POLITICO Energy

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.

Alex Guillén, an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro, dives into the EPA's controversial move to reverse a key scientific finding crucial for climate change regulations. He explains the legal battles that might ensue and the broader implications for U.S. climate policy. The discussion also touches on the historical context of the endangerment finding and its significance during both the Obama and Trump administrations. With potential cuts to the EPA's budget looming, Guillén offers insights into what this means for future climate action.

A crucial minerals-for-aid deal between the U.S. and Ukraine is on the verge of being signed, raising questions about Ukraine's ability to meet expectations with its mineral reserves. The strategic implications of this agreement could reshape U.S. foreign policy and energy dynamics. Insights reveal challenges posed by ongoing conflict and infrastructure damage affecting mining operations. Additionally, the discussion touches on the evolving resource-based foreign policy and the EPA's regulatory changes impacting climate agendas.

Zack Colman, a climate change reporter for POLITICO, dives into the intense battle over $20 billion in EPA climate grants originally issued by the Biden administration. He discusses the Trump administration's push to reclaim these funds and the legal controversies surrounding it. Key figures, including grant recipients, present their case against accusations of waste. Colman also highlights the diverse political reactions and the implications for disadvantaged communities relying on this funding for energy efficiency projects.

Zack Colman, a POLITICO reporter specializing in climate change, dives into the anxieties of state leaders regarding disaster preparedness amid cuts from the Trump administration. He highlights the soaring costs tied to natural disasters and the struggle states face as they take on more responsibilities without adequate federal support. The conversation also touches on the implications of these financial cuts, emphasizing how they might lead to costlier consequences in the long run. It's a deep look at the intersection of politics, climate, and community resilience.

President Trump's overhaul of the National Environmental Policy Act could dramatically alter federal environmental reviews. The introduction of flexible guidelines seeks to speed up infrastructure projects but raises concerns over neglecting long-term environmental justice and cumulative impacts. Meanwhile, California's proposed bill aims to make oil companies pay for climate damages based on past emissions, pushing accountability in the fight against climate change. The podcast dives into the implications of these shifts for both policymakers and environmental advocates.

Cat Morehouse, an energy reporter for POLITICO, dives into Donald Trump's bold attempts to bring independent agencies like FERC and NRC under White House control. She discusses the potential legal challenges this unprecedented move may face and its implications for the energy industry. Morehouse highlights the concerns of industry stakeholders regarding the loss of bipartisan collaboration and the subsequent lawsuits, notably from the Center for Biological Diversity, which seeks to challenge expedited energy project permits. It's a deep exploration of politics and energy!

In this engaging discussion, energy reporter Josh Siegel interviews Republican Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, who is pushing for the Trump administration to honor clean energy contracts established under the Biden era. Stitt balances his support for traditional fossil fuels with a commitment to clean energy initiatives. The conversation also dives into political tensions surrounding the Inflation Reduction Act and its implications for energy production, as well as the challenges posed by environmental lawsuits against federal drilling policies.

Alex Guillén, an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro, dives into the recent mass firings across federal energy and environmental agencies under the Trump administration. He discusses how this aggressive downsizing impacts thousands of workers and the implications for agency functionality. The conversation also touches on a significant resignation in the Justice Department over climate funding disputes, revealing tensions surrounding budget allocations. Lawmakers’ reactions to these firings highlight the evolving landscape of federal energy policy.