POLITICO Energy

House Republicans narrowly passed a $57 billion energy and water bill on Thursday that slashes clean energy and boosts GOP priorities — squeaking it through by just one vote after two last-minute flip-flops. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down the details of the package, how it exposes deeper GOP divisions, and why lawmakers face a difficult government spending fight ahead. Plus, President Donald Trump’s nominees to fill the two vacancies at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission vowed to protect the agency’s independence amid growing concerns over political interference from the White House.  Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy.  Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro.  Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.   Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer 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 Trump administration secured a major legal victory this week after a federal appeals court ruled that EPA can cancel $20 billion in Biden-era clean energy funding. However, the courtroom fight is far from over. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the ruling, how the legal saga will continue, and what this means for America’s clean energy future. Plus, a top official at the Interior Department said the agency is prioritizing permits for new fossil fuel generation over renewable energy because it has limited staff and resources to review the projects.  Alex Guillén 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.   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’s war on wind power is colliding with Iowa’s prominent wind industry and putting Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks in a political bind. She’s long defended wind power as part of an “all-of-the-above” strategy, but her vote for Trump’s megabill is now a major liability as she faces one of the toughest reelection fights in the country. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down how Trump’s anti-wind agenda is threatening a vulnerable Iowa Republican. Plus, a federal appellate court on Tuesday sided with the Environmental Protection Agency in the pitched legal battle over Administrator Lee Zeldin’s termination of $20 billion in Biden-era climate grants.  James Bikales is a 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.   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 promised to help Appalachian communities recover after Hurricane Helene — one of the deadliest and costliest storms in U.S. history. But his administration’s rollback of billions in Biden-era climate and energy funds has stalled projects meant to rebuild housing and lower energy costs across the region. POLITICO’s Zack Colman explains how Trump’s actions are slowing recovery efforts and what it means for the communities still struggling nearly a year after the storm.  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.   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, Francisco “A.J.” Camacho, a POLITICO E&E News reporter, dives into President Trump's nuclear power initiatives. He highlights the divided landscape, where Silicon Valley startups are favored over traditional nuclear companies. The conversation explores safety concerns, regulatory changes, and the potential repercussions on public trust in nuclear energy. Camacho also touches on recent investigations into wind turbine imports, making for a multifaceted look at the complexities of energy policy.

The shutdown of the Indian Point nuclear plant is back in the spotlight as debates rage over its environmental and economic impacts. Former Governor Cuomo's decision, hailed for safety, has led to increased emissions and higher electricity costs, complicating New York's climate aspirations. Meanwhile, tensions rise within the Democratic Party as they grapple with nuclear power's role in future energy strategies. The conversation gets even more contentious with Trump’s recent comments on blocking renewable energy projects affecting farmland.

Jean Chemnick, a climate change reporter for E&E News, delves into the contentious debate surrounding a Department of Energy report that threatens federal authority over carbon emissions regulation. She critiques the report's flaws and connects it to past Trump administration tactics aimed at reversing key climate policies. Additionally, Chemnick discusses the push from U.S. battery manufacturers for the Trump administration to end tariff exemptions on Chinese machinery, framing it as a critical national security concern.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright expresses concerns over rising electricity prices and their potential impact on Republicans in upcoming midterm elections. He highlights the blame game surrounding these costs and discusses the complexities of renewable energy policies. The conversation delves into Iowa's growing wind and solar investments amidst political tensions and landowner resistance. Additionally, 19 states have challenged the Energy Department's new funding restrictions for clean energy initiatives, arguing it threatens vital programs.

Cuts to the U.S. Forest Service under President Trump haven't yet led to the wildfire disasters many anticipated. Experts express concern about future risks if budget reductions continue, impacting firefighting support. The podcast also discusses new policies making it harder for wind and solar projects to benefit from federal tax credits, raising questions about the administration's commitment to renewable energy. As current favorable conditions mask underlying problems, the future of wildfire management hangs in the balance.

Uncover the truth behind DOGE’s inflated savings claims, revealing a staggering gap between reported and actual savings. The supposed $50 billion cut shrinks to just $1.4 billion, raising questions about financial transparency. Delve into the implications for federal deficit reduction and the questionable accounting practices at play. Plus, learn about the Energy Department's new funding initiative aimed at critical minerals projects. Get ready for a deep dive into government efficiency and its real impact on energy policy!