Political Climate

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.

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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.

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.

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.

As America marks its 250th anniversary, one question looms large: What made the United States an energy superpower — and what will determine whether it stays one?

This week, Political Climate welcomes Pulitzer Prize-winning author and S&P Global Vice Chairman Daniel Yergin for a sweeping conversation across two and a half centuries of American energy history.

From the birth of the oil industry and the rise of the automobile to the shale revolution, AI-driven electricity demand, and the race for critical minerals, Yergin connects the turning points that shaped the modern economy — and the ones unfolding right now.

The conversation also explores why the current Strait of Hormuz crisis has been less disruptive than many feared, how the shale boom transformed America’s geopolitical position, and why innovation has consistently been the country’s greatest competitive advantage.

Along the way, the team digs into:

4:28 - 250 years of energy: key inflection points

7:41 - Regulation and markets: the shale revolution, peak oil, and climate action

13:52 - America becomes a net gas exporter

18:50 - The biggest misses in energy markets today

23:02 - Crisis in the Persian Gulf

24:16 - Challenges with the energy transition

27:44 - America's innovative mindset

30:19 - AI, affordability, and the coming electricity boom

37:45 - Copper, critical minerals, and the new supply chain race

41:17 - How to win on personnel and policy

46:40 - Middle East conflict: a 1970s redux?

If the last 250 years were defined by fossil fuels, energy security, and entrepreneurship, what will define the next 250?

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. Visit ⁠politicalclimatepodcast.com⁠ to sign up for our soon returning newsletter.

Political Climate is hosted by Julia Pyper, Neil Chatterjee, and Brandon Hurlbut. This episode was produced by Bruno Falcon.