President Donald Trump’s effort to fast-track small nuclear reactors favors Silicon Valley startups over established nuclear companies, raising questions about safety, trust, and the future of U.S. nuclear power. Francisco “A.J.” Camacho from POLITICO’s E&E news breaks down how that split in the industry could complicate Trump’s larger nuclear goals. Plus, the Commerce Department said Thursday it has opened a national security investigation into imports of wind turbines.

Francisco "A.J." Camacho is a 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. 

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

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Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s shutdown of the Indian Point nuclear plant years ago was seen as a safety win, but it’s driven up emissions, raised electricity costs, and complicated New York’s climate goals. Now, as Cuomo pursues a political comeback, critics say the closure left the grid dirtier and consumers paying more. POLITICO’s Marie French breaks down what it means for New York’s energy future and the Democratic debate over nuclear power. Plus, President Donald Trump pledged in a social media post Wednesday that the U.S. won’t approve solar or wind projects that he says harm farmland.

Marie J. French covers energy and the environment for POLITICO New York. 

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

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A former Biden administration official is pushing back against a Department of Energy report that could undermine the federal government’s authority to regulate carbon emissions. Jean Chemnick from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down why the report matters, how it ties into the Trump administration’s broader strategy to overturn the “endangerment finding,” and what’s at stake for future climate rules. Plus, a coalition of U.S. manufacturers that build the equipment used to make batteries is urging the Trump administration to end a tariff exemption for Chinese battery machines.

Jean Chemnick covers climate change at EPA and other agencies for 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-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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Energy Secretary Chris Wright exclusively told POLITICO recently that he’s worried about rising electricity prices, and he thinks Republicans could suffer political pain in the midterm elections because of them. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel breaks down why Wright is concerned and who he really thinks voters should blame for rising prices. Plus, 19 states and the District of Columbia sued the Energy Department over the agency’s move to limit the use of its grant funding for “indirect costs” such as buildings, equipment and personnel.

James Bikales is a 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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