POLITICO Energy

Data centers powering the AI boom are bringing economic benefits to communities nationwide, but they’re also straining water supplies, driving up energy demand, and raising electric bills. POLITICO’s Jordan Wolman breaks down what’s fueling the data center boom, the backlash and why it’s a complicated issue for both parties. Plus, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy eased the rules for the Biden-e...

The Trump administration has escalated its attacks on wind and solar power in recent days, issuing a host of policies that threaten the future of America’s renewable energy industry. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino and Alex Guillén break down the latest attacks, how the industry and lawmakers are reacting, and the long-term impact on renewables.  Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congr...

Puerto Rico’s power crisis just took a sharp turn this week after President Donald Trump removed most of the island’s financial oversight board. The move comes amid a tense legal fight with Wall Street bondholders over the utility’s billions of dollars in debt and raises fears that Puerto Ricans could be stuck paying the full price for a failing electric grid. POLITICO’s Gloria Gonzalez breaks dow...

The Trump administration is planning to kill Solar for All — one of the largest federal solar programs in U.S. history, with $7 billion aimed at expanding solar access in low-income communities. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down why EPA is targeting this program, along with the political and legal fights that may lie ahead. Plus, President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday imposin...

Artificial intelligence is fueling a surge in electricity demand, and U.S. power companies are suddenly seeing a rare opportunity for new growth and investment from the tech industry. POLITICO’s Debra Kahn breaks down this emerging tech-energy alliance and how the AI boom could actually be both a blessing and a curse for utility companies. Plus, EPA is planning to cancel a $7 billion program fundi...

Once a fierce critic of Big Oil, California Gov. Gavin Newsom is now working to keep refineries open and stabilize in-state fuel supplies — a move that reflects the complex political and economic realities of California’s clean energy transition. POLITICO’s Alex Nieves breaks down what this pivot means for California’s climate agenda and how it exposes a deeper tension within the Democratic Party ...

President Donald Trump is hitting India with a 25 percent tariff and an additional energy penalty, citing the country’s continued purchases of Russian oil. The move marks a dramatic use of energy policy as a diplomatic weapon and threatens to strain ties with one of America’s key allies against China. POLITICO’s Phelim Kine breaks down how the president is using energy leverage in his trade policy...

The Trump administration’s effort to repeal EPA’s endangerment finding, the legal foundation for federal climate rules, sets up a high-stakes fight that could hinge on the Supreme Court’s willingness to overturn a key decision it made in 2007. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down the potential legal battle, how today’s Supreme Court could reshape federal environmental law, and why Republicans see po...

The Trump administration’s new trade deal with the European Union includes a striking energy commitment: the EU has pledged to buy $750 billion worth of American energy. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down what led to this pledge, why it might be impossible to meet, and how it reveals growing tension between Trump’s energy ambitions and his foreign policy goals. Plus, President Trump’s pick to lea...

After weeks of anticipation, the Trump administration Tuesday released its proposal to overturn EPA’s endangerment finding. If the proposal is finalized and survives legal challenges, the move would deal a major blow to the U.S. effort to fight climate change. POLITICO’s Zack Colman and Alex Guillén break down EPA’s proposal, the climate stakes, and the legal fight ahead. Plus, Annie Caputo, a Rep...

House Republicans have started summer recess but that doesn’t mean the conversation about the GOP megalaw and its energy implications is over. Lawmakers are working to sell the law’s energy elements to their constituents, all while recent moves by President Donald Trump could curtail green energy and complicate promises of reviving American energy dominance. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel explains how GOP...

The Trump administration recently brought in $58 million from an oil lease sale in New Mexico’s Permian Basin, a move it touts as a win for its “energy dominance” agenda. But signs suggest U.S. oil production may be slipping. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down the sale’s details, how U.S. oil production is wavering, and what it means for Trump’s energy goals and allies. Plus, a new bipartisan pus...

As early as this week, the Trump administration is expected to unveil a plan arguing the federal government is not obligated to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. If enacted, the move would wipe out nearly all U.S. limits on climate pollution, and mark President Donald Trump’s most sweeping attempt yet to dismantle climate policy. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down the proposal and how it could dr...

The Trump administration has canceled a conditional $5 billion federal loan guarantee for the Grain Belt Express — a massive transmission line project designed to carry power across four Midwest states. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down why the administration pulled the plug, the political pressure behind the decision, and how it impacts America’s power grid and push for artificial intelligence...

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee chair Mike Lee pushed to sell parcels of federal land as part of the GOP’s megalaw. But his plan failed after facing strong opposition from Democrats, conservationists, and even some fellow Republicans. Garrett Downs from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down why the proposal failed and how the fight over public lands may not be over yet in Congress. Plus, t...

For years, Republicans slammed Democrats for using federal power to support clean energy, arguing the government shouldn’t be in the business of picking winners and losers in the energy space. But now, under President Donald Trump, they’re doing the same – but to push for more growth for fossil fuels and nuclear power. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down the GOP’s energy flip and what it means for...

POLITICO Energy host Josh Siegel sits down for an extended interview with Jason Grumet, CEO of the American Clean Power Association, a trade group representing renewable energy producers. They discuss President Donald Trump’s war against American wind and solar power, whether the US renewable industry can recover, and why clean energy proponents have lost political power. Jason Grumet is the CEO o...

POLITICO exclusively obtained an internal memo this week showing that Interior Secretary Doug Burgum must directly sign off on all permits for wind and solar projects on federal lands — a shift that could dramatically slow clean energy development across the country. POLITICO’s Zack Colman and Josh Siegel break down how the directive fits into President Donald Trump’s broader push to rein in green...

POLITICO exclusively learned this week that President Donald Trump is eyeing White House adviser David LaCerte to fill an open commissioner seat on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. POLITICO’s Isa Domínguez breaks down LaCerte’s energy credentials (or lack thereof) and how his potential nomination is raising new alarms about FERC’s independence under Trump. Plus, one of Europe’s biggest en...

House Republicans are kicking off the next government funding process with proposals that take aim at energy and climate programs — setting up a potential showdown with the Senate and another high-stakes government funding fight. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down what’s in the House GOP’s initial proposals, how they diverge from the White House’s vision, and what to watch as negotiations heat up...

Republicans’ sweeping new tax law sparked partisan battles over nearly every energy source — except nuclear power. But the so-called nuclear renaissance lawmakers are counting on is still running into the same old problems. POLITICO’s Gloria Gonzalez breaks down why Congress is betting big on nuclear, and whether the technology can actually deliver. Plus, House Republicans on Monday proposed steep...

Democrats are shifting their energy message ahead of the 2026 midterm elections by focusing less on climate change and more on the prospect of rising electricity bills driven by Republican policies. POLITICO’s Zack Colman explains how the Dems’ new energy strategy is taking shape and whether it could resonate with voters in 2026 and beyond.  Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO.  Josh Si...

Republicans put clean energy tax credits on a fast track to phase out in their sweeping tax law. But President Donald Trump’s new executive order this week could make qualifying for the credits even harder — potentially undermining billions in planned wind and solar development. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down the politics behind the move, along with the legal and financial risks that follow....

Nuclear power is enjoying a surge of bipartisan support in the U.S., fueled by rising energy demand and state climate goals. But despite the momentum, the industry itself may be nuclear’s biggest obstacle — a challenge that could shape the future of America’s power supply. POLITICO’s Debra Kahn looks at the growing political backing and the stubborn realities holding the sector back. Plus, Preside...

Emergency response experts and climate scientists are warning that the devastating Texas floods last week are a warning sign: As climate disasters grow more intense and federal disaster infrastructure shrinks, communities across the country could be left dangerously exposed. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down what the Texas floods signal about the country’s readiness for the next natural disaster....