POLITICO Energy

Lee Zeldin, former congressman and current EPA administrator steering a deregulatory, National Energy Dominance agenda. He discusses attending major energy forums, U.S. energy diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific, risks around the Strait of Hormuz, legal moves to roll back greenhouse gas authority, and plans for chemical safety and the Make America Healthy Again initiative.

Judy Chang, a Democratic FERC commissioner who oversees U.S. electricity transmission and reliability, joins to discuss grid strain and soaring power costs. She talks about the challenge of massive data center demand, how regulators balance regional planning with quick fixes, and the agency’s independence in high-stakes decisions.

Doug Burgum, U.S. Secretary of the Interior and former North Dakota governor, focused on energy policy and permitting reform. He discusses Iran and timelines for military objectives. He talks about high domestic fuel prices and short-term market fixes. He pushes for permitting reform to unlock investment and for rebuilding critical minerals supply chains to reduce dependence on China.

John Jovanovic, chairman and president of the Export-Import Bank, explains a $12 billion plan to build a domestic stockpile of critical minerals. He discusses the public-private VaultCo structure, congressional oversight, and how the effort fits into wider supply-chain and geopolitical competition with China. The conversation also covers EXIM’s wider role in energy projects and regional investment strategies.

Francisco "A.J." Camacho, POLITICO E&E reporter who covers energy and regulatory policy, unpacks a major Nuclear Regulatory Commission proposal. He breaks down proposed radiation standard changes, how they trace back to ALARA’s history, the likely industry and congressional reactions, and the unresolved public health questions.

Daniel Yergin, vice chairman of S&P Global and chair of CERAWeek, is a noted energy analyst and author. He previews the CERAWeek gathering and the clash of geopolitics with markets. He highlights the surge in AI and data centers, LNG’s growing role, copper and mining challenges, and how Middle East tensions are reshaping global energy agendas.

Jason Bordoff, founding director of Columbia’s Center on Global Energy Policy and former National Security Council energy adviser, lays out why the Iran war could bolster China’s energy reach. He discusses China’s long-term strategy on oil exposure, its clean‑energy and EV push, dominance in supply chains, and how countries may hedge between the U.S. and China.

Scott Waldman, a White House reporter covering climate and energy, explains why oil prices could stay high even after the Iran conflict ends. He discusses damage to regional infrastructure, risks to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and how proxy attacks and mine-laying can keep supply tightened. The conversation also touches on political consequences as voters feel fuel pain.

Kelsey Brugger, Capitol Hill energy and climate reporter, explains why permitting reform talks have restarted and how rising energy prices and demand changed the politics. She outlines what the White House wants and the main sticking points lawmakers face. Conversation also touches on timing, possible legislative vehicles, and risks that could derail a deal.

Charles Hua, executive director of PowerLines and expert on grid policy and utility regulation, discusses why U.S. power bills are climbing. He talks about skyrocketing rate requests, the influence of utility regulators, data center impacts on demand, and reforms states are trying. The conversation highlights regulatory incentives, grid efficiency fixes, and how rising bills are reshaping politics.