POLITICO Energy From free market to favoritism: The GOP’s energy flip
Jul 22, 2025
Zack Colman, a climate change reporter for POLITICO, discusses the Republican Party's surprising shift in energy policy under Trump. They now favor fossil fuels and nuclear power, contradicting their previous stance against government favoritism in energy. The conversation dives into the impacts of this flip on America's global competitiveness and the polarization surrounding energy policies. Colman also highlights recent reports on EPA funding and how these changes affect business investments in the evolving energy landscape.
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Republicans Reverse Energy Stance
- Republicans have shifted from opposing government energy favoritism to actively supporting fossil fuels and nuclear power under Trump.
- This stark reversal contradicts their previous 'all-of-the-above' free market stance in energy policy.
Policy Tilt Towards Fossil Fuels
- Trump issued executive orders favoring fossil fuels while excluding wind and solar from energy emergency definitions.
- Congress removed longstanding renewable tax credits while adding benefits for coal and oil, further tilting policy towards traditional fuels.
Partisan Roots of GOP Energy Shift
- The GOP’s energy policy shift is a reaction to partisan divides and Democratic climate policies like the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Trump's personal opposition to wind and solar fuels this stance, making energy policy a politicized battleground.