Politico | Energy & Environment
Some Republicans want to beat China on clean energy. Trump doesn’t care.
20 May 2025 at 06:30

Some Republicans want to beat China on clean energy. Trump doesn’t care.

20 May 2025 at 06:30

Efforts to preserve Biden-era tax breaks for green technology are running into an administration focused on fossil fuels — and unwilling to play on what it sees as Beijing's turf.

President Donald Trump's administration believes that Biden-era investments in green energy "essentially create a jobs program for China," former adviser George David Banks said.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Appeals court questions EPA’s termination of $20B climate grants
20 May 2025 at 01:35

Appeals court questions EPA’s termination of $20B climate grants

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Alex Guillén

20 May 2025 at 01:35

But two Trump-appointed judges indicated they may consider this a contract claim that would have to be heard by a different court.

Three judges on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals mulled the future of $20 billion in Biden-era climate grants Monday.

Politico | Energy & Environment
GAO rejects DOGE attempt to land at congressional watchdog agency
17 May 2025 at 04:43

GAO rejects DOGE attempt to land at congressional watchdog agency

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Heather Richards

17 May 2025 at 04:43

The Government Accountability Office told the DOGE acting administrator that it is part of the legislative branch.

Elon Musk, the tech entrepreneur who spearheaded the Department of Government Efficiency, at a March Cabinet meeting held by President Donald Trump at the White House.

Politico | Energy & Environment
The clean energy boom that could snarl the GOP megabill
16 May 2025 at 16:45

The clean energy boom that could snarl the GOP megabill

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By James Bikales

16 May 2025 at 16:45

Arizona Rep. Juan Ciscomani and other rank-and-file Republicans are facing a tough choice: resist Donald Trump’s efforts to gut Democrats’ climate law or incur the wrath of constituents who could lose billions in investments and thousands of new jobs.

A solar installation, completed by Obodo Energy, is seen at a commercial farm in Willcox, Arizona, on April 22, 2025. The project benefits from the tech-neutral clean electricity credit in the Inflation Reduction Act.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Democrats raise alarms as National Weather Service races to fill jobs ahead of hurricane season
15 May 2025 at 04:39

Democrats raise alarms as National Weather Service races to fill jobs ahead of hurricane season

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Zack Colman

15 May 2025 at 04:39

Internal documents reviewed by POLITICO revealed a range of open positions, from a lead meteorologist role in Fairbanks, Alaska, to meteorologist-in-charge at the NWS office in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Democrats warned that staffing shortages at the National Weather Service would leave the U.S. ill prepared for disasters and storms.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Trump EPA moves to weaken drinking water limits on toxic ‘forever chemicals’
14 May 2025 at 22:32

Trump EPA moves to weaken drinking water limits on toxic ‘forever chemicals’

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Annie Snider

14 May 2025 at 22:32

The administration said it wants to rescind and reconsider whether limits are needed for four PFAS that chemical companies are still producing and using in the U.S. — despite known health risks.

EPA-mandated testing has found PFAS in nearly half of Americans’ drinking water.

Politico | Energy & Environment
The Saudis are hurting the US oil industry. Trump’s unlikely to talk about it.
12 May 2025 at 22:00

The Saudis are hurting the US oil industry. Trump’s unlikely to talk about it.

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Ben Lefebvre

12 May 2025 at 22:00

The oil issue? "It’s secondary," says one expert, as the president prepares for talks in the Middle East.

The Valero Wilmington Oil Refinery, adjacent to the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, is seen in Los Angeles, California, on April 10, 2025.

Politico | Energy & Environment
'How come I can’t breathe?': Musk's data company draws a backlash in Memphis
6 May 2025 at 22:32

'How come I can’t breathe?': Musk's data company draws a backlash in Memphis

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Ariel Wittenberg

6 May 2025 at 22:32

The company’s turbines — enough to power 280,000 homes — run without emission controls in an area that leads Tennessee in asthma hospitalizations.

Politico | Energy & Environment
GOP may be closer than ever to enacting a massive rule-busting bill
5 May 2025 at 16:45

GOP may be closer than ever to enacting a massive rule-busting bill

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Andres Picon

5 May 2025 at 16:45

"For those who say it would make a radical change ... I’d say, ‘Thank heaven above for that,’” says Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee.

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair Mike Lee (R-Utah) is one of the prime architects of the attempt to pass the rulemaking overhaul, based on a long-sought conservative proposal called the "REINS Act."

Politico | Energy & Environment
Trump threatens ‘secondary sanctions’ on importers of Iranian oil
2 May 2025 at 05:16

Trump threatens ‘secondary sanctions’ on importers of Iranian oil

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Gregory Svirnovskiy

2 May 2025 at 05:16

China is a major consumer of Iranian crude oil, with imports reaching a record 1.8 million barrels per day in March.

President Donald Trump has made clinching a deal to halt Iran’s nuclear development program a central part of his foreign policy portfolio.

Politico | Energy & Environment
FEMA cleared of punishing pro-Trump hurricane victims
29 April 2025 at 22:35

FEMA cleared of punishing pro-Trump hurricane victims

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Thomas Frank

29 April 2025 at 22:35

A recent investigation found "no evidence" that the Federal Emergency Management Agency under Joe Biden deliberately avoided helping homes in Florida that backed Donald Trump.

Deanne Criswell, then the head of FEMA, testifies before Congress on April 18, 2023.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Rubio eliminates office that oversees climate talks
25 April 2025 at 06:00

Rubio eliminates office that oversees climate talks

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Sara Schonhardt

25 April 2025 at 06:00

The Office of Global Change was notified Thursday that it would be shuttered.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio (center) meets with President Donald Trump and other administration officials Thursday.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Trump-appointed National Science Foundation leader resigns
25 April 2025 at 05:47

Trump-appointed National Science Foundation leader resigns

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Corbin Hiar

25 April 2025 at 05:47

Sethuraman Panchanathan has left the scientific research funding agency amid widespread layoffs and canceled grants.

National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan on Capitol Hill on April 13, 2021.

Politico | Energy & Environment
White House debates lifting sanctions on Russian energy assets, Nord Stream
24 April 2025 at 08:00

White House debates lifting sanctions on Russian energy assets, Nord Stream

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Ben Lefebvre and Felicia Schwartz

24 April 2025 at 08:00

The debate pits Steve Witkoff against State Department and U.S. energy export proponents.

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff (left) listens to Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a diplomatic meeting at the Elysée presidential palace in Paris on April 17, 2025.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Quest to retake $20B in climate money puts Trump agencies at ‘significant’ risk, attorney warned
24 April 2025 at 07:17

Quest to retake $20B in climate money puts Trump agencies at ‘significant’ risk, attorney warned

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Alex Guillén

24 April 2025 at 07:17

The Trump administration's effort to regain control of $20 billion in already-distributed funding could expose the agency to billions in damages, a career lawyer wrote in an internal message obtained by POLITICO.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has spent more than two months demanding that his agency regain control of $20 billion in climate grants that the Biden administration awarded last year.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Natural Resources plans May 6 markup of its portion of GOP megabill
24 April 2025 at 02:28

Natural Resources plans May 6 markup of its portion of GOP megabill

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Josh Siegel

24 April 2025 at 02:28

The Natural Resources Committee's portion of the party's megabill is expected to expand oil and gas lease sales on federal lands and waters and develop new mines for critical minerals.

House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman sits for a portrait in the committee’s hearing room on Capitol Hill on March 14, 2025.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Elon Musk bankrolled a $100M climate contest. Now critics say it's ‘tainted.’
24 April 2025 at 01:46

Elon Musk bankrolled a $100M climate contest. Now critics say it's ‘tainted.’

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Corbin Hiar

24 April 2025 at 01:46

The billionaire funded an XPrize for carbon removal. But he won't be at the ceremony announcing the winner Wednesday.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk went from an environmental hero to a MAGA hardliner.

Politico | Energy & Environment
‘Crazy’: Forest Service cuts ignite fear, fury over wildfire risks
23 April 2025 at 22:00

‘Crazy’: Forest Service cuts ignite fear, fury over wildfire risks

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Jordan Wolman and Natalie Fertig

23 April 2025 at 22:00

The Trump administration has slashed more than 10 percent of the agency’s workforce, with more layoffs expected.

U.S. Forest Service firefighters prepare to battle the Caldor Fire on August 31, 2021 in Meyers, California.

Politico | Energy & Environment
White House says it’s not targeting green groups’ tax status
23 April 2025 at 05:08

White House says it’s not targeting green groups’ tax status

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Robin Bravender

23 April 2025 at 05:08

The comments follow speculation that the Trump administration would seek to revoke environmental groups’ tax-exempt status.

President Donald Trump arrives to speak in the Rose Garden of the White House on April 2.

Politico | Energy & Environment
White House asked FERC’s Phillips to step down
23 April 2025 at 00:01

White House asked FERC’s Phillips to step down

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Catherine Morehouse

23 April 2025 at 00:01

His exit from the commission will leave a 2-2 partisan split, and allow President Donald Trump to tap a replacement commissioner.

Willie Phillips, chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, speaks last year on Capitol Hill.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Burgum rues ‘war on mining’ ahead of tariff negotiations with China
21 April 2025 at 01:16

Burgum rues ‘war on mining’ ahead of tariff negotiations with China

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Gregory Svirnovskiy

21 April 2025 at 01:16

Still, there's no one better than the commander in chief to bring Beijing to the negotiation table, the Interior secretary said.

"Under President Trump, it's not just drill, baby, drill, it's going to be map, baby, map, which is we've got these materials in our country, but then also mine, baby, mine," Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said.

Politico | Energy & Environment
World Bank climate message shifts amid Trump era uncertainty
20 April 2025 at 22:00

World Bank climate message shifts amid Trump era uncertainty

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Sara Schonhardt and Zack Colman

20 April 2025 at 22:00

The bank’s messaging on climate represents a delicate balancing act between the institution and the U.S., its largest shareholder.

The bank’s climate work is occurring as several of the Trump administration’s allies want the U.S. to exit the World Bank entirely.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Federal judge orders immediate thaw of climate, infrastructure funds
16 April 2025 at 06:34

Federal judge orders immediate thaw of climate, infrastructure funds

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Alex Guillén

16 April 2025 at 06:34

President Donald Trump does not have "unfettered power to hamstring in perpetuity" duly passed funding laws, the judge ruled.

A federal judge has ordered a mass unfreezing of federal grants, including $1 million for urban forestry work in the Woonasquatucket River watershed in Rhode Island.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Trump's EPA wages war over $20B in 'gold bars'
15 April 2025 at 19:26

Trump's EPA wages war over $20B in 'gold bars'

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Jean Chemnick

15 April 2025 at 19:26

The Biden EPA handed out billions of dollars to bring clean energy technologies to lower-income communities. The Trump administration is trying to take it back.

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin (left) looks on as President Donald Trump holds a signed executive order in the White House on Tuesday.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Trump's economic tumult tests the oil industry's patience
15 April 2025 at 05:07

Trump's economic tumult tests the oil industry's patience

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Ben Lefebvre

15 April 2025 at 05:07

The president's trade war has unnerved investors and executives — and could undermine his pledge to unleash "energy dominance."

Energy Secretary Chris Wright, left, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, right, head back into the West Wing after speaking to reporters at the White House in Washington, on March 19, 2025. Burgum and Wright met with President Donald Trump and executives from the oil and gas industries at the White House.

Politico | Energy & Environment
White House outlines plan to gut NOAA, smother climate research
12 April 2025 at 02:08

White House outlines plan to gut NOAA, smother climate research

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Daniel Cusick， Chelsea Harvey and Scott Waldman

12 April 2025 at 02:08

The agency’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research would be “eliminated as a line office,” according to a memo from the Office of Management and Budget.

Clouds drift over North America in this 2024 satellite image provided by NOAA.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Trump pick to lead Interior’s land management agency withdraws nomination
10 April 2025 at 23:47

Trump pick to lead Interior’s land management agency withdraws nomination

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Ben Lefebvre

10 April 2025 at 23:47

Kathleen Sgamma's withdrawal comes after a 4-year-old memo resurfaced showing she criticized President Donald Trump's role in the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol.

Kathleen Sgamma on Capitol Hill on April 27, 2021.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Trump moves to hobble major US climate change study
9 April 2025 at 22:27

Trump moves to hobble major US climate change study

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Zack Colman

9 April 2025 at 22:27

The cuts are a potentially fatal blow to the National Climate Assessment that Congress mandated to ensure the government understands the threats posed by rising temperatures.