California has led on climate for years. Is that about to change? episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 5, 2026 · 13 MIN

California has led on climate for years. Is that about to change?

from POLITICO Energy · host POLITICO

California has long been viewed as America's climate leader, but its likely next governor, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Xavier Becerra, may be pulling back on its aggressive policies. POLITICO's Alex Nieves explains why Becerra is considering changes to California's climate approach, the political pressures behind that shift, and how it could affect governments and major industries around the world. Plus, Gov. Greg Abbott is hitting pause on new data centers in Texas, and President Donald Trump is expected to meet with mining executives on Friday. Alex Nieves is the California transportation 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

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California has led on climate for years. Is that about to change?

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