POLITICO Energy

Once again, the Trump administration is working to hobble the growth of clean energy.  On Monday, the administration announced plans to use the Clean Water Act permitting process to prioritize fossil fuel projects and potentially undercut renewable energy.   POLITICO’s James Bikales and Kelsey Tamborrino break down what’s behind this move towards “energy dense” projects – likely to harness fossil...

Environmentalists have been stunned by President Donald Trump’s rapid-fire attack on many of their achievements. From Joe Biden’s climate law to longstanding regulations – green groups now find themselves on the defensive seemingly everywhere. But this week, they’re rallying in New York City for Climate Week to try to forge a new path ahead. The only problem: two roads may be diverging as environm...

Today, POLITICO Energy host Josh Siegel sits down for an extended interview with Mike Sommers, CEO of the American Petroleum Institute, to discuss the state of the U.S. oil and gas under President Donald Trump’s energy dominance agenda. The industry has secured policy wins like tax cuts, regulatory rollbacks, and expanded lease sales, but it faces short-term challenges like low prices, layoffs, ta...

The bipartisan House Problem Solvers Caucus unveiled a new permitting reform framework this week that aims to speed the construction of energy and infrastructure projects. But after years of gridlock and failed attempts, can Congress finally get a deal across the finish line? POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down what’s in the new proposal, why the Problem Solvers are taking the lead, and what obstac...

The Trump administration is proposing to eliminate EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, a federal program that’s tracked U.S. climate pollution since 2009. The move is drawing backlash from environmental groups, along with concern from Republicans and industry leaders who worry it could undermine U.S business interests. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down why the EPA is targeting the program and...

The Trump administration has halted construction on Revolution Wind, one of the largest U.S. offshore wind projects, even though it was nearly complete and set to power New England. That decision has triggered a costly legal battle, backlash from state political and business leaders, and raised fresh questions about the future of offshore wind in the United States. Ben Storrow from POLITICO’s E&E...

Americans may be getting relief at the pump this year, but U.S. oil companies are feeling the squeeze, cutting jobs and scaling back investments. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre explains why these conflicting trends are happening and what they mean for President Donald Trump’s energy dominance agenda. Plus, a new study published shows that climate change will cost the European Union an estimated $50 billi...

Since taking office, the Trump administration has putting clean energy under pressure -- cancelling funding, revoking permits, and tightening access to key tax credits. That comes at a time when solar remains among the fastest-growing sources of electricity in the United States and as energy demand is projected to surge in the coming years. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino sits down for an extended in...

President Donald Trump’s campaign against renewable energy since taking office isn’t just hitting approved projects and green industries — it’s quietly rippling through Congress in small but significant ways across party lines. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down how the president's anti-clean energy agenda is complicating the Senate energy committee, permitting negotiations and even Republican Hou...

The Trump administration’s latest Make America Healthy Again report was supposed to crack down on America’s environmental hazards. Instead, it delivers major wins for industry, including calling for faster chemical approvals and weaker pollution rules. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down how the report tackles environmental issues and why some MAHA loyalists feel it falls short. Plus, the Interior...

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney recently unveiled a new industrial policy -- Buy Canadian – as the Washington and Ottawa try to sort out their trade tensions. It’s a protectionist move that mirrors the Trump administration’s Buy American strategy and comes as President Donald Trump’s tariffs have hit Canada’s manufacturing sectors. POLITICO’s Zi-Ann Lum breaks down why this policy is coming no...

The U.S. solar industry has been one of the fastest-growing sources of electricity, but a new forecast out this week warns that momentum could slow as Trump-era policies and Republican tax changes take effect. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down how the solar industry’s outlook is at risk in the near future and what it all means for America’s power grid. Plus, the House Natural Resources Comm...

Today, POLITICO’s Josh Siegel sits down for an extended conversation with Emily Domenech, executive director of the Federal Permitting Council and a top Trump administration official. They discuss the council’s permitting strategy so far, the administration’s behind-the-scenes approach to different energy sources, and what it wants from Congress on permitting reform.   Josh Siegel is an energy rep...

House Republicans narrowly passed a $57 billion energy and water bill on Thursday that slashes clean energy and boosts GOP priorities — squeaking it through by just one vote after two last-minute flip-flops. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down the details of the package, how it exposes deeper GOP divisions, and why lawmakers face a difficult government spending fight ahead. Plus, President Do...

The Trump administration secured a major legal victory this week after a federal appeals court ruled that EPA can cancel $20 billion in Biden-era clean energy funding. However, the courtroom fight is far from over. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the ruling, how the legal saga will continue, and what this means for America’s clean energy future. Plus, a top official at the Interior Department...

President Donald Trump’s war on wind power is colliding with Iowa’s prominent wind industry and putting Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks in a political bind. She’s long defended wind power as part of an “all-of-the-above” strategy, but her vote for Trump’s megabill is now a major liability as she faces one of the toughest reelection fights in the country. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down...

President Donald Trump promised to help Appalachian communities recover after Hurricane Helene — one of the deadliest and costliest storms in U.S. history. But his administration’s rollback of billions in Biden-era climate and energy funds has stalled projects meant to rebuild housing and lower energy costs across the region. POLITICO’s Zack Colman explains how Trump’s actions are slowing recovery...

President Donald Trump’s effort to fast-track small nuclear reactors favors Silicon Valley startups over established nuclear companies, raising questions about safety, trust, and the future of U.S. nuclear power. Francisco “A.J.” Camacho from POLITICO’s E&E news breaks down how that split in the industry could complicate Trump’s larger nuclear goals. Plus, the Commerce Department said Thursday it...

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s shutdown of the Indian Point nuclear plant years ago was seen as a safety win, but it’s driven up emissions, raised electricity costs, and complicated New York’s climate goals. Now, as Cuomo pursues a political comeback, critics say the closure left the grid dirtier and consumers paying more. POLITICO’s Marie French breaks down what it means for New York’s energ...

A former Biden administration official is pushing back against a Department of Energy report that could undermine the federal government’s authority to regulate carbon emissions. Jean Chemnick from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down why the report matters, how it ties into the Trump administration’s broader strategy to overturn the “endangerment finding,” and what’s at stake for future climate rules....

Energy Secretary Chris Wright exclusively told POLITICO recently that he’s worried about rising electricity prices, and he thinks Republicans could suffer political pain in the midterm elections because of them. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down why Wright is concerned and who he really thinks voters should blame for rising prices. Plus, 19 states and the District of Columbia sued the Energy Depa...

So far, President Donald Trump’s steep cuts to the U.S. Forest Service haven’t fueled the wildfire disaster Democrats and state officials feared. But experts warn the risks remain, with future cuts threatening prevention and response efforts. POLITICO’s Jordan Wolman breaks down why Trump's cuts haven't fueled wildfire catastrophe and how America isn’t out of the woods yet. Plus, the Trump adminis...

A new POLITICO analysis finds the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, has only saved $1.4 billion in verifiable cuts — far less than the $50 billion it claims. And none of it will reduce the federal deficit. POLITICO’s Jessie Blaeser breaks down DOGE’s inflated savings and the impact on federal energy agencies. Plus, the Energy Department is making available nearly...

The Sierra Club fired its executive director this week, and he’s vowing to fight his termination. POLITICO’s Zack Colman unpacks the internal turmoil atop one of the nation’s most influential environmental groups, and what it reveals about the broader struggles of green groups under the second Trump administration. Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and...

The Trump administration is overhauling the guidance for the national EV charging network, while congressional Republicans are pushing for the first-ever nationwide fee on electric vehicle owners. POLITICO’s Chris Marquette breaks down how both moves could reshape federal EV policy and the political battles ahead. Plus, the Department of Energy launched a pilot program Tuesday to work with 11 adva...