David B Spence in the Media

E&E News by Politico January 5, 2026

Coal over wind: How Trump used emergency powers to help a favored fuel

In an article about the use of emergency powers to alter the country’s electricity markets, Professor David Spence comments on President Trump's strategy of pushing the bounds of executive power then hoping that the courts validate it or ratify it after the fact.

Inside Climate News May 22, 2025

House Republicans Have Passed a Bill to Gut the IRA. What Happened to All the Supposed Holdouts?

Professor David Spence explains how strong partisan and leadership pressure led many House Republicans who once supported the Inflation Reduction Act to unanimously vote in favor of the sweeping budget reconciliation bill, which phases out tax credits.

Grist April 29, 2025

Trump is bypassing community input to fast-track energy projects that risk pollution

Professor David Spence predicts how President Trump's declaration of a national energy emergency to fast-track energy projects across the country will play out in reality, with higher production levels for fossil fuels and lower security of critical minerals already observable.

Energy Central March 11, 2025

How to save energy from partisan politics

Professor David Spence joins Energy Central's Power Perspectives podcast to discuss how political polarization is affecting climate and energy policy.

E&E News November 20, 2024

Trump team could bring both ax and scalpel to Interior

Professor David Spence predicts that new appointees in the Department of Government Efficiency will focus on changes that boost mining and oil and gas production.

Energy Capital November 13, 2024

How to Overcome Ideological Divides and the Climate of Contempt

As a guest on a podcast, Professor David Spence discusses his book, the U.S. election results, energy policymaking, and the deep ideological divides in America.

The Daily Texan October 14, 2024

Cases from Texas take forefront in U.S. Supreme Court’s 2024-25 term

Professors David Spence and Lucas Powe both provide expert insight on the new wave of high profile cases from Texas being argued in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.

More of: Lucas A Powe Jr.

Kleinman Center for Energy Policy October 8, 2024

How Identity Politics Shape U.S. Energy Policy

Professor David Spence explores the rise of identity politics in the U.S. and how it has fueled bitter partisanship over the transition to clean energy.

CBS News September 23, 2024

Are Texas lawmakers in line with voters on climate change?

Professor David Spence explains how political polarization and misinformation have stalled climate change policies and created divisiveness.

Columbia Energy Exchange September 17, 2024

How Partisanship Is Holding Back Climate Action

Professor David Spence discusses how social media and the news have contributed to a partisan divide in the climate change conversation.

Spectrum News August 30, 2024

Trump vows to ‘drill, baby, drill,’ as U.S. produces more oil than any country

Professor David Spence counters the idea that producing more oil would lower energy prices and bring down inflation by explaining the reality that it is difficult to influence crude oil prices.

The Regulatory Review August 26, 2024

Ideological Logrolling and Energy Permitting Reform

Professor David Spence discusses legal possibilities for streamlining energy infrastructure development amidst the paralyzing effects of negative partisanship--amplified by both the online media environment and the fact that most congressional seats safely in the hands of one party or the other--on energy policy.