Energy Update: Week of April 21st

Friends,

Happy Patriots’ Day!!! Of course, that also means Boston Marathon.  Lead pack had 15 at the halfway point. It is also Stanley Cup Playoff time.  Good games over the weekend, but the Caps start tonight against Montreal. And tomorrow is Earth Day.  I know you have all been hearing the same  rumors about NGOs and tax status, but we will see what happens. 

‌This week, President Trump starts today by honoring a 147-year-old tradition of the White House Easter Egg Roll. We also expect the U.S. and Ukraine to sign a deal on rare earth minerals, the same deal as almost signed a month ago.

Another week of District work period for Congress and then it is time for the budget nitty gritty.  Look for budgets to start moving next week with Ways and Means posting by May 9^th. Reuters has a good story by Congressional correspondent Bo Erickson on the fight to keep clean energy provision. When members of Congress return, they will also find a “recissions” package in their laps. As a former Approps staffer in the 1995, I found the “recissions” package often had much more bark, than bite. We will see how that plays out, but my guess is the recissions gets trimmed significantly in the end.

For events, this week, ELI holds a multi-perspective conversation today at Noon 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 and CRES’s Christina Baworowsky. Tomorrow, the MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub will convene an Executive Roundtable addressing intensifying natural disasters and a crisis of insurability with stronger, more resilient building materials, designs, and retrofits. ACORE also holds a virtual discussion on reducing energy costs and risks with advanced transmission technologies.  Tomorrow to Thursday 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 development and sustainability, with a lot of talk on 45Z tax credits.

Finally, Semafor holds its 2025 World Economy Summit, on Wednesday to Friday. The Society of Environmental Journalism (SEJ) annual Conference in Phoenix, AZ is also Wednesday to Friday…  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.

Hope everybody enjoyed the Easter and Passover meals!!! Sad that influential Pope Francis passed away just hours after giving the traditional Easter Blessing from Vatican City. But perhaps, it is time to rewatch the 2024 blockbuster, Conclave.

Call with Questions.

Best,

Frank Maisano

(202) 828-5864

C. (202) 997-5932                                                                                                               

FRANKLY SPOKEN

“Rather than replacing conventional energy source, the growth of renewables is coming on top of that of conventional sources.”

Former Obama Administration OMB Director and current Lazard CEO Peter Orszag alongside S&P Global’s Daniel Yergin and Atul Arya, in a Foreign Affairs op-ed on how to find a pragmatic path forward on energy transition.

ON THE PODCAST

Offshore Wind Series Talks Canada Transmission – In new episodes of USEA’s Power Sector Podcast, host Herman Trabish Talks to Electricity Canada’s Francis Bradley about Canadian offshore wind development and ACP’s Molly Croll about the economic, environmental, and reliability values in building floating ocean wind projects off California’s coast.

Remember, last week, the opening episode featured Turn Forward CEO Hillary Bright and a second episode, sat down with Tarrance Group Republican pollster B.J. Martino who discussed their 2025 survey that found a significant majority of voters from both political parties favor U.S. offshore wind.

Westerman Talks Permitting – In this week’s CSIS Power Map podcast, Joseph Majkut and Quill Robinson sit down with Rep. Bruce Westerman, representative for Arkansas's 4^th congressional district and Chairman of the House Resources Committee. Rep. Westerman shares his perspective on the long tradition of conservation in the U.S., the importance of permitting reform to help meet power demand growth, and the need for an all-of-the-above energy approach.

FUN OPINIONS

PacNW Hydrogen Hub is Essential to Energy Dominance – In an op-ed in the Tri-Cities Business Journal, Washington state Republican Congressman Dan Newhouse writes the Pacific Northwest stands at a pivotal crossroads when it comes to the future of energy. Blessed with an abundance of hydropower resources, the region has an unparalleled opportunity to lead the nation in developing a hydrogen economy. By leveraging both its hydroelectric resources and heavy industry sectors, the PNW can create a new wave of economic prosperity and develop a regional energy hub that will benefit local industry and consumers. Hydrogen is a critical component of our energy future. Clean hydrogen made from hydropower provides carbon-free energy that can be used to power a range of hard-to-abate sectors. Hydrogen presents a unique opportunity for Washington as it can fuel heavy transportation sectors like trucking and aviation, support our seaports and cargo handling capabilities, and provide energy for generators, data centers, and refineries. Hydrogen also serves as a key molecule in producing clean fuels and chemicals like ammonia and fertilizer.

FROG BLOG

Solar Industry Pushes for IRA in Budget Process – In a blog post, SEIA’s Abby Hopper argues that  repealing Federal energy tax credits will directly harm American households. Federal energy incentives passed by Congress in 2022 have been central to lowering costs for clean energy technologies, and they’ve empowered millions of households with the freedom to choose solar and storage to directly reduce their electricity bills. Solar and storage are a critical part of an all-of-the-above energy agenda that keeps utility bills low for Americans, creates jobs, and brings billions of dollars in new investments to our country. 

FUN FACTS

Using “Climate” Less, Energy Dominance More: A Semafor Analysis reviewed eight companies — a combination of energy providers, owners of electricity generation assets, and technology manufacturers — use of the terms “emissions” and “climate” and/or “environment” fell from a cumulative high of 45 across the companies’ earning calls in early 2020 to just three by the beginning of this year. By contrast, the terms “energy security,” “energy independence,” and “energy dominance” grew in use, from just two in early 2020 to 12 by the beginning of this year.

IN THE NEWS

API Supports Trump Action to Defend Oil, Gas Development – API filed a motion to intervene in federal court to defend President Trump’s revocation of the prior administration’s ban on new oil and natural gas leasing across millions of acres of federal waters. The motion comes in response to a lawsuit filed by activists that seeks to prevent the Trump administration from reversing this politically motivated ban. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. offshore production accounts for 14% of total U.S. crude oil production, or nearly 2 million barrels of oil per day. Robust offshore oil and natural gas development could generate over $8 billion in additional government revenue by 2040. America’s offshore resources are not only significant for our energy security, but also generate among the lowest carbon-intensive barrels produced anywhere in the world.

“This lawsuit is out of touch with the majority of American voters who sent a clear message in support of domestic energy development,” API General Counsel Ryan Meyers said. “Today we’re taking action to defend President Trump’s reversal of this politically motivated decision and ensure our nation’s vast offshore resources remain a critical source of affordable energy, government revenue and stability around the world.”

Interior Issues Offshore Wind Stop Work Order – Interior memo released a memo last week halting construction of New York’s Empire Wind 1 project while ordering a sprawling review of existing offshore wind permits.  Offshore wind advocacy group Turn Forward’s Executive Director Hillary Bright:

"Today's actions by the U.S. government mark an unfortunate setback for an industry that’s ready to drive American energy dominance forward. Offshore wind's unique strategic advantage lies in its ability to supply massive amounts of utility-scale power to populous coastal areas with limited alternatives—and to do so within the next few years. The widening gap between rising electricity demand and available energy supply poses a serious threat to economic growth. Offshore wind offers viable, shovel-ready projects that help close that gap. It is in our clear national interest to boost the deployment of valuable energy resources like offshore wind."

Statement From NY Governor Kathy Hochul

“Every single day, I’m working to make energy more affordable, reliable and abundant in New York and the federal government should be supporting those efforts rather than undermining them. Empire Wind 1 is already employing hundreds of New Yorkers, including 1,000 good-paying union jobs as part of a growing sector that has already spurred significant economic development and private investment throughout the state and beyond. This fully federally permitted project has already put shovels in the ground before the President’s executive orders—it’s exactly the type of bipartisan energy solution we should be working on. As Governor, I will not allow this federal overreach to stand. I will fight this every step of the way to protect union jobs, affordable energy and New York’s economic future.”

American Clean Power’s Jason Grumet:

“Halting construction of fully permitted energy projects is the literal opposite of an energy abundance agenda. With skyrocketing energy demand and increasing consumer prices, we need streamlined permitting for all domestic energy resources. Doubling back to reconsider permits after projects are under construction sends a chilling signal to all energy investment.  

“These political reversals are bad policy, whether applied to pipelines or wind farms. We encourage the Administration to quickly address perceived inadequacies in the prior permit approvals so that this project can complete construction and bring much needed power to the grid. At the end of the day, reliable energy systems depend on reliable political systems.”  

Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) President Heather Reams

“While today’s announcement is disappointing, President Biden’s reckless administrative actions following the election have forced each decision to be re-reviewed—even those which undertook full lengthy permitting processes,” said CRES President Heather Reams. “With all reviews, we encourage timely completion as regulatory certainty is one of the underpinnings of successful energy markets. We hope the Trump Administration reconsiders its decision and allows the Empire Wind 1 project to continue construction. Projects like these support American workers, port reinvestment, domestic manufacturing and homegrown energy development across the country.”

Trump Admin Starts Critical Mineral Processing Trade Review – The Trump Administration’s Commerce Department launched a 232 trade investigation on processed critical minerals last week. Trump signed an order directing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to begin a national security review under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Within 180 days, Lutnick is required to report his findings to the president, including whether to impose tariffs. Were Trump to then impose a tariff on a nation's critical minerals, the rate would supersede the "reciprocal" tariffs Trump imposed earlier this month. Abigail Hunter, Executive Director of SAFE’s Center for Critical Minerals Strategy, gave the following statement:

“The use of Section 232—as opposed to the reciprocal tariff approach that largely exempted minerals—reflects a national security framing with potentially more durable trade implications.  By going commodity-by-commodity the unique market dynamics and supply chain nuances across minerals should surface. Provisions to monitor tariff circumvention further signal growing recognition of how these materials often transit multiple countries before arriving in the United States. SAFE looks forward to contributing market expertise and industry input such that ultimate policies reflect real-world complexity of these supply chains.”

NEW REPORT: Minnesota Continues Clean Energy Leadership – Minnesota has once again affirmed its leadership in the clean energy transition. The newly released 2025 Minnesota Energy Factsheet, developed by Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM) and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) with research by BloombergNEF and data from the Minnesota Department of Commerce, shows the state made significant strides in cutting emissions, maintaining a majority-zero-carbon power mix, and reducing reliance on imported electricity. This is the 5^th consecutive year that zero-carbon sources (renewables and nuclear) have provided the majority of Minnesota’s electricity, reaching 53% in 2024, well ahead of the national average of 42%.

SEIA launched Solar Powers America Program – SEIA is launching a new grassroots advocacy platform to empower Americans to stand up for policies that keep electric bills down and protect abundant American-made clean energy. With both chambers of Congress gearing up to return to Washington to negotiate a budget reconciliation package, SEIA is mobilizing people in communities across the country to influence the conversation in Washington. SolarPowersAmerica.org enables Americans to contact their representatives to urge support for the federal tax credits that fuel America’s robust energy and manufacturing economy. Alongside the debut of Solar Powers America, SEIA is launching a new advertising campaign targeting key Congressional districts. The campaign encourages constituents to contact their lawmakers through SolarPowersAmerica.org and outlines what could be at risk if federal energy incentives are repealed. Solar Powers America will serve as the hub for all of SEIA’s federal and state grassroots advocacy moving forward, turbocharging the industry’s engagement with communities nationwide in the work to ensure a strong U.S. solar and storage industry. 

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

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 today to Saturday. Each day there will be numerous energy, environment and climate panels and forums. 

Wolak Headline ELI Hydrogen Discussion – The Environmental Law Institute holds a multi-perspective conversation today at Noon 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.

Forum Set Climate, Conservation – The Business Council for International Understanding holds a discussion today at 2:00 p.m. on climate policy, conservation efforts and government initiatives.

Chamber hosts COP 30 Event with Brazilian Minister – Today at 3:30p.m., the U.S. Chamber of Commerce holds a forum with COP30 President-Designate Ambassador Correa do Lago and other guests to discuss Brazil’s plans as it prepares to host the UNFCCC’s COP30 this November in Belém, Brazil. The event will convene government officials and other stakeholders to discuss and define priorities, share accomplishments, and highlight the role of business in advancing climate solutions. In addition to Ambassador Correa do Lago – who also serves as Brazil’s Secretary of Climate, Energy, and Environment – the event will feature Maria Luisa Viotti, Brazilian Ambassador to the US and representatives from Azerbaijan and U.A.E. – hosts of COP29 and COP28.

EarthX Forum Set for TX – Earthx2025 will be held today to Friday 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

CFR Looks at Nuclear – The Council on Foreign Relations holds a discussion tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. on Nuclear Power and Proliferation focused on rising energy demand and global security risks. International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Gross speaks.

Forum Holds Latin American Energy – The Inter-American Dialogue holds its 8^th annual Latin America Energy Conference tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. focused on shifting energy and geopolitical realignment in the Americas. The conference will provide a platform for in-depth discussions on the region’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. It will foster dialogue on comprehensive strategies to advance energy sustainability, climate action and trade stability in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. Former Panamanian national energy secretary Jorge Rivera Staff and Quebec Senator Rosa Gálvez speak.

MIT CSHub Hosts Executive Roundtable on Resilience – Tomorrow 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.

ACORE Talks Advance Transmission – The American Council on Renewable Energy holds a virtual discussion tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. on reducing energy costs and risks with advanced transmission technologies. The event features a webinar featuring a timely new report by The Brattle Group, “Incorporating GETs and HPCs into Transmission Planning Under FERC Order 1920," that examines the benefits of GETs and HPCs, how current planning processes may be inadequate for their consideration, and how relevant state entities can encourage transmission providers to integrate these technologies into their transmission planning and selection processes.

Forum Looks at Africa, Climate Finance – The Center for Global Development holds a discussion tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. on how Africa should navigate the new development and climate finance landscape. The event features CGD and Africatalyst for a discussion on responses to this crisis with former and current policymakers, thought leaders, economists, and advocacy partners. Participants will discuss the impact of the new development landscape, how African leaders can react, and ways the continent can accelerate the process away from aid dependency.

RMI Holds Heat Pump Forum – RMI holds a forum tomorrow 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.

CSIS Talks COP Leadership, Action – The Center for Strategic and International Studies holds a discussion tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. on evaluating options for global climate in the post Paris Agreement world.  The event will feature a timely conversation with RMI’s Sarah Ladislaw, former CFR expert David Victor and Heritage’s Mario Loyola to explore the forces redefining global climate action and the difficult questions facing policymakers in an era of inward-looking politics and great power competition.

RNG Summit Set for Houston – Tomorrow to Thursday 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 to Friday 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 Wednesday to Saturday 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.

Forum Addresses Mineral Value Change – On Wednesday at 5:00 p.m., the Business Council for International Understanding holds a discussion on priorities for 2025, sustainable mineral value chains, the global coal transition, financing opportunities for climate-smart mining and advancements in energy and extractives leading toward a just transition. Demetrios Papathanasiou, Global director of the World Bank's Energy and Extractives Global Department, speaks.

Steyer Headlines Heatmap Climate Week Forum – On Thursday 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.

Forum Looks at China Energy Challenges – The U.S.-China Security Review Commission holds a hearing on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. exploring China's domestic energy challenges and its growing influence over international energy markets.

Event Set to Discuss EPA-Diamond SCOTUS Case – The Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies holds a virtual discussion on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. on SCOTUS oral arguments on Diamond Alternative Energy LLC v. Environmental Protection Agency. The case focuses on California’s previously-granted waiver to implement its Advanced Clean Car Program.

JHU Holds Lithium Flim Screening – On Thursday at 5:00 p.m., the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies Institute for America, China and the Future of Global Affairs holds a film screening and discussion on lithium and the race for critical minerals. Abigail Hunter, Executive director of the SAFE Center for Critical Minerals Strategy, is among the speakers.

IN THE FUTURE

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.

Forum Set for California -- The 28^th annual Milken Institute Global Conference is set for May 4^th to 7^th at  the Beverly Hilton. The Conference brings together the world's brightest minds to address the most urgent challenges and unlock the most promising opportunities of our time.  The conference aims to tackle critical issues like climate change, economic inequality, public health challenges and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, exploring solutions that pave the way for a more sustainable, equitable and resilient future. The speaker list is impressive.

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.

CA Hydrogen Event Set – The California Hydrogen Leadership Summit will be held on June 3^rd and 4^th in Sacramento to explore key policies and programs driving hydrogen’s role in meeting air quality and emissions targets, enhancing energy resilience, and supporting sustainable growth.

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.