Critical minerals are having a bipartisan moment in Washington right now, leading to cautious optimism that Republicans and Democrats can push through legislation to reduce U.S. reliance on China for the raw materials. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down why there’s momentum and what tangible progress could be made. Plus, two top EPA nominees advanced out of committee on Thursday on party-line votes, putting the people who will be key to President Donald Trump’s effort to unwind climate regulations closer to confirmation.James Bikales is a reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio 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

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin made several big moves this week: ending all offices and positions related to environmental justice, terminating $20 billion in Biden-era climate and housing grants, and launching a major deregulatory effort that includes seeking to overturn the federal government’s core scientific finding about the dangers of greenhouse gases. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the details and impact of these moves.Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio 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

Despite Trump administration officials touting their moves to boost oil and gas, the head of one of America’s largest utilities said renewable projects remain more attractive because of a shortage of natural gas turbines. POLITICO Energy Editor Matt Daily breaks down the somewhat contradictory messages coming out of CERAWeek, if there’s anything Trump can do to solve this problem and what this means for America’s energy outlook. Plus, former Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chair Chris Hanson emphasized the importance of the agency’s independence following a recent executive order from President Donald Trump.Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio 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

Twenty-one House Republicans are pushing their party to preserve some of the clean energy tax credits in the Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act, and they’re warning that they could oppose the GOP’s multi trillion-dollar tax-cut package if those credits are repealed. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and James Bikales discuss why some Republicans are defending those IRA incentives and how it complicates President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda. Plus, the Energy Department on Monday issued a permit extension for the proposed Delfin liquefied natural gas export project.James Bikales is a reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio 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

CERAWeek, the biggest annual energy conference in the world, kicks off today in Houston, Texas where thousands of energy executives, leaders, lobbyists and Trump administration officials will gather to discuss the state of the industry. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down how the industry is feeling publicly and privately about the Trump administration so far and what to expect from the conference. Plus, EPA will end a novel enforcement lawsuit brought against a chemical plant in Louisiana that was a centerpiece of the Biden administration’s environmental justice agenda.Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio 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

By law, Puerto Rico has committed to getting 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. But that mandated effort is being threatened by Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón, a fossil fuel advocate and ally of President Donald Trump’s. POLITICO deputy energy editor Gloria Gonzalez breaks down how Puerto Rico’s new governor is putting the territory’s clean energy transition in doubt. Plus, the Trump administration canceled 21 grants for work on low-carbon construction materials this week.Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio 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

President Donald Trump’s speech to the joint session of Congress on Tuesday night revealed a lot about his administration’s energy priorities moving forward. POLITICO Energy editor Matt Daily analyzes what Trump said and what it means for American energy policy moving forward. Plus, President Trump on Wednesday decided to delay for a month a portion of the 25 percent tariffs he imposed on Canada and Mexico at the urging of automakers.Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio 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

The Supreme Court imposed new limits on EPA’s ability to regulate water pollution on Tuesday. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down the ruling, how the case involved strange political alliances, and what this means for EPA and America’s water quality moving forward. Plus, America's oil industry has been pretty muted about President Donald Trump’s new tariffs despite the trade moves financially hurting its bottom line.Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio 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

The Department of Government Efficiency has hobbled the federal agency that delivers water across California, a move that inadvertently undercuts President Donald Trump’s plan to address the state’s water crisis. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down how DOGE's actions are in direct conflict with the president’s policy goals. Plus, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin on Monday requested an inspector general probe of the management of a $20 billion climate fund held by Citibank.Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO.Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio 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

In this discussion, Zack Colman, a climate change reporter for POLITICO, shares insights on the anxious mood within the environmental movement as they anticipate a second Trump administration. He highlights how green groups are reshaping their strategies to counter aggressive deregulation efforts and resonate with economic concerns that influenced recent elections. Colman underscores the importance of mobilization and fundraising for advocacy groups navigating the turbulent political landscape, making for an engaging analysis of resilience in climate activism.