So far, President Donald Trump’s steep cuts to the U.S. Forest Service haven’t fueled the wildfire disaster Democrats and state officials feared. But experts warn the risks remain, with future cuts threatening prevention and response efforts. POLITICO’s Jordan Wolman breaks down why Trump's cuts haven't fueled wildfire catastrophe and how America isn’t out of the woods yet. Plus, the Trump administration announced a policy on Friday that will make it even harder for wind and solar projects to take advantage of federal tax credits. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Jordan Wolman is a sustainability reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer 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-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 Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new POLITICO analysis finds the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, has only saved $1.4 billion in verifiable cuts — far less than the $50 billion it claims. And none of it will reduce the federal deficit. POLITICO’s Jessie Blaeser breaks down DOGE’s inflated savings and the impact on federal energy agencies. Plus, the Energy Department is making available nearly $1 billion dollars in funding for critical minerals projects. James Bikales is a reporter for POLITICO.  Jessie Blaeser is a digital journalist at POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer 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-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 Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Sierra Club fired its executive director this week, and he’s vowing to fight his termination. POLITICO’s Zack Colman unpacks the internal turmoil atop one of the nation’s most influential environmental groups, and what it reveals about the broader struggles of green groups under the second Trump administration. Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer 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-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 Our music was composed by Pran Brandi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration is overhauling the guidance for the national EV charging network, while congressional Republicans are pushing for the first-ever nationwide fee on electric vehicle owners. POLITICO’s Chris Marquette breaks down how both moves could reshape federal EV policy and the political battles ahead. Plus, the Department of Energy launched a pilot program Tuesday to work with 11 advanced nuclear reactor projects. Chris Marquette is a transportation reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Kara Tabor is an audio producer for 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-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 The show’s music was created by Pran Brandi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Data centers powering the AI boom are bringing economic benefits to communities nationwide, but they’re also straining water supplies, driving up energy demand, and raising electric bills. POLITICO’s Jordan Wolman breaks down what’s fueling the data center boom, the backlash and why it’s a complicated issue for both parties. Plus, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy eased the rules for the Biden-era $5 billion electric vehicle charging program, scrapping the strict requirement that chargers be placed every 50 miles on highways. Jordan Wolman is a sustainability reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer 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-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 Music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Intro: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jRPbKHMWdn/Outro: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/LT5xCqqxIr/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration has escalated its attacks on wind and solar power in recent days, issuing a host of policies that threaten the future of America’s renewable energy industry. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino and Alex Guillén break down the latest attacks, how the industry and lawmakers are reacting, and the long-term impact on renewables.  Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO.  Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer 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-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 Music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Intro: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/fAomeYxofK/Outro: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/Ua4aSty4ml/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Puerto Rico’s power crisis just took a sharp turn this week after President Donald Trump removed most of the island’s financial oversight board. The move comes amid a tense legal fight with Wall Street bondholders over the utility’s billions of dollars in debt and raises fears that Puerto Ricans could be stuck paying the full price for a failing electric grid. POLITICO’s Gloria Gonzalez breaks down the board shake-up, the backlash, and what it means for Puerto Rico’s energy future. Plus, the Trump administration is escalating its onslaught of actions against U.S. offshore wind development. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer 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-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 Music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Intro: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/SuM3BuGKCm/ Outro: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/0KEjTXFuS0/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration is planning to kill Solar for All — one of the largest federal solar programs in U.S. history, with $7 billion aimed at expanding solar access in low-income communities. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down why EPA is targeting this program, along with the political and legal fights that may lie ahead. Plus, President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday imposing an additional 25 percent in tariffs on India over the country’s purchases of Russian oil. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy. Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer 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-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 Music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Intro: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/M3oIpqDzG6/ Outro: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/0KEjTXFuS0/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Artificial intelligence is fueling a surge in electricity demand, and U.S. power companies are suddenly seeing a rare opportunity for new growth and investment from the tech industry. POLITICO’s Debra Kahn breaks down this emerging tech-energy alliance and how the AI boom could actually be both a blessing and a curse for utility companies. Plus, EPA is planning to cancel a $7 billion program funding solar projects in low-income communities across the country. Debra Kahn is the editor of POLITICO's California Climate newsletter and author of Currents, a reported column about the energy, environment and climate debates. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer 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-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 Music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Intro: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/fAomeYxofK/ Outro: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/LT5xCqqxIr/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once a fierce critic of Big Oil, California Gov. Gavin Newsom is now working to keep refineries open and stabilize in-state fuel supplies — a move that reflects the complex political and economic realities of California’s clean energy transition. POLITICO’s Alex Nieves breaks down what this pivot means for California’s climate agenda and how it exposes a deeper tension within the Democratic Party over how to balance achieving environmental goals with relieving economic pressures. Plus, the Department of Interior said it’s rescinding language that requires the establishment of a five-year schedule for holding offshore renewable energy lease sales. Alex Nieves is the California transportation reporter at POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer 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-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 Music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump is hitting India with a 25 percent tariff and an additional energy penalty, citing the country’s continued purchases of Russian oil. The move marks a dramatic use of energy policy as a diplomatic weapon and threatens to strain ties with one of America’s key allies against China. POLITICO’s Phelim Kine breaks down how the president is using energy leverage in his trade policy against India. Plus, Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods says the Trump administration’s trade deals are unlikely to drive significant demand for U.S. natural gas. Phelim Kine is POLITICO’s DC-based China and Indo-Pacific Affairs correspondent. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Kara Tabor is an audio producer for 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-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 Music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration’s effort to repeal EPA’s endangerment finding, the legal foundation for federal climate rules, sets up a high-stakes fight that could hinge on the Supreme Court’s willingness to overturn a key decision it made in 2007. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down the potential legal battle, how today’s Supreme Court could reshape federal environmental law, and why Republicans see political upside even if the effort fails. Plus, President Donald Trump nominated Ho Nieh to serve on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the remainder of former Democratic Chair Christopher Hanson’s term. Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer 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-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 Music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration’s new trade deal with the European Union includes a striking energy commitment: the EU has pledged to buy $750 billion worth of American energy. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down what led to this pledge, why it might be impossible to meet, and how it reveals growing tension between Trump’s energy ambitions and his foreign policy goals. Plus, President Trump’s pick to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration just cleared a key Senate panel on Wednesday, putting him on track for confirmation. Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer 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-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

After weeks of anticipation, the Trump administration Tuesday released its proposal to overturn EPA’s endangerment finding. If the proposal is finalized and survives legal challenges, the move would deal a major blow to the U.S. effort to fight climate change. POLITICO’s Zack Colman and Alex Guillén break down EPA’s proposal, the climate stakes, and the legal fight ahead. Plus, Annie Caputo, a Republican commissioner on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, has resigned from the agency. Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO.  Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO.  Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer 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

House Republicans have started summer recess but that doesn’t mean the conversation about the GOP megalaw and its energy implications is over. Lawmakers are working to sell the law’s energy elements to their constituents, all while recent moves by President Donald Trump could curtail green energy and complicate promises of reviving American energy dominance. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel explains how GOP lawmakers are navigating this muddled energy policy environment. Plus, the Trump administration is expected to release a proposal targeting a 16-year-old endangerment finding that has been used to regulate climate pollution. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy for POLITICO. ⁠Josh Siegel⁠ is an energy reporter for POLITICO and cohost of POLITICO Energy.Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO. ⁠Alex Keeney⁠ is a senior audio producer 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-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

The Trump administration recently brought in $58 million from an oil lease sale in New Mexico’s Permian Basin, a move it touts as a win for its “energy dominance” agenda. But signs suggest U.S. oil production may be slipping. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down the sale’s details, how U.S. oil production is wavering, and what it means for Trump’s energy goals and allies. Plus, a new bipartisan push to speed up energy and infrastructure projects is taking shape on Capitol Hill. Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLITICO.  Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer 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-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

As early as this week, the Trump administration is expected to unveil a plan arguing the federal government is not obligated to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. If enacted, the move would wipe out nearly all U.S. limits on climate pollution, and mark President Donald Trump’s most sweeping attempt yet to dismantle climate policy. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down the proposal and how it could dramatically reshape America’s fight against climate change. Plus, the Energy Department said it selected four federal sites where it aims to place data centers and other artificial intelligence-related infrastructure as part of the Trump administration's AI strategy. Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer 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-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

The Trump administration has canceled a conditional $5 billion federal loan guarantee for the Grain Belt Express — a massive transmission line project designed to carry power across four Midwest states. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down why the administration pulled the plug, the political pressure behind the decision, and how it impacts America’s power grid and push for artificial intelligence moving forward. Plus, Norwegian energy company Equinor says it’s taking a nearly 1 billion dollar hit on its U.S. offshore wind projects. James Bikales is a reporter for POLITICO.  Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer 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

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee chair Mike Lee pushed to sell parcels of federal land as part of the GOP’s megalaw. But his plan failed after facing strong opposition from Democrats, conservationists, and even some fellow Republicans. Garrett Downs from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down why the proposal failed and how the fight over public lands may not be over yet in Congress. Plus, the Center for Biological Diversity on Tuesday expanded its lawsuit challenging a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service assessment that concluded oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico would not affect endangered wildlife. Garrett Downs covers Congress for POLITICO’s E&E News. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer 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

For years, Republicans slammed Democrats for using federal power to support clean energy, arguing the government shouldn’t be in the business of picking winners and losers in the energy space. But now, under President Donald Trump, they’re doing the same – but to push for more growth for fossil fuels and nuclear power. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down the GOP’s energy flip and what it means for America’s future. Plus, House appropriators released a committee report Monday raising issues with policies at EPA and the Interior Department and detailing how they want the $38 billion package spent in fiscal 2026. Zack Colman covers climate change for POLITICO.  Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Kara Tabor is an audio producer for 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-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