POLITICO Energy

The podcast reveals a significant policy shift by the Trump administration that could stifle wind and solar projects on federal lands. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum must now approve all permits, raising concerns about regulatory delays. Clean energy advocates warn this move undermines renewable initiatives, while some Republican senators express frustration over the new restrictions. Additionally, discussions include Joe Manchin's interactions with the Biden administration and Trump's nomination of David Lissert to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, highlighting shifts in energy policy.

The discussion centers on Trump's potential nomination of David LaCerte for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, raising alarm due to his loyalty over qualifications. Concerns grow around the implications of political influence on this independent agency. As scrutiny intensifies, the energy community and Congress weigh in. In a related note, a major European energy company secures a significant deal for U.S. natural gas, highlighting the global interest in American energy resources and the potential shift in U.S. energy policy.

Alex Guillén, an energy reporter for POLITICO, discusses the House Republicans' latest budget proposals targeting energy and climate programs. Tensions are rising as these proposals clash with the White House’s stance, particularly concerning cuts to the EPA. Guillén also highlights how upcoming negotiations in the Senate might influence bipartisan support and decelerate the funding process. Additionally, he touches on the controversies surrounding a $4.7 billion loan to TotalEnergies for a gas project in Mozambique, sparking significant environmental pushback.

Gloria Gonzalez, Deputy Energy Editor for POLITICO, sheds light on the rising bipartisan support for nuclear power amidst a divided energy landscape. She discusses why lawmakers are betting on nuclear energy despite ongoing challenges. Gloria explores regulatory hurdles and financial concerns, as well as the potential of advanced small modular reactors. Lastly, she addresses the impact of proposed budget cuts by House Republicans on energy and climate initiatives, revealing the critical need for reliable energy sources.

Democrats are shifting their energy message ahead of the 2026 midterm elections by focusing less on climate change and more on the prospect of rising electricity bills driven by Republican policies. POLITICO’s Zack Colman explains how the Dems’ new energy strategy is taking shape and whether it could resonate with voters in 2026 and beyond.  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.  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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Republicans put clean energy tax credits on a fast track to phase out in their sweeping tax law. But President Donald Trump’s new executive order this week could make qualifying for the credits even harder — potentially undermining billions in planned wind and solar development. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down the politics behind the move, along with the legal and financial risks that follow.  Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO.  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.  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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nuclear power is enjoying a surge of bipartisan support in the U.S., fueled by rising energy demand and state climate goals. But despite the momentum, the industry itself may be nuclear’s biggest obstacle — a challenge that could shape the future of America’s power supply. POLITICO’s Debra Kahn looks at the growing political backing and the stubborn realities holding the sector back. Plus, President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration promised to bring staffing levels up to meet the needs of the National Weather Service's local offices. Debra Kahn is the editor of POLITICO's California Climate newsletter and author of Currents, a reported column about the energy, environment and climate debates. 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-switchAnd for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emergency response experts and climate scientists are warning that the devastating Texas floods last week are a warning sign: As climate disasters grow more intense and federal disaster infrastructure shrinks, communities across the country could be left dangerously exposed. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down what the Texas floods signal about the country’s readiness for the next natural disaster. Plus, President Donald Trump just signed an executive order telling the Treasury Department to strictly enforce the phase-out of clean electricity tax credits under his new tax law. 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.  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-switchAnd for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More than 80 people are dead after catastrophic flooding swept through central Texas last week even though federal forecasters saw it coming. Chelsea Harvey from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down why accurate federal forecasts weren’t enough to save lives, and how climate change and shrinking federal disaster infrastructure are raising alarms for what’s ahead. Plus, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is poised to start rulemaking to "sunset" certain regulations, according to a draft "notice of inquiry" obtained by POLITICO's E&E News. Chelsea Harvey covers climate science for POLITICO’s 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump signed his “One Big, Beautiful Bill” into law on Friday, achieving a major part of his domestic energy agenda. But the law could potentially put swing-district Republicans at risk in the 2026 midterm elections. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and James Bikales break down why Trump’s new law could politically hurt his party. Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO.  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. 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-switchAnd for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices