POLITICO Energy

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.

Victoria Guida, POLITICO economics correspondent who tracks inflation and macro impacts, and Ben Lefebvre, deputy energy editor covering U.S. energy policy, unpack rising oil and gasoline costs after U.S. action on Iran. They discuss White House scramble over fuel prices. They cover private policy ideas like tanker escorts and tax moves. They talk risks if disruption drags on and the political fallout heading into 2026.

James Bikales, an oil and gas reporter who covers global energy markets, breaks down how US‑Iran fighting is spiking oil prices. He walks through immediate market moves. He outlines duration‑dependent scenarios and how prices could hit US gasoline. He explains the administration’s plan to secure shipping and the political stakes shaping energy messaging.

Drew Maloney, president and CEO of the Edison Electric Institute and voice for investor-owned utilities, talks grid reliability, investment and industry policy. He discusses regional price drivers, the rise of data centers and how utilities plan solar, batteries and gas to keep the lights on. He explains coordination with tech firms and protections for ratepayers.

Scott Waldman, a White House reporter tracking administration messaging, and Zack Colman, a climate and energy reporter, dissect Trump's energy-focused messaging. They parse what was emphasized and omitted. They flag rising electricity bills, gas-price claims, geopolitical risks and what to watch politically. The conversation maps how energy angles could shape 2026 messaging and voter priorities.

Timothy Cama, POLITICO energy reporter who covers data centers and energy policy, walks through the rise of AI-driven data center buildouts. He discusses why underdog Democrats are making local energy and resource concerns a campaign angle. He highlights specific races and whether voters care about data center growth.

Today, POLITICO Energy host Kelsey Tamborrino sits down for an extended interview with David Carroll, the newly elected chair of the board of the American Clean Power Association, for his first official interview in that role. ACP, which represents most of the companies building new wind, solar and battery projects across the country, is at the center of President Donald Trump’s sweeping push against clean energy. They discuss Trump’s offshore wind stop-work orders, permitting reform, energy affordability, data center demand and how the clean energy industry is navigating Trump’s second term. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy for POLITICO. Stefan Todorovic is the video producer of POLITICO Energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. Cyril Zaneski is executive editor of E&E News. Debra Kahn is the editorial director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Follow the show on Apple, Spotify, Youtube and Instagram. Follow POLITICO here:    ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/ ➤ Instagram:  / politico      ➤ Facebook:  / politico   For more reporting 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

Sara Schonhardt, international climate reporter who follows global institutions, and Miranda Willson, water and environment reporter with on-the-ground pollution expertise. They compare a high-profile Potomac sewage disaster with U.S. pressure to strip climate priorities from the IEA. Short, sharp scenes: visible water pollution vs. sidelining climate on the world stage.