POLITICO Energy

Debra Kahn, Editor of POLITICO's California Climate newsletter, dives into how the AI boom creates both challenges and opportunities for U.S. utilities. She discusses the surge in electricity demand fueled by tech partnerships, highlighting the financial prospects for power companies amid rising data center needs. Kahn also addresses political hurdles affecting renewable energy initiatives and the implications of a potential $7 billion cut to solar funding for low-income communities, underscoring the complexities of navigating this evolving landscape.

Gavin Newsom's surprising shift from critic to supporter of Big Oil raises eyebrows amid California's fuel crisis. He navigates the tightrope of stabilizing fuel supplies while trying to uphold climate goals. The podcast delves into the tensions within the Democratic Party as they juggle environmental aspirations against economic realities. As refinery closures threaten fuel prices, Newsom's recalibrated policies spark mixed reactions from environmentalists and political peers. The discussion highlights the broader national challenge of balancing climate action with rising living costs.

President Trump unleashes a 25% tariff on India, targeting its purchases of Russian oil. This bold move raises questions about U.S.-India relations, especially amid growing Chinese influence. Experts delve into the complexities of energy ties and India's non-aligned stance, revealing the geopolitical ramifications of these tariffs. Meanwhile, Exxon Mobil's CEO weighs in, suggesting that the administration's trade deals won’t significantly boost U.S. natural gas demand. An insightful look at energy as a diplomatic weapon unfolds!

The podcast dives into the Trump administration’s legal maneuvers to dismantle federal climate regulations, focusing on the contentious repeal of the EPA's endangerment finding. It examines how a potential Supreme Court ruling could reshape environmental law and the political implications for Republicans. The discussion also contrasts conservative strategies against the Clean Air Act with environmental advocates' historical arguments. Additionally, there’s a brief on Trump’s nomination of Ho Nhi to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and some light-hearted commentary on everyday topics.

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.