The Trump administration has moved to repeal the 2009 “endangerment finding” — the scientific determination that underpins the federal government’s authority to regulate climate change. The decision marks one of the most consequential climate policy shifts in years and sets up a major legal and political battle. POLITICO’s Jean Chemnick and Alex Guillén join host Nirmal Mulaikal to explain what the endangerment finding does, why it matters, and what happens next for U.S. climate policy. Alex Gui...
Feb 13, 2026•18 min
POLITICO exclusively reported this week that the Trump administration is pushing some of the world’s biggest tech companies toward a new voluntary agreement that could reshape how data centers are built and who pays for the energy they consume. POLITICO’s Sophia Cai breaks down what’s in the draft agreement, what’s still unclear, and the implications for the U.S. power grid and the average American consumer. Plus, a new POLITICO poll shows that slightly more Americans think Democrats are the par...
Feb 11, 2026•12 min
Today, POLITICO Energy host James Bikales sits down for an extended interview with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright. They discuss a wide range of topics, including his upcoming visit to Venezuela, energy affordability, data centers, gas prices, nuclear power, the recent winter storms, Russia and more. James Bikales is an oil and gas reporter for POLITICO. Stefan Todorovic is the video producer of POLITICO Energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy. Alex Ke...
Feb 09, 2026•37 min
Today, POLITICO Energy reporters Zack Colman and A.J. Camacho break down what they learned this week about how data centers are dramatically reshaping the U.S. power system. They discuss the recent comments from the commissioners of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, how the average American feels according to new POLITICO polling, and the potential political consequences in an election year. Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO. Francisco "A.J." Camacho is a reporter for POLITI...
Feb 06, 2026•22 min
This week, the Trump administration unveiled a pair of high-stakes moves aimed at securing America’s supply of critical minerals: a $12 billion initiative to create a national strategic reserve and a summit today convening more than 50 U.S. allies to discuss a new global minerals market. POLITICO’s Hannah Northey breaks down the details of these moves, the questions that remain, and the political and policy challenges ahead for the Trump administration. Plus, the White House plans to issue more ...
Feb 04, 2026•15 min
Today, POLITICO Energy host Josh Siegel sits down with West Virginia Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito for an extended interview. They discuss how high utility bills could hurt Republicans during the upcoming midterm elections, if President Donald Trump’s anti-renewable energy strategy undercuts the GOP’s message on affordability, what Congress can do to support the U.S. power grid amid rising energy demand, and the future of congressional permitting reform negotiations. Josh Siegel is a cong...
Feb 02, 2026•25 min
POLITICO’s award-winning energy podcast is returning for a new season! The show will still bring you the in-depth reporting and analysis from the largest energy policy newsroom in the world, but now we’re offering exclusive interviews with the power players shaping energy and climate policy through both audio and video. New episodes will drop on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. You can find audio versions of the show on Apple and Spotify along with video versions of the show on Youtube and...
Jan 30, 2026•2 min
POLITICO’s award-winning energy podcast is returning for a new season! The show will still bring you the in-depth reporting and analysis from the largest energy policy newsroom in the world, but now we’re offering exclusive interviews with the power players shaping energy and climate policy through both audio and video. New episodes will drop on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. You can find audio versions of the show on Apple and Spotify along with video versions of the show on Youtube and Insta...
Jan 30, 2026•2 min
The Trump administration’s decision to pause five offshore wind power farms that were already under construction may have indirectly stalled bipartisan permitting negotiations on the Hill. It’s a development that comes as the midterm elections are less than a year away, energy prices are skyrocketing, and congressional permitting reform has support from almost everyone in the U.S. energy industry. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and Kelsey Tamborrino discuss how Trump’s attack on offshore wind could deal...
Dec 24, 2025•11 min
The Trump administration announced Monday that it’s immediately pausing all offshore wind leases under construction, citing “national security risks.” The move represents the administration’s most aggressive action yet against the renewable energy sector, and it comes as the White House faces mounting criticism over soaring energy costs. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino explores what the pause actually does, how the wind industry is reacting, and where the political and economic fight goes next. Kel...
Dec 23, 2025•9 min
POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre has learned that President Donald Trump’s administration has quietly approached major oil companies about the prospect of returning to Venezuela if Nicolás Maduro falls. Ben joins host Josh Siegel to discuss how the White House is already gaming out a post-Maduro energy landscape — even as companies remain wary of the political and commercial risks. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy. Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at ...
Dec 22, 2025•7 min
The House passed a bipartisan permitting reform bill this week aimed at speeding up environmental reviews for energy projects but only after a bruising intra-party fight among Republicans. That clash highlights just how politically fraught permitting reform has become and raises doubts about whether any deal can advance in the Senate. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down what’s in the House bill and what comes next in permitting reform negotiations. Plus, a coalition of tribal, environmental, loca...
Dec 19, 2025•9 min
President Donald Trump ramped up pressure on Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro this week, targeting the backbone of Venezuela’s economy: its oil exports. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down what Trump’s latest escalation means for Venezuela, the United States and global energy markets. Plus, the American Clean Power Association said it’s yanking its support for House Republicans’ permitting bill, which is expected to receive a floor vote today. James Bikales is an oil and gas reporter for POLITI...
Dec 18, 2025•8 min
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in a new report that the Arctic last season was the hottest it’s been in 125 years. That finding has global significance because Arctic warming can drive sea level rise, extreme weather, and energy system instability. POLITICO’s Zack Colman unpacks the report, what it means for climate change, and concerns about political interference from the Trump administration. Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is the host of ...
Dec 17, 2025•9 min
Household electricity prices are increasing nationwide, and some voters are pointing the finger at energy-hungry data centers. That backlash is pushing some Republican lawmakers to break with President Donald Trump, which potentially gives an opening for Democrats as the midterm elections loom. Nico Portuondo from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down how data centers are becoming a political problem for Republicans and if Democrats can step up on the issue. Nico Portuondo is a congressional energ...
Dec 16, 2025•7 min
Federal and state officials are descending on Las Vegas this week for a pivotal conference that could shape the future of the drought-stricken Colorado River. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down what’s at stake in Vegas, how the Trump administration is influencing the talks, and why the fight could ultimately land before the Supreme Court. Plus, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is set to take up a high-profile co-location proceeding at its open meeting this week. Annie Snider covers wate...
Dec 15, 2025•9 min
The United States this week escalated its pressure campaign against President Nicolás Maduro’s regime by seizing a sanctioned oil tankers off Venezuela’s coast — a move that underscores President Donald Trump’s willingness to wield energy as a foreign-policy weapon. POLITICO’s James Bikales unpacks what’s behind the dramatic seizure, how it fits into Trump’s broader strategy, and why oil traders are closely watching what the administration does next. Plus, the Republican-led House passed a trio ...
Dec 12, 2025•7 min
A year into his second term, President Donald Trump has moved aggressively to dismantle America’s offshore wind power industry — pulling permits, wiping out tax credits, and launching agency reviews that have rattled developers. Ben Storrow from POLITICO’s E&E News explains how those actions exposed deep internal divisions within the industry and are putting its business future in serious jeopardy. Plus, the Interior Department raised $279 million in the U.S.’s first offshore oil and gas lea...
Dec 11, 2025•11 min
How should Democrats talk about energy heading into the 2026 midterm elections? A new survey from a center-left group suggests they should pivot from their 2024 strategy under former President Joe Biden as voters remain anxious about the economy. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and Kelsey Tamborrino break down the findings, along with how both parties are struggling to communicate around affordability and energy prices. Plus, a federal judge called the Trump administration's executive action to halt perm...
Dec 10, 2025•8 min
House Republicans are launching a two-week legislative sprint to update the nation’s permitting laws, aiming to speed up approval for new energy infrastructure projects. But President Donald Trump is creating a politically complicated path for House Republicans. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down what’s in the upcoming bills, how Trump is complicating the push, and whether Republicans can actually deliver on permitting reform. James Bikales is an oil and gas reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is...
Dec 09, 2025•10 min
For the past decade, the U.S. power market was defined by predictability. But in 2025, that stability has broken down, creating an increasingly volatile system at a time when energy prices are rising nationwide. Ben Storrow from POLITICO’s E&E News explores why the U.S. power market is getting messier and why that matters for everyone. Plus, Florida's full congressional delegation is urging the Trump administration to remove their state's waters from its proposed offshore leasing map. Ben St...
Dec 08, 2025•8 min
Nearly a year into Republican control of the federal government, the oil and gas industry is still waiting on its biggest policy priority: a major overhaul of the nation’s permitting process. While the industry remains generally optimistic about the Trump administration, time is running out for lawmakers to act. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and James Bikales discuss how the industry is still waiting on major permitting reform and what they’re hearing on the Hill and from industry. James Bikales is an ...
Dec 05, 2025•10 min
The Trump administration announced on Wednesday that it’s relaxing the fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks — a move that will strike a blow against electric vehicle manufacturing and in turn former President Joe Biden’s climate legacy. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the details of the move and the impact on the auto industry and climate. Plus, the National Petroleum Council issued reports to Energy Secretary Chris Wright calling for quicker permitting for energy projects and gr...
Dec 04, 2025•10 min
President Donald Trump is releasing billions of dollars in federal energy assistance as families across the country grapple with soaring utility bills and the start of the winter heating season. The move offers short-term relief but comes as Trump is also proposing to eliminate the very program that provides it. Brian Dabbs from POLITICO’s E&E news explains how the funding helps families now and what it signals for the future of the program. Plus, Energy Secretary Chris Wright made the case ...
Dec 03, 2025•10 min
President Donald Trump is aggressively rolling back climate regulations in his second term with strong support from Republican lawmakers. But U.S. business groups and industries are worried that the rapid policy swings are creating uncertainty for their long-term planning and global competitiveness. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén explains the business and legal stakes of Trump’s climate deregulatory push. Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of PO...
Dec 02, 2025•10 min
The Trump administration is pushing for a major nuclear revival as part of its energy dominance agenda and as a way to help the United States win the AI race with China. But U.S. utility companies aren’t on board, hesitating to build new plants despite projections that electricity demand is expected to rapidly rise in the coming years. AJ Camacho from POLITICO’s E&E News explains why utilities are resisting Trump’s nuclear push. Francisco "A.J." Camacho is a reporter for POLITICO’s E&E N...
Dec 01, 2025•10 min
Meeting the rising energy demands of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and other emerging technologies is one of the big challenges facing the Trump administration. And Dario Gil, the undersecretary for science at the Energy Department, is one of the key officials searching for solutions. Today, POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly talks with Gil about the administration’s energy priorities, competition with China, and the future of federal research. Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Te...
Nov 21, 2025•24 min
The Trump administration is putting a $1 billion dollar loan toward helping restart the Three Mile Island nuclear plant. The move underscores the administration’s push for nuclear power as energy bills rise for Americans. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down why the Department of Energy is moving forward with the loan. Plus, the Trump administration launched an effort to roll back the Biden administration’s changes to the Endangered Species Act. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean...
Nov 20, 2025•7 min
The U.S. void is big at this year’s United Nations Climate Conference, and China is showing that it's ready to fill the space. POLITICO’s Zack Colman is on the ground and explains the implications of China becoming the dominant force in global climate talks. Plus, environmental groups sued the Interior Department to block a planned oil and gas lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico next month. Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host o...
Nov 19, 2025•10 min
California regulators have signaled they may block a Biden-era deal to retire the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System in the Mojave Desert thanks to grid reliability concerns and regulatory uncertainty. POLITICO’s Noah Baustin joins the show to explain the politics behind the reversal and what the California Public Utilities Commission will do next. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy. Noah Baustin is a reporter for POLITICO Nirmal Mulaikal is the ...
Nov 18, 2025•8 min
