POLITICO Energy

A controversial amendment to sell public lands in Nevada and Utah ignites a fierce bipartisan debate. Lawmakers express concerns about the implications for housing and environmental conservation. Amidst this turmoil, moderate Republicans plead to protect clean energy tax credits from potential cuts. The discussion explores the strategic timing of these legislative moves and the possible fallout on party unity, leaving the fate of the reconciliation package hanging in the balance.

Ariel Wittenberg, a public health reporter for POLITICO’s E&E News, discusses the controversy surrounding Elon Musk's AI company in South Memphis. She reveals how the facility has been polluting the area without federal permits, raising significant environmental and health concerns for residents. The episode dives into the implications of air quality issues, rising asthma rates, and the adequacy of current regulations. Wittenberg also highlights how this situation reflects broader national challenges around AI development and energy infrastructure.

A coalition of nearly 20 Democratic states is challenging the Trump administration's efforts to block wind energy projects. They argue these federal actions jeopardize jobs and climate goals. The battle highlights significant legal disputes and the impact on the offshore wind industry, particularly the Empire Wind Project. Recent Senate measures targeting pollution rules showcase the ongoing tension between state initiatives and federal energy policies. Tune in for insights on renewable energy's future amid political strife.

In a riveting discussion, Annie Snider, a water issues expert for POLITICO Pro, reveals how the Trump administration aims to drastically cut EPA's operations and funding, raising concerns about environmental management. She highlights the controversial closure of the EPA's Office of Research and Development, signaling a troubling shift away from climate initiatives. Snider also discusses the backlash from nearly 20 Democratic attorneys general challenging Trump's ban on federal wind energy approvals, emphasizing the tug-of-war over energy policies.

Congressional Republicans are at odds over clean energy tax incentives, adding tension to their legislative goals. A notable letter from 26 GOP members supports nuclear credits, clashing with 38 hardliners who oppose them. The internal struggle complicates their efforts to push a mega budget reconciliation bill. Meanwhile, delays in energy policy and Trump's proposed 2026 budget lean towards cuts in environmental programs and a pivot back to fossil fuels. The stakes couldn't be higher as party unity hangs in the balance.

Alex Nieves, California transportation reporter at POLITICO, shares insights on the House's recent vote to revoke California's strict vehicle pollution waivers. He explains the Republican strategies behind this move and its potential impact on the auto industry and state regulations. The discussion also delves into the contentious Senate dynamics and future challenges for zero-emission vehicles. Additionally, Nieves highlights internal divisions among Republicans regarding energy tax credits, stressing the broader implications for clean energy initiatives.

The Trump administration is considering creating a sovereign risk insurance program for energy projects, along with a sovereign wealth fund. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down the administration’s thinking on the topics, how it compares to other policies around the world, and the potential challenges ahead. Plus, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee advanced the nominations of two nominees for the Energy Department, as well as bipartisan legislation that aims to speed the development of minerals resources. Ben Lefebvre 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. 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

The Trump administration has dismissed all of the scientists working on the newest version of the National Climate Assessment, the most important climate science report issued by the federal government. Scott Waldman from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down why these firings happened, how they might impact the report’s future and the Trump administration’s broader plans. Plus, Interior Department staff were told to upload their resumes by midday Tuesday to help officials determine which employees will be fired as part of the DOGE-driven reduction-in-force effort. Scott Waldman is the White House reporter for E&E News focused on climate change.  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

Republican lawmakers are considering making major changes to the clean energy tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act as part of their party-line budget reconciliation package. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel, James Bikales and Kelsey Tamborrino break down the three ways Republicans could modify the credits. Plus, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin laid out his plans for addressing the country's sprawling PFAS problem Monday, but remained silent on whether the agency will back the first-ever drinking water limits for the chemicals that were issued by the Biden administration. James Bikales is a reporter for POLITICO.  Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy 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.  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

Alex Guillén, an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro, reveals intriguing insights from internal government emails about the Trump administration's climate strategy. He exposes how lawyers flagged significant legal risks regarding the freezing of $20 billion in climate grants. Delving into complex internal discussions, Guillén highlights conflicts between political maneuvers and legal obligations. He also discusses the recent resignation of FERC Commissioner Willie Phillips, hinting at political influences in energy regulation.