Energy Update: Week of April 15

Friends,

Welcome to Tax Day (it is painful for me this year thanks to not making withholding adjustments), which also happens to be Marathon Monday or Patriot’s Day in Boston  Today is the 123^rd Boston Marathon and this year the weather is at least better than last year’s nightmare.  You can see the Boston Globe’s coverage full coverage here.  For the elite runners, the men’s race came down to the final few agonizing yards as Lawrence Cherono edged Lelisa Desisa in the closest finish since 1988. On the women’s side, the finish was exactly the opposite with Worknesh Degefa leaving no doubt that she was going to win.  Hannah is reporting live from the “Wellesley Scream tunnel” at Mile 13 for the 3^rd straight year.  The Globe reported on the tradition in detail here. 

And I can go further without mentioning the EPIC finish at The Masters.  Tiger Woods completing his comeback, winning his 5^th Masters and 15^th major PGA tournament is an amazing story…

We are in the Easter/Passover week so not much going on with Congress in recess.  There is a House Natural Resources Committee field hearing in Santa Fe today to hear from experts, advocates and tribal leaders on the effect of oil and gas development on sacred sites in the state.  Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham will be among the witnesses testifying.  Then on Wednesday, Senate Environment holds field hearing on US Army Corps of Engineers Management of the 2019 Missouri River Basin flooding in Glenwood, Iowa.  Other events include Smart Cities Council hosting Smart Cities Week in San Diego featuring sessions for city leaders who want to create more livable, workable and sustainable communities, while the Energy Storage Association hosts it annual conference in Phoenix featuring energy trade assn heads Abby Hopper, Tom Kuhn and Tom Kiernan.

Now, it is not as exciting as the Black Hole press conference last week featuring MIT grad student/scientist Katie Bouman, but this week, the researchers in MIT Concrete Hub are releasing a new white paper on the specific pavement impacts on climate change of the aspects of the Urban Island effect called “albedo”.  Albedo is the measure of solar energy reflected by the Earth’s surface.  MIT Researchers have new research that shows increasing pavement albedo (increasing reflectivity) can help mitigate climate change by saving for than 20 million tons of CO2 emissions if you converted roads to higher albedo pavements.  MIT has released a great video that simply explains it all here.  See more details about the research here.

Please enjoy your family time this weekend as we reach both Easter and Passover.  Given that the two holidays are related, it should not come as a great surprise that they do fall close together – but more often than people realize. This year, 2019, we are in the second year of a three-year string of both days being in the same weekend. 

Call with any questions.  

Best,

Frank Maisano

(202) 828-5864

C. (202) 997-5932

 

FRANKLY SPOKEN

“The U.S. energy industry has been among the most innovative sectors of the economy, and will continue to make America cleaner and stronger.  Energy companies are investing in innovation and technology which is making our air cleaner even while our economy and energy security are increasing.  Our American Energy: Cleaner, Stronger agenda presents a realistic alternative to addressing energy and environmental issues that has broad bipartisan public support.”

Christopher Guith, acting president of the Chamber’s Global Energy Institute announcing the newly-released “American Energy: Cleaner, Stronger” agenda promoting continued economic growth and environmental progress through sustained focus on technology development and innovation in the energy industry. 

ON THE POD

Political Climate Back in Action – Our friend Julia Pyper is relaunching Political Climate, a podcast that tracks the politics and substance of global warming policy, with new partners and wider ambitions. Previously a Greentech Media project, it Will now be backed by the USC Schwarzenegger Institute and Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. The first episode of the new season landed last week and featured a discussion of current climate politics.  Axios’ Amy Harder notes involvement of Schwarzenegger's institute and DiCaprio's foundation will mean collaboration on many activities including sponsorship funding, marketing support, guests, live shows, international events, calls to action, and engagement with students. Brandon Hurlbut, partner with the energy advisory firm Boundary Stone Partners and Shane Skelton, a partner with the consulting firm S2C Pacific and previously a senior aide to former GOP House Speaker Paul Ryan, join Pyper.

FUN OPINIONS

U.S. NatGas-fired Combined-Cycle Capacity Surpasses Coal-Fired Capacity – EIA said the amount of generating capacity from natural gas-fired combined-cycle (NGCC) plants has grown steadily over time, and in 2018, surpassed coal-fired plants as the technology with the most electricity generating capacity in the United States. As of January 2019, U.S. generating capacity at NGCC power plants totaled 264 gigawatts (GW), compared with 243 GW at coal-fired power plants. Total capacity for generating power in the US across all types of natural gas-fired generating technologies surpassed coal as the primary capacity resource more than 15 years ago. However, different natural gas-fired generating technologies are used differently. See graph and read more...

IN THE NEWS

Bernhardt Confirmed – David Bernhardt was confirmed to be the Interior Secretary. Bernhardt was confirmed Thursday afternoon in a 56-41 vote with three Democrats and one Independent breaking ranks to vote for him. Sens Joe Manchin (D-WV), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Kristen Sinema (D-AZ) and Angus King (I-ME) broke with their parties to vote in favor of him.

Chamber Energy Institute Unveils American Energy Agenda, Poll – The U.S. Chamber’s Global Energy Institute (GEI) unveiled its “American Energy: Cleaner, Stronger” agenda promoting continued economic growth and environmental progress through sustained focus on technology development and innovation in the energy industry.  The initiative will highlight the technologies, people, and companies making investments in our nation’s energy sector and will advocate for energy policies that further a bipartisan mission to spur innovation, lower emissions, and foster economic growth. An exclusive new poll of likely 2020 voters conducted by FTI Consulting released by GEI today shows that Americans overwhelmingly support an  innovation-driven “cleaner, stronger” approach over policies centered on expanded government regulation.

The telephone survey of 1,000 likely 2020 voters said: 

• 73% of voters support a “cleaner, stronger” energy agenda that uses more American energy and continues environmental progress, compared to 21 percent of voters who support the Green New Deal.
• 89% of Americans support using American’s energy resources responsibly, including domestic natural gas, oil, nuclear, coal and renewable resources. 
• 79% of voters agree that the best way to address climate change is through investments into innovation and technology.
• 79% of voters support streamlining or expediting the permitting process to improve, modernize or construct critical energy infrastructure like renewables, pipelines, power plants, transmission lines and export facilities.
• Only 15% of voters think it is highly feasible to require all aspects of the U.S. economy to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions in 10 years – including in all electricity generation, vehicles, agriculture, homes, commercial buildings and manufacturing, regardless of cost.

SAFE Paper says NOPEC Measure will Help Stop Cartels – In order to gain a better understanding of how the NOPEC legislation will affect an antitrust suit against OPEC, Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE) commissioned an analysis from NYU Law’s Harry First and Darren Bush, of the University of Houston Law Center. The analysis found the antitrust legislation’s impact to be “relatively moderate,” noting that it is an enabling measure rather than a directive. This ensures the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) retains the discretion either to sue or not to sue OPEC. In the end, the policy will be an important part of a worldwide effort to stop international cartels that harm American and global consumers and reduce economic welfare. By closing the statutory loopholes that allow OPEC to continue to operate in its anti-market manner, the bill provides Congressional permission to the DOJ to pursue OPEC for its cartel behavior that has had substantial detrimental effects on U.S. consumers and businesses for decades.

US Wind Power Grew 8% Amid Record Demand – The American wind power industry emerged from 2018 stronger than ever, now able to power 30 million American homes after 8% capacity growth last year. The newly released U.S. Wind Industry Annual Market Report, Year Ending 2018 reveals that U.S. wind power supports a record 114,000 American jobs, over 500 domestic factories, and more than $1 billion a year in revenue for states and communities that host wind farms.  U.S. wind power capacity increased 8 percent in 2018 to 96,433 MW of cumulative installed wind capacity—more than double the capacity the U.S. had in 2010. The U.S. now has enough installed wind capacity to power over 30 million American homes. Wind projects installed in 2018 alone represent more than $12 billion in new private investment. Wind energy now reliably delivers over 20 percent of the electricity produced in six states: Kansas, Iowa, Oklahoma, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Maine. In 2018, wind turbines generated 6.5% of all the electricity delivered to U.S. consumers. Looking ahead, the wind industry has a record amount of generation set to come on line in the near future with 35,135 MW of wind power capacity either under construction or in advanced development across 31 states. Upon completion of these construction projects, the U.S. will have enough installed wind capacity to power 42 million American homes.

Texas Leads the Way in Wind – There are wind farms or factories supplying the industry in all 50 states, but no state exemplifies these trends better than Texas. The Lone Star State is home to roughly a quarter of all U.S. wind power capacity. If Texas were a country, it would rank fifth in the world for wind power capacity with nearly 25,000 megawatts (MW) installed. And with nearly 7,000 MW of additional wind projects under construction or in advanced development at the end of 2018, Texas is adding more wind than all but two other states currently have installed.  Texas’s leadership in wind capacity means it also leads in wind industry jobs and investment. Texas is the top state for direct and indirect wind industry jobs, with more than 25,000 Texans working in the industry. Wind farms in Texas have drawn over $46 billion in total capital investment to date and pay approximately $307 million each year in landowner payments plus state and local taxes.

Wind Power Supports Economic Development in Rural America – Wind farms pay $1.05 billion a year through state and local taxes plus lease payments to landowners, the most complete picture yet of the value wind farms pay into rural communities. To arrive at $1 billion, AWEA quantified the never-before reported $761 million a year paid by wind farms in state and local taxes that help communities improve their school systems, fix roads and fund emergency services. An additional $289 million a year in wind farm land lease payments serve as a valuable drought-proof cash crop for American farmers and ranchers that can help keep a farm in the family. Most of these revenues go to rural areas, where 99 percent of America’s wind generating capacity can be found.

Wind Demand Exploding – Demand for American wind power is greater than ever before. Last year, non-utility buyers, including Fortune 500 brands, cities, and universities signed long-term contracts for a total of 4,203 MW—a 66% increase on the previous record set in 2015. To put that in perspective, cumulative non-utility wind purchases now exceed 11,300 MW, more than all the wind farms built to date in Iowa, America’s number two state for wind power. Utilities also contracted over 4,300 MW of wind power last year – seeking consumer savings by adding the low cost, reliable resource to their generation mix.  Texas is the nexus for non-utility demand for wind power. At this time, 38 companies have purchased or committed to buy 4,900 MW of wind energy in Texas, including Fortune 500 brands like AT&T, Budweiser, Walmart, ExxonMobil, and Shell Energy. Wind even helps power other Texas energy industries; ExxonMobil purchased wind power to cost-effectively supply their Permian Basin operations.

Don’t Forget About Offshore Wind – America’s offshore wind sector is also poised to rapidly scale up from a single, 30 MW project currently installed to six offshore wind projects totaling 2,101 MW that project developers expect to be operational by 2023. Improving project economics and robust state policies led to a surge in offshore wind activity in 2018. At the end of the year, project developers had a potential offshore wind pipeline of over 25,500 MW.

RFA Comms Person Heads to Pork Producers – Our friend Rachel Gantz, former comms person for the Renewable Fuels Assn is leaving to join the National Pork Producers Council as its new communications director. The Council had previously lobbied for waiving the corn ethanol mandate under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard. It, like many other livestock groups, had argued that the ethanol program was driving up the cost of animal feed, and in turn costing them more money to produce livestock.

 

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

TAX DAY – Today

WOTUS Revision Comments Due – Today

Smart Cities Week Set for San Diego – The Smart Cities Council hosts Smart Cities Week San Diego featuring sessions for city leaders who want to create more livable, workable and sustainable communities.

House Resources Heads to NW to Discuss Oil, Gas – The House Natural Resources Committee holds a field hearing in Santa Fe today at 10:00 a.m. MT to hear from experts, advocates and tribal leaders on the effect of oil and gas development on sacred sites in the state — the nation's third-largest oil producer. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Navajo VP Myron Lizer, Navajo Council Chair Rickie Nez will be among the witnesses testifying.  Committee members expected to attend include Chairman Raúl Grijalva, Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján, Committee Vice Chair Deb Haaland and Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee Chairman Alan Lowenthal.

JHU to Look at Disasters, Asia – The Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies holds a discussion today at 4:30 p.m. looking at a Disaster-Resilient Asia.  Chief Economist of the Asian Development Bank Dr. Yasuyuki Sawada will discuss the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) flagship economic publication Asian Development Outlook 2019 (ADO) which provides a comprehensive analysis of macroeconomic issues in developing Asia, including growth projections for 45 economies. Dr. Sawada’s presentation will address the economic prospects for developing Asia and the Pacific, implications of the trade conflict, and policies to improve disaster resilience.

Forum to Look at China Energy, Climate Policy – Today at 5:00 p.m., Johns Hopkins University hosts a forum on China’s energy and climate policies.  In 2006 China became the world’s leading emitter of greenhouse gases. Its policies for limiting emissions will have significant impact on the global climate for decades to come. China was an active participant in the Paris accord and has adopted climate goals including the peaking of CO2 emissions by 2030, lowering the carbon intensity of GDP, increasing the share of renewable and nuclear energy, and increasing its stock of forests. However, China consumes over half of the world’s coal.  While it seeks to reduce the role of coal, it is still building new coal power plants. This discussion will look at what climate policies China is pursuing and their potential success.

Midwest Renewables Conference Set – The Midwest Renewable Energy conference will be in Chicago tomorrow through Thursday and explores topics such as state renewable energy programs, utility initiatives to replace coal, and corporate buyers’ perspectives.

DOE Holds Small Biz Forum – DOE’s 18^th annual small business forum and expo will be tomorrow through Thursday in Pittsburgh and features panels on doing business with the department and other issues.

Conference to Look at Utility Issues, Disruption – S&P Global holds its 2019 Utility Regulation Conference tomorrow and Wednesday at the National Union Building in DC looking at a wide range of strategies to address policy changes, industry risk, and technology disruption. Speakers will include for FERC Commissioner Robert Powelson, NARUC’s Nick Wagner, PJM’s Craig Glazer, ACCCE’s Michelle Bloodworth, EEI’s Phil Moeller and many more. 

Trade Assn Heads Speak at Storage Assn in Phoenix – The Energy Storage Association hosts it annual conference tomorrow through Thursday in Phoenix exploring themes such as building out storage networks, business building, and storage agreements.  SEIA’s Abby Hopper, EEI’s Tom Kuhn, AWEA’s Tom Kiernan, DOE’s Loan office official Dan Tobin, 8MinuteEnergy CEO Tom Buttgenbach Industry Dive Reporter Iulia Gheorgiu, Bloomberg reporter Mark Chediak, AEE’s Jeff Dennis and former DOE EERE head Cathy Zoi of EVgo.

NAS to Host Discussion on WIPP – The National Academy of Sciences holds a discussion tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. on the disposal of surplus plutonium in the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in New Mexico.  The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine study will evaluate the general viability of DOE’s conceptual plans for disposing of surplus plutonium in the WIPP to support U.S. commitments under the Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement, identify gaps, and recommend actions that could be taken by DOE and others to address those gaps.

Forum to Look at Africa, Population Issues – The Wilson Center’s Environmental Change and Security Program and Maternal Health Initiative, in partnership with Population Institute, holds a discussion tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. about impactful investments that country leaders can make to empower their countries’ youth for economic prosperity.

NAS Webinar to Discuss Gray Wolf – The National Academy of Sciences holds a webinar tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. evaluating the taxonomic status of the Mexican Gray Wolf and the Red Wolf – an upcoming consensus report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Dr. Joseph Travis of Florida State University and chair of the report's authoring committee, will present the report's findings and conclusions.

GW Forum to Look at Environment in Asia – The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs holds a discussion tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. on emerging environmental issues in South Asia.  Panelists from Wilson, CSIS and NBR will discuss emerging issues in South Asia related to water scarcity, renewable energy, climate mitigation and adaptation, and sustainable growth, international trade, and more.

Forum to Look at Energy Transition – The Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at Penn hosts a discussion tomorrow at Noon in Philadelphia on energy transitions and the critical path to decarbonization without leaving anyone behind.  In this lecture, Sustainable Energy for All CEO Rachel Kyte explores the critical path and leadership challenges now and ahead. Looking internationally, she will examine what is needed from the international organizations that traditionally coordinate, lead, and build consensus.

PJM Leaders to Address Market Questions – Young Professionals in Energy hold a discussion tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. looking at electricity market design, including market structure reform and reserve pricing, hosted by and featuring experts from PJM.  This presentation will discuss current price formation changes that PJM has been working on in both its energy and reserve markets.

Senate Environment Holds Field Hearing on MO Rover Flooding – The Senate Environment Committee holds a field hearing on Wednesday looking at the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Management of the 2019 Missouri River Basin flooding in Glenwood, Iowa.

Forum to Look at Impacts of Russian Sanctions on Energy – The Atlantic Council hosts a forum on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. on the implications of Russia sanctions legislation on the energy sector.  The expert panel will explore the potential effects the sanctions will have on the global LNG markets, new crude oil development, and Russian state energy projects abroad and the potential implications for oil and gas markets, energy projects, and companies if DASKAA becomes law.

CFTC to Look at NatGas, Oil Markets – On Wednesday at 10:00 a.m., the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s energy and environment committee looks at derivatives markets developments resulting from changes in the natural gas and crude oil physical markets and other derivatives markets topics.  Speakers include Dena Wiggins and Tyson Slocum of Public Citizen among many others. 

GU Hosts Arab Scholar on Climate, Energy – Georgetown’s Mortara Center for International Studies features a discussion Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. led by Aisha Al-Sahiri, a scholar of contemporary Arab studies, on climate change and economic diversification in the Gulf Arab states.

Catholic U Looks a Climate Solutions – The Catholic University’s engineering school sponsors a conference on Wednesday afternoon looking at climate issues, areas of advanced research, and adaptation.

Forum to Focus on Food, Water in Climate Era – The Johns Hopkins’ energy center holds a forum on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. to look at food and water security challenges in the era of climate change

WCEE Sets Happy Hour – The Women's Council on Energy & Environment holds a Happy Hour on Wednesday at 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at Archipelago.

FERC Commission Meeting – Thursday 10:00 a.m.

GW Looks at Corporate Sustainability – The George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs holds a discussion on Thursday at Noon focused on multinational corporations and sustainability initiatives.  GW’s Masters of International Affairs Program holds this conversation with Rachael Sherman (an Elliott School Alumna '13) about the unique challenges and opportunities in corporate engagement on environmental sustainability issues. Sherman is a Director of Global Sustainability on McDonald’s Corporate Supply Chain and Sustainability team.

Forum Look at Water Security – USAID hosts a panel discussion on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. looking at the myriad threats to global water security from climate impacts, such as flooding, droughts, and varied rainfall patterns. The April Adaptation Community Meeting will focus on climate-related risks to water security and how USAID is responding through water resources management and planning. Approaches include examining climate related impacts affecting transboundary water resources and allocation, integrating a climate vulnerability assessment into decision-making, and use of natural infrastructure to improve water security and contribute to building resilience. The event will feature a panel discussion of relevant USAID-funded activities in Southern Africa, the Mara basin in East Africa, and Peru.

Good Friday – April 19^th

Easter Sunday – April 21^st

IN THE FUTURE

Earth Day – April 22^nd

WRI Head to Headline GWU Earth Day Event – The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs holds a lunch discussion next Monday with Dr. Andrew Steer, President and CEO of the World Resources Institute.

Forum to Look at Sanction on Venezuela, Iran – Next Monday at 4:00 p.m., the Institute of World Politics hosts a lecture on the topic of "New Dynamics of Energy Security; US sanctions on Iran & Venezuela, Shale boom & OPEC" with Dr. Sara Vakhshouri, Founder and President of SVB Energy International.  In this lecture Dr. Vakhshouri will discuss the new trends and development in the energy industry and their impacts on global energy security.

Former EIA Head to Address Coal Issues – The Johns Hopkins University hosts a forum next Monday at 5:00 p.m. in the Rome Building for a discussion on the outlook for world coal demand featuring former EIA head Howard Gruenspecht, Senior Energy Economist at the MIT Energy Initiative. 

Webinar to Discuss Solar ITC – Next Tuesday, GTM hosts a webinar at 2:00 p.m. on the status of the solar ITC.  With the investment tax credit step down beginning in 2020, utility-scale solar developers in the U.S. have begun to solidify their strategy on how to take advantage of the maximum amount of the ITC possible. Colin Smith, senior analyst for U.S. solar at WoodMackenzie Power & Renewables will share their forecast for the U.S. utility solar market, how much developers expect to qualify for commence construction, and how ITC safe harbor strategy will affect both supply and demand.

CSIS to Release Global Infrastructure Report – The CSIS Reconnecting Asia Project and the Project on Prosperity and Development will hold a rollout of a new report next Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. discussing how the United States can strategically shape the global infrastructure buildout.  The event will feature a panel discussion with former U.S. Trade Rep Charlene Barshefsky, former National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley and Inter-American Development Bank President Luis Alberto Moreno. 

Forum Looks at Disaster Relief in an Era of Extreme Weather – On Wednesday, April 24^th at 8:30 a.m. at The Liaison, POLITICO holds a high-level conversation on how extreme weather is prompting a renewed look at disaster relief and response in Washington and in affected communities.  Extreme weather such as wildfires, hurricanes, droughts, torrential rainfall and floods have added urgency to disaster relief efforts. In addition to local, state and charitable efforts, Washington plays a critical role in providing disaster funding and resources to affected communities. But ensuring that disaster relief makes it to those who need it most, as quickly as possible, is getting trickier. As extreme weather becomes more frequent and severe, the pressure increases on federal agencies and Congress to boost spending on disaster aid and to speed up efforts to mitigate the impact of these events.

Forum to Discuss Oil/Gas Stewardship, Petroleum Engineers – The United States Energy Association holds a forum on Wednesday, April 24^th at 11:30 a.m. oil/gas industry stewardship initiatives and its positive impact on the global economy and societies.  The Society of Petroleum Engineers is taking the lead on behalf of the industry to achieve this image transformation process. Furthermore, this presentation will describe a few of the significant sustainability challenges and address the industry’s ongoing commitment towards innovation and technological development that will enhance our performance. It will also address the industry pride and passion of the next generation that will be essential to deliver energy resources to the world through the concept of “citizen engineer”.

WCEE to Look at Paris Issues – The Women’s Council on Energy and the Environment (WCEE) hold a lunch and learn forum at WWF at Noon to learn about the catalytic role of the Alliances for Climate Action — a global network of domestic multi-stakeholder coalitions — in accelerating climate action and championing opportunities to put us on a 1.5 pathway. The event will also discuss the work of the We Are Still in (WASI) coalition, one of the first domestic alliances from the United States that represents over 3,600 organizations across different non-state actors and its role in creating a new form of climate leadership in the United States.  Speakers Manjyot Kaur Ahluwalia and Katherine Kerr will talk about the role of these two efforts, the work of non-state actors to reduce GHG emissions, and what impact these efforts hope to have.

Forum to Look at Africa, Electricity – The Johns Hopkins University hosts a forum on Wednesday, April 24^th at 12:30 p.m. that will feature expert Todd Moss will highlight the key issues affecting Nigeria’s energy future—and why failing to solve this conundrum will have profound consequences for the country, region, and far beyond.

EPIC Forum to Look at RPS Issues – On Wednesday, April 24^th, the Energy Policy Institute of Chicago (EPIC) holds a forum to release new, cutting-edge research that sheds light on long-standing questions about the precise impact of RPS policies on electricity rates and their overall efficiency as a climate policy and discuss the economic and climate impacts of renewable portfolio standards. Speakers include EPIC head Michael Greenstone, former DOE Official Melanie Kenderdine and former staff director of Senate Energy McKie Campbell.  The event will be moderated by Amy Harder of Axios.

Petraeus to Address Energy Economists Annual Meeting – The National Capitol Area Chapter of the US Association for Energy Economics is holding its 23^rd annual conference on Wednesday April 24^th at the Marvin Center Continental Ballroom at George Washington University. The theme of this year's one-day event is Energy Security.  The confirmed keynote speaker at lunch is David Petraeus, Chairman of the KKR Global Institute. General Petraeus is former director of the Central Intelligence Agency and was commanding general of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, and Commander of United States Central Command.  Morning panels will focus on the international role of the United States, the perspective of the U.S. military, and the response of the refining and shipping industries to changes in emissions limits for bunker fuel. Afternoon panels will cover the security of the electric power grid and fossil fuel delivery systems.  There are many leaders from think tanks, government, the private sector and consultancies to explain how energy security concerns are driving the energy markets.

Forum to Look at Road User Fees – The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF) holds a forum on Thursday April 25^th for the release of a new report—“A Policymaker’s Guide to Road User Charges”—and an expert panel discussion that will delve into the myths and realities of RUC systems and what Congress should do to enable progress.

Forum to Look at Japan Nuke Issues – The Woodrow Wilson Center hosts a forum on Thursday, April 25^th at 10:00 a.m. on proliferation, plutonium and power, looking at the Carter Administration and Japan’s Search for a Plutonium Economy Japan’s Search for a plutonium economy.  Fintan Hoey, PhD is a Public Policy Fellow at the Wilson Center and an Associate Professor of History at Franklin University Switzerland. He is the author of Satō, America, and the Cold War: US-Japanese Relations, 1964-1972 (Palgrave Macmillan, 2015) and is currently working on a SNF-funded project on Japan’s nuclear power policy in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

ELI Forum to Look at Deep Decarbonization – The Environmental Law Institute hosts a forum on Thursday, April 25^th at 3:30 p.m. on a new book, "Legal Pathways to Deep Decarbonization in the United States," which identifies these impediments and devises numerous ways to surmount them. Best described as a “playbook” for policymakers and lawyers, the book identifies well over 1,000 options-- legal pathways to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% from 1990 levels by 2050. The legal options identified involve federal, state, and local law, as well as private governance. The book editors, Michael B. Gerrard and John C. Dernbach, and a panel of experts will discuss some of the legal options for deep decarbonization in the United States and offer insight as to efforts already underway to put these recommendations into action.

Forum to Look at CCS Progress – The Carbon Utilization Research Council (CURC), the Global CCS Institute, and the Carbon Capture Coalition continue their Carbon Lunches - A Carbon Capture 101 Briefings Series Friday, April 26^th at 11:30 a.m.  The briefings look at Carbon Capture, Use, and Storage, and how this suite of technologies can deliver steep emissions reductions alongside other clean and renewable sources of energy in the transition to a zero-carbon economy, while supporting clean energy production and creating high-wage energy, industrial and manufacturing jobs.  Keynote Address speaker will be Jason Grumet of the Bipartisan Policy Center. 

NatGas Roundtable to Feature Resilience Discussion – On Friday, April 26^th at 12:00 p.m. at the American Gas Association, the National Gas Roundtable holds its April lunch focused on the resilience and reliability of natural gas and its importance to energy delivery throughout our nation. In a panel discussion moderated by API’s Todd Snitchler, a group of experts will dive into the truth about the resilience and reliability of natural gas.  Panel Participants include NERC’s Thomas Coleman, Hardeep Rana of Washington Gas and Greg Salisbury of Consumers Energy.            

White House Correspondents Dinner – President Trump announced Last week he wasn’t going to attend the White House Correspondents’ Dinner again this year.  No surprise there.  The dinner, often referred to as DC’s Nerd Prom, will be held on Saturday April 27^th.  It is always a fun time and while Trump won’t go, I always will!!!

EPA E15, RIN Market Reforms Comments Due – April 29^th

ACCF to Host Chatterjee – The American Council for Capital Formation and the ACCF Center for Policy Research hosts a special event on April 30^th at noon in the Chinese Ballroom of the Mayflower Hotel discussing the 2019 FERC Agenda that features a conversation with Chairman Neil Chatterjee. 

USEA to Host Microgrid Discussion – The US Energy Assn will host a presentation on Tuesday April 30^th at 10:00 a.m. that will highlight the ongoing DOE microgrid activities for enhanced grid reliability and resilience.  The speaker is Dan Ton, Program Manager at DOE’s Office of Electricity Advanced Grid Research and Development Division.  He is responsible for developing and implementing R&D activities in microgrids, resilient electric distribution systems, and international smart grid collaboration.

Offshore Tech Conference Hits 50 – The Offshore Technology Conference hits its 50^th anniversary on May 6^th through 9^th in Houston.  The event aims at advancing scientific and technical knowledge for offshore resources and environmental matters.  Celebrating 50 years since 1969, OTC’s flagship conference is held annually at NRG Park (formerly Reliant Park).  Speakers will include Equinor COO Jannicke Nilsson, Total President Arnaud Breuillac, Chamber Global Energy Institute head Christopher Guith, Murphy Oil CEO Roger Jenkins, Baker Hughes Oilfield Services head Maria Claudia Borras and BP America President Susan Dio. 

SEIA to Host Diversity Challenge – On May 6^th, the Solar Energy Industries Association will be issuing a Diversity Challenge in concert with the broader energy industry.  The purpose of the challenge is to start a conversation about what our sector is doing to address diversity and inclusion. It’s intended to be a constructive way to bring the energy world forward to talk about an issue that is of critical importance to its collective businesses. For example, organizations and businesses with diverse workforces are more innovative and more successful.  To launch this challenge, SEIA will be hosting an event at the National Press Club with the Solar Foundation to release an updated Solar Diversity Study and Diversity Best Practice Guide.  They will also launch a #DiversityChallenge that can be shared on social media regarding what companies/organizations have done, what they are working on, and what has been successful in increasing diversity and inclusion.  Other Components of the Challenge Include: 

• SEIA is recruiting dozens of solar companies to sign on to the PWC CEO Action Pledge 
• Hosting ancillary events around the country after May 6^th to ensure this important topic is discussed outside of DC with solar companies 

• Planning a workshop at the Press Club event to learn about and share components of a successful diversity campaign.

BPC to Host Air Capture Report – The Bipartisan Policy Center hosts a forum on May 9^th at 9:30 a.m. to take a first look at a Rhodium Group report focused on direct air carbon capture.  The event includes a presentation from lead author John Larsen and a discussion on the policy opportunities and barriers to direct air capture technology advancement with leading experts, businesses, and policymakers to learn how direct air capture can build a cleaner and more efficient economy, bolster our technology leadership, and reduce carbon pollution.

Houston Hosts Wind Industry’s Biggest Conference – AWEA returns to Houston on May 20-23, for the WINDPOWER Conference and Exhibition, the Western Hemisphere’s largest gathering of the people and technology driving wind power trends. WINDPOWER is where the vision and business deals that will drive the future of the wind industry happen.  More on this as we get closer.