POLITICO Energy

Kelsey Tamborrino, a clean energy reporter for POLITICO, joins to unpack the implications of the Trump administration's pause on five offshore wind farms. The discussion reveals how this move may have derailed bipartisan permitting talks in Congress. Kelsey highlights the political stakes as midterm elections approach and energy prices soar, exploring whether permitting reform can survive the current tensions. They also analyze the complexities involved in legislative efforts to constrain executive actions on energy projects.

The Trump administration announced Monday that it’s immediately pausing all offshore wind leases under construction, citing “national security risks.” The move represents the administration’s most aggressive action yet against the renewable energy sector, and it comes as the White House faces mounting criticism over soaring energy costs. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino explores what the pause actually does, how the wind industry is reacting, and where the political and economic fight goes next.  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.  Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at 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 Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Lefebvre, POLITICO's deputy energy editor, delves into the Trump administration's covert discussions with major oil companies about re-entering Venezuela if Maduro is ousted. He highlights the White House's strategic foresight regarding Venezuela's energy future. However, oil companies are hesitant due to concerns over asset seizures, infrastructure decay, and security issues. Additionally, Lefebvre considers how fluctuations in oil prices and refinery capacity could influence interest and examines the ideological motivations behind Trump's oil outreach.

The House passed a bipartisan permitting reform bill this week aimed at speeding up environmental reviews for energy projects but only after a bruising intra-party fight among Republicans. That clash highlights just how politically fraught permitting reform has become and raises doubts about whether any deal can advance in the Senate. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down what’s in the House bill and what comes next in permitting reform negotiations. Plus, a coalition of tribal, environmental, local and consumer groups filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's rules making it harder for wind and solar projects to earn federal tax credits. James Bikales is an oil and gas reporter 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.  Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at 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 Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump ramped up pressure on Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro this week, targeting the backbone of Venezuela’s economy: its oil exports. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down what Trump’s latest escalation means for Venezuela, the United States and global energy markets. Plus, the American Clean Power Association said it’s yanking its support for House Republicans’ permitting bill, which is expected to receive a floor vote today. James Bikales is an oil and gas reporter 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.  Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at 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 Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in a new report that the Arctic last season was the hottest it’s been in 125 years. That finding has global significance because Arctic warming can drive sea level rise, extreme weather, and energy system instability. POLITICO’s Zack Colman unpacks the report, what it means for climate change, and concerns about political interference from the Trump administration.  Zack Colman covers climate change 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.  Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at 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 Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Household electricity prices are increasing nationwide, and some voters are pointing the finger at energy-hungry data centers. That backlash is pushing some Republican lawmakers to break with President Donald Trump, which potentially gives an opening for Democrats as the midterm elections loom. Nico Portuondo from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down how data centers are becoming a political problem for Republicans and if Democrats can step up on the issue.  Nico Portuondo is a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO’s E&E News. 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.  Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at 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 Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Federal and state officials are descending on Las Vegas this week for a pivotal conference that could shape the future of the drought-stricken Colorado River. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down what’s at stake in Vegas, how the Trump administration is influencing the talks, and why the fight could ultimately land before the Supreme Court. Plus, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is set to take up a high-profile co-location proceeding at its open meeting this week. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro.  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.  Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at 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 Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging discussion, guest James Bikales, an oil and gas reporter from POLITICO, delves into the implications of the U.S. seizing a tanker carrying Venezuelan crude. He explains how this action aligns with Trump's foreign policy strategy against Nicolás Maduro. The conversation highlights why energy is crucial to sanctions and examines whether this seizure is part of a broader campaign. Additionally, Bikales touches on recent congressional bills aimed at energy project permitting and their potential impact on the market.

Ben Storrow, a reporter for POLITICO's E&E News with a focus on energy policy, joins the discussion on the precarious state of America's offshore wind industry under Trump's administration. He highlights how Trump's aggressive moves to revoke permits and dismantle incentives are sowing discord within the industry. The complexities of internal divisions emerge, with companies torn between negotiating deals and fighting back in court. Storrow emphasizes that success for ongoing projects is crucial for the industry's survival.