The Trump administration’s proposed rule effectively frees power plants from climate regulation of any kind and will almost certainly invite legal challenges. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down how EPA is justifying this rule, the pushback from critics, and how an eventual legal fight could help determine whether the federal government can regulate climate pollution from any sector. Plus, President Donald Trump on Thursday moved to eliminate California’s nation-leading vehicle emissions standards.

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.

Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.

Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

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Full Episode: Sunday, January 18, 2026

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