POLITICO Energy

As early as this week, the Trump administration is expected to unveil a plan arguing the federal government is not obligated to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. If enacted, the move would wipe out nearly all U.S. limits on climate pollution, and mark President Donald Trump’s most sweeping attempt yet to dismantle climate policy. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down the proposal and how it could dramatically reshape America’s fight against climate change. Plus, the Energy Department said it selected four federal sites where it aims to place data centers and other artificial intelligence-related infrastructure as part of the Trump administration's AI strategy. 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-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 Music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Intro: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/M3oIpqDzG6/ Outro: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/LT5xCqqxIr/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration's surprising cancellation of a $5 billion loan guarantee for the Grain Belt Express raises questions about the future of America's power grid. This decision comes amid rising political pressures and an energy crunch, highlighting the urgent need for better transmission infrastructure. Additionally, Norwegian energy firm Equinor faces significant financial setbacks with its offshore wind projects due to shifting policies and growing costs. The impact of political decisions on renewable energy investments is clearer than ever.

Garrett Downs, a Congressional reporter from Politico's E&E News, discusses the fallout from Senator Mike Lee's failed attempt to sell federal land as part of a GOP bill. He delves into the fierce opposition from Democrats, conservationists, and even some Republicans. The conversation also touches on the broader implications for public land debates in Congress and ongoing legal challenges regarding oil drilling's impact on endangered wildlife. Downs provides insight into the complexities surrounding public ownership and potential future legislative battles.

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.

Jason Grumet, CEO of the American Clean Power Association, discusses the significant hurdles facing the renewable energy sector under President Trump. He expresses concern over tax credit reductions and the new requirement for cabinet-level approvals, which threatens to slow clean energy project development. Grumet shares insights on the dwindling political power of clean energy advocates and the strategies needed to navigate the fractured political landscape. He emphasizes the importance of bipartisan support to revive the industry's fortunes.

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 Music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Intro: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/SuM3BuGKCm/ Outro: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/bQke60PQlx/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices