Energy Update: Week of April 28th

Friends,

Reporting from Houston this morning where I am in the Energy Capital for Firm meeting. I was in Arizona late last week at SEJ.  It was a great time filled with good discussions and fellowship, but also a set of serious concerns about the direction of the US’s focus on energy, environment and climate. This weekend, I unfortunately missed one of my favorites, the White House Correspondents Dinner, which also was under the cloud of that same duress. And while the NHL playoffs rage on, Canada is voting for a new Prime Minister today – again look for the messages in the US -Canada relationship duress Felt acutely in Detroit. 

Speaking of my hometown, the White House pushes forward this week toward 100 days with the President meeting his moment in Macomb County, Michigan, home to Reagan Democrats and lots of union rank/file that support Trump. Today, Trump meets with Speaker Johnson (I suspect budget strategy will be on the agenda) and he also welcomes the Super Bowl Champ Philadelphia Eagles. He also makes a commencement speech in Tuscaloosa at Alabama on Thursday.

Congress returns from District Work Period to a challenge with the budget. They also will start with a recissions list. As I said last week, recissions always seem to fall short of expectations, but we’ll see as they approach a potential May vote. The House will also vote this week on three CRAs on the California car rules including the EPA waiver, as well as two others. The Chamber has a letter to members supporting the resolutions of disapproval and will make it a Key Vote. Also, electric cooperative advocates represented by the NRECA gather in Washington today for their annual fly-in and legislative rally.

Hearings this week include House Resources on both Deep-Sea Mining (tomorrow) and Hydropower (Wednesday). Also Wednesday, a House Energy subpanel  looks at energy dominance with FERC, DOE and industry officials, while House Transpo targets the Surface Transportation legislation. In the Senate, Senate Energy hosts a bunch of energy noms on Wednesday including EIA’s Tristan Abbey and DOE’s Ted Garrish .Also Wednesday, Senate Environment examines opportunities to strengthen water infrastructure programs from the Infrastructure law.

Out of town, today through Wednesday, Oceantic hosts the offshore wind conference, IPF, in Virginia Beach. Tours of Dominion’s CVOW project are happening on today. The Biogas Americas Summit is today to Wednesday in Denver. On Wednesday, USEA holds a discussion on Executive Action and coal power. 

This week is Small Business week at the US Chamber which seems much more important these days with tariffs and the economy slumping.  It is also DC Climate week with events across the city.

Finally, Saturday is the first Saturday in May and you know what that means: The Run for the Roses,  in the 151^st Kentucky Derby. Ironically, this year’s favorite is Journalism (3-1), son of Curlin and winner of Santa Anita. And if you want a long shot, again politically ironic, you can on jump on Coal Battle (30-1). Staying in that political vein, Sovereignty (5-1) is also strong and a big closer (so his 18-post is fine), winning the Fountain of Youth Stakes before running second in the Florida Derby behind Tappan Street, who is passing on the Derby due to an injury. I am looking at Rodriguez (12-1), Baffert horse with speed (and should go to the front from the 4-post) and Japanese horse Luxor Café (15-1) for my boxes. Both are light on racing but ran in the money in pre-Derby races. The other Baffert horse Citizen Bull won a pre-Derby race and runs from the front. Another Sleeper with D Wayne Lukas horse American Promise (30-1). He could get pulled right out by expected pace setters Citizen Bull/Rodriguez. Last horse in was Render Judgement. Always worth a $2 flyer

PICKS:

Trump Derby Box:          Sovereignty, Citizen Bull, American Promise, Coal Battle.

As horses, you know he thinks Journalism is FAKE News and Rodriguez…well, you can guess.

My Picks: Rodriguez, Journalism, Luxor and Sovereignty.  I am also wheeling American Promise and Citizen Bull.

Sleeper: Citizen Bull is my sleeper if the pace if not super-fast.

Call with Questions.

Best,

Frank Maisano

(202) 828-5864

C. (202) 997-5932                                                                                    

FRANKLY SPOKEN

“The arbitrariness of everything that is being done is just so galling,” “It's clearly meant to send a signal to other developers that they can't be confident that they can move forward, even if they have checked all of the permitting boxes.”

Joel Eisen, a law professor at the University of Richmond Law School who specializes in federal permitting, commenting to E&E News regarding Interior’s offshore wind stop work order

ON THE PODCAST

Offshore Wind Series Talks Canada Transmission – In this week’s episode of the Columbia Energy Exchange podcast, Jason Bordoff and Jake Sullivan have a fireside chat from the Columbia Global Energy Summit 2025 that focuses on the nexus of climate policy and national security. Sullivan recently became the Kissinger professor of the practice of statecraft and world order at the Harvard Kennedy School. He served as President Biden’s national security advisor from 2021 to 2025. In the Obama administration, he was then Vice President Biden’s national security advisor and deputy chief of staff to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

FUN OPINIONS

Houston Hydrogen Group: Hydrogen Can Power Gulf Coast’s Next Energy Boom – In an op-ed in the Houston Chronicle, the Center for Houston’s Future head Brett Perlman and Michael Hecht of Greater New Orleans write eliminating the 45V hydrogen tax credit would undercut the US just as global competitors double down. It would stifle American innovation, jeopardize investment and risk ceding energy leadership to countries like China.

Blas: Electrifying Everything has Impacts, Costs – In his column this week, Bloomberg Opinion’s Javier Blas writes it is time to discuss how electrifying everything comes with plenty of risks of its own. Blas offers his take on the IEA/UK conference on “The future of energy security”, including some tidbits from the conference’s confidential background paper.

FROG BLOG

Chamber Letter Supports California Waivers CRAs – In a letter sent to Members of Congress, the US Chamber of Commerce supports the Congressional Review Act resolutions of disapproval aimed at overturning EPA’s federal preemption waivers that led California to set unattainable standards and ban gasoline and diesel cars and trucks. These resolutions would disapprove the EPA waivers for the following regulations adopted by California: (1) Advanced Clean Cars 11 (ACC 11), H.J. Res 88 (2) the "Omnibus" Low NOx, H.J. Res 89, and (3) Advanced Clean Trucks, H.J. Res 87. These disapprovals are essential to ensuring a unified national vehicle marketplace that promotes continued progress on fuel economy while safeguarding economic growth and consumer interests.

FUN FACTS

EIA: Prices Dopwn, But Production Still up: Semafor charts EIA data showing that investors aren’t spooked by a recent plunge in oil prices and oil-company shares. Most are guessing that the US is still headed for more drilling as President Donald Trump chases an “energy dominance” agenda.

IN THE NEWS

EO on Deep Sea Mining Rolls out – The President signed an Executive Order late last week targeting the pursuit of strategically important minerals such as nickel, copper and rare earth elements from the seabed in U.S. and international waters. The order is designed “to counter China’s growing influence over seabed mineral resources” and expedites mining permits under the Deep Seabed Hard Minerals Act of 1980.  SAFE’s Vice President of Government Affairs Avery Ash:

“As our geopolitical adversaries tighten controls on global flows of raw and processed mineral resources, the US must keep all options on the table. Undersea nodules are a potentially significant resource, and we must make sure we don’t cede access to our adversaries and worsen our current dependence on foreign-controlled supply chains. To fully realize a secure and resilient critical mineral supply chain, Congress must continue to advance legislative solutions on a holistic strategy that supports responsible domestic mineral production, streamlining permitting processes, and providing the long-term policy certainty needed to attract investment across the supply chain from exploration to processing. Absent U.S. leadership, others will continue to pursue deep-sea resources – on their own terms. SAFE supports continued engagement on this issue, applauds the mapping and research provisions of this EO, and calls on Congress to continue acting to ensure America leads in the responsible development of strategic mineral resources.”

New Plastics Report Details Challenges, Success – The U.S. Plastics Pact has released a new report, Overcoming Barriers to Increasing the Use of PCR in the U.S., offering a holistic analysis of the supply, demand, and financial challenges limiting postconsumer recycled content (PCR) use. Drawing on insights from more than 100 participants across the plastics value chain, the report makes clear that these challenges are interconnected and must be addressed together. It outlines how voluntary market action and policy solutions can build on one another to overcome persistent barriers and scale PCR use in support of a more circular economy. Read the full report here: Overcoming Barriers to Increasing the Use of PCR

RMI Data Shows Methane Challenges – New RMI research shows that nearly one in 10 Americans live in a county with over 1,000 marginal wells, which leak methane and other contaminants and pose risks to communities while contributing to the warming of the planet. These wells are growing in number, driven in part by a desire to boost U.S. oil and gas production, even though they produce relatively little oil and gas, to the tune of fewer than 15 barrels per day. Marginal wells have the largest concentrations in New York, Virginia, Nebraska, Kansas, West Virginia, and Ohio. And in California, West Virginia and Wyoming, for example, approximately three in 10 people live in a county with over 1,000 marginal wells. And most have not actively produced significant amounts of oil or gas in generations. API has a bunch of good insight that addresses some of these issues in the Environmental Partnership’s most recent annual report.

USEA Names Vicki Hollub Recipient of 2025 Energy Award – The US Energy Association announced that they have named Occidental President and CEO Vicki Hollub the recipient of the 2025 United States Energy Award. The United States Energy Award is one of the most respected awards within the energy industry. Established in 1989, the award recognizes preeminent energy leadership and contributions to the national and global understanding of energy issues. The award will be presented at USEA’s Annual Membership Meeting and Public Policy Forum on May 15^th.

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

Climate Week DC Set – DC Climate Week is set for all next week in Washington, DC, providing opportunities to engage with policymakers, fund climate solutions, and showcase cutting-edge technologies. Through curated workshops, panels, exhibitions, and networking events, we will transform our nation's capital into a global model for climate action. The actions starts today at the old Newseum (now JHU). Our friend Julian Spector moderates panel.  Other Hubs include Tuesday on policy and advocacy at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library at Metro Center; Wednesday on Finance and the economy at The Square at Farragut North; Thursday on nature at the USC Capital Campus in Dupont and Friday on Mobility at the Navy Yard.

Offshore Wind Forum Set – Today to Thursday, Oceantic hosts the International Partnering Forum for offshore wind in Virginia Beach, VA . 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.

Biogas Conference Set for Denver – The Biogas Americas Summit will be today to Wednesday in Denver at the Colorado Convention Center. There will numerous panels on RNG tax credits, market conditions and industry innovations.  Air Liquide is a major sponsor of the event. 

Our Ocean Conference Set for Korea – The 10^th Our Ocean Conference will be in Busan, Korea today to Wednesday 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.

House Rules Goes to CRAs – The House Rules Committee meets today at 4:00 p.m. for the CRA votes.

Brookings Looks at Europe Energy – Today at 4:30 p.m., the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at the Harvard Kennedy School and the Center on the United States and Europe and the Energy Security and Climate Initiative at Brookings will host an analytical discussion on Europe’s energy transition in a geopolitical storm at the Kennedy School and livestream on the Brookings website. This event is part of “Europe’s energy transition: Balancing the trilemma,” a Brookings project in partnership with the Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos, which examines the balance between the security, environmental sustainability, and affordability of Europe’s energy supply amidst decarbonization efforts and geopolitical storms.

House Resources Looks at Deep Sea Mining – Following last week’s Executive Order on Deep Sea Mining, the House Resources Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee holds a hearing tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. exploring the potential of Deep-Sea Mining to Expand American Mineral Production

Forum Looks at Environmental DOGE Issues – The Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies holds a virtual discussion on Wednesday at 12:00 p.m., on whether DOGE and the Second Trump Administration can achieve lasting positive change. This panel will review these executive actions along with other upcoming major regulatory reform activities, and their possible future impacts on the environmental law regime.

Senate Energy Hosts Energy Noms – The Senate Energy Committee holds a hearing on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. for the nominations of Leslie Beyer to be assistant Interior secretary for lands and minerals management; Andrea Travnicek to be assistant Interior secretary for water and science; Ted Garrish to be assistant Energy secretary for nuclear energy; and Tristan Abbey to be administrator of the EIA.

House Resources Addresses Hydropower – The House Natural Resources Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee holds a hearing on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. on advancing Federal Water and Hydropower Development from the view of stakeholders.

House Transpo Looks at Surface Transportation Legislation – The House Transportation Committee holds a hearing on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. to discuss the latest reauthorization of the Surface Transportation legislation. 

House Sciences Reviews DOE Loan Program – The House Science Energy Subcommittee holds a hearing on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. looking at the DOE Loan Guarantee program.

House Energy Looks at Energy Challenges with Govt, Industry – The House Energy and Commerce Energy Subcommittee holds a hearing on Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. focused on assuring abundant reliable energy to power innovation.

USEA Looks at Trump Coal Action – The US Energy Association holds a virtual discussion on Wednesday looking at the Executive Action and President Trump’s energy ambitions for Coal's role in US Power. This discussion will explore expanded coal production’s political and economic feasibility in today’s energy landscape, how utilities and investors are responding, and what tailwinds—legal, market-based, and technological—may enhance the impact of the executive order. Speakers will also examine how this policy shift could shape U.S. energy strategy and influence global energy dynamics. American Power CEO Michelle Bloodworth will be among the speakers.

Forum to Address NATO Energy Issues – On Thursday at 1:00 p.m., the Atlantic Council's Global Energy Center and Eurasia Center hold a discussion on the report "Underwater Mayhem: Countering NATO Energy & Critical Infrastructure Threats.” The report authors present the report’s key takeaways, followed by a broader panel discussion analyzing the current trend of Russian physical sabotage of energy and critical infrastructure across Northern Europe. This discussion will bring together security and energy experts to analyze the underwater sabotage surge and explore the policies and technologies needed to defend critical infrastructure across NATO and beyond.

IN THE FUTURE

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. 

RMI Looks at Hydrogen, Europe – RMI holds a forum on Tuesday May 13^th at 3:00 on recalibrating Europe’s hydrogen strategy to support the clean industrial deal. This webinar unpacks questions like demand, incentives and regulations with findings from RMI’s our report, The Case for Recalibrating Europe’s Hydrogen Strategy, exploring the role of renewable hydrogen in supporting the implementation of the European Clean Industrial Deal.     

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.  In addition to policy panels, , it will honor Vicki Hollub as energy person of the year.

Chamber, RealClearEnergy Host Forum – The 2^nd annual Energy Future Forum hosted by the US Chamber’s Global Energy Institute and RealClearEnergy will be on Monday May 19^th to address energy security, affordability, and reliability—key challenges in an evolving landscape.  With elections, rising energy demand, and geopolitical shifts at play, the Energy Future Forum offers candid discussions with energy leaders and experts.

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.