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.

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This episode was produced by Bruno Falcon. More at ⁠⁠politicalclimatepodcast.com⁠⁠