POLITICO Energy

Rural voters in Texas are growing increasingly angry over data centers and new power lines in their communities, threatening Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s reelection bid as he faces a surprisingly competitive race against Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa. POLITICO’s Texas-based energy reporter Shelby Webb breaks down the rural backlash, how the candidates are responding and why the fight over energy could help decide who runs Texas. Plus, Maryland is doubling down on renewable energy, and the show will be off next week.

Shelby Webb covers Texas energy and environment issues for POLITICO.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy.

Kyra Coffie 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 came into office promising to dismantle Joe Biden’s nearly two trillion-dollar climate and clean energy agenda. But a new POLITICO analysis found that major pieces of Biden’s energy legacy are still alive, and the upcoming midterms could help determine what happens to them next. POLITICO’s Jessie Blaeser breaks down what Trump has successfully rolled back, why some Biden-era funding has survived, and how the uncertainty has changed the energy industry’s relationship with Washington. Plus, several independent U.S. oil producers are expected to sign production contracts with Venezuela’s state-run oil company in the coming days.

Jessie Blaeser is a senior data journalist at POLITICO.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy.

Kyra Coffie 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 Arianna Skibell sits down for an extended interview with Jim Robb, the president and CEO of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, which oversees the reliability and security of North America’s bulk power grid. They discuss how the data center boom is testing America’s power grid, what it will take to meet soaring electricity demand, and how policymakers must balance affordability, cybersecurity and climate change in the coming years.

Arianna Skibell is a climate and energy reporter 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

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s tenure has been marked by staff departures, secrecy and internal turmoil, according to multiple former officials and other sources close to the department. POLITICO’s Ian Stevenson breaks down what’s happening inside the Interior Department, how the agency and White House are responding, and what it could mean for Burgum’s future as one of President Donald Trump’s top energy officials. Plus, two senators unveiled legislation that would hold utility executives accountable when consumers' electricity bills spike, and the front-runner to become California’s next governor said he wants to give free electricity for part of the day to families struggling to cover their costs.

Ian Stevenson covers energy as well as public lands and the Interior Department 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

President Donald Trump is betting billions of federal dollars on rebuilding America’s mining industry and boosting U.S. supplies of critical minerals. But will it work? And what obstacles are ahead? POLITICO’s Hannah Northey breaks down where the money is going, why mining has become a major energy and national security priority, and the challenges that could stand in the administration’s way. Plus, the Trump administration said it would extend by 90 days its Jones Act waiver, and a new POLITICO poll found that a plurality of Americans now oppose a data center being built near where they live.

Hannah Northey covers the nexus of mining, environmental policy and politics for POLITICO’s E&E News.

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