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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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