POLITICO Energy

Democrats are champing at the bit to conduct more oversight of the Trump administration’s close ties to the oil and gas sector if the regain power in Congress in November's midterms. What are they planning to home in on? And what are energy lobbyists doing to prepare? POLITICO's James Bikales breaks down what to expect if Democrats take hold of the committee gavels.

Why is the Colorado River at a breaking point? Part of the answer lies in years of drought, dwindling water supplies and a long fight among Western states over an operating plan for the river. POLITICO's Annie Snider explains why the Trump administration is stepping in to take a larger role in managing the Colorado River, what that means for the 40 million people who rely on it and why the next chapter in the West's water wars could be decided in Washington or in court.

Today, POLITICO Energy host Manuel Quiñones sits down for an extended interview with Tim Pawlenty, the new president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, former Minnesota governor and 2012 Republican presidential candidate. They discuss why the solar industry turned to a longtime Republican to lead it, Pawlenty's strategy and vision, the industry's biggest congressional policy priorities, and whether solar can thrive in President Donald Trump's Washington.

Manuel Quiñones is the congress editor 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.

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Today, POLITICO Energy host Josh Siegel sits down for an extended conversation with Virginia Senate President Pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas, arguably one of the most powerful lawmakers in the state. They discuss Gov. Abigail Spanberger's recent comments on the show, Virginia's first-in-the-nation approach to taxing data centers' energy use, and what the debate in the data center capital of the world could mean for how states across the country regulate these energy-hungry projects. They also discuss the proposed NextEra-Dominion merger — the largest utility merger in U.S. history — and the FBI investigation involving Lucas' office.

Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy.

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

Why are AI data centers getting built so quickly? Part of the answer lies in a Supreme Court decision from 2023. POLITICO's Miranda Willson explains how that ruling — and actions by the Trump administration — have made it easier for many data centers to move through the federal permitting process, and why that has left some communities with fewer opportunities to weigh in on projects being built in their backyards. Plus, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is enacting the nation’s first state-level moratorium on large-scale data center construction, and electric and gas utilities across the country have requested a total of $18.6 billion in rate increases since the start of this year.

Miranda Wilson covers water and environment 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