Energy Shocks: Iran, AI, and the 2026 Midterms
Episode description
Energy is back at the center of politics.
From war in the Middle East disrupting oil and LNG flows through the Strait of Hormuz to AI-driven data centers sending U.S. power demand soaring, energy policy is shaping the road to the 2026 midterms.
In the first episode back from a break, hosts Julia Pyper, Brandon Hurlbut, and Neil Chatterjee sit down with Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA) and former Rep. Ryan Costello (R-PA) at the Winterfest conference to discuss:
- How conflict in the Middle East is rattling energy markets and American consumers — and whether it could strengthen the case for clean energy.
- How to protect ratepayers as AI data centers push up electricity demand and power prices — and who will own the affordability debate.
- Why some conservatives are warming to solar — and whether clean energy companies are getting more politically savvy.
Plus, some podcast news! Political Climate has partnered with ClearPath, a leading conservative clean energy advocacy organization focused on advancing American energy innovation while reducing global emissions. To kick things off, Julia speaks with ClearPath CEO Jeremy Harrell.
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