NewsBusiness NewsPolitics

POLITICO Energy

POLITICO

POLITICO breaks down the stories and power players shaping energy politics and policy in the U.S. and around the world through original interviews, sharp reporting and expert analysis — all from the world’s largest energy policy newsroom.

Play

Open in

32 episodes
a few times a week
Avg 16 min
English

Episodes 32

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

Yesterday · 10 min
Inside the Michigan race that could shape energy policy nationwide
The race to replace Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel may be getting less attention than the state’s highly anticipated Senate contest between Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers, but it could have major consequences for national debates over energy, utilities and data centers. POLITICO Deputy editor-in-chief Joe Schatz breaks down the close race, why the Michigan AG’s office has become influential in energy and climate policy, and what the contest says about the growing power of state attorneys general. Plus, two wind projects clear a Pentagon review that’s been a sticking point in permitting talks, and the GAO plans to examine the Trump administration’s mining deals. Joe Schatz is the deputy editor-in-chief of POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy. Tolu Oluwadiya is a video producer at POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. Debra Kahn is the editorial director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Veronica Tejera is the deputy head of Audio/Video 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
Wednesday · 11 min
Trump wants data centers on public lands. Some Republicans are uneasy.
The Trump administration wants tech companies to start building AI data centers on America’s public lands. But that push is creating political tension in the western United States, putting some Republicans at odds with the Trump administration just weeks before the midterm elections. POLITICO’s Ian Stevenson explains why President Donald Trump is pushing to build data centers on public lands, the political and local pushback, and what’s next. Plus, FEMA's chief tells states to prepare to handle disasters largely on their own, and a rare earths company plans a major new plant in upstate New York. Ian Stevenson covers energy as well as public lands and the Interior Department for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy. Tolu Oluwadiya is a video producer at POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. Debra Kahn is the editorial director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Veronica Tejera is the deputy head of Audio/Video 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
Monday · 23 min
Electricity demand is soaring. Todd Snitchler is trying to get ahead of it.
Today, POLITICO Energy co-host Arianna Skibell sits down for an extended interview with Todd Snitchler, president and CEO of the Electric Power Supply Association. They discuss how power companies and grid operators are addressing surging energy demand driven by data centers and manufacturing, how utilities are trying to assess how much of the demand is real or speculative, and how utilities and federal energy regulators are planning to manage data centers' impact on the grid.
October 16 · 10 min
Why a Democrat could win a spot as a Texas oil regulator
The race for a seat on the Texas Railroad Commission, the state’s powerful oil and gas regulator, has turned into an unexpected nail-biter. Democratic state Rep. Jon Rosenthal is touting his industry credentials and commonsense policy proposals as he battles controversial Republican candidate Bo French. POLITICO’s Mike Lee breaks down Rosenthal’s pitch to voters and the potential national implications if he pulls off the upset.
October 14 · 26 min
Google’s energy and sustainability chief on AI power needs and its climate goals
Today, POLITICO Energy co-host Zack Colman sits down for an extended interview with Marsden Hanna, the head of energy and sustainability policy at Google. They discuss how the tech giant plans to power its AI data centers and the company’s 2030 net-zero climate goal, the need for the bipartisan Senate permitting bill and the potential for new scrutiny from Democrats on the hill over its energy use and climate commitments.
October 9 · 23 min
A leading Democratic pollster on energy, climate and the 2026 midterms
How much do voters care about energy and climate heading into the 2026 midterms? POLITICO Energy co-host Nirmal Mulaikal sits down for an extended interview with Geoff Garin, president of Hart Research, a leading Democratic public opinion research and strategic messaging firm. They explore how voters are weighing energy and climate issues ahead of the elections, how Democrats and Republicans are messaging on those topics, and what voters may want Democrats to do about energy if they regain control of Congress. 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 director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Veronica Tejera is the deputy head of Audio/Video 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
October 7 · 13 min
Inside the fight over Congress’ bipartisan energy permitting deal
Senate negotiators reached a bipartisan deal on a package to overhaul energy permitting rules in a bid to speed up the federal approvals and allow projects to be built faster by developers. But its political path forward may be difficult. POLITICO’s Nico Portuondo breaks down what's in the bill and the obstacles that lie ahead for one the most highly anticipated congressional energy bills in years. Plus, happy birthday to the POLITICO Energy podcast! Nico Portuondo 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 director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Veronica Tejera is the deputy head of Audio/Video 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
October 5 · 16 min
Supreme Court weighs the future of climate lawsuits against Big Oil
Today, the Supreme Court will begin to hear arguments in a case that could shape whether local governments can use state law to make oil companies pay for climate damages. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén and Lesley Clark explain the arguments on both sides, what the justices could decide and why the case could change the future of climate lawsuits and the oil and gas industry. Alex Guillén is an energy and climate reporter for POLITICO. Lesley Clark is a reporter at POLITICO covering climate change and energy litigation. 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 director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Veronica Tejera is the deputy head of Audio/Video 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
October 2 · 11 min
Trump’s military has a China problem. What will he do?
The Trump administration is caught between U.S. defense contractors and mining companies as a January deadline approaches for the Pentagon to stop buying equipment made with critical minerals and rare earth magnets sourced from China and other U.S. adversaries. POLITICO’s Hannah Northey explains why the industries are at odds, the dilemma facing the White House and what could happen next. Plus, the Trump administration is urging European governments to release strategic diesel reserves, and blue states and cities are suing EPA over its repeal of power plant carbon standards. Hannah Northey covers the nexus of mining, environmental policy and politics 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 director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Veronica Tejera is the deputy head of Audio/Video 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
September 30 · 13 min
The U.S. economy is growing. Will energy drag it down?
Polls show that Americans aren’t happy with President Donald Trump’s economy, even as key economic indicators remain strong. POLITICO’s economics correspondent Victoria Guida breaks down the disconnect, what’s driving America’s economic growth, and how rising energy costs are affecting consumers and could weigh on the economy ahead of the midterms. Plus, Congress may finally be moving toward a bipartisan permitting deal, and President Donald Trump announced plans for a new $15 billion steel plant in Iowa. Victoria Guida is an economics correspondent and columnist at 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 director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Veronica Tejera is the deputy head of Audio/Video 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
September 28 · 24 min
California AG Bonta on defending climate leadership against Trump
Today, POLITICO Energy host Zack Colman sits down for an extended interview with California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat. They discuss California’s legal battles with the Trump administration, the state’s authority to set nation-leading climate policies, the affordability of clean energy, the regulation of artificial intelligence and more. 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. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. Debra Kahn is the editorial director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Veronica Tejera is the deputy head of Audio/Video 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
September 25 · 17 min
Climate Week’s big shift: Energy, affordability and a U.S. retreat
Climate Week NYC — the annual gathering of thousands of government officials, business leaders, activists and advocates — is wrapping up today at a consequential moment in the fight against climate change. The United States has stepped back from climate leadership, while other countries and businesses continue to push ahead amid concerns about energy security and affordability. POLITICO’s Sara Schonhardt and Ben Storrow, who were on the ground in New York City, discuss the state of global climate action ahead of another U.N. climate conference in a couple of months. Plus, grid upgrades for 26 states and the latest setback for bipartisan permitting reform. Sara Schonhardt is an international climate reporter for POLITICO’s E&E News. Ben Storrow is an energy and climate 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 director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Veronica Tejera is the deputy head of Audio/Video 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
September 23 · 11 min
Big Ag and Big Oil battle for Trump’s support on diesel
Diesel prices are at record highs across the country right now, and that’s creating a major split inside the Republican party ahead of the November midterm elections. Many farm-state Republicans want President Donald Trump to restrict diesel exports, while America’s oil and gas industry warns that doing so could drive prices even higher. POLITICO’s James Bikales explains what’s driving the spike in diesel prices, whether an export ban would help and what the Trump administration might do. Plus, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott expanded his de facto moratorium on new data centers, and French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a moratorium on energy sector strikes between Ukraine and Russia. James Bikales is an oil and gas 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 director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Veronica Tejera is the deputy head of Audio/Video 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
September 21 · 28 min
NJ Gov. Mikie Sherrill: We’re saving ratepayers $1B a year
Today, Democratic New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill sits down for an extended interview with POLITICO Energy host Arianna Skibell. Sherill lays out her reasons for freezing utility rates, how she's regulating data centers and why she's holding out hope that New Jersey and the federal government can cooperate on new nuclear power. She also dished on her relationship with Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, who released a data center framework Friday afternoon.
September 18 · 11 min
Dems make their energy affordability pitch
A group of House Democrats unveiled a policy menu this week on what they’d like to achieve in the next Congress to reduce emissions and lower energy costs. It’s their first look at how they would tackle energy policy should they regain power in Congress next year after the election. And it comes as Republicans struggled this week to advance bills to reduce pump prices and address voter concerns about data centers.
September 16 · 12 min
What’s next for power plant climate rules?
The Trump administration rescinded marquee Biden-era standards targeting carbon emissions from fossil fuel power generation — and proposed blocking any future power plant carbon regulations. Is the final nail in the coffin for power plant emissions rules, or just the beginning of a new chapter in a long-running fight? POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the blockbuster announcement and what lies ahead.
September 14 · 25 min
General Motors wants its cars to help power your home
General Motors is offering a slate of electric vehicles with what the carmaker hopes will be an appealing feature: bidirectional power. That means if a customer’s power goes out, they can use their car to help energized their home, Aseem Kapur, GM Energy’s chief revenue officer, tells the POLITICO Energy podcast. That type of flexibility – which could also eventually weave in demand response programs to cut utility bills – has long been touted for EVs, but few have had the capability, until now.
September 11 · 11 min
Energy prices are closing in on the GOP’s midterm chances
Energy prices are rising throughout the country partially because of the war in the Middle East, and that’s putting Republicans and President Donald Trump on the defensive just weeks before the 2026 midterm elections. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre explains how higher prices are affecting consumers and the broader economy, which states and races could feel the political impact, and whether the Trump administration can bring prices down before the midterm elections. Plus, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved new standards to boost the physical security of grid infrastructure, and EPA paid staffers roughly $200 million to not work last year. Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at 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 director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Veronica Tejera is the deputy head of Audio/Video 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
September 9 · 13 min
How solar power is winning over Georgia Republicans
President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans have attacked solar power and rolled back key industry tax credits. But now, in conservative Georgia, Republicans are embracing the green technology, exposing a growing divide within the party. POLITICO’s Zack Colman explains why some Georgia Republicans are warming up to solar and what that could say about the future of clean energy for Republicans around the country. Plus, the Energy Department announced recently that it finalized a $1.9 billion loan to help restart a shuttered nuclear power plant in Iowa. 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. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. Debra Kahn is the editorial director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Veronica Tejera is the deputy head of Audio/Video 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
September 4 · 21 min
Trump picked a fight with Washington. Its AG is pushing back.
Today, POLITICO deputy editor-in-chief Joe Schatz sits down for an extended conversation with Nick Brown, the Democratic attorney general of Washington. They discuss the Trump administration’s legal battles with Washington over wind power and coal, how Brown and other Democratic-led states are responding, why state attorneys general across the country are becoming increasingly important players in energy and climate policy, and if Brown will run for governor in the future. Joe Schatz is the deputy editor-in-chief of 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 director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Veronica Tejera is the deputy head of Audio/Video 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

Showing 1–20 of 32 episodes