

POLITICO Energy
POLITICO
The latest news in energy and environmental politics & policy — must-know stories and candid insights from POLITICO’s energy team and journalists across our newsroom. All in just five minutes each morning.
Episodes
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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

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

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

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

Jun 26, 2025 • 11min
Trump’s wildfire strategy is feeling the heat
Experts are warning that some of President Donald Trump’s executive actions could undermine his goal of getting wildfires in the United States under control. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down why wildfires are getting worse in the country, Trump’s wildfire prevention strategy, and the pushback. Plus, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair Mike Lee is not backing down from his effort to sell public lands in the GOP megabill, according to new draft text obtained by POLITICO.
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 25, 2025 • 9min
Public land sales and permitting cause trouble for Senate GOP
Hill Republicans are racing against the clock to pass their massive reconciliation bill, but they face roadblocks thanks to the Senate parliamentarian’s ruling. The podcast dives into the clash between energy production expansion and clean energy incentives, highlighting the challenges in public land reforms. Listeners get insight into ongoing Senate debates over oil and gas permitting amidst controversies, including a Hatch Act complaint targeting the EPA's leadership. It's a turbulent time for the GOP's energy plans!

Jun 24, 2025 • 8min
Oil prices wobble as US and Iran attack
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran recently caused a spike in global oil prices, only to see them tumble as the situation stabilized. The discussion dives into the geopolitical effects of Iran's actions in the Straits of Hormuz and what this means for energy policy. Additionally, New York's push for a new nuclear power plant highlights a shift toward renewable energy, showing a contrasting response to the volatility in oil markets. Expect insights into the balance of energy dynamics and political promises.

Jun 23, 2025 • 30min
A rare look inside Trump's National Energy Dominance Council
The second Trump administration is rejecting the GOP’s long-held “all of the above” energy mantra and going all in on fossil fuels and nuclear power — while opposing renewable energy sources like wind and solar. The person tasked with making that plan reality is Jarrod Agen, executive director of President Donald Trump’s newly created National Energy Dominance Council. POLITICO White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns joined Agen at the POLITICO Energy Summit to learn how the administration plans to go big on drilling, mining and more.
Dasha Burns is the White House Bureau Chief for POLITICO.
Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO.
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 20, 2025 • 9min
How the Trump EPA’s war against Biden-era climate funding is going
A recent court ruling thwarted the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle Biden's climate funding, emphasizing the need for procedural integrity. The discussion dives into how this ruling impacts crucial environmental justice grants worth over $600 million. Legal challenges continue to loom over the EPA's authority, instigating uncertainty for future climate initiatives. Additionally, conflicting Supreme Court rulings are reshaping the landscape for environmental regulations, particularly affecting small oil refiners and states opposing Biden's policies.

Jun 18, 2025 • 10min
Why Senate Finance won’t have the last word on energy tax cuts
The Senate Finance Committee is shaking up energy tax reforms, softening cuts to clean energy credits. This twist could lead to intense debates among GOP members and threaten legislative deadlines. Key discussions center around the impact on electric vehicles and clean hydrogen credits, stirring concerns from industry stakeholders. Additionally, the nomination of Katherine Scarlett for the White House Council on Environmental Quality adds another layer to the ongoing policy negotiations. Tensions rise around the future of solar and wind tax credits as time ticks away.