Politico | Energy & Environment
GOP senators place holds on Treasury nominees over solar, wind credits
5 August 2025 at 03:53

GOP senators place holds on Treasury nominees over solar, wind credits

By: By Kelsey Tamborrino and Josh Siegel

5 August 2025 at 03:53

The actions follow a so-far unsuccessful effort by a handful of moderate Senate Republicans to meet with the Treasury Department to discuss forthcoming guidance.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who sits on the Senate Finance Committee, recently announced in the Congressional Record that he placed holds on the Treasury nominees.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Trump administration moves to repeal climate ‘holy grail’
30 July 2025 at 01:18

Trump administration moves to repeal climate ‘holy grail’

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Alex Guillén

30 July 2025 at 01:18

The repeal of the finding on the dangers greenhouse gases pose to human health and welfare will face fierce legal challenges.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has proposed undoing the greenhouse gas endangerment finding, the legal basis for most of EPA's climate regulations.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Researchers quietly planned a test to dim sunlight. They wanted to ‘avoid scaring’ the public.
27 July 2025 at 19:00

Researchers quietly planned a test to dim sunlight. They wanted to ‘avoid scaring’ the public.

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Corbin Hiar

27 July 2025 at 19:00

Hundreds of documents show how researchers failed to notify officials in California about a test of technology to block the sun’s rays — while they planned a much huger sequel. 

The west coast of North America is one area the Marine Cloud Brightening Program has considered for a 3,900-square-mile solar geoengineering test. A boat is seen off the coast of Costa Rica.

Politico | Energy & Environment
NOAA places 2 veteran officials on leave
26 July 2025 at 03:15

NOAA places 2 veteran officials on leave

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Ben Johansen and Daniel Cusick

26 July 2025 at 03:15

It comes less than a week before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee takes up the confirmation of Neil Jacobs, the president's nominee to lead NOAA as its administrator.

Neil Jacobs served as NOAA’s acting administrator during President Donald Trump’s first term, where he found himself embroiled in the “Sharpiegate” scandal.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Trump switches off power line project financing amid AI scramble for new energy
24 July 2025 at 07:00

Trump switches off power line project financing amid AI scramble for new energy

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By James Bikales and Kelsey Tamborrino

24 July 2025 at 07:00

The canceling of a federal loan guarantee for a major power grid project comes despite the White House pledge to expand the energy network to feed the voracious power appetite from new data centers.

The Trump administration announced it won't offer a loan guarantee to a major power transmission project that would feed electricity from wind power across the Midwest.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Trump’s latest plan to undo the ‘holy grail’ of climate rules: Never mind the science
24 July 2025 at 04:28

Trump’s latest plan to undo the ‘holy grail’ of climate rules: Never mind the science

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Zack Colman

24 July 2025 at 04:28

The administration’s approach, led by White House and Justice Department officials, would focus on a legal rather than a scientific rationale for repealing the so-called endangerment finding.

The Trump administration intends to challenge the foundation of federal climate rules by arguing law does not require agencies to limit greenhouse gases.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Steel plant in Vance’s hometown trades clean future for more coal
24 July 2025 at 02:06

Steel plant in Vance’s hometown trades clean future for more coal

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Scott Waldman

24 July 2025 at 02:06

The Middletown, Ohio, plant was set to receive $500 million to make "green" steel. Then its CEO embraced President Donald Trump.

JD Vance, then the Republican nominee for vice president, speaks during a July 2024 rally in his hometown of Middletown, Ohio.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Trump administration cancels pending loan for massive power line project
23 July 2025 at 23:04

Trump administration cancels pending loan for massive power line project

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Kelsey Tamborrino and James Bikales

23 July 2025 at 23:04

The decision lands after Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley said the administration would kill the financing at his urging.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright speaks during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on Capitol Hill on June 18, 2025, in Washington.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Trump is transforming the GOP’s energy policies — and not all conservatives are happy
23 July 2025 at 00:00

Trump is transforming the GOP’s energy policies — and not all conservatives are happy

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Zack Colman

23 July 2025 at 00:00

Much like Joe Biden, President Donald Trump is wielding money and federal leverage to reshape the U.S. energy supply — but this time, it’s in support of fossil fuels.

President Donald Trump and Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) speak at last week's "Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Event" at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

Politico | Energy & Environment
'Final nail:' Trump administration memo could strike fatal blow to wind and solar power
18 July 2025 at 21:00

'Final nail:' Trump administration memo could strike fatal blow to wind and solar power

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Zack Colman and Josh Siegel

18 July 2025 at 21:00

The department’s new policy requires Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s office to weigh in on virtually every permit for solar and wind projects with a nexus to Interior.

The Ivanpah Solar Generating Project was the first large-scale solar project on U.S. federal land. A new Interior Department policy requiring Interior Secretary Doug Burgum's personal approval for solar and wind projects could slow development across the country.

Politico | Energy & Environment
EPA moves ahead with reorganization, new buyouts
18 July 2025 at 00:44

EPA moves ahead with reorganization, new buyouts

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Alex Guillén and Annie Snider

18 July 2025 at 00:44

The moves are the latest part of the Trump administration’s ambitious reorganization and workforce reduction plan.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is moving forward with reorganization plans after the Supreme Court said the Trump administration could continue such work.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Trump administration taking new steps to block wind and solar projects, undisclosed memo says
17 July 2025 at 08:20

Trump administration taking new steps to block wind and solar projects, undisclosed memo says

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Josh Siegel and Zack Colman

17 July 2025 at 08:20

The directive puts these renewable energy projects under heightened scrutiny at Interior in a move that could slow approvals and construction.

A new directive requires Interior Secretary Doug Burgum's office to directly review all wind and solar decisions on federal land.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Democrats sue Trump over canceled disaster grant program
17 July 2025 at 03:09

Democrats sue Trump over canceled disaster grant program

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Thomas Frank

17 July 2025 at 03:09

State prosecutors want to restore $4.5 billion in canceled funding and to declare that FEMA's acting administrator is serving "unlawfully."

Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson (center) meets with emergency workers Saturday in Kerr County, Texas. A group of attorneys general is asking a court to declare that he holds the position "unlawfully."

Politico | Energy & Environment
DOGE told regulator to ‘rubber stamp’ nuclear
15 July 2025 at 01:33

DOGE told regulator to ‘rubber stamp’ nuclear

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Francisco "A.J." Camacho and Peter Behr

15 July 2025 at 01:33

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission's historic role of assuring safety is changing as the White House shifts some responsibility to the Department of Energy.

David Wright, chair of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, told senators the agency's regulatory independence would be preserved under his leadership.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Dems couldn’t save Biden’s energy programs — so they’ll try to make them a weapon against the GOP
14 July 2025 at 04:00

Dems couldn’t save Biden’s energy programs — so they’ll try to make them a weapon against the GOP

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Zack Colman

14 July 2025 at 04:00

They are centering their 2026 energy pitch on kitchen table economics by contending Republican policies will cost people money.

Democrats plan to hammer Republicans on energy prices in the 2026 election cycle.

Politico | Energy & Environment
NOAA nominee pledges full weather service staffing
10 July 2025 at 01:49

NOAA nominee pledges full weather service staffing

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Daniel Cusick and Kylie Williams

10 July 2025 at 01:49

Senators questioned two NOAA picks in the wake of deadly flooding in Texas.

Neil Jacobs, nominee to lead NOAA, testifying Wednesday on Capitol Hill.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Republican senator says hiring freeze resulted in key meteorologist vacancies
10 July 2025 at 00:14

Republican senator says hiring freeze resulted in key meteorologist vacancies

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Ben Johansen

10 July 2025 at 00:14

Sen. Jerry Moran rebuked the Trump administration’s hiring freeze — which has since been ended for the National Weather Service.

Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) speaks during a hearing on Capitol Hill, on March 27, 2025.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Why Texas’ floods are a warning for the rest of the country
8 July 2025 at 17:55

Why Texas’ floods are a warning for the rest of the country

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Zack Colman， Annie Snider and James Bikales

8 July 2025 at 17:55

The disaster that unfolded in Kerr County, Texas, shows how many communities will struggle to prepare for extreme weather as the federal government pulls back.

A resident of Kerrville, Texas, stands on the banks of the Guadalupe River, where flash floods caused more than 100 deaths.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Texas officials face scrutiny over response to catastrophic and deadly flooding
6 July 2025 at 19:19

Texas officials face scrutiny over response to catastrophic and deadly flooding

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Associated Press

6 July 2025 at 19:19

Local officials have insisted that no one saw the flood potential coming and have defended their actions.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott uses a cell phone as he rides in a vehicle crossing a bridge over the Guadalupe River after a visit to Camp Mystic July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas.

Politico | Energy & Environment
14 children in Texas are among the 37 dead from flash floods as the search continues for the missing
6 July 2025 at 02:15

14 children in Texas are among the 37 dead from flash floods as the search continues for the missing

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Associated Press

6 July 2025 at 02:15

The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes before dawn Friday, washing away homes and vehicles. More than two dozen children remained missing from a camp along the river.

A Sheriff's deputy pauses while combing through the banks of the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Politico | Energy & Environment
Is the Senate megabill compromise the last word on clean energy?
2 July 2025 at 18:28

Is the Senate megabill compromise the last word on clean energy?

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Josh Siegel， Kelsey Tamborrino and James Bikales

2 July 2025 at 18:28

A last-minute compromise in the megabill eases the ramp down in clean energy incentives sought by hardliners.

Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah) is seen during a series of votes on a budget reconciliation bill for President Trump's legislative agenda at the U.S. Capitol June 30, 2025.

Politico | Energy & Environment
GOP fight over clean energy threatens to derail megabill
1 July 2025 at 03:39

GOP fight over clean energy threatens to derail megabill

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Josh Siegel， Caitlin Oprysko and Meredith Lee Hill

1 July 2025 at 03:39

A diverse group of Republicans led by Sen. Joni Ernst are looking to reverse harsh changes to the GOP megabill.

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is seen during a series of votes on a budget reconciliation bill for President Donald Trump's legislative agenda at the U.S. Capitol, on June 30, 2025.

Politico | Energy & Environment
‘No alternative funding sources’: Trump’s stifling of disaster aid leaves cities adrift
30 June 2025 at 22:00

‘No alternative funding sources’: Trump’s stifling of disaster aid leaves cities adrift

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Thomas Frank

30 June 2025 at 22:00

The president canceled $4.5 billion in FEMA grants that helped communities prepare for rising disaster damage.

Dave Kozlansky inside his home in Scranton almost two years after it was inundated with 6 feet of floodwater.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Trump pushes Thune to crack down on wind and solar in megabill
28 June 2025 at 10:37

Trump pushes Thune to crack down on wind and solar in megabill

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Josh Siegel， Kelsey Tamborrino and James Bikales

28 June 2025 at 10:37

The president is directly intervening in the talks to push for the quicker phase out of clean energy tax credits in the House bill, but that would likely face pushback from moderate GOP senators.

President Donald Trump holds a press briefing at the White House after the Supreme Court released decisions, in Washington, on June 27, 2025.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Oil prices tumble as Iran attack avoids crude infrastructure
24 June 2025 at 03:22

Oil prices tumble as Iran attack avoids crude infrastructure

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Ben Lefebvre

24 June 2025 at 03:22

The move was interpreted as an attempt to ratchet down hostilities after the U.S. military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities.

A B-2 bomber arrives at Whiteman Air Force Base Mo., Sunday, June 22, 2025.

Politico | Energy & Environment
Oil prices jump as market awaits Iran response to attacks
23 June 2025 at 08:44

Oil prices jump as market awaits Iran response to attacks

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Ben Lefebvre

23 June 2025 at 08:44

A move by Tehran to disrupt oil shipments could mean sharply higher prices at the pump in the United States.

An oil tanker in Persian Gulf waters. Movement of crude from the oil-rich region could be cut off if Tehran moves to close the Strait of Hormuz.

Politico | Energy & Environment
‘Throwing us off a cliff’: Megabill could derail hundreds of planned clean energy projects
20 June 2025 at 00:00

‘Throwing us off a cliff’: Megabill could derail hundreds of planned clean energy projects

Politico | Energy & Environment

By: By Kelsey Tamborrino and Jessie Blaeser

20 June 2025 at 00:00

A POLITICO analysis identified 794 planned clean electricity generation facilities — mostly in GOP districts — that could lose subsidies under the House bill. The Senate is debating changes.