Coastal communities in Louisiana are urging the Supreme Court to take their side in a lawsuit against Chevron and other large oil companies, who they say failed to obtain proper approvals for drilling activity. The state and two parishes are pressing the high court to rule that the dispute should stay in state court – a decision that could have implications for similar energy and climate lawsuits nationwide. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy. Niina Fa...
Nov 17, 2025•6 min
New York governor Kathy Hochul has strayed from a more environmentally conscious energy policy in favor of one that includes new oil pipelines and a gas-powered crypto mine in its purview. Environmental activists are dreading Hochul’s decision, yet business and labor interests are rejoicing over it. POLITICO’s Marie French dissects Hochul’s New York climate pivot and what it will mean for energy projects throughout the Empire State. Plus, a new tech and energy partnership is trying to curry favo...
Nov 14, 2025•9 min
The International Energy Agency is out with its 2025 World Energy Outlook report and has brought its Current Policy Scenario section back with it. In recent years, the GOP has complained about the omission of the Current Policy Scenario analyzing future energy trends based on enacted laws and measures. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down the report and why its predictions about a natural gas glut are causing such a buzz. Plus, Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro decides to pull out of the Region...
Nov 13, 2025•8 min
California governor Gavin Newsom is in Brazil for the United Nations’ COP30 climate summit, touting the Golden State’s climate initiatives — with no President Donald Trump in sight. POLITICO’s Debra Kahn digs into Newsom’s climate showcase and how he’s being received on the world stage. Plus, the Interior Department says National Environmental Policy Act does not apply to offshore federal oil and gas lease sales mandated by Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter f...
Nov 12, 2025•8 min
Gas prices have fallen since Donald Trump took office, but experts are debating how much credit President Donald Trump deserves – or if voters are even noticing. POLITICO’s James Bikales joins host Josh Siegel to explain how OPEC’s production moves, record U.S. output and Trump’s foreign policy choices have shaped the current energy landscape. They also discuss whether rising electricity costs, fueled by AI data centers, are becoming the new political flashpoint. Josh Siegel is an energy reporte...
Nov 11, 2025•7 min
Rising power demand and AI data centers are causing electric rates to go up. And last week’s elections in Virginia, New Jersey and Georgia showed that voters are starting to notice. On this episode of POLITICO Energy, Josh Siegel and Kelsey Tamborrino break down how Democrats used energy affordability to help them win these key elections, and how Republicans are pivoting their message to close the gap. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy. Nirmal Mulaika...
Nov 10, 2025•8 min
As world leaders gather in Brazil for the COP30 climate conference, the U.S. is taking a very different approach under President Donald Trump. POLITICO’s Zack Colman joins host Josh Siegel to explain how the administration’s enthusiasm for fossil fuel exports is reshaping global climate diplomacy and challenging international climate agreements. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy. Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is the c...
Nov 07, 2025•8 min
A major deadline is approaching in the high-stakes negotiations over how to share the rapidly shrinking Colorado River — a lifeline for 40 million people across the West. The seven states that depend on it still have not reached an agreement, and the Trump administration is taking an unexpectedly cautious role in the discussions. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down the latest deadline in America’s biggest water war and why the Trump administration is treading carefully. Annie Snider covers water...
Nov 06, 2025•10 min
A new report from former Biiden administration staffers, shared first with POLITICO, takes a deep look at why President Joe Biden’s trillion-dollar clean energy agenda wasn’t more successful or durable. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down the main takeaways from the report and what it could mean for U.S. energy policy. Plus, a new report from the United Nations says that new national climate plans would hardly reduce global temperature projections, which are already dangerously high. Kelsey...
Nov 05, 2025•10 min
An under-the-radar election in Georgia today could show how rising electricity bills are shaping voter sentiment. Two seats on the state’s utility commission are up for grabs, testing whether voters back Republicans aligned with President Donald Trump’s energy agenda or turn to Democrats who are blaming the commission for high costs. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down this race and what it could say about the national politics of energy prices ahead of next year’s midterm elections. Plus, ...
Nov 04, 2025•9 min
President Donald Trump is trying to reassert the United States as a top exporter of nuclear technology after Russia and China’s bid to dominate the global market in recent decades. Francisco “AJ” Camacho from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down how the US is trying to gain ground and where the competition stands with China and Russia. Plus, the Trump administration will not send “high level representatives” to the upcoming United Nations climate talks in Brazil. Francisco "A.J." Camacho is a rep...
Nov 03, 2025•10 min
President Donald Trump says China is showing interest in buying U.S. natural gas — specifically from a $44 billion export project in Alaska that’s barely made any progress for more than a decade. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down this potential US-China energy deal, what questions remain and why there’s already Republican skepticism on the Hill. James Bikales is a reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-h...
Oct 31, 2025•8 min
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are holding face-to-face for the first time since Trump returned to office, with energy expected to be a top-tier issue. Ben Storrow from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down the stakes of this high-tension meeting, the two countries’ contrasting energy strategies and the stakes for the global energy landscape. Plus, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee advanced President Donald Trump’s pick for the Nuclear Regulatory Commi...
Oct 30, 2025•9 min
With just two weeks until the UN Climate Change Conference in Brazil, a new UN report shows countries are falling far short of their Paris Agreement pledges. Rising energy demand, inflation, and political divisions are adding even more pressure to the talks — especially as U.S. climate leadership wanes under President Donald Trump. Sara Schonhardt from POLITICO’s E&E News unpacks what’s at stake heading into COP30. Plus, a bipartisan coalition of 13 governors is urging Congress to pass compr...
Oct 29, 2025•10 min
The Trump administration is pressing the newly whole Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to speed up how quickly data centers can connect to the U.S. power grid. POLITICO’s Isa Domínguez breaks down the ambitious DOE proposal, the reaction from FERC watchers, and what to expect next. Plus, Exxon Mobil is suing California over its first-in-the-nation climate disclosure laws. Isa Domínguez is an energy reporter and author of Morning Energy for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLIT...
Oct 28, 2025•8 min
President Donald Trump is ramping up efforts to boost America’s supply of critical minerals by striking a deal with Australia, pitching potential partnerships with African leaders, and launching a multibillion-dollar investment fund to develop new sources. The push comes as Washington tries to loosen its reliance on China, which still dominates the global supply of critical minerals and recently flexed that control as a geopolitical weapon. Hannah Northey from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down...
Oct 27, 2025•9 min
The Trump administration is preparing to propose opening up federal waters in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans for new oil drilling — a move that’s expected to spark strong backlash from governors in coastal states across party lines and could specifically put California Governor Gavin Newsom in a tough political position. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down this potential proposal, the political fallout ahead and if this is actually something the energy industry wants. Plus, the Interior De...
Oct 24, 2025•9 min
The Trump administration and the government of Qatar are warning the European Union to roll back a major corporate climate regulation — or risk higher energy prices. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down why Washington and Doha are teaming up to target this specific law and how Trump is once again using energy as a political weapon against Europe. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. Alex Kee...
Oct 23, 2025•7 min
A powerful typhoon recently devastated the Native Alaskan village of Kipnuk — months after the Trump administration canceled a $20 million EPA grant meant to protect it from flooding. Now, Kipnuk and dozens of other towns are fighting that decision in court. Jean Chemnick from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down what happened in Kipnuk, why the grants were pulled, and what’s at stake for federal climate resilience funding. Plus, Abigail Ross Hopper will step down next year after nearly nine year...
Oct 22, 2025•9 min
The ongoing government shutdown has sent uneven shock waves through federal climate and energy agencies, leaving operations frozen, offices short-staffed and priorities in limbo. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the shutdown’s impact on those agencies and how it compares to previous shutdowns. Plus, the United States and Australia announced an agreement on Monday to jointly invest in the mining and processing of critical minerals. Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaik...
Oct 21, 2025•10 min
POLITICO is exclusively reporting that Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s relationship with the White House is strained because of a series of political missteps and policy disputes, according to 10 people familiar with the dynamic. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down why there’s tension and if Wright’s job is in jeopardy. Plus, the Trump administration is preparing to allow oil and gas leasing across the entire Arctic National Wildlife Refuge coastal plain. Zack Colman covers climate change for POL...
Oct 20, 2025•11 min
The Trump administration is relaunching and rebranding the Energy Department’s Loan Programs Office starting with a $1.6 billion loan guarantee to rebuild thousands of miles of electric transmission lines. The move comes after months of Republican criticism that had called the future of the office into question. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down how Trump is revamping the Loan Programs Office and why this announcement is notable. Plus, a new report from the World Meteorological Organizati...
Oct 17, 2025•8 min
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission finally has a full slate of commissioners for the first time in six months, and the agency faces a packed agenda. POLITICO’s Isa Domínguez breaks down what’s ahead for the commission, how the White House is influencing its agenda, and why these decisions matter for consumers and the tech industry alike. Plus, President Donald Trump’s trade war just cost Canada’s auto industry in a big way. Isa Domínguez is an energy reporter and author of Morning Energy f...
Oct 16, 2025•7 min
The Trump administration has dealt another blow to renewable energy. Last week, the Bureau of Land Management sent back to the drawing board the country’s biggest proposed solar project, known as the Esmerelda Seven in Nevada. But even though President Donald Trump’s administration was behind the move, not all Republicans are taking it lightly, especially as energy demand is set to surge to feed the global AI boom. POLITICO Energy host Josh Siegel speaks with POLITICO reporter James Bikales abou...
Oct 15, 2025•8 min
President Donald Trump is giving energy companies something they’ve wanted for years: a quicker timeline for oil and gas drilling permit approvals. According to a new analysis by POLITICO, Trump’s Bureau of Land Management has issued 4,483 applications for permits to drill on federal and Native American land — more than double the number approved during the first year of his first term. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and James Bikales discuss what’s driving the surge in oil and gas permits under Trump, ...
Oct 14, 2025•7 min
America’s oil industry is hitting record highs, but the boom may not last as production surges, demand stagnates and storage tanks around the world fill up. That slowdown could deliver a political double-edged sword for President Donald Trump: cheaper fuel for consumers, but trouble for his biggest ally. Ben Storrow from POLITICO’s E&E News explains why America’s oil producers are bracing for a bust and how this could impact the president politically. Plus, EPA began furloughing employees Th...
Oct 10, 2025•8 min
Artificial intelligence’s growing thirst for power is putting New York’s energy and climate goals under pressure by straining the state’s power system, driving up costs and threatening its ambitious clean energy targets. POLITICO’s Marie French breaks down how New York is trying to balance AI growth with its environmental goals and what this story means for other states facing similar challenges. Plus, the Ukrainian government is asking the United States to increase shipments of natural gas to s...
Oct 09, 2025•8 min
The Trump administration is warning of looming power shortages just as electricity prices rise in the country. But it’s also moving to cancel $8 billion in clean energy funding meant to boost power generation and modernize the grid. POLITICO’s James Bikales, Kelsey Tamborrino and Josh Siegel discuss what these cuts could mean for the country’s energy supply, electricity prices, and how both parties are preparing to message around the issue ahead of next year’s midterm elections. Plus, U.S. oil p...
Oct 08, 2025•9 min
A new POLITICO analysis shows states that embrace renewable energy are more likely to save money for consumers compared to those relying on fossil fuels or nuclear power. It’s a finding that undermines one of the Trump administration’s main justifications for its aggressive rollback of federal clean energy policies. POLITICO’s Catherine Allen and Matt Daily break down what the data shows and the politics of this issue. Plus, several groups that would have benefited from EPA’s Solar for All progr...
Oct 07, 2025•9 min
The Trump administration has canceled funding for nearly half of the federally backed megaprojects designed to pull carbon dioxide from the atmosphere — a major blow to the U.S. direct air capture industry that had flourished under former President Joe Biden. Corbin Hiar from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down how these cuts could reshape the future of U.S. carbon removal, why the projects matter for climate goals, and what this decision signals about the administration’s approach to energy inn...
Oct 06, 2025•8 min
