Twenty-one House Republicans are pushing their party to preserve some of the clean energy tax credits in the Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act, and they’re warning that they could oppose the GOP’s multi trillion-dollar tax-cut package if those credits are repealed. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and James Bikales discuss why some Republicans are defending those IRA incentives and how it complicates President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda. Plus, the Energy Department on Monday issued a permit extens...
Mar 11, 2025•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast CERAWeek, the biggest annual energy conference in the world, kicks off today in Houston, Texas where thousands of energy executives, leaders, lobbyists and Trump administration officials will gather to discuss the state of the industry. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down how the industry is feeling publicly and privately about the Trump administration so far and what to expect from the conference. Plus, EPA will end a novel enforcement lawsuit brought against a chemical plant in Louisiana that ...
Mar 10, 2025•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast By law, Puerto Rico has committed to getting 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. But that mandated effort is being threatened by Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón, a fossil fuel advocate and ally of President Donald Trump’s. POLITICO deputy energy editor Gloria Gonzalez breaks down how Puerto Rico’s new governor is putting the territory’s clean energy transition in doubt. Plus, the Trump administration canceled 21 grants for work on low-carbon construction materials this week. Nirmal Mulaikal is t...
Mar 07, 2025•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast President Donald Trump’s speech to the joint session of Congress on Tuesday night revealed a lot about his administration’s energy priorities moving forward. POLITICO Energy editor Matt Daily analyzes what Trump said and what it means for American energy policy moving forward. Plus, President Trump on Wednesday decided to delay for a month a portion of the 25 percent tariffs he imposed on Canada and Mexico at the urging of automakers. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energ...
Mar 06, 2025•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Supreme Court imposed new limits on EPA’s ability to regulate water pollution on Tuesday. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down the ruling, how the case involved strange political alliances, and what this means for EPA and America’s water quality moving forward. Plus, America's oil industry has been pretty muted about President Donald Trump’s new tariffs despite the trade moves financially hurting its bottom line. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-hos...
Mar 05, 2025•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Department of Government Efficiency has hobbled the federal agency that delivers water across California, a move that inadvertently undercuts President Donald Trump’s plan to address the state’s water crisis. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down how DOGE's actions are in direct conflict with the president’s policy goals. Plus, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin on Monday requested an inspector general probe of the management of a $20 billion climate fund held by Citibank...
Mar 04, 2025•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast The second Trump administration has put the environmental movement on the defensive, and green groups are scrambling for a new strategy that can meet the moment. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down the anxious mood among environmentalists and their game plan moving forward. Plus, Republicans are continuing to attack regulations passed under the Biden administration through Congressional Review Act resolutions. Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio hos...
Mar 03, 2025•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Environmental Protection Agency is attempting to reverse a landmark scientific finding that’s the foundation for major climate change regulations. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down why EPA is going after this finding, the potential legal pushback, and what’s at stake for US climate policy now and for future administrations. Plus, EPA intends to cut 65 percent of its spending. Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees ...
Feb 28, 2025•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast The United States and Ukraine have agreed on the terms for a minerals-for-aid deal, and the two countries could sign it this week. But it’s unclear if Ukraine’s reserve of critical minerals can meet President Donald Trump’s expectations. Hannah Northey from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down what we know about the deal so far and how significant it is from a minerals standpoint. Plus, EPA is attempting to unravel a landmark scientific finding that underpins its climate change regulations. Hannah No...
Feb 27, 2025•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast President Donald Trump’s environmental chief is vowing to reclaim $20 billion in congressionally mandated climate grants issued by the Biden administration, but one of the grant recipients is moving ahead with plans to spend the money. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down how EPA’s controversial pursuit has escalated in recent days and the political fallout. Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at ...
Feb 26, 2025•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast State leaders are growing increasingly concerned about the mounting costs of natural disasters in light of the Trump administration’s moves to cut government spending and jobs related to disaster preparation and recovery. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down why state officials are worried about handling natural disasters without a lot of help from the federal government. Plus, EPA told its workforce to reply to an Elon Musk email demanding a bullet point list of five things the employee did last ...
Feb 25, 2025•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast President Donald Trump is fundamentally changing how the federal government conducts environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act, a landmark law enacted in 1970. Hannah Northey from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down why the president is changing this review process, what he is replacing it with and how this could impact America’s environment. Plus, a bill that would require major oil companies to pay fees to cover climate damages based on their past emissions has been reintro...
Feb 24, 2025•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast President Donald Trump’s unprecedented push to take control of independent agencies like the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission could send a shock wave through the energy industry. POLITICO’s Cat Morehouse breaks down the legal viability of Trump’s push, how it could affect the agencies in the short-term and long-term, and the reaction from energy industries and regulators. Plus, the Center for Biological Diversity said it plans to sue the Trump administra...
Feb 21, 2025•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast POLITICO’s Josh Siegel recently interviewed Republican Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, who is urging the Trump administration to fulfill the clean energy contracts signed by the Biden administration and to treat all types of energy production the same. Siegel discusses his takeaways from the interview ahead of Stitt’s visit to D.C. this week for governors’ meetings. Plus, environmental groups filed lawsuits Wednesday challenging President Donald Trump’s orders to put millions of acres of federal wate...
Feb 20, 2025•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast Terminations have hit all of the major federal energy and environmental agencies in recent days as part of the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to shrink the federal workforce. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down which agencies have been affected, how the firings represent the most aggressive action against bureaucracy in modern Washington history, and the reaction from lawmakers. Plus, a top federal prosecutor in Washington resigned on Tuesday after refusing an order from Justice Departme...
Feb 19, 2025•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Trump administration’s decision to halt funding for America’s federal EV charging program is throwing states into disarray and causing uncertainty for the country’s EV future. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down how states and Congress are reacting to Trump’s pause. James Bikales is a reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO. Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the ...
Feb 18, 2025•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, POLITICO Energy host Josh Siegel sits down for an extended interview with Jigar Shah, the former director of the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office under the Biden administration where he oversaw billions of dollars in government loans to America’s energy sector. Siegel and Shah discuss Biden’s clean energy legacy, the second Trump administration, the future of government financing, DOGE and more. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio...
Feb 13, 2025•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast President Donald Trump announced new 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States - a move that mirrors a similar policy he enacted during his first term. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down the potential impact of these new tariffs on energy-related industries and the lessons learned from the first-term tariffs. Plus, President Trump declared that his administration would reverse former President Joe Biden's efforts to make a host of consumer products more efficient. Ben...
Feb 12, 2025•8 min•Transcript available on Metacast Senate lawmakers are kicking off work this week on their budget blueprint that aims to unlock President Donald Trump's legislative agenda, including spurring U.S. energy development. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down the details of that blueprint and why Republicans are still divided over how to advance Trump’s agenda. Plus, the Trump administration said in a recent court filing that the Energy Department expects to issue payments under its home efficiency rebate program later this week. Josh S...
Feb 11, 2025•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Trump administration is halting a $5 billion program to help build out the nation’s EV charging network, which upends years of federal precedent and raises legal questions. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down the suspension and how it’s a significant blow for America’s EV transition. Plus, a budget blueprint released Friday by Senate Budget Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) lays the groundwork for a party-line reconciliation bill that aims to spur U.S. energy development. James Bikales is a rep...
Feb 10, 2025•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Trump administration has made several moves that are disrupting one of the most critical and bipartisan functions of government: providing clean, safe and affordable water. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down how the administration is causing uncertainty for America’s water system and the reaction from lawmakers. Plus, an aide for the Department of Government Efficiency is now listed in the Department of Energy’s staff directory. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. Nirmal Mula...
Feb 07, 2025•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast An internal memo reviewed by POLITICO this week shows that the Environmental Protection Agency began partially lifting the Trump administration’s spending freeze for some environmental programs after a court order this week, according to a memo reviewed by POLITICO. James Bikales breaks down which programs are and aren’t disbursing funds, and how lawmakers are reacting. Plus, oil giant Chevron Corp. is in discussions with the Trump administration about the company’s federal license to produce oi...
Feb 06, 2025•8 min•Transcript available on Metacast President Donald Trump’s decision to delay tariffs on Mexico and Canada gives US consumers and the oil and gas industry some breathing room – at least for now. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down the impact of these looming energy tariffs and the reaction from the industry. Plus, senior officials at the Energy Department encouraged staff during a Monday town hall to consider the offer to resign from federal service despite ongoing questions about the move’s legality. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITIC...
Feb 05, 2025•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast America’s offshore wind industry is on the ropes after two major announcements in the last month: President Donald Trump’s executive order to halt wind development and New Jersey saying it will not provide financial support for new offshore wind projects. POLITICO’s Ry Rivard breaks down how the industry is in tatters and what this means for the future of offshore wind in the United States. Plus, the Senate voted on Monday to confirm Chris Wright to lead the Energy Department. Ry Rivard covers e...
Feb 04, 2025•7 min•Transcript available on Metacast To satisfy AI’s big energy demands, President Donald Trump wants data centers to connect directly to power plants. But his plan could face problems with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down why Trump could have trouble getting federal energy regulators on board and what’s at stake for the tech and energy industries. Plus, an internal email obtained by POLITICO shows Agriculture Department employees have been ordered to delete landing pages discussi...
Feb 03, 2025•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast The European Union is set to start enforcing a little-known set of rules that could ultimately strain the US-EU energy relationship during the second Trump administration. POLITICO Europe’s Gabriel Gavin breaks down the details of these new regulations, how the Trump administration may respond, and what this means for the US-EU energy relationship moving forward. Plus, the Senate confirmed former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum as secretary of the Interior Department Thursday night. Gabriel Gavin ...
Jan 31, 2025•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast Democratic state leaders pursuing ambitious climate goals are facing a two-pronged uphill battle: President Donald Trump and voters' concerns. POLITICO’s Jordan Wolman breaks down how state climate policies are reeling and why there are still pockets of optimism. Plus, the Senate on Wednesday confirmed Lee Zeldin, the former Republican congressman, to be the 17th administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Jordan Wolman is a sustainability reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a PO...
Jan 30, 2025•8 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Trump administration’s government-wide spending freeze has provoked widespread alarm and could potentially put thousands of programs in jeopardy, including energy and infrastructure initiatives worth billions of dollars. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and Kelsey Tamborrino break down what we know about Trump’s federal spending freeze, which has been temporarily halted by a judge, and how it could impact energy. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a ...
Jan 29, 2025•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast Within hours of taking office, President Donald Trump announced an executive order targeting the wind industry, particularly offshore projects. POLITICO’s Ry Rivard breaks down the impact of the move on the offshore wind industry and what’s next in the Trump vs. wind power saga. Plus, a chemical risk management rule issued in the final weeks of the Biden administration is among those whose effective dates have been delayed by Trump's regulatory freeze. Ry Rivard covers energy, the environment an...
Jan 28, 2025•8 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, POLITICO Energy reporters Ben Lefebvre and Zack Colman chat with Canadian Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson for an extended interview. They discuss the future of the US-Canada energy alliance under the second Trump administration, President Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on Canada, areas of potential cooperation between the two countries, how Trump’s reelection is impacting global climate efforts and more. Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO. Ben Lefebvre is an energ...
Jan 27, 2025•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
