
POLITICO Energy
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.
Latest episodes

Mar 6, 2025 • 11min
Dissecting Trump’s energy message to the country
President Donald Trump’s speech to the joint session of Congress on Tuesday night revealed a lot about his administration’s energy priorities moving forward. POLITICO Energy editor Matt Daily analyzes what Trump said and what it means for American energy policy moving forward. Plus, President Trump on Wednesday decided to delay for a month a portion of the 25 percent tariffs he imposed on Canada and Mexico at the urging of automakers.Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. 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

Mar 5, 2025 • 9min
Why the Supreme Court weakened EPA’s water pollution regulatory authority
The Supreme Court imposed new limits on EPA’s ability to regulate water pollution on Tuesday. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down the ruling, how the case involved strange political alliances, and what this means for EPA and America’s water quality moving forward. Plus, America's oil industry has been pretty muted about President Donald Trump’s new tariffs despite the trade moves financially hurting its bottom line.Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. 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

Mar 4, 2025 • 10min
How DOGE undercut Trump’s California water plan
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

Mar 3, 2025 • 9min
How the climate movement is strategizing for Trump 2.0
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.

Feb 28, 2025 • 10min
What happens if Trump axes the endangerment finding?
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.

Feb 27, 2025 • 10min
What’s at stake in the US-Ukraine critical minerals deal?
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.

Feb 26, 2025 • 10min
Inside the fight over $20 billion in EPA climate funding
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.

Feb 25, 2025 • 11min
Why states are worried about Trump’s disaster plans
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.

Feb 24, 2025 • 9min
How Trump is changing the Magna Carta of environmental laws
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.

Feb 21, 2025 • 11min
Inside Trump’s push to reshape the US energy regulatory landscape
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!