Why data centers are becoming a GOP political problem
Household electricity prices are increasing nationwide, and some voters are pointing the finger at energy-hungry data centers. That backlash is pushing some Republican lawmakers to break with President Donald Trump, which potentially gives an opening for Democrats as the midterm elections loom. Nico Portuondo from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down how data centers are becoming a political problem for Republicans and if Democrats can step up on the issue.
Nico Portuondo is a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO’s E&E News.
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.
Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at 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
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7:14
The West’s water war lands in Vegas this week
Federal and state officials are descending on Las Vegas this week for a pivotal conference that could shape the future of the drought-stricken Colorado River. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down what’s at stake in Vegas, how the Trump administration is influencing the talks, and why the fight could ultimately land before the Supreme Court. Plus, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is set to take up a high-profile co-location proceeding at its open meeting this week.
Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro.
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.
Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at 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
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8:48
What Trump’s tanker seizure means for the oil markets
The United States this week escalated its pressure campaign against President Nicolás Maduro’s regime by seizing a sanctioned oil tankers off Venezuela’s coast — a move that underscores President Donald Trump’s willingness to wield energy as a foreign-policy weapon. POLITICO’s James Bikales unpacks what’s behind the dramatic seizure, how it fits into Trump’s broader strategy, and why oil traders are closely watching what the administration does next. Plus, the Republican-led House passed a trio of bills aimed at speeding up permitting for energy projects and bolstering power grid reliability.
Josh Siegel is the host of POLITICO Energy and a congressional energy reporter for POLITICO.
James Bikales is an oil and gas reporter for POLITICO.
Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.
Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO.
Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at 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
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6:46
America’s offshore wind industry may not survive Trump
A year into his second term, President Donald Trump has moved aggressively to dismantle America’s offshore wind power industry — pulling permits, wiping out tax credits, and launching agency reviews that have rattled developers. Ben Storrow from POLITICO’s E&E News explains how those actions exposed deep internal divisions within the industry and are putting its business future in serious jeopardy. Plus, the Interior Department raised $279 million in the U.S.’s first offshore oil and gas lease sale since 2023, the second-highest total in a decade.
Ben Storrow is a reporter 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.
Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at 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
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10:40
Why Dems might cool it on the climate talk
How should Democrats talk about energy heading into the 2026 midterm elections? A new survey from a center-left group suggests they should pivot from their 2024 strategy under former President Joe Biden as voters remain anxious about the economy. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and Kelsey Tamborrino break down the findings, along with how both parties are struggling to communicate around affordability and energy prices. Plus, a federal judge called the Trump administration's executive action to halt permits for both onshore and offshore wind projects across the country illegal.
Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy 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.
Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at 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 latest news in energy and environmental politics & policy — must-know stories and candid insights from POLITICO’s energy team and journalists across our newsroom. All in just five minutes each morning.