
POLITICO Energy
Business & Economics Podcasts
The latest news in energy and environmental politics & policy — must-know stories and candid insights from POLITICO’s energy team and journalists across our newsroom. All in just five minutes each morning.
Location:
United States
Description:
The latest news in energy and environmental politics & policy — must-know stories and candid insights from POLITICO’s energy team and journalists across our newsroom. All in just five minutes each morning.
Twitter:
@politico
Language:
English
Website:
http://www.politico.com/
Email:
audio@politico.com
Episodes
Trump’s critical minerals agenda faces a test: his party’s megabill
5/21/2025
House Republicans’ reconciliation package could undermine President Donald Trump’s efforts to create a domestic supply chain for critical minerals and outcompete China. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down the different ways the package could impact U.S. production of critical minerals. Plus, Senate Republicans will move this week to undo California’s vehicle emission waivers, and the Trump administration announced it would allow Equinor’s Empire Wind project to resume construction. James Bikales is a reporter 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:05
Inside the clean energy dilemma facing the GOP rank-and-file
5/20/2025
Dozens of rank-and-file Republicans like Arizona Representative Juan Ciscomani are facing a difficult decision: resist the party’s efforts to gut the Inflation Reduction Act as part of their reconciliation package or incur the wrath of their constituents who are economically benefiting from the law. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down how Ciscomani, a rising star in the GOP who holds one of the most competitive House seats in the nation, is wrestling with this dilemma. Plus on Monday, a panel of appellate judges appeared skeptical of EPA's reasons for terminating $20 billion in Biden-era climate grants, and the Energy Department said it will now start issuing final orders for pending applications to export natural gas. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy. James Bikales is a reporter 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:16
How Trump could steer FERC toward fossil fuels
5/19/2025
President Donald Trump could more closely align the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission with his energy agenda by nominating a new agency commissioner to fill an open seat. POLITICO’s Cat Morehouse breaks down who Trump is rumored to be considering for the vacancy and how this new commissioner could make FERC more fossil-fuel oriented. Plus, the Interior Department on Friday asked for public comment on how to overhaul its rules, bringing its deregulatory efforts to the general populace. Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of Morning Energy. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:05
The hurricane-size staffing hole at the National Weather Service
5/16/2025
The National Weather Service is rushing to fill hundreds of positions throughout the country ahead of the looming hurricane season, prompting concerns that the federal government has too few experts to help prepare for weather disasters. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down the staffing challenges at the NWS and how the administration is responding. Plus, the Trump administration is probing more than $15 billion in project awards issued by the Energy Department under former President Joe Biden, laying the groundwork to potentially revoke the funding. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:02
Inside the House GOP’s plan to gut Democrats’ climate law
5/15/2025
House Republicans aim to repeal and phase out major energy portions of the Inflation Reduction Act, the Democrats’ climate law, as part of President Donald Trump’s megabill. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and James Bikales break down what House Republicans are proposing, the potential impacts, reaction from the Senate and green groups, and the timeline for this legislation. Plus, the Trump administration said it intends to roll back first-ever limits set by the Biden administration on four toxic “forever chemicals” contaminating water supplies across the country. James Bikales is a reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:58
Trump’s wind war may claim its first major casualty soon
5/14/2025
One of the largest offshore wind energy projects in the United States could be cancelled in the coming days unless the Trump administration lifts its stop-work order – potentially the first big casualty in President Donald Trump’s war against America’s offshore wind energy industry. Ben Storrow from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down why the company backing the project, Equinor, is considering cancelling it and what that would mean for the industry at large. Plus, Senate Republicans are pushing back on the House GOP’s proposed rollback of Democrats’ clean energy credits and say there will have to be changes to earn their support. Ben Storrow is a reporter for POLITICO’s E&E News. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:31
Trump ousts FEMA chief as hurricane season looms
5/13/2025
The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency was fired recently and replaced by a Trump administration official with no disaster response experience — a leadership change that comes less than a month before hurricane season begins. Thomas Frank from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down FEMA’s leadership shakeup and what it means for disaster recovery efforts. Plus, it’s a big day for Republicans as they mark up major parts of their reconciliation package in the House Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means committees. Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO. Thomas Frank is a climate impacts reporter for POLITICO’s E&E News. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:08:49
Trump’s energy agenda is running into OPEC
5/12/2025
President Donald Trump’s energy ambitions are running into a familiar obstacle: OPEC, led by Saudi Arabia. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down how OPEC’s actions will simultaneously help and hurt the president’s energy agenda and what to expect from his Middle East trip this week. Plus, fifteen attorneys general of Democratic-led states filed a lawsuit on Friday challenging President Donald Trump’s executive order declaring an “energy emergency.” Ben Lefebvre is an oil and gas policy reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:08:48
Why a public lands amendment could threaten the GOP’s mega bill
5/9/2025
When the House Natural Resources Committee approved its portion of Republicans’ reconciliation package earlier this week, it also pushed through a controversial, last-minute amendment that could threaten party support for the sweeping measure. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and James Bikales break down the behind-the-scenes of what happened and why it could upend Republicans’ reconciliation efforts. Plus, a dozen House Republicans in an 11th hour request are calling for colleagues to spare key clean energy tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act from the chopping block. James Bikales is a reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter 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-switchAnd for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:41
How Memphis became a climate battleground with Elon Musk
5/8/2025
Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company has been spewing pollution into South Memphis without federal permits for several months, triggering public outcry and questions about the development of AI infrastructure across the country. Ariel Wittenberg from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down the controversy along with the climate, public health and tech implications. Plus, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said he expects to finish evaluating whether to proceed with funding hundreds of large Biden-approved projects in DOE’s pipeline by the end of the summer. Ariel Wittenberg is a public health reporter for POLITICO’s E&E News. Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:45
How blue states are fighting back against Trump’s anti-wind power moves
5/7/2025
A coalition of nearly 20 Democratic states sued the Trump administration this week over its moves to block onshore and offshore wind energy projects. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down the details of the case, the impact on the industry and what’s next in this fight. Plus, the Senate on Tuesday approved a Congressional Review Act measure targeting a recent EPA update to pollution rules for rubber tire manufacturers. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:09:04
Inside Trump’s major overhaul of EPA
5/6/2025
The Trump administration made two moves recently to sharply shrink EPA and potentially decimate some of the nation’s most critical environmental work. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down the administration’s latest efforts targeting EPA and the potential backlash. Plus, a coalition of nearly 20 Democratic attorneys general sued the Trump administration to overturn its executive order blocking federal approvals of wind energy projects. Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:09:24
The GOP divide over the clean energy rollbacks
5/5/2025
Congressional Republicans are struggling to agree on how deeply they should cut the clean energy tax incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act, and their internal battle is complicating the party’s effort to pass President Donald Trump’s main legislative priority: a mega budget reconciliation bill. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel, Kelsey Tamborrino and James Bikales break down what this internal squabble is really about, what might happen next and the stakes. Plus, listen to POLITICO’s energy takeaways from President Donald Trump’s 2026 spending proposal. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy for POLITICO. James Bikales is a reporter 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:00
Why D.C. is going after California’s nation-leading car rules
5/2/2025
This week, the House voted to undo three federal waivers that let California set strict vehicle pollution standards, setting up a fight in the Senate that could restrict California’s nation-leading climate authority and the auto industry at large. POLITICO’s Alex Nieves breaks down why Republicans are targeting these waivers, the uncertain outcome in the Senate, and the potential implications on multiple states and the car industry. Plus, a coalition of nearly 40 House Republicans called for the full repeal of all of the energy tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act as part of the party's budget reconciliation effort. Alex Nieves is the California transportation reporter at 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:09:37
Can the US make a successful sovereign risk insurance fund?
5/1/2025
The Trump administration is considering creating a sovereign risk insurance program for energy projects, along with a sovereign wealth fund. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down the administration’s thinking on the topics, how it compares to other policies around the world, and the potential challenges ahead. Plus, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee advanced the nominations of two nominees for the Energy Department, as well as bipartisan legislation that aims to speed the development of minerals resources. Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:09:15
America’s top climate report is now in jeopardy
4/30/2025
The Trump administration has dismissed all of the scientists working on the newest version of the National Climate Assessment, the most important climate science report issued by the federal government. Scott Waldman from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down why these firings happened, how they might impact the report’s future and the Trump administration’s broader plans. Plus, Interior Department staff were told to upload their resumes by midday Tuesday to help officials determine which employees will be fired as part of the DOGE-driven reduction-in-force effort. Scott Waldman is the White House reporter for E&E News focused on climate change. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:10
How Republicans could modify the IRA green credits
4/29/2025
Republican lawmakers are considering making major changes to the clean energy tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act as part of their party-line budget reconciliation package. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel, James Bikales and Kelsey Tamborrino break down the three ways Republicans could modify the credits. Plus, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin laid out his plans for addressing the country's sprawling PFAS problem Monday, but remained silent on whether the agency will back the first-ever drinking water limits for the chemicals that were issued by the Biden administration. James Bikales is a reporter for POLITICO. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:11:51
Trump’s climate strategy put federal agencies at ‘significant’ legal risk, his lawyers warned
4/28/2025
Lawyers for the Trump administration knew they faced significant legal risks when they froze $20 billion in Biden-era climate grants, according to internal government emails exclusively obtained by POLITICO. Alex Guillén breaks down how the administration had internal legal qualms about its public push to regain control of the already-distributed funding. Plus, POLITICO scooped that former FERC Commissioner Willie Phillips was asked to step down from the agency last week by the White House. Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:12:36
GOP districts and states lose billions as clean energy cancellations surge
4/18/2025
Billions of dollars in clean energy investments funded by the private sector have been pulled back under President Donald Trump, according to a new report out this week from a national clean energy business group. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down the takeaways from the report and how the impact is mostly felt in Republican districts and states. Plus, unexpected shutdowns of large data centers and crypto mining facilities pose a risk to the reliability of the wider grid system, according to the nation’s reliability coordinator. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:09:05
Trump suffers legal defeats in bid to pause Biden-era climate spending
4/17/2025
This week, President Donald Trump suffered two legal defeats that could disrupt his goal of stopping or repealing climate and infrastructure spending approved by Congress during the Biden administration. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the judges’ rulings and the next phase of this legal fight. Plus, the Army Corps of Engineers is granting fast-tracked permitting for the Line 5 oil and fuel pipeline project. Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:08:23