer 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

09-05
07:05

Trump’s legal victory strikes blow to U.S. clean energy push

The Trump administration secured a major legal victory this week after a federal appeals court ruled that EPA can cancel $20 billion in Biden-era clean energy funding. However, the courtroom fight is far from over. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the ruling, how the legal saga will continue, and what this means for America’s clean energy future. Plus, a top official at the Interior Department said the agency is prioritizing permits for new fossil fuel generation over renewable energy because it has limited staff and resources to review the projects.  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.   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

09-04
10:07

Why Trump’s anti-wind agenda could flip a key House seat

President Donald Trump’s war on wind power is colliding with Iowa’s prominent wind industry and putting Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks in a political bind. She’s long defended wind power as part of an “all-of-the-above” strategy, but her vote for Trump’s megabill is now a major liability as she faces one of the toughest reelection fights in the country. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down how Trump’s anti-wind agenda is threatening a vulnerable Iowa Republican. Plus, a federal appellate court on Tuesday sided with the Environmental Protection Agency in the pitched legal battle over Administrator Lee Zeldin’s termination of $20 billion in Biden-era climate grants.  James Bikales is a 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.   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

09-03
09:28

Trump promised to rebuild Appalachia. Then he pulled some funding.

President Donald Trump promised to help Appalachian communities recover after Hurricane Helene — one of the deadliest and costliest storms in U.S. history. But his administration’s rollback of billions in Biden-era climate and energy funds has stalled projects meant to rebuild housing and lower energy costs across the region. POLITICO’s Zack Colman explains how Trump’s actions are slowing recovery efforts and what it means for the communities still struggling nearly a year after the storm.  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.   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

09-02
08:13

Trump wants more nuclear power. He’s also dividing the industry.

President Donald Trump’s effort to fast-track small nuclear reactors favors Silicon Valley startups over established nuclear companies, raising questions about safety, trust, and the future of U.S. nuclear power. Francisco “A.J.” Camacho from POLITICO’s E&E news breaks down how that split in the industry could complicate Trump’s larger nuclear goals. Plus, the Commerce Department said Thursday it has opened a national security investigation into imports of wind turbines. Francisco "A.J." Camacho 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.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for 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

08-22
10:25

How one nuclear plant changed New York’s energy future

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s shutdown of the Indian Point nuclear plant years ago was seen as a safety win, but it’s driven up emissions, raised electricity costs, and complicated New York’s climate goals. Now, as Cuomo pursues a political comeback, critics say the closure left the grid dirtier and consumers paying more. POLITICO’s Marie French breaks down what it means for New York’s energy future and the Democratic debate over nuclear power. Plus, President Donald Trump pledged in a social media post Wednesday that the U.S. won’t approve solar or wind projects that he says harm farmland. 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.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for 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

08-21
07:08

Why a Biden EPA official is pushing back against DOE’s climate report

A former Biden administration official is pushing back against a Department of Energy report that could undermine the federal government’s authority to regulate carbon emissions. Jean Chemnick from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down why the report matters, how it ties into the Trump administration’s broader strategy to overturn the “endangerment finding,” and what’s at stake for future climate rules. Plus, a coalition of U.S. manufacturers that build the equipment used to make batteries is urging the Trump administration to end a tariff exemption for Chinese battery machines. 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.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for 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

08-20
09:23

What DOE Secretary Wright thinks about your rising power bill

Energy Secretary Chris Wright exclusively told POLITICO recently that he’s worried about rising electricity prices, and he thinks Republicans could suffer political pain in the midterm elections because of them. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down why Wright is concerned and who he really thinks voters should blame for rising prices. Plus, 19 states and the District of Columbia sued the Energy Department over the agency’s move to limit the use of its grant funding for “indirect costs” such as buildings, equipment and personnel. 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.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for 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

08-19
09:37

Trump’s Forest Service cuts haven’t sparked disaster — yet

So far, President Donald Trump’s steep cuts to the U.S. Forest Service haven’t fueled the wildfire disaster Democrats and state officials feared. But experts warn the risks remain, with future cuts threatening prevention and response efforts. POLITICO’s Jordan Wolman breaks down why Trump's cuts haven't fueled wildfire catastrophe and how America isn’t out of the woods yet. Plus, the Trump administration announced a policy on Friday that will make it even harder for wind and solar projects to take advantage of federal tax credits. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Jordan Wolman is a sustainability reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for 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

08-18
07:52

The reality behind DOGE’s exaggerated savings claims

A new POLITICO analysis finds the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, has only saved $1.4 billion in verifiable cuts — far less than the $50 billion it claims. And none of it will reduce the federal deficit. POLITICO’s Jessie Blaeser breaks down DOGE’s inflated savings and the impact on federal energy agencies. Plus, the Energy Department is making available nearly $1 billion dollars in funding for critical minerals projects. James Bikales is a reporter for POLITICO.  Jessie Blaeser is a digital journalist at POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for 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

08-15
08:23

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