POLITICO Energy

Big Ag has long dominated Iowa politics, but in this year’s governor’s race, both parties are challenging the industry’s political power in part because of concerns over farm pollution. POLITICO’s Ellie Borst breaks down why Big Ag is on the defensive, how the issue is reshaping both parties’ strategies and what it means for winning Midwestern voters ahead of the midterm elections. Plus, a federal judge has dealt a blow to New York’s efforts to force polluters to pay for the effects of climate change.

Ellie Borst is an environment...

Today, POLITICO Energy guest host James Bikales sits down for an extended interview with Toby Rice, the president and CEO of EQT, one of the country’s largest natural gas producers and a major potential supplier to data centers. They discuss whether America’s energy industry can meet the growing power demand from artificial intelligence, the political backlash facing data centers, Congress’ failure to pass legislation that would unlock new energy infrastructure, and what the midterm elections could mean for the industry.

James Bikales is an oil and gas reporter for POLITICO. 

Nirmal...

Rural voters in Texas are growing increasingly angry over data centers and new power lines in their communities, threatening Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s reelection bid as he faces a surprisingly competitive race against Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa. POLITICO’s Texas-based energy reporter Shelby Webb breaks down the rural backlash, how the candidates are responding and why the fight over energy could help decide who runs Texas. Plus, Maryland is doubling down on renewable energy, and the show will be off next week.

Shelby Webb covers Texas energy and environment issues for POLITICO.

President Donald Trump came into office promising to dismantle Joe Biden’s nearly two trillion-dollar climate and clean energy agenda. But a new POLITICO analysis found that major pieces of Biden’s energy legacy are still alive, and the upcoming midterms could help determine what happens to them next. POLITICO’s Jessie Blaeser breaks down what Trump has successfully rolled back, why some Biden-era funding has survived, and how the uncertainty has changed the energy industry’s relationship with Washington. Plus, several independent U.S. oil producers are expected to sign production contracts with Venezuela’s state-run oil company in the com...

Today, POLITICO Energy host Arianna Skibell sits down for an extended interview with Jim Robb, the president and CEO of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, which oversees the reliability and security of North America’s bulk power grid. They discuss how the data center boom is testing America’s power grid, what it will take to meet soaring electricity demand, and how policymakers must balance affordability, cybersecurity and climate change in the coming years.

Arianna Skibell is a climate and energy reporter at POLITICO. 

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive produ...

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s tenure has been marked by staff departures, secrecy and internal turmoil, according to multiple former officials and other sources close to the department. POLITICO’s Ian Stevenson breaks down what’s happening inside the Interior Department, how the agency and White House are responding, and what it could mean for Burgum’s future as one of President Donald Trump’s top energy officials. Plus, two senators unveiled legislation that would hold utility executives accountable when consumers' electricity bills spike, and the front-runner to become California’s next governor said he wants to give free electricity...

President Donald Trump is betting billions of federal dollars on rebuilding America’s mining industry and boosting U.S. supplies of critical minerals. But will it work? And what obstacles are ahead? POLITICO’s Hannah Northey breaks down where the money is going, why mining has become a major energy and national security priority, and the challenges that could stand in the administration’s way. Plus, the Trump administration said it would extend by 90 days its Jones Act waiver, and a new POLITICO poll found that a plurality of Americans now oppose a data center being built near where they l...

Today, POLITICO Energy host Zack Colman sits down for an extended interview with Calvin Butler, president and CEO of Exelon Corporation, the nation's largest regulated electric utility company serving nearly 11 million customers across the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest. They discuss why utility bills keep rising, the growing strain on America’s power grid, and how utilities are responding to growing public frustration over affordability.

Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO. 

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy. 

Yi-Jo Shen is a freelance video producer for POLITICO.

For decades, nuclear waste was considered one of the biggest political liabilities in American energy policy. Now, Republican-led states are competing to host projects that could eventually bring more nuclear waste home. POLITICO's Nico Portuondo explains why states are embracing what was once politically untouchable and what it all says about the changing politics of nuclear power in America. Plus, Senate negotiators have pushed back their permitting reform deal deadline, and Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger will formally intervene in NextEra Energy's proposed $67 billion takeover of Dominion Energy.

Nico Portuondo is a congressional energy reporter...

California has long been viewed as America's climate leader, but its likely next governor, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Xavier Becerra, may be pulling back on its aggressive policies. POLITICO's Alex Nieves explains why Becerra is considering changes to California's climate approach, the political pressures behind that shift, and how it could affect governments and major industries around the world. Plus, Gov. Greg Abbott is hitting pause on new data centers in Texas, and President Donald Trump is expected to meet with mining executives on Friday.

Alex Nieves is the California transportation reporter at POLITICO.

Sen. Martin Heinrich, the top Democrat on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joins POLITICO Energy's Josh Siegel to discuss the rising cost of energy, permitting reform negotiations, climate policy and the growing power demands of AI data centers. Heinrich predicts midterm gains for Democrats from their messaging on the costs of Republicans' energy policies. He also exclusively previews legislation designed to prevent data centers from shifting infrastructure costs onto utility customers.

The Trump administration wants to revive idled refineries across the country to make more fuel, its latest push to address higher gasoline prices. White House officials are huddling with potential investors to restart defunct fuel factories, from the Virgin Islands to California. So how far along are discussions? And how close is any of this to becoming reality? POLITICO's James Bikales breaks down what’s happening and what comes next.

Nuclear fusion holds the promise of almost limitless, carbon-free energy -- but the technology has long been dismissed as always decades away. That may now be changing, though. Real money is pouring into the industry. Pilot projects are planned. An increasing number of lawmakers are warming to the idea. But fusion's supporters said they still need more help from Washington to scale. POLITICO's Joe Schatz lays out the hopes, the obstacles and the political asks of the budding U.S. nuclear fusion industry.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp only has a few months left in the statehouse before the Republican’s second term comes to an end, and he’s hoping to land a couple more big investments before he departs. Those would be on top of the major electric vehicle manufacturing plants that have sprouted up – and one of the biggest buildouts of data centers in the country. POLITICO’s Arianna Skibell talks to Kemp about his legacy changing shape of Georgia’s power economy.

Democrats are champing at the bit to conduct more oversight of the Trump administration’s close ties to the oil and gas sector if the regain power in Congress in November's midterms. What are they planning to home in on? And what are energy lobbyists doing to prepare? POLITICO's James Bikales breaks down what to expect if Democrats take hold of the committee gavels.

Why is the Colorado River at a breaking point? Part of the answer lies in years of drought, dwindling water supplies and a long fight among Western states over an operating plan for the river. POLITICO's Annie Snider explains why the Trump administration is stepping in to take a larger role in managing the Colorado River, what that means for the 40 million people who rely on it and why the next chapter in the West's water wars could be decided in Washington or in court.

Today, POLITICO Energy host Manuel Quiñones sits down for an extended interview with Tim Pawlenty, the new president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, former Minnesota governor and 2012 Republican presidential candidate. They discuss why the solar industry turned to a longtime Republican to lead it, Pawlenty's strategy and vision, the industry's biggest congressional policy priorities, and whether solar can thrive in President Donald Trump's Washington.

Manuel Quiñones is the congress editor for POLITICO.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy. 

Yi-Jo Shen is...

Today, POLITICO Energy host Josh Siegel sits down for an extended conversation with Virginia Senate President Pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas, arguably one of the most powerful lawmakers in the state. They discuss Gov. Abigail Spanberger's recent comments on the show, Virginia's first-in-the-nation approach to taxing data centers' energy use, and what the debate in the data center capital of the world could mean for how states across the country regulate these energy-hungry projects. They also discuss the proposed NextEra-Dominion merger — the largest utility merger in U.S. history — and the FBI investigation involving Lucas' office.

Why are AI data centers getting built so quickly? Part of the answer lies in a Supreme Court decision from 2023. POLITICO's Miranda Willson explains how that ruling — and actions by the Trump administration — have made it easier for many data centers to move through the federal permitting process, and why that has left some communities with fewer opportunities to weigh in on projects being built in their backyards. Plus, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is enacting the nation’s first state-level moratorium on large-scale data center construction, and electric and gas utilities across the country have requested a total of $18...

Today, POLITICO Energy host Zack Colman sits down for an extended interview with Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York. They discuss whether New York can meet its climate goals while keeping energy affordable, the future of nuclear power and offshore wind in the state, and how New York is responding to President Donald Trump's legal and policy attacks on clean energy.

Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO. 

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy. 

Yi-Jo Shen is a freelance video producer fo...

President Donald Trump said this week that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran is effectively over. What does that mean for the world's energy markets and, by extension, consumers' wallets? Could renewed tensions reshape the political landscape with the midterm elections approaching? POLITICO's James Bikales breaks down the economic and political consequences of the latest escalation. Plus, the Energy Department announced this week that it finalized a $3 billion loan to help support Texas’ power grid, and Meta announced that it is investing $10 billion to construct its first data center in Canada.

James Bi...

Experts are warning that federal job cuts imposed by President Donald Trump are starting to have an effect on weather forecasts, raising worries about that communities could be unprepared for extreme conditions. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down why some meteorologists are concerned, the response from the Trump administration, and what it could mean for communities across the country. Plus, scorching temperatures pushed electricity demand to near record levels last week, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission unveiled a proposal to streamline environmental reviews.

Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO. 

Nirmal Mulaikal is...

Today, POLITICO Energy host Josh Siegel sits down for an extended interview with Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger of Virginia. They discuss the state's first-of-its-kind data center energy tax, her affordability agenda and the Democratic party's energy and climate messaging ahead of the midterm elections.

Josh Siegel is a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO. 

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy. 

Yi-Jo Shen is a freelance video producer for POLITICO.

Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

Debra Kahn is the editorial dir...

The United States and Europe are both suffering through dangerous heat waves this summer, but their political leaders are telling very different stories about why and what to do about it. POLITICO’s Chelsea Harvey breaks down how dangerous these heat waves are, the role climate change is playing and why U.S. and E.U. leaders are responding so differently to the same problem. Plus, the World Bank is ditching its commitment to steer 45 percent of its spending toward projects with climate benefits, and the Interior Department announced another agreement to terminate an existing offshore wind lease on th...

 Today, POLITICO Energy host Manuel Quiñones sits down for an extended interview with Loren Blackford, executive director of the Sierra Club, one of the nation's leading environmental advocacy organizations. They discuss the group’s standing, the challenges facing the environmental movement under President Donald Trump, and the group's strategy heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy. 

Yi-Jo Shen is a freelance video producer for POLITICO.

Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

Debra Kahn is the editorial direc...

The oil industry received some welcome news this week as the United States and Iran agreed to a temporary ceasefire, raising hopes for greater certainty around shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. But President Donald Trump also directed the Justice Department to investigate major oil companies over alleged price gouging. POLITICO's James Bikales breaks down how the Trump–Big Oil alliance is getting more complicated. Plus, a powerful House Democrat called for Congress to impose a nationwide data center moratorium, and the Trump administration said it would provide $17.5 billion in loans to help speed the construction of up to 10 ne...

Today, POLITICO Energy reporter Kelsey Tamborrino sits down for an exclusive interview with Laura Swett, the chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, after the agency released a new strategy recently for managing the growing demand data centers are placing on America’s power grid. They discuss why FERC rejected a one-size-fits-all national rule and what this historic decision means for the data center boom and every day Americans.

Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy for POLITICO.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy. 

KJ...

Today, POLITICO Energy reporter Kelsey Tamborrino sits down for an extended interview with Ho Nieh, the chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. They discuss how the agency is at the center of America’s nuclear revival, the NRC’s relationship with the Trump administration, ongoing concerns about safety and regulatory independence, and what it will take to bring more nuclear energy online in the years ahead.

Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy for POLITICO.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy. 

KJ Cline is the v...

POLITICO’s deputy editor-in-chief Joe Schatz sits down for an exclusive interview with Laura Swett, the chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. They discuss how FERC might regulate energy-hungry data centers in the near future, rising power demand across the country, the controversy surrounding the nation’s largest grid operator, and what Swett wants to change about energy permitting in the United States.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy. 

KJ Cline is the video producer for POLITICO Energy.

Matt Daily is the energy editor for P...

While Democratic leaders are pledging to restore wind and solar tax credits if they regain control of Congress and the White House, some clean energy developers are questioning whether continuing to pursue those incentives is necessary or even politically wise. POLITICO's Nico Portuondo breaks down why Democrats and parts of the renewable energy industry are increasingly at odds over those credits and what the debate means for America's clean energy future. Plus, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said that global oil consumption in 2026 is expected to fall from last year, and Constellation Energy's plan to reopen the shuttered...

Today, POLITICO Energy host Zack Colman sits down for an extended interview with North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong, a Republican who leads a state that relies heavily on both oil and wind power while enjoying some of the nation's lowest electricity prices. They discuss how the Trump administration's energy agenda is affecting the state, including restrictions on new wind and solar projects, rising electricity demand, grid reliability, permitting reform and the conflict with Iran.

Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO. 

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy. 

The oil industry is telling the Trump administration that oil and fuel stockpiles are running dangerously low and that global energy prices could spike in a matter of weeks. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down why the warning is coming now, how the Trump administration is responding, and the impact on consumers and the global economy. Plus, President Donald Trump is expected to invoke the Defense Production Act as part of a plan to provide almost $700 million to refurbish and expand the nation’s coal power fleet.

James Bikales is an oil and gas repo...

As the Trump administration pushes to expand fossil fuel infrastructure, it may have found some unexpected allies: Democratic governors in New England. POLITICO's Ben Storrow breaks down what's driving that shift in a region long defined by its climate ambitions, how the White House and green groups are responding, and what it could mean for the future of Democratic energy policy. Plus, seven states filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's nearly $1 billion deal with TotalEnergies to cancel its offshore wind leases in the United States, and a federal judge stopped the Trump administration on Monday from dismantling the...

Today, POLITICO Energy host Josh Siegel sits down for an extended interview with David LaCerte, a Republican commissioner at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. They discuss FERC’s highly anticipated proposal on connecting AI data centers to the power grid, the turmoil surrounding America’s largest power grid operator PJM Interconnection, rising electricity costs, permitting reform, whether FERC is coordinating with the White House and more.

Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO. 

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy. 

...

The governors of Pennsylvania and New Jersey announced plans this week to build guardrails around data center development -- the latest sign that states are taking a more active role in shaping how and where data centers get built amid worries about soaring electricity prices, grid reliability and community impacts. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down what the two Democratic governors are proposing, how their plans compare, and what they signal about the raging national debate on data centers Plus, the House is planning to vote on a bipartisan package of bills next week aimed at easing the permitting pr...

Today, POLITICO Energy host Arianna Skibell sits down with Matt Abele, the executive director of the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association who serves on Governor Josh Stein’s Clean Energy Task Force. They discuss why North Carolina, which was one of the South's earliest and biggest adopters on clean energy, is slowing down its climate and green ambitions and what that trend reveals about affordability, rising utility bills and the growing impact of data centers across the region.

Arianna Skibell is a climate and energy reporter at POLITICO. 

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co...

On Thursday, the Trump administration postponed a regulation requiring grocery stores to buy climate-friendly models when they purchase new refrigeration systems – an effort to tamp down skyrocketing grocery prices that’s opposed by U.S. manufacturers. POLITICO’s Jean Chemnick breaks down why the administration delayed the rule, if it will actually help lower rising food prices -- and why that move doesn't thrill U.S. manufacturers. Plus, the Interior Department said it generated more than $4 billion in revenue in a major oil and gas lease sale, and a landmark United Nations resolution on whether countries are obligated to addres...

The massive $67 billion merger of Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy, two of the largest utility companies in the nation, will face a regulatory gauntlet at the state and federal level amid concerns about energy affordability and rising power demand. POLITICO’s Adam Aton breaks down the details of the potential merger, the difficult regulatory process ahead, and the stakes for the utility industry. Plus, the Trump administration will extend a waiver allowing the sale of Russian crude already loaded on tankers, and a new report from the Government Accountability Office said the Energy Department office charged with nuclear waste cl...

Today, POLITICO Energy host Manuel Quiñones sits down for an extended interview with Josh Levi, the president and CEO of the Data Center Coalition, the primary trade group for major tech companies and data center developers. They discuss concerns about data centers’ energy usage, data center moratoriums, how big an electoral issue data centers could become, and the industry's response to mounting political and policy scrutiny.

Manuel Quiñones is the congress editor for POLITICO’s E&E News. 

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy. 

KJ Cli...

President Donald Trump’s meetings this week with Chinese President Xi Jinping come as the Iran war is rattling global energy markets and raising new questions about energy security. POLITICO’s Scott Waldman and Sara Schonhardt break down the energy stakes behind the talks and how the conflict could ultimately help Beijing strengthen its long-term position in the global energy race. Plus, watchdog groups want the Senate Judiciary Committee to investigate whether Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito violated ethics rules in an oil and gas case, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says it could cost up to 1 trillion Cana...