Energy Update: Week of April 22

Friends,

Happy Earth Day… As you know, every day is Earth Day to us here on the Bracewell Energy/Enviro team.  Lots of events, including this morning’s Press Club-sponsored event that featured Earth Day founder Dennis Hayes to highlight a new global mobilization efforts.  Something to check out. 

It is also Easter Monday, which means the 141^st version of the White House Easter Egg Roll.  The event officially dates back to 1878 and the presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes, but first-hand accounts suggest that informal festivities began with egg-rolling parties under President Abraham Lincoln. After President Grant tried to stop to children from coming to the White House for the event (why would you do that?), a group of bold children walked up to the White House gate in 1878 and convinced Hayes to let them in to roll Easter eggs and annual tradition began. President Benjamin Harrison added music to the festivities in 1889 with the United States Marine Band.  There have been numerous changes and additions to the event over the years, but one lasting change was made by First Lady Nancy Reagan in 1981 when she introduced the custom to receive a wooden Easter egg when leaving the event.  The wooden egg became a keepsake cherished by guests that donned the signature of the President and First Lady.

Second week of Congressional district work period for Easter/Passover so not much happening on the Hill – in our space at least (Mueller Report).  One big event this week is Wednesday morning’s POLITICO event at The Liaison.  The event is a high-level conversation on how extreme weather is prompting a renewed look at disaster relief and response in Washington and in affected communities.  Of course, this is an Issue in the wheelhouse of our friends at MIT who have done significant research on the topic.  Jeremy Gregory is a great resource at MIT. 

In addition to the disaster resilience research, the same MIT experts are also looking the urban heat island effects of climate change and how adjusting the color of pavement can reduce climate change.  Now, this is not as exciting as last week’s Black Hole press conference that featured 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 the fraction 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.  

In fact, tacking “urban heat Islands” with higher pavement reflectivity can lower urban temperatures which leads to fewer extreme heat days.  MIT researchers ran large-scale climate models for 20 years to understand the effects of a 0.2 increase in pavement albedos with the results showing an urban temperature decrease of over one-degree Celsius (a high as a 40% decrease in heatwaves).  See the specific data for Texas and Houston.  MIT has released a great video that simply explains it all here.  See more details about the research here.

Enjoy the week and call with any questions.   Hoping Caps close Carolina out tonight so I can enjoy two first Round Game 7s tomorrow (Boston-Toronto, SJ-Vegas).  WHCA Dinner on Saturday….Pull out that Formal wear!

Best,

Frank Maisano

(202) 828-5864

C. (202) 997-5932

 

FRANKLY SPOKEN

“Today’s orders show FERC is making a lot of headway on processing LNG applications in a more efficient manner, and I’m proud of the work that we are doing.”

FERC Chairman Neil Chatterjee said in a statement.”

ON THE POD

Political Climate Back in Action – Resources for the Future’s Resources Radio host Daniel Raimi talks with University of Michigan Professor Barry Rabe about his new book, Can We Price Carbon? Rabe shares his insights on some of the real-world challenges for implementing policies that price carbon, and describes some of the key features that might help make them stick. They talk about how experience from previous efforts to price carbon can inform discussions on the Green New Deal, and much more.

FUN OPINIONS

Forbes: Energy Groups Wary of 5G Rollout – USEA energy expert and Forbes Contributor Dee Bhambhani writes in her column this week that energy groups are warning regulators that a 5G rollout without securing adequate bandwidth for the sector could cause major harm to the nation’s electric grid and critical infrastructure.  Dee spoke to Joy Ditto, president and CEO of Utilities Technology Council, who is on the front lines in Washington urging the FCC, Congress, Energy Department officials, and members of the FERC to work with the FCC to ensure space on the 5G network for utility operations. In its report, “Cutting Through the Hype: 5G and Its Potential Impacts on Electric Utilities,” UTC said “utilities are the prime targets for 5G applications as the energy sector has increasing requirements for monitoring and control driven by regulatory and commercial pressures given that the ways in which energy is generated and consumed are changing rapidly.” But an increase in infrastructure to support 5G technology would increase the cost of doing business while the shortage of spectrum could thwart renewable energy integration and threaten resilience of an already old grid trying to go digital, according to UTC’s report.

IN THE NEWS

Air Regulators Group Release Air Trends Report – The Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies (AAPCA) released the 2019 edition of its annual report, State Air Trends & Successes: The StATS Report. AAPCA’s report details the significant progress in air quality that has been achieved in the United States and spotlights the critical role of state and local air agencies in that improvement.  The 2019 edition of The StATS Report, published on Earth Day and ahead of Air Quality Awareness Week 2019 (April 29 to May 3), uses publicly available data from EPA and other agencies to present key air quality statistics. Previously referred to as The Greatest Story Seldom Told, the positive trends reflected in the report range from ambient pollution concentrations (like particulate matter and ground-level ozone) to air releases of toxic chemicals to compliance and enforcement data. Where applicable to provide context, this report also tracks the trend lines of economic and social growth indicators.

Key Stats from the Report:

• From 1970 to 2017, a 73-percent reduction in the combined emissions of the six criteria air pollutants for which there are national ambient air quality standards.
• From 1990 to 2016, electricity sector emissions of nitrogen oxide were reduced more than 80 percent and electricity sector sulfur dioxide emissions were reduced 91 percent.
• Reported air release of toxic chemicals were down 57 percent in 2017 as compared to 2007, from 1,336,060,145 pounds in 2007 to 579,381,790 in 2017.
• Comparing 2000 to 2016, energy-related carbon dioxide emissions fell nearly 12 percent while total energy production increased 18 percent.

Some key metrics from AAPCA Member States:

• Since 1990, AAPCA Member States have reduced by 54 percent the aggregate emissions of the six criteria air pollutants, while experiencing a 263-percent increase in Gross Domestic Product, a 58-percent increase in vehicle miles traveled, and a 44-percent increase in population.
• In the electricity sector, AAPCA Member States accounted for more than 60 percent of nitrogen oxide emissions reduction in the United States from 1990 to 2016 (3.2 million tons of the 5.2-million-ton reduction).
• From 2007 to 2017, AAPCA Member States were responsible for nearly two-thirds of the 750-million-pound reduction in reported toxic air releases.

Sempra Innovates through High-tech Weather Tracking – When we think of innovation, images of scientists dressed in lab coats often come to mind.  But some of the most important innovation in the electricity industry is actually occurring…in a weather center… And not just any weather center. In a modest-sized room in San Diego Gas & Electric’s (SDG&E) Emergency Operations Center sits a team of meteorologists who are monitoring one of the most sophisticated weather mapping programs in the United States.  That team is on the frontlines of managing one of California’s biggest threats: wildfires. The service area of San Diego Gas & Electric, a Sempra utility, is particularly prone to wildfires.   All of us have seen the terrible images of these fires and are familiar with the destruction that they can cause.  What we may not have thought about is the relationship between these fires and the electricity grid. That’s where SDG&E’s team and innovative technology comes in.   They are analyzing data from 177 weather stations throughout the San Diego region to model threats, manage the electricity grid (such as preemptively de-electrifying segments), notify the public of impending dangers, and help first responders.  This video introduces you to the dedicated team at SDG&E and demonstrates that investments in energy innovation can help save lives—and keep the lights on.  It’s no wonder that SDG&E was recognized with an Edison Award for their efforts—the electricity industry’s most prestigious honor.

FERC Approves LNG Facilities – The FERC approved construction of two proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals on Thursday.  The projects – approved 3-1 included Tellurian Inc’s Driftwood facility in Louisiana and Sempra Energy’s Port Arthur project in Texas.  Driftwood and Port Arthur are just two of dozens of LNG export terminals under development in the United States, Canada and Mexico. With so many plants under development, analysts have said that most will likely not be built over the next decade.

Chamber Weighs In on LNG – The US Chamber’s Global Energy Institute posted a new LNG/FERC blog.    At a time when the issue of climate change is increasingly part of the polarized political discourse, the approval of these projects is especially significant. The Chamber says FERC deserves credit for rising above partisanship and reaching an important compromise that expanded its greenhouse gas analysis while also ensuring important energy infrastructure continues to get permitted. The Global Energy Institute continues to advocate for finding reasonable paths forward to address climate change, and natural gas and LNG are a critical part of the equation. Increased use of natural gas in the United States has contributed significantly to lower greenhouse gas emissions, while it also serves as the ideal complement to renewable energy generation like wind and solar, which can be intermittent. Exporting LNG enables other countries to realize similar environmental benefits. Earlier this month, we launched of our “American Energy: Cleaner, Stronger” initiative, outlining our commitment to supporting national energy policies that drive innovation, lower emissions and foster economic growth.

NJ Awards Clean Energy Subsidies for PSE&G Nuke Plants – The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities moved to award the state's largest utility, Public Service Electric and Gas Co., $300 million a year over three years in zero-emission credit subsidies to go toward PSE&G's Salem 1 and 2 nuclear reactors and the Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Station - plants which the utility has said it would close within three years without financial assistance. The average New Jersey resident's electricity bill will increase by about $41 annually to cover the subsidies.

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

Earth Day – TODAY.  Lots of event are on-going but one to look up is today’s National Press Club Event featuring Dennis Hayes that was this morning,   WRI’s Andrew Steer discussed climate change ethics at Noon; Institute of World Politics hosts lecture on trends and development in the energy industry and their impacts on global energy security at 4:00 p.m. and Johns Hopkins’ Energy, Resources and Environment Program examines the outlook for world coal consumption and implications for climate change featuring former EIA head Howard Gruenspecht, Senior Energy Economist at the MIT Energy Initiative. 

AU Enviro Policy Forum Set – The American University Center for Environmental Policy holds a conference tomorrow and Wednesday on EPA and the future of environmental protection.  The conference will explore EPA's role in leading the nation and the world in meeting future environmental challenges.  Keynote speaker is former RFF president, former House Energy Subcommittee Phil Sharp.  They will also present awards to Linda Fisher and Kevin Fay.

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 tomorrow 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. 

Webinar to Discuss Solar ITC – GTM hosts a webinar tomorrow 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.

Forum Looks at Disaster Relief in an Era of Extreme Weather – On Wednesday 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.

Energy Economists Hold Spring Energy Conference – On Thursday, the National Capital Area Chapter, U.S. Association for Energy Economics holds its annual spring conference at The George Washington University in the Marvin Center Continental Ballroom. The event focuses on the global quest for energy security.  Speakers include Cheniere’s Christopher Smith, USEA’s Barry Worthington, Center for LNG’s Charlie Riedl and many others.  

Forum to Discuss Oil/Gas Stewardship, Petroleum Engineers – The United States Energy Association holds a forum on Wednesday 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”.

Utility Forum Focuses on Customers – The 39^th Utility Energy Forum will be held on Wednesday to Friday at the Cambria Pines Lodge in Cambria, CA to look at Utility Recipes for Meeting Customer Needs.  The event will weave throughout the sessions as we challenge our traditional thinking and learn how we can meet customer needs in this rapidly changing energy utility industry.

Forum to Look at Carbon Market Issues – North American Carbon World (NACW) will be held on Wednesday to Friday in LA to look at climate policy and carbon markets in domestic policy, international policy, markets, and carbon management initiatives. At NACW, professionals from the business, government, nonprofit and academic sectors gather to network learn and collaborate.

WCEE to Look at Paris Issues – The Women’s Council on Energy and the Environment (WCEE) hold a lunch and learn forum at WWF Wednesday 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 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.

PJM Focus of UPenn Energy Forum – The University of Pennsylvania’s energy policy center holds forum at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday in Philadelphia on how PJM’s wholesale markets need to change over the next decade.

EPIC Forum to Look at RPS Issues – On Wednesday, 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.

Forum to Look at Hydropower Opportunities – The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and National Hydropower Association (NHA) hold a briefing on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. looking at the role of hydropower in meeting U.S. climate and electric grid reliability and resiliency goals. In 2018, hydropower was the largest generator of renewable electricity in the United States. Opportunities to upgrade and expand the existing hydro fleet, and for new project development, are available across the country. However, challenges holding the industry back from fully realizing this growth, including lack of valuation of hydropower’s benefits in energy and environmental markets and policy; regulatory uncertainty; and disparities in tax policy support. Speakers for this forum are National Hydropower Assn’s Jeff Leahey and several others.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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.  It is always a fun time and while Trump won’t go, I always will!!!

IN THE FUTURE

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

AHAM Meeting Set – The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) holds its 2019 Annual Meeting next Monday and Tuesday at the Ritz-Carlton in Washington DC. Speakers will include DOE’s Dan Simmons former CBO head Doug Holtz-Eakin, Matt Eggers of the Chamber, NAM’s Linda Dempsey and many others. 

Forum Look at Global Energy Challenges – The Milken Institute holds its 22^nd Global Policy Conference next Monday and Tuesday to bring together the leading minds in business, technology, government, media, philanthropy, health care, and entertainment to deliver novel, collaborative responses to these great questions of our time.  Speakers include a crazy good list of celebs, deep thinkers and policy experts.  See the List here. 

Forum to Look at Building Design – The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) holds a briefing Next Monday at 2:00 p.m. in 485 Russell to explore how the quality of buildings contributes to the national economy and promotes healthier environments, and to learn how Congress can support such benefits. Because Americans spend over 90 percent of their time indoors, the design, construction, and operation of buildings greatly influence the health, productivity, and safety of their occupants. Speakers for this forum are William Fisk of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Executive Director of the Alliance for National and Community Resilience Ryan Colker and lighting designer Randy Burkett. 

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. 

Forum to Look at Electric Vehicles, Infrastructure – The Electric Drive Transportation Association holds an event on Thursday May 1^st at 1:30 p.m. at the National Press Club looking at building e-mobility into 21^st Century infrastructure.  A keynote speaker will share an integrated view of electric transportation in the 21st century and two moderated panels will include representatives of the entire value chain of e-mobility.

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.

NYU Forum to Look at Climate Regulation – On Thursday May 2^nd at 6:30 p.m., NYU Law’s Guarini Center hosts a group of distinguished energy industry experts for a discussion on climate change regulation.  Panelists will provide their thoughts on the pros and cons of a number of proposed or implemented policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions including federal carbon taxes, carbon adders to be administered by independent system operators, renewable energy mandates and more.

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.

NRECA Conference Set For Houston – NRECA Connect will be held in Houston on May 7^th through 9^th to bring together more than 600 co-op communications, marketing and member services professionals.  Current communications and local challenges will be on the agenda. 

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.

Chamber Travel Forum Set – The U.S. Chamber Foundation holds TRAVEL FORWARD on May 9^th. The event will discuss the future of travel and the people, ideas, and innovations moving the industry forward. Entrepreneurs, business leaders, and tech experts will discuss the innovations and emerging technologies making travel more efficient, personalized, accessible, interactive, affordable, and safe. Topics will include high-tech transportation, space tourism, micro hotels, customer service robots, AI, personalized travel, and more.

GTM Solar Summit Set – Greentech Media hosts it 12^th annual Solar Summit in Scottsdale, AZ on May 14-15^th.  It will cover the latest developments in global solar markets, module technology, how the ITC stepdown will impact project finance, distributed solar emerging markets and much more.

Wheeler to Address Infrastructure Questions at BPC – The Bipartisan Policy Center will host EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler on May 16^th at 10:00 a.m. to discuss EPA’s role in building critical infrastructure.  

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.

USEA Policy Forum Set – The US Energy Assn holds its annual public policy forum on May 23^rd from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Reagan Building.  The event will feature a distinguished group of speakers with over 150 energy stakeholders, journalists, diplomats, and government agency officials expected to attend.  USEA will also recognize and honor recipients of the 2019 United States Energy Award and its Volunteer Awards.

National Press Club Hosts EPA’s Wheeler – The National Press Club will host a luncheon speech with EPA head Andrew Wheeler. 

Clean Energy Expo Set – The 21^st Annual Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency EXPO and Policy Forum is set for Thursday July 11^th to showcase renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. In every state across the country, these technologies are having a significant impact in business development and job creation in the manufacturing, transmission, power, transportation, and building sectors. The bipartisan House Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Caucus is the Expo's honorary co-host.