POLITICO Energy

In a riveting discussion, Annie Snider, a water issues expert for POLITICO Pro, reveals how the Trump administration aims to drastically cut EPA's operations and funding, raising concerns about environmental management. She highlights the controversial closure of the EPA's Office of Research and Development, signaling a troubling shift away from climate initiatives. Snider also discusses the backlash from nearly 20 Democratic attorneys general challenging Trump's ban on federal wind energy approvals, emphasizing the tug-of-war over energy policies.

Congressional Republicans are at odds over clean energy tax incentives, adding tension to their legislative goals. A notable letter from 26 GOP members supports nuclear credits, clashing with 38 hardliners who oppose them. The internal struggle complicates their efforts to push a mega budget reconciliation bill. Meanwhile, delays in energy policy and Trump's proposed 2026 budget lean towards cuts in environmental programs and a pivot back to fossil fuels. The stakes couldn't be higher as party unity hangs in the balance.

Alex Nieves, California transportation reporter at POLITICO, shares insights on the House's recent vote to revoke California's strict vehicle pollution waivers. He explains the Republican strategies behind this move and its potential impact on the auto industry and state regulations. The discussion also delves into the contentious Senate dynamics and future challenges for zero-emission vehicles. Additionally, Nieves highlights internal divisions among Republicans regarding energy tax credits, stressing the broader implications for clean energy initiatives.

The Trump administration is considering creating a sovereign risk insurance program for energy projects, along with a sovereign wealth fund. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down the administration’s thinking on the topics, how it compares to other policies around the world, and the potential challenges ahead. Plus, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee advanced the nominations of two nominees for the Energy Department, as well as bipartisan legislation that aims to speed the development of minerals resources. Ben Lefebvre 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.  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

The Trump administration has dismissed all of the scientists working on the newest version of the National Climate Assessment, the most important climate science report issued by the federal government. Scott Waldman from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down why these firings happened, how they might impact the report’s future and the Trump administration’s broader plans. Plus, Interior Department staff were told to upload their resumes by midday Tuesday to help officials determine which employees will be fired as part of the DOGE-driven reduction-in-force effort. Scott Waldman is the White House reporter for E&E News focused on climate change.  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

Republican lawmakers are considering making major changes to the clean energy tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act as part of their party-line budget reconciliation package. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel, James Bikales and Kelsey Tamborrino break down the three ways Republicans could modify the credits. Plus, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin laid out his plans for addressing the country's sprawling PFAS problem Monday, but remained silent on whether the agency will back the first-ever drinking water limits for the chemicals that were issued by the Biden administration. James Bikales is a reporter for POLITICO.  Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy 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.  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

Alex Guillén, an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro, reveals intriguing insights from internal government emails about the Trump administration's climate strategy. He exposes how lawyers flagged significant legal risks regarding the freezing of $20 billion in climate grants. Delving into complex internal discussions, Guillén highlights conflicts between political maneuvers and legal obligations. He also discusses the recent resignation of FERC Commissioner Willie Phillips, hinting at political influences in energy regulation.

Billions have been lost in clean energy investments, particularly in Republican states, under recent policies. A sharp decline in private sector funding reveals nearly $8 billion in canceled projects. The report highlights a stark contrast in funding between Republican and Democratic areas, raising concerns about future tax credits. Despite setbacks, there are still $1.7 billion in planned investments, showcasing both challenges and opportunities in the clean energy sector. Unexpected shutdowns in data centers could jeopardize grid reliability, adding to the complexities.

This week, legal setbacks hinder Donald Trump's efforts to overturn Biden's climate spending initiatives. Judges upheld access to significant environmental grants, ensuring funding for crucial programs. The discussion delves into the ramifications of these rulings on federal spending policies. Additionally, the Army Corps of Engineers is expediting permits for the contentious Line 5 oil pipeline. These developments highlight the ongoing legal battles shaping America’s energy landscape.

The podcast dives into the intriguing rise of Lee Zeldin, the EPA administrator turned MAGA supporter. His transformation from a pro-climate Republican to a key ally in Trump's deregulatory agenda is captivating. The discussion also highlights a recent legal win for the Energy Department regarding the Alaska LNG project, underlining the tension between environmental concerns and regulatory decisions. Zeldin's strategic messaging and future aspirations within the conservative landscape offer a fascinating glimpse into political maneuvering.