POLITICO Energy

POLITICO
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Jul 11, 2025 • 11min

How Trump is rewriting the rules for wind and solar

Republicans put clean energy tax credits on a fast track to phase out in their sweeping tax law. But President Donald Trump’s new executive order this week could make qualifying for the credits even harder — potentially undermining billions in planned wind and solar development. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down the politics behind the move, along with the legal and financial risks that follow.  Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO.  James Bikales is a reporter 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/jRPbKHMWdn/ Outro: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/T4INOGgxFL/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Jul 10, 2025 • 9min

Is the nuclear comeback real or just talk?

Nuclear power is enjoying a surge of bipartisan support in the U.S., fueled by rising energy demand and state climate goals. But despite the momentum, the industry itself may be nuclear’s biggest obstacle — a challenge that could shape the future of America’s power supply. POLITICO’s Debra Kahn looks at the growing political backing and the stubborn realities holding the sector back. Plus, President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration promised to bring staffing levels up to meet the needs of the National Weather Service's local offices. Debra Kahn is the editor of POLITICO's California Climate newsletter and author of Currents, a reported column about the energy, environment and climate debates. 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
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Jul 9, 2025 • 10min

Is the US ready for the next Texas-sized floods?

Emergency response experts and climate scientists are warning that the devastating Texas floods last week are a warning sign: As climate disasters grow more intense and federal disaster infrastructure shrinks, communities across the country could be left dangerously exposed. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down what the Texas floods signal about the country’s readiness for the next natural disaster. Plus, President Donald Trump just signed an executive order telling the Treasury Department to strictly enforce the phase-out of clean electricity tax credits under his new tax law. 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/MHh0nBFuwg/ Outro: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/gP4qVZLkyu/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Jul 8, 2025 • 9min

Why accurate flood forecasts didn’t prevent tragedy in Texas

More than 80 people are dead after catastrophic flooding swept through central Texas last week even though federal forecasters saw it coming. Chelsea Harvey from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down why accurate federal forecasts weren’t enough to save lives, and how climate change and shrinking federal disaster infrastructure are raising alarms for what’s ahead. Plus, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is poised to start rulemaking to "sunset" certain regulations, according to a draft "notice of inquiry" obtained by POLITICO's E&E News. Chelsea Harvey covers climate science for POLITICO’s E& News. 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/ctxDXxrE1W/ Outro: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/Fj7rhj8gg0/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Jul 7, 2025 • 8min

Could Trump's megabill hurt Republicans in the midterms?

President Donald Trump signed his “One Big, Beautiful Bill” into law on Friday, achieving a major part of his domestic energy agenda. But the law could potentially put swing-district Republicans at risk in the 2026 midterm elections. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and James Bikales break down why Trump’s new law could politically hurt his party. Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO.  James Bikales is a reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Kara Tabor is an audio producer for 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 https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jRPbKHMWdn/ Outro: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/KTT4HAD5DN/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Jul 3, 2025 • 8min

Why the GOP’s megabill could heat up the planet

New analyses from four research firms showed the GOP megabill could spike U.S. emissions for years to come, which could in turn hurt global climate goals and America’s green credibility. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down how the megabill could rewrite America’s climate future. Plus, oil production contracted in the second quarter, according to survey results the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas published this week. 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 https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/0KEjTXFuS0/ https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/wqC9CwT2qm/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Jul 2, 2025 • 12min

How the Senate’s megabill could disrupt the clean energy industry

Senate Republicans narrowly passed their version of President Donald Trump’s party-line reconciliation package on Tuesday, bringing the party closer to executing a key part of the president’s domestic agenda and transforming America’s energy policy. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel, James Bikales and Kelsey Tamborrino break down how the Senate finally passed its version of the bill, the impact on the clean energy industry, and what’s next in the reconciliation process. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy. James Bikales is a reporter for POLITICO.  Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy 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-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
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Jul 1, 2025 • 10min

Can Trump’s energy agenda handle the next heat wave?

A record-breaking heat wave strained the U.S. power grid last week, highlighting the risks of rising electricity demand and extreme weather. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down how the grid held up and the Trump administration’s plans for future heat waves. Plus, the Energy Department and FERC proposed slashing current environmental analysis procedures based off of the current National Environmental Policy Act on Monday and replacing them with new, more limited procedures. 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-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
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Jun 30, 2025 • 11min

Inside Trump’s threat to western states over the Colorado River

The Trump administration is giving seven Western states until November to agree on how to share the Colorado River — or face federal intervention. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down the administration’s ultimatum, why the states that share the river haven’t solved this issue, and what’s next in this saga. Plus, the Department of Energy didn't ensure enough staff or risk controls were in place to handle a high-profile $8 billion hydrogen program, the agency's inspector general office said in a new report. 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.  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
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Jun 27, 2025 • 11min

How Trump is pushing to reshape America’s national labs

The Trump administration is proposing steep cuts to the Department of Energy’s network of national research laboratories, which have powered U.S. scientific and technological breakthroughs for decades. POLITICO’s Brian Dabbs breaks down how President Trump wants to reshape the system andwhat it means for the future of U.S. science and energy innovation. Also, the Trump administration has given the seven Western states that share the Colorado River less than five months to reach a deal on how to split its drought-shriveled flows — or Interior Secretary Doug Burgum will impose unilateral cuts. Brian Dabbs covers the Energy Department and White House for POLITICO’s E&E News. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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