Energy Update: Week of April 14th

Friends,

On the road this week back in Detroit visiting my brother prior to the Easter break. We were able to catch the last few holes at the Masters, and what a finish!  There were so many ups and downs in that back nine, I was dizzy. In the end, a BRILLIANT approach shot by Rory McIlroy in the first sudden victory hole was the difference to make him the sixth golfer EVER and first since Tiger Woods in 2000 to win all four majors. It is also his first major victory since 2014. 

Such a great comment from National Journal’s Jeff Dufour last night in his Sunday Nightcap email:

If you’re a Gener like me, you probably grew up reading Calvin and Hobbes. (I still have several volumes on my office bookshelves, Jeff)  One of the comic strip’s great recurring bits was “Calvinball,” the game where rules change on the fly, always to Calvin’s benefit. As he sings, “It's never the same! It's always bizarre!” Which brings us, naturally, to tariffs… (and maybe a bunch of other Trump Administration actions).

Congress is headed for the district work period around Easter and the Jewish Passover holidays (which began on Saturday and runs through Sunday morning, which also happens to be Easter Sunday).  Before it left though, Speaker Johnson survived another potential car crash spending vote, passing the Senate-passed budget framework Thursday, 218-216.  And yes, he had to enlist the President to lobby recalcitrant conservatives as well as secure a pledge from Senate Majority Leader John Thune to cut $1.5 trillion in spending. The Senate approved Paul Atkins as a member of the SEC (not the basketball conference), Mike Huckabee as ambassador to Israel, Pete Hoekstra as ambassador to Canada and Ronald Johnson as ambassador to Mexico.

At the White House, we have our eyes out for more energy-related EOs, but in the meantime, the President is hosting the National Champion Ohio State football team, as well as the Navy Midshipmen, who won the Commander in Chief trophy. And get ready to Roll next Monday…The White House’s Annual Easter Egg Roll is set for Easter Monday. FERC holds an Open Meeting on Thursday with energy demand and winter storm performance on the agenda.

Few energy event this week, but ACORE holds a webinar tomorrow on renewables and the budget reconciliation process.  Then Wednesday, USEA hosts another presser discussion on Trump EPA power plant regulations. 

Speaking of USEA, check out the first two episodes of their Power Sector Podcast series on offshore wind featuring Turn Forward CEO Hillary Bright who discussed the economic, environmental, and reliability values in building wind far off U.S. coasts; and Tarrance Group polling expert B.J. Martino, who discusses the Republican polling firm’s 2025 survey that found a significant majority of voters from both political parties favor U.S. offshore wind.

And if you haven’t had enough of USEA (of course you haven’t, those guys are great), check out their CEO and former DOE DepSec Mark Menezes’ op-ed with hydrogen trade association head Frank Wolak making the energy dominance case for Hydrogen hubs in Utility Dive.

Two weeks out from the Society of Environmental Journalism (SEJ) annual Conference in Phoenix, AZ…  I hope you are going.  It will be fun in the sun out there with a big focus on renewables, data center energy demand, natural gas, transmission and water issues.  And of course, the Bracewell Reception on Thursday night!!!  See you there.

Call with Questions.

Best,

Frank Maisano

(202) 828-5864

C. (202) 997-5932                                                                                             

FRANKLY SPOKEN

“[B]ecause the recent updates to trade policy widen the range of possible GDP growth outcomes, this forecast is subject to significant uncertainty."

Caveat in the Energy Information Administration’s Short-Term Outlook.

ON THE PODCAST

Offshore Wind Can Play a Role in Energy Dominance – In the opening episode of the USEA Power Sector Podcast series on offshore wind, Turn Forward CEO Hillary Bright answered questions by journalist Herman K. Trabish about the economic, environmental, and reliability values in building wind far off U.S. coasts even as policymakers continue to create siting and permitting barriers for offshore wind projects, A second episode of the USEA Power Sector Podcast series on offshore wind, B.J. Martino discusses the Tarrance Group’s 2025 survey that found a significant majority of voters from both political parties favor U.S. offshore wind even as policymakers continue to create siting and permitting barriers for project development.

Bracewell Tax Expert Talks CCUS Benefits – In the WoodMac podcast, Interchange Recharged, WoodMac’s Director of CCUS Peter Findlay sits down again with host Sylvia Leyva Martinez to look at the challenges for new CCUS projects. It’s tough because of the regulatory frameworks, financial mechanisms and incentives that currently exist in the US. To look at these and go deep on the legal barriers for CCUS deployment, Peter and Sylvia are also joined by Liz McGinley, partner at Bracewell Law Firm. Liz leads the firm’s tax practice and the energy transition team, and is renowned for her expertise in carbon capture and IRA tax credits. Liz discusses the intricate details of tax credits and regulatory updates while Peter reflects on the financial challenges of decarbonization projects.

FUN OPINIONS

Hydrogen Is Huge Part of Energy Dominance – In an op-ed in Utility Dive, Frank Wolak of FCHEA and USEA’s Mark Menezes write Hydrogen hubs are a bipartisan effort that supports US energy dominance. These projects are a cost-effective way to leverage existing energy resources, and they support efforts to increase U.S. energy production and enhance our energy independence.

FROG BLOG

CA Waiver CRA Needs to Go Forward – In an opinion piece in the Daily Caller, our friend Tom Pyle blasts the effort to stop to California Waiver Congressional Review Act provision in Congress. Pyle says it appears that unelected bureaucrats are working to prevent Congress from ending the EV mandate. The Government Accountability Office (GAO), responding to a request from a handful of Democratic Senators, recently issued a memo claiming that the waiver isn’t technically a rule that can be overturned by the CRA, but an adjudicatory order, which is a “case-specific, individual determination of a particular set of facts.” He adds the Senate Parliamentarian, is also attempting to put up roadblocks. The Congressional Review Act (CRA) couldn’t be clearer: once an agency action lands on Congress’s desk for review, lawmakers have the authority to scrutinize and, if they choose, strike it down. The process is straightforward—pass a resolution of disapproval through both chambers, get the president’s signature, and it becomes binding federal law under the Constitution. Nowhere does the law suggest Congress needs a green light from the GAO or the Senate Parliamentarian first. Congressional leadership should ignore these bureaucrats.

FUN FACTS

Data Center Demand Expected to Boom: Power Demand for data centers keep growing through 2030 as this McKinsey chart shows.

IN THE NEWS

CEN Report Shows Links Between Offshore Wind, Offshore Oil/Gas – The Conservative Energy Network (CEN) released a first-of-its-kind report: The Environmental and Economic Benefit Connection Between Offshore Oil & Gas and Offshore Wind Energy, authored by veteran environmental consultant Joseph Nicolette. This is the first study in the world to apply the widely recognized Net Environmental Benefit Analysis–Comparative Assessment (NEBA-CA) framework to an offshore wind project. Key findings show that both offshore wind farms and oil & gas platforms create marine habitats that provide significant environmental and economic value—from increased fish populations and carbon sequestration to support for coastal economies, recreation, and tourism. This research is a vital tool for policymakers, funders, and regulatory agencies seeking data-driven, transparent ways to evaluate offshore wind projects in the U.S. and internationally.

Senator Weigh in Support of Clean Energy Credits – In a Letter to Senate Leader John Thune, Sens. Lisa Murkowski, John Curtis, Thom Tillis and Jerry Moran argue clean energy tax incentives are key to Trump's goals of spurring U.S. energy and manufacturing dominance. The Letter says the credits are building upon President Trump’s America First energy dominance agenda, all while creating new, high-paying jobs reigniting communities across the country.

“These important incentives provide certainty to American companies that want to invest, innovate and deploy more American homegrown energy,” said CRES President Heather Reams. “Nationwide, these tax credits continue to build upon President Trump’s goal of achieving energy dominance, all while creating new, high-paying jobs reigniting communities across the country. The signatories of this letter are right: Thoughtful and scalpel-like approaches to energy and manufacturing tax incentives demand precise action, not an indiscriminatory, sledgehammer approach.”

Senate Rolls Back NatGas Hot Water Heater Rule –  Senate lawmakers today voted 53-44  to undo DOE standards for gas-powered water heaters implemented during the Biden administration.  The House in February passed the measure. The bill will now be sent to the Oval Office for President Donald Trump to sign into law. American Gas Assn CEO Karen Harbert said:

“This is a victory for working-class Americans and for the environment which benefits from the lower emissions of efficient, direct-use natural gas. President Biden’s block on certain natural gas appliances was deeply flawed legally and practically. The water heater rule would have removed consumer choices, placed a disproportionate financial burden on seniors and low-income Americans and pushed financially vulnerable consumers toward less efficient electric products likely to raise their energy bills.”

Maintaining consumer access to non-condensing and condensing instantaneous natural gas water heaters helps reduce overall energy consumption, lowering energy bills for American families and businesses who use these appliances. According to AGA’s recently released study, Building for Efficiency: Home Appliance Cost and Emissions Comparison, efficient natural gas equipment can cut home greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2040. The U.S. Department of Energy’s own numbers showed that nearly 40% of customers affected by the Biden-era rule would have experienced a net cost increase over the appliance’s lifespan, with some of the heaviest increases falling on seniors and low-income households. According to direct manufacturer pricing, the difference in average product price could have been as high as $450 — nearly double the $231 cited by DOE. By banning an entire product class of instantaneous natural gas water heaters, the rule would have forced many consumers to switch to electric resistance water heaters and would have resulted in significantly higher costs over the lifespan of the appliance and increased emissions. 

Bipartisan CA Letter Urges Strong Support for ARCHES Hub – Reps. George Whitesides (Congressional Hockey Game Participant), Mike Levin, Jay Obernolte and David Valadao led a bipartisan, bicameral delegation of 45 lawmakers in urging the Department of Energy (DOE) to preserve funding for hydrogen production hubs, specifically California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES). The letter follows reports that DOE is considering eliminating funding for the development of four hydrogen hubs, including ARCHES. CA Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff also signed. The cuts would lead to significant job losses and a reduction in growth of new energy resources. With federal, private, and state matching funds, ARCHES is projected to create over 200,000 jobs in California and generate more than $2.95 billion annually in economic value by 2030.

“As bipartisan members of the California delegation, we write with concern about reports that the U.S. Department of Energy is planning to cancel the hydrogen hub award commitment made to California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES),” wrote the lawmakers. “As the administration evaluates existing energy investments and pathways to make energy affordable, we respectfully urge you to continue supporting the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems Hub in California. ARCHES plays a critical role in securing American energy dominance, advancing world-leading energy technology, creating new manufacturing jobs, and lowering energy costs for American families.”

Bosch Hydrogen Station Opens in TX – The Hyroad Energy, a pioneer in hydrogen-powered transportation solutions, announced a strategic partnership with Bosch Rexroth (innovators in hydrogen filling station technology) and GenH2 (the leaders in liquid hydrogen Controlled Storage technology) to develop the first-ever zero-loss liquid hydrogen refueling station in the United States. The system will be deployed at Hyroad Energy's flagship hydrogen refueling station located in Dallas, Texas, representing a major step forward in advancing hydrogen infrastructure beyond California and into new high-demand markets. The collaboration brings together Bosch Rexroth's Liquid Hydrogen CryoPump technology, GenH2's Controlled Storage technology, and Hyroad Energy's experience in hydrogen infrastructure development — with a shared goal of eliminating hydrogen boil-off loss during storage and refueling operations. The project signals growing momentum in hydrogen infrastructure beyond California and reflects the partners' shared commitment to accelerating zero-emission transportation nationwide. The station is expected to be online by 2026.

Presidential EO on Climate Superfund – You may have missed  this in the barrage of coal-related EOs yesterday, but President Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Justice to protect American energy from so-called “climate superfund” state legislation.  API Senior Vice President and General Counsel Ryan Meyers said:

“We welcome President Trump's action to hold states like New York and California accountable for pursuing unconstitutional efforts that illegally penalize U.S. oil and natural gas producers for delivering the energy American consumers rely on every day. Directing the Department of Justice to address this state overreach will help restore the rule of law and ensure activist-driven campaigns do not stand in the way of ensuring the nation has access to an affordable and reliable energy supply.”

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

Forum Looks at Energy Issues for Data Centers – Informa Connect holds its 2025 Data Center World Conference today through Thursday at the Washington Convention Center.  Speakers include (today) NRC’s deputy director for the Division of Advanced Reactors Jon Greives, (tomorrow) APRA-E’s Peter De Bock and (Wednesday) DOE’s Paul Donohoo-Vallett and Jennifer Downing.

ACORE Looks at Renewables, Budget – The American Council on Renewable Energy holds a virtual discussion, tomorrow at 12:00 p.m. on budget reconciliation 2025. The event aims to demystifying Congress's legislative process for tax and energy policy changes. This webinar will provide important and timely insights on the Congressional budget reconciliation process, timing, constraints, and potential outcomes from experts with firsthand experience.

Forum to Look at Central Asia Relationships in Light of Ukraine War – The Center for the National Interest is hosting the 10^th in a monthly series of expert discussions organized by the Center’s Central Asia Connectivity Project on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. The forum will look at how Central Asian governments are navigating their relationships with both Russia and the West in light of the war.

Forum Looks at Ukraine, US Energy Role – On Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center and Global Energy Center co-host a virtual discussion featuring Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko on the role of the United States in Ukraine’s energy sector.

USEA Presser Looks at EPA Power Plant Issues – The US Energy Association will examine the precarious balance between new EPA rules and old trajectories under Trump at its next virtual press briefing on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m.

Forum Sets Up Oceans Conference – In the lead up to the 10^th Our Ocean Conference (OOC10) in Busan, Korea, the Stimson Center and the World Resources Institute will host a presentation and discussion on Wednesday evening to explore some of the critical OOC “areas of action.” The presentation will offer an opportunity to feature some of our partners’ recent work and will seek to engage all the OOC stakeholders in a productive conversation about the OOC themes and priorities before, during, and after OOC10 in Busan.

FERC Open Meeting Set – FERC holds its Open Meeting on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. which includes a presentation on large loads – like AI data centers – to the grid. The commission launched a review of the cost and reliability impacts of large loads on the grid earlier this year. Also on FERC’s agenda is a presentation on the grid’s performance during winter storms that saw widespread cold and snow across the country.

Cato Forum Looks at  Tax Cuts, Energy Subsidies – The Cato Institute holds a briefing on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. repealing energy subsidies and how it could cement pro-growth tax cuts in reconciliation. The forum will focus on how the IRA’s environmental and fiscal effects present a rare opportunity for Congress to use these partisan subsidies to fund permanent, pro-growth tax reform in the upcoming reconciliation package.

Forum Preps for COP30 – On Friday at 9:30 a.m., the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center will host a discussion on the essential role that financial guarantees can play in mobilizing private capital for climate mitigation investments in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs). Developing new and effective strategies to scale up climate finance in EMDEs will be a major focus of the upcoming UN COP30 in Brazil this November. This session will explore why guarantee facilities are the most effective tool for unlocking private finance at scale, their potential to drive investment in clean energy and nature-based solutions, and the critical role of the upcoming COP30 summit in establishing these facilities.

IN THE FUTURE

World Bank IMF Spring Meetings Set – The 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will take place from Monday April 21^st to Saturday April 26^th. Each day there will be numerous energy, environment and climate panels and forums. 

Wolak Headline ELI Hydrogen Discussion – Next Monday, the Environmental Law Institute holds a multi-perspective conversation that will explore the impact of state-level policies and private-sector investments on the clean hydrogen industry in 2025 and beyond. Speakers include FCHEA CEO Frank Wolak, Christina Baworowsky of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, the Clean Air Council’s Alex Bomstein and Patrick Drupp of the Sierra Club.

EarthX Forum Set for TX – Earthx2025 will be held on April 21^st to 25^th in Dallas.  The event is a 5-day, comprehensive environmental conference that features in-depth conversations with important business, political, and environmental leaders and presents bold solutions for the future of the planet. ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas, Sylvia Earle, former CIA director David Petraeus , NOAA head Tim Gallaudet and Doobie Brothers/Steely Dan guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter are among the speakers.

EARTH DAY – Tuesday, April 22^nd

MIT CSHub Hosts Executive Roundtable on Resilience – On April 22^nd at 11:00 a.m., the MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub will convene an Executive Roundtable to address intensifying natural disasters and a crisis of insurability.  The event brings together a diverse set of stakeholders: industry leaders, policymakers, insurers, researchers, and community advocates. The roundtable will explore how stronger construction—incorporating more resilient building materials, designs, and retrofits—protects homes, lives, and communities while aiding an insurance industry in crisis.

RMI Holds Heat Pump Forum – RMI holds a forum on Tuesday April 22^nd at 2:00 p.m. on reforming energy efficiency incentive programs to increase heat pump adoption. This webinar presents findings from RMI’s report Reforming Energy Efficiency Incentive Programs to Increase Heat Pump Adoption, featuring real-world perspectives from experts in incentive programs and heat pump equipment sales and installation. A moderated panel discussion will illuminate best practices to make programs simpler, market-friendly, durable, and equitable.

RNG Summit Set for Houston – On Tuesday April 22^nd to Thursday April 24^th at The Woodlands Resort outside of Houston, TX, the RNG Coalition will hold its annual RNG SUMMIT, a series of mid-year policy forums focused on renewable gas leadership, education, advocacy, development and sustainability. Speakers from across North America - including industry stakeholders, federal, state and provincial lawmakers and regulators - will provide real-time updates on legislation and regulation impacting regulated and voluntary RNG markets in the United States, Canada and Europe.

100 CEOs Headline Semafor Economic Summit – Semafor holds its 2025 World Economy Summit, on Wednesday April 23^rd to April 25^th in Washington DC. Bringing together leaders from both the public and private sectors — including congressional leaders and global finance ministers — the three-day summit will explore the forces shaping the global economy and geopolitics. Speakers include Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, GM CEO Mary Barra, United’s Scott Kirby, White House CEA Chair Stephen Miran, KY Gov. Steve Beshear, Exelon CEO Calvin Butler, BHP CEO Mike Henry, Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT), Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK), former Biden State Department Energy official Amos Hochstein, Chevron’s Mark Nelson,

SEJ Conference Set for Arizona – The Society of Environmental Journalists’ (SEJ) 34^th annual conference, will be held on April 23^rd to 26^th hosted at Arizona State University in Tempe.  The devastation of wildfires in Los Angeles is a stark reminder of the urgency of this moment for environmental journalism. As extreme weather and natural disasters grow in frequency and magnitude, a shift in the political climate adds another layer of complexity to covering these issues.  Of Course, Bracewell hosts its annual reception on Thursday.

Steyer Headlines Heatmap Climate Week Forum – On April 24^th in San Francisco, Heatmap holds a forum at SF Climate Week on climate tech’s next winners. Heatmap journalists Robbie Meyer and Kate Brigham will join Tom Steyer to discuss the most promising up and coming climate tech solutions.

Offshore Wind Forum Set – Oceanic hosts the International Partnering Forum for offshore wind in Virginia Beach, VA on April 28^th to May 1^st. IPF is the largest offshore renewable energy conference where industry experts from around the world come together to discuss collaboration and innovation. The event features insightful discussions and presentations that reflect the fast-changing industry and help your business succeed today and in the years ahead.

Our Ocean Conference Set for Korea – The 10^th Our Ocean Conference will be in Busan, Korea on April 28^th to 30^th with the theme 'Our Ocean, Our Action' to promote global actions for a sustainable ocean. This 10^th conference will discuss 'Digital Oceans' as a special agenda, focusing on means to drive action.

Cement Industry Hosts Global Conference – The cement industry hosts its global conference on May 4^th  through May 7^th in Birmingham, AL. The 67^th annual IEEE-IAS/PCA Cement Conference is the most prestigious gathering of cement and concrete industry professionals.  

Chamber Hosts Resilience Conference – The US Chamber holds its 2025 Building Resilience Conference on May 6^th and 7^th to see how communities can better prepare and recover from disasters and other global threats. This year’s conference will bring together leaders to shape a national approach—one that is faster, more proactive, and risk-oriented—to effectively navigate crises and overcome the urgent challenges posed by disasters.: The event will cover key elements of creating a more prepared and resilient future.

Curtis, Carter, Ciscomani Headline CRES Leadership Summit – The 2025 CRES Energy Leadership Summit will be held on Wednesday May 7^th in Washington, DC at the Royal Sonesta Hotel.  The event will bring together Trump Administration officials, conservative members of Congress, energy industry leaders and advocates who are all focused on American energy dominance.  The CRES Energy Leadership Summit will discuss and examine existing and potential federal policies that will result in strengthening our nation’s energy, economic and environmental security while enhancing America’s competitive edge. Speakers include Reps. Buddy Carter and Juan Ciscomani as well as Sen. John Curtis.   

USEA Holds Public Policy Forum – On May 15^th, the US Energy Assn holds its annual Public Policy Forum at the Reagan International Trade Center Rotunda.  

Mining Forum Set at CO School of Mines – The Colorado School of Mines, the Payne Institute for Public Policy, and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe will hold the for the 2^nd annual Native American Mining and Energy Sovereignty Symposium (NAMES), May 20-21^st at the Sky Ute Casino Resort in Ignacio, Colorado.

The event will bring together tribal leaders, federal and state government, industry, academia, and finance to discuss and share thoughts on how to support decision making and energy and mining development and finance in Indian country. This approach will be founded on tribal sovereignty as its core principle.

Crapo to Address Energy Infrastructure Council – The Energy Infrastructure Council will hold its 2025 Annual Meeting and Legislative Conference in Washington, DC on June 9^th and 10^th. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID) has confirmed that he will be our luncheon keynote at the event.