

POLITICO Energy
POLITICO
Each week, hosts Nirmal Mulaikal and Josh Siegel break down the stories and power players shaping energy politics and policy in the United States and around the world by featuring original interviews with key power players, alongside in-depth reporting and analysis from the largest energy policy newsroom in the world.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 11, 2025 • 10min
The GOP divide over the IRA green credits is growing
Twenty-one House Republicans are pushing their party to preserve some of the clean energy tax credits in the Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act, and they’re warning that they could oppose the GOP’s multi trillion-dollar tax-cut package if those credits are repealed. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and James Bikales discuss why some Republicans are defending those IRA incentives and how it complicates President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda. Plus, the Energy Department on Monday issued a permit extension for the proposed Delfin liquefied natural gas export project.James Bikales is a reporter for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO.Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switchAnd 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

Mar 10, 2025 • 10min
The ‘Super Bowl’ of energy kicks off today
CERAWeek, the biggest annual energy conference in the world, kicks off today in Houston, Texas where thousands of energy executives, leaders, lobbyists and Trump administration officials will gather to discuss the state of the industry. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down how the industry is feeling publicly and privately about the Trump administration so far and what to expect from the conference. Plus, EPA will end a novel enforcement lawsuit brought against a chemical plant in Louisiana that was a centerpiece of the Biden administration’s environmental justice agenda.Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO.Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switchAnd 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

Mar 7, 2025 • 11min
A new obstacle in Puerto Rico’s green transition: the governor
By law, Puerto Rico has committed to getting 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. But that mandated effort is being threatened by Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón, a fossil fuel advocate and ally of President Donald Trump’s. POLITICO deputy energy editor Gloria Gonzalez breaks down how Puerto Rico’s new governor is putting the territory’s clean energy transition in doubt. Plus, the Trump administration canceled 21 grants for work on low-carbon construction materials this week.Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO.Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switchAnd 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

Mar 6, 2025 • 11min
Dissecting Trump’s energy message to the country
President Donald Trump’s speech to the joint session of Congress on Tuesday night revealed a lot about his administration’s energy priorities moving forward. POLITICO Energy editor Matt Daily analyzes what Trump said and what it means for American energy policy moving forward. Plus, President Trump on Wednesday decided to delay for a month a portion of the 25 percent tariffs he imposed on Canada and Mexico at the urging of automakers.Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO.Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switchAnd 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

Mar 5, 2025 • 9min
Why the Supreme Court weakened EPA’s water pollution regulatory authority
The Supreme Court imposed new limits on EPA’s ability to regulate water pollution on Tuesday. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down the ruling, how the case involved strange political alliances, and what this means for EPA and America’s water quality moving forward. Plus, America's oil industry has been pretty muted about President Donald Trump’s new tariffs despite the trade moves financially hurting its bottom line.Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO.Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switchAnd 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

Mar 4, 2025 • 10min
How DOGE undercut Trump’s California water plan
The Department of Government Efficiency has hobbled the federal agency that delivers water across California, a move that inadvertently undercuts President Donald Trump’s plan to address the state’s water crisis. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down how DOGE's actions are in direct conflict with the president’s policy goals. Plus, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin on Monday requested an inspector general probe of the management of a $20 billion climate fund held by Citibank.Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO.Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO.Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switchAnd 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

Mar 3, 2025 • 9min
How the climate movement is strategizing for Trump 2.0
In this discussion, Zack Colman, a climate change reporter for POLITICO, shares insights on the anxious mood within the environmental movement as they anticipate a second Trump administration. He highlights how green groups are reshaping their strategies to counter aggressive deregulation efforts and resonate with economic concerns that influenced recent elections. Colman underscores the importance of mobilization and fundraising for advocacy groups navigating the turbulent political landscape, making for an engaging analysis of resilience in climate activism.

Feb 28, 2025 • 10min
What happens if Trump axes the endangerment finding?
Alex Guillén, an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro, dives into the EPA's controversial move to reverse a key scientific finding crucial for climate change regulations. He explains the legal battles that might ensue and the broader implications for U.S. climate policy. The discussion also touches on the historical context of the endangerment finding and its significance during both the Obama and Trump administrations. With potential cuts to the EPA's budget looming, Guillén offers insights into what this means for future climate action.

Feb 27, 2025 • 10min
What’s at stake in the US-Ukraine critical minerals deal?
A crucial minerals-for-aid deal between the U.S. and Ukraine is on the verge of being signed, raising questions about Ukraine's ability to meet expectations with its mineral reserves. The strategic implications of this agreement could reshape U.S. foreign policy and energy dynamics. Insights reveal challenges posed by ongoing conflict and infrastructure damage affecting mining operations. Additionally, the discussion touches on the evolving resource-based foreign policy and the EPA's regulatory changes impacting climate agendas.

Feb 26, 2025 • 10min
Inside the fight over $20 billion in EPA climate funding
Zack Colman, a climate change reporter for POLITICO, dives into the intense battle over $20 billion in EPA climate grants originally issued by the Biden administration. He discusses the Trump administration's push to reclaim these funds and the legal controversies surrounding it. Key figures, including grant recipients, present their case against accusations of waste. Colman also highlights the diverse political reactions and the implications for disadvantaged communities relying on this funding for energy efficiency projects.


