Chuck McCutcheon

Washington, D.C.

Editor @Axios energy/climate newsletter. Author of books on climate change, Congress, political jargon, nuclear waste. @Giants fan.

Articles

Trump tariffs stir concern in Louisiana

3 weeks ago | axios.com | Chuck McCutcheon

Tulane's Eric Smith speaks Wednesday. Photo: Heather McClelland on behalf of AxiosBATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana is better positioned than many other states to deal with energy challenges, but President Trump's tariffs remain a worry. Why it matters: The Pelican State has some $60 billion in planned projects ranging from additional LNG export capabilities to producing low-carbon steel.
Interior to rescind Biden order on Alaska reserve drilling curbs

3 weeks ago | axios.com | Chuck McCutcheon

A view at the beginning point of the Trans Alaska Pipeline System on May 9, 2025, in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. Photo: Lance King/Getty ImagesThe Interior Department on Monday proposed to rescind Biden-era restrictions on oil and gas drilling in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.
Trump starts down nuclear waste disposal path

4 weeks ago | axios.com | Chuck McCutcheon

Axios Pro Exclusive ContentIllustration: Gabriella Turrisi / AxiosAs the Trump administration begins seeking how to get rid of nuclear waste, one group of experts has a suggestion: Start with a burial site that takes only defense-generated waste. Why it matters: With nuclear power gaining wider public acceptance, some in Congress and elsewhere agree that determining what to do with radioactive leftovers over the long term must become a bigger piece of the puzzle.
Supreme Court narrows environmental law's scope in unanimous ruling

4 weeks ago | axios.com | Chuck McCutcheon

Illustration: Shoshana Gordon/AxiosThe Supreme Court unanimously decided Thursday to limit environmental reviews for major infrastructure projects in a case that has profound implications for President Trump's "energy dominance" agenda. Why it matters: The justices' decision reduces the scope of reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act to focus only on immediate impacts.
Remembering a Colleague Who Changed My Life

Mar 16, 2025 | medium.com | Chuck McCutcheon

Chuck McCutcheon·Follow4 min read·--Richard Parker(A slightly different version of this ran in the Albuquerque Journal)Every few months or so for the last decade, I’d get a phone call. The greeting was always the same: “What’s going on? Whaddaya got?”It was Richard Parker, imitating one of our overcaffeinated editors from the 1990s at the Albuquerque Journal. Richard — who died last week at the way-too-young age of 61 — was far more than just an ex-newspaper colleague who easily made me laugh.
OPINION: Remembering Richard Parker

Mar 16, 2025 | abqjournal.com | Chuck McCutcheon

Every few months or so for the last decade, I’d get an unexpected phone call. The greeting was always the same: “What’s going on? Whaddaya got?” It was Richard Parker, imitating one of our overcaffeinated editors from the 1990s at the Albuquerque Journal. Richard — who died last week at the way-too-young age of 61 — was far more than just an ex-newspaper colleague. He changed my life for the better. kAm%9:CEJ J62CD 28@[ >J 42C66C 2D 2 C6A@CE6C 76=E F?7F=7:==:?8] tG6? E9@F89 x =@G65 =:G:?8 :?
Mitch McConnell leaves legacy as staunch coal defender

Feb 20, 2025 | axios.com | Nick Sobczyk |Chuck McCutcheon

Sen. Mitch McConnell's retirement marks the departure of one of coal's biggest champions, Nick and Chuck write. Why it matters: McConnell, a fierce defender of Kentucky's coal industry, was at the forefront for the GOP in virtually every energy battle of the past two decades. Driving the news: McConnell, 83, announced Thursday that he won't seek reelection in 2026. • He led the Senate GOP from 2007 until last month.
Graham unveils budget plan with methane fee repeal, lease sales

Feb 7, 2025 | axios.com | Chuck McCutcheon

Senate Budget Chair Lindsey Graham released a budget resolution Friday calling for "unleashing American energy production through on and offshore lease sales" and repealing the Biden administration's methane fee. Why it matters: Graham had vowed earlier this week to mark up a resolution next week to start on the Senate's two-bill reconciliation strategy while the House struggles with its own one-bill path.
DOE sees challenges to finding new nuke waste burial site

Jan 9, 2025 | axios.com | Chuck McCutcheon

The Energy Department sees numerous challenges to finding a second spot to permanently bury nuclear waste from weapons plants — including proving the need for one to Congress, a new report says. Why it matters: New Mexico officials required DOE in 2023 to study finding a new waste repository located outside the state. Context: The state already hosts the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), the nation's first deep geologic burial site for radioactive rubbish, in its southeastern corner.
Trump names Lee Zeldin as EPA administrator

Nov 11, 2024 | axios.com | Chuck McCutcheon

Axios Pro Exclusive ContentTrump names Lee Zeldin as EPA administratorfacebook (opens in new window)twitter (opens in new window)linkedin (opens in new window)email (opens in new window)Zeldin and Trump campaign in Pennsylvania last month. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty ImagesExit Content PreviewPresident-elect Trump announced Monday he will nominate former House lawmaker Lee Zeldin to run the EPA.