Political Climate

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215

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Political Climate delivers an insider’s view on the most pressing questions in energy and climate. Through biweekly analysis and debate, the podcast explores the nuances of how policy and politics are shaping the energy transition in the U.S. and around the world. Political Climate goes beyond partisan echo chambers to bring you insider scoops and authentic conversations with voices from across the political spectrum – all with a healthy dose of wit. Tune in every other Monday with hosts Julia Pyper, Neil Chatterjee, and Brandon Hurlbut along with influential and insightful guests.

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November 6, 202654 min

The Energy Affordability Election: Now What?

Voters want lower energy bills. Can Washington deliver? In the wake of the 2026 midterms, Political Climate examines what a shift in power means for clean energy, electricity prices, and the fight over data centers. Guest host Emily Chasan joins co-hosts Brandon Hurlbut and Neil Chatterjee, alongside Jeremy Harrell, CEO of ClearPath and ClearPath Action, to debate whether divided government could unlock bipartisan energy deals. First up: permitting reform. Can lawmakers get a deal across the finish line before the year ends—or will a crowded congressional calendar derail it again? The group also explores the prospects for clean energy tax credits, the growing backlash against data centers, and how new governors could reshape energy development. Plus, why electricity market reform—and some decidedly wonky work at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission—could define Washington’s next push on affordability. Episode highlights: 03:06 — The midterm results and energy’s political winners and losers 14:04 — Can permitting reform pass in the lame-duck session? 25:08 — What would actually bring down electricity bills? 27:35 — Silicon Valley’s political influence and the data center debate 33:20 — Trump, divided government, and the prospects for energy deals 36:29 — Federal spending and the future of clean energy tax credits 38:45 — New governors, state energy policy, and the Texas shake-up 41:37 — The voter backlash against data centers 48:49 — What comes next for Congress, electricity markets, and FERC? Political Climate is presented by ClearPath, one of the most influential organizations working to advance American energy innovation while reducing global emissions. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and beyond. Please rate and review to help others find the show! This episode was produced by Bruno Falcon. More at ⁠⁠politicalclimatepodcast.com⁠⁠

October 26, 202652 min

Can the Permitting Reform Coalition Hold?

Permitting reform has brought together strange bedfellows. But can this unlikely coalition get a deal through Congress? Josh Siegel, senior energy reporter at Punchbowl News, joins hosts Julia Pyper, Brandon Hurlbut, and Neil Chatterjee to break down the politics of the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (BAAJA). The bill promises faster grid connections for all energy projects and new protections against AI data centers shifting costs onto ratepayers, which has drawn support from Democrats and Republicans, clean energy groups and oil and gas interests. Yet utilities, environmental groups, and tribal organizations have concerns. This episode explores the trade-offs, the trust gap with the Trump administration, and the narrow path for BAAJA to pass after the midterms. Plus, Julia shares insights from an energy security gathering in Iceland. The hosts discuss China’s grip on critical mineral supply chains, fallout from the Iran conflict, and growing threats to energy infrastructure. So, you know, just a few light topics to close the show. In this episode: 00:00 — Midterm election predictions03:12 — Josh Siegel on the permitting deal’s prospects08:20 — Strange bedfellows and utility opposition11:15 — Faster permits, transmission, and grid connections18:36 — House hurdles: can the coalition hold?23:34 — Why environmental groups are divided27:20 — Who pays for AI’s power demand?32:50 — The election and the lame-duck window42:25 — Critical minerals and energy security Political Climate is presented by ClearPath, one of the most influential organizations working to advance American energy innovation while reducing global emissions. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and beyond. Please rate and review to help others find the show! This episode was produced by Bruno Falcon. More at ⁠⁠politicalclimatepodcast.com⁠⁠

October 5, 202653 min

Grids, Gas, and AI: Can Washington Make a Deal?

Permitting reform could reshape America’s energy future — if it actually becomes law. Will Washington close the deal on landmark bipartisan legislation? Energy project permitting sits at the center of today’s biggest debates: powering the AI boom, lowering electricity bills, competing with China, and tackling climate change. Recording together in person for the first time, hosts Julia Pyper, Brandon Hurlbut, and Neil Chatterjee unpack a new permitting proposal, what it could unlock, and the political hurdles ahead. They also explore the growing backlash against data centers, AI’s natural gas demand, and why electricity market reform matters alongside faster permitting. Featuring New York Climate Week remarks from Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Senator John Curtis (R-UT), Anthropic’s Ariel Horowitz, and DOE’s Alex Fitzsimmons, this episode connects Washington’s negotiations to household costs and America’s global competitiveness. Chapters:03:54 — A bipartisan permitting breakthrough: what’s in the deal?11:43 — AI’s natural gas boom and the climate trade-offs17:54 — Data center backlash: rebuilding trust and deciding who pays28:59 — Beyond tax credits: electricity market reform and the Texas model35:55 — Who shapes your electricity bill? Utilities, regulators, and reforms39:49 — Can the Trump administration deliver lower electricity prices?44:33 — Rethinking China: how the U.S. could benefit from cheap imports and onshore partnerships Political Climate is supported by ClearPath.

September 14, 202645 min

Is AI the Most Bipartisan Thing in Politics?

AI may be reshaping more than the economy—it could be reshaping American politics. As data centers collide with rising utility bills, community opposition and the midterm elections, Democrats and Republicans are converging is some surprising areas. Julia Pyper, Brandon Hurlbut and Neil Chatterjee unpack the growing bipartisan backlash, the fight over who pays for new power infrastructure, and what responsible AI development could look like. Plus: Brandon gives a hat tip to the Trump Energy Department. Political Climate is presented by ClearPath, one of the most influential organizations working to advance American energy innovation while reducing global emissions. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and beyond. Please rate and review to help others find the show! This episode was produced by Bruno Falcon. More at ⁠⁠politicalclimatepodcast.com⁠⁠.

August 24, 202646 min

The Copper Crunch— and How to Fix It. Checking In With Endolith

Copper prices are soaring, China still dominates the supply chain, and demand is set to explode 50% over the next 15 years thanks to AI, data centers, and electrification. So who's racing to fix America's copper problem? Endolith founder and CEO Liz Dennett returns to Political Climate for a candid update — from landing a national-security-backed Series A to launching the company's first field deployment in Arizona. Liz gets real about what it takes to build a mining startup (spoiler: "getting punched in the face again and again"), why permitting reform could make or break domestic critical minerals production, and why grid instability and copper price surges hit poor and marginalized communities hardest. It's a conversation about geopolitics, AI-guided microbes, and the invisible metal holding modern life together — plus why bipartisan cooperation might be the only way America wins the race for what's under our feet. Political Climate is presented by ClearPath, one of the most influential organizations working to advance American energy innovation while reducing global emissions. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and beyond. Please rate and review to help others find the show! This episode was produced by Bruno Falcon. More at ⁠⁠politicalclimatepodcast.com⁠⁠.

August 10, 202655 min

How a Humble Rock Could Transform Industry

Concrete is everywhere—from our homes and bridges to skyscrapers and data centers. But few people realize that the cement used to make concrete is responsible for roughly 8% of global carbon emissions. If cement were a country, it would be the third largest emitter on Earth. And yet, these materials haven't changed much since the Roman Empire. Why has innovation been challenging in the concrete and cement space? And why are entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers now suddenly paying attention? On Political Climate, hosts Julia Pyper, Brandon Hurlbut, and ClearPath's Rafae Ghani sit down with Brimstone CEO Cody Finke to explore one of the most ambitious industrial innovations in decades—what the startup calls a "Rock Refinery." Rather than simply making cement cleaner, Brimstone is rethinking the entire production process, creating a model that could lower emissions while also producing critical materials that are essential for economic competitiveness. In this episode: Why cement has become one of climate's biggest—and least understood—challenges How Brimstone is reinventing a manufacturing process that has changed little in centuries Why heavy industry could become a major source of American economic growth What it takes to commercialize breakthrough industrial technologies How innovation—not just regulation—could reshape the future of manufacturing and decarbonization If you've never thought much about cement, this episode might change your mind. Political Climate is presented by ClearPath, one of the most influential organizations working to advance American energy innovation while reducing global emissions. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and beyond. Please rate and review to help others find the show! This episode was produced by Bruno Falcon. More at ⁠⁠politicalclimatepodcast.com⁠⁠.

July 27, 202646 min

The Climate Hushing Election

What do a Democratic firefighter running for Congress in Montana and a Republican educator running for Senate in Louisiana have in common? They're both campaigning on climate issues—without ever saying the words "climate change." From wildfires to floods, housing to electricity, communities across America are looking for solutions that are sustainable. Environmentally, yes—but increasingly, economically. As voters grapple with rising costs, energy affordability has become one of the defining issues of the 2026 midterms. At the same time, AI and data centers have emerged as new political flashpoints, fueling debates over electricity prices and environmental impacts. Recorded live at Aspen Ideas Climate, hosts Julia Pyper, Brandon Hurlbut, and Neil Chatterjee are joined by veteran Democratic strategist Mitch Stewart of 270 Strategies to explore whether 2026 is becoming the "climate hushing election." They examine new polling, break down campaign ads, and debate how messaging on energy, affordability, AI, and data centers could shape who controls Congress. Political Climate is presented by ClearPath, one of the most influential organizations working to advance American energy innovation while reducing global emissions. Subscribe to catch all of our latest episodes! Please consider leaving us a review to help others find the show. Visit politicalclimatepodcast.com to sign up for our newsletter.

July 20, 202634 min

The Politics of AI and Energy, with Phil Deutch

As AI accelerates and America's energy demands surge, some of the biggest questions aren't just about technology—they're about politics. In part two of our conversation with veteran energy investor Phil Deutch, partner and co-head of energy transition at NGP, we explore where Silicon Valley, Washington, and the energy industry are finding common ground—and where tensions are bubbling. From AI data centers and energy affordability to regulation, geopolitics, and America's competition with China, the team examines what it will take to build the infrastructure needed to lead in the AI era. Can the U.S. move fast enough to compete? Can policymakers, investors, and technology leaders align around a shared vision? And what happens when energy policy collides with public opinion? Join hosts Julia Pyper, Brandon Hurlbut, and Neil Chatterjee for the second half of a wide-ranging conversation. Political Climate is presented by ClearPath, one of the most influential organizations working to advance American energy innovation while reducing global emissions. Subscribe to catch all of our latest episodes! Please consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others find the show. Political Climate is hosted by Julia Pyper, Neil Chatterjee, and Brandon Hurlbut. This episode was produced by Bruno Falcon.

July 6, 202636 min

The Future of Energy Investing, with Phil Deutch

As America marks its 250th year, a new energy era is beginning. This week, veteran energy investor Phil Deutch, founder of NGP Energy Technology Partners, joins us to look beyond today's headlines and toward the future of energy. We discuss where investment dollars are flowing, what current market dynamics mean for the climate, and why he believes the next chapter of American energy will be defined by abundance. Plus, Phil shares a few stories from his three decades of investing and one bold prediction. "Liberty and justice for all." And perhaps free electricity for all, too? In part 2 of this interview — coming soon — Phil joins the team for a conversation on the politics of energy and the evolving relationship between Silicon Valley and Washington D.C. Political Climate is presented by ClearPath, one of the most influential organizations working to advance American energy innovation while reducing global emissions. Subscribe to catch all of our latest episodes! Please consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others find the show. Political Climate is hosted by Julia Pyper, Neil Chatterjee, and Brandon Hurlbut. This episode was produced by Bruno Falcon.

June 22, 202653 min

Inside Trump's Energy Affordability Strategy, with DOE's Alex Fitzsimmons

For years, America’s energy debate was largely about transition — what fuels to move away from and what technologies to build next. Now, a different challenge is taking center stage: can the United States produce enough energy to power AI, advanced manufacturing, and economic growth without sacrificing affordability, reliability, or national security? What comes first when the country needs all of them at once? This week, Political Climate sits down with Associate Deputy Secretary of Energy Alex Fitzsimmons to discuss the Trump administration’s energy affordability agenda. He unpacks the strategy to "stabilize, optimize, and grow" the energy system amid the race to add new power capacity and maintain U.S. competitiveness. It’s a wide ranging conversation on everything from power market reforms, to how the DOE is leveraging loans and grants under President Trump, to a new golden age for nuclear, renewable energy economics, and more. We take a closer look at the administration’s energy priorities and why they believe rising energy demand can actually lower prices over time. Plus, Neil draws on his FERC chair experience to provide an early reaction to the Commission's historic June 18 order on tariff rules governing how data centers, manufacturing facilities, and other large energy users interconnect to the transmission system. Political Climate is presented by ClearPath, one of the most influential organizations working to advance American energy innovation while reducing global emissions. Subscribe to catch all of our latest episodes! Please consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others find the show. Political Climate is hosted by Julia Pyper, Neil Chatterjee, and Brandon Hurlbut. This episode was produced by Bruno Falcon.