POLITICO Energy

Ben Lefebvre, an energy reporter at POLITICO, discusses the recent $750 billion energy deal between the EU and the Trump administration. He highlights the challenges in fulfilling this ambitious pledge and its potential conflicts with foreign policy. The conversation also touches on the growing tensions between Trump's energy ambitions and his goals abroad. The episode provides keen insights into how political motivations could complicate U.S.-EU energy relations amid ongoing geopolitical issues.

Dive into the Trump administration's bold move to overturn the EPA's endangerment finding, a key step in regulating greenhouse gases. Experts discuss the potential fallout for climate initiatives and the complex legal battles that loom. Explore the shifts in energy policy as they analyze proposed rollbacks affecting power plants and vehicles. The resignation of a Republican commissioner adds another twist to the narrative, raising questions about the future direction of U.S. climate strategy.

Josh Siegel, an energy reporter for POLITICO, dives into the GOP's strategic maneuvers around the megalaw and its energy aspects. He discusses how House Republicans are promoting energy initiatives while countering President Trump's potential policy shifts that could stifle green energy. The conversation highlights the impact of new executive orders on renewable sectors and how lawmakers are addressing local constituents regarding energy production amidst rising electricity prices. Siegel's insights illustrate the complicated political landscape surrounding energy dominance.

The recent $58 million oil lease sale in New Mexico’s Permian Basin is a key victory for the Trump administration’s energy policy. However, concerns loom over a potential decline in U.S. oil production, influenced by trade policies and OPEC. The discussion also highlights a new bipartisan effort in Congress to streamline energy project approvals, which could reshape the landscape of energy development in the country. Will these moves fortify or hinder the administration’s lofty energy goals?

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.