Meet the new Republican leading America's solar industry

Today, POLITICO Energy host Manuel Quiñones sits down for an extended interview with Tim Pawlenty, the new president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, former Minnesota governor and 2012 Republican presidential candidate. They discuss why the solar industry turned to a longtime Republican to lead it, Pawlenty's strategy and vision, the industry's biggest congressional policy priorities, and whether solar can thrive in President Donald Trump's Washington. Manuel Quiñones is the congress editor for 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