Energy Update: Week of August 4th

Friends,

So, I successfully rolled through my annual Pelotonia Cancer Charity bike ride on Saturday. It is such an amazing and inspirational event that never disappoints. Just seeing those signs that say “Thanks for Saving my” (wife/husband/daughter/me) always bring a tears to my eyes as I plow through. As you know, I ride for my younger brother, Art,  who is fighting brain cancer so this is my opportunity to fight back with him as hard as I can. I am so grateful to so many of you who have supported me in the effort and for those that still want to jump in, you can – and I would love it if you did: https://www.pelotonia.org/profile/FM735496

The Senate has now joined the House for the District Work period until Sept. 2, with pro forma sessions every three days to prevent President Trump from making recess appointments. While we all slow down until early September, Congress begins its trek to both government funding and (as Majority Leader Scalise has at the top of his agenda) bipartisan project permitting efforts. Funding seems to be a mess with internal disagreement among both Republicans and Democrats, so it is likely to be a rough road ahead when members return. For example, Freedom Cause Chair Andy Harris is threatening to undermine any CR unless it hits conservatives’ terms, meanwhile, Sen. Cory Booker has gone off in emotional speeches, calling his Democratic colleagues “complicit” with Trump for not pushing back harder. On permitting, look for groups to start organizing through the month of August to be able to hit the ground running.

Tomorrow, we are paying attention to Paducah, Kentucky, who recently was mentioned in the recent DOE AI infrastructure announcement siting projects on DOE lands. DOE has selected four sites to move forward with plans to invite private sector partners to develop cutting edge AI data center and energy generation projects. We are working on nuclear issues which are likely to be part of the effort, so if you are following this story, let me know. On Thursday, comments are due on EPA’s proposal to repeal GHG standards for power plants, while comments on NEPA implementing guidance are due today.

Finally, there is still some back and forth on the tax implementation of the OBBBA provisions. A handful of Senate Republicans have been demanding clarity on implementation, especially on how Treasury will implement federal tax credits for wind and solar projects. Sens. Curtis Grassley, Murkowski and others have been demanding a meeting with Treasury, but so far have been shut out, even as they approach the 45-day guidance implementation deadline. We are keeping this on our radar through August.

This will be our final regular update for August. More Special Updates if necessary. Let us know if you are headed to the beach or the mountains. Stay in touch and see you in September!

Best,

Frank Maisano

(202) 828-5864

C. (202) 997-5932                                                                                                                 

FRANKLY SPOKEN

“"The [AIM] act's text, structure, and history demonstrate that Congress intended for the EPA to model its cap-and-trade program on similar programs established under the Clean Air Act, and those programs allocated allowances to market participants according to their market share."

U.S. Circuit Judge Florence Pan wrote for the DC Circuit challenges to a law requiring EPA to phase down the use of HFCs.

ON THE PODCAST

Talking Endangerment, Wind with Julie Mason – In a segment on Sirius XM’s Julie Mason Show, Julie and I discuss the latest moves by President Trump to limit wind power and undercut the EPA climate rules. 

FUN OPINIONS

Hydrogen Saved, but Needs Green Energy – In an analysis for Hydrogen Insight, Columbia Global Energy Policy  global research scholar Anne-Sophie Corbeau and Drake Hernandez break down how the bill's limited support for clean hydrogen and growing competition for zero-carbon electricity could slow the sector's momentum.

FROG BLOG

US Risks Losing Its Carbon Capture Advantage – In a commentary for CSIS, Mathias Zacarias writes the United States risks losing its carbon capture advantage as policy uncertainty, grant cancellations and limited tax credits threaten to slow deployment and allow global competitors to gain ground.

FUN FACTS

Drilling Shifting to Gas: U.S. drilling activity is shifting strongly from oil to gas in response to diverging price signals and expectations of a further increase in gas prices in future. The number of rigs drilling for oil has fallen to the lowest for nearly four years while gas rigs have climbed to a two-year high:

IN THE NEWS

EPA Wins HFC Challenge – The D.C. Circuit on Friday rejected refrigerant companies' challenges to a law requiring EPA to phase down the use of HFCs and said the cap-and-trade program implementing the law was based on sound methodology. Refrigerant companies had challenged the law and the regulations, arguing that Congress violated the nondelegation doctrine in the AIM Act, signed into law by President trump in December 2020.  They challenged the way AIM gave the EPA authority to do the cap-and-trade program, as well as saying that EPA unconstitutionally exercised legislative power through the program and that the EPA inappropriately excluded some data from its calculations that formed the basis of the program. A unanimous three-judge panel shot down all those arguments on Friday. The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute’s Marie Carpizo, which intervened in the case on behalf of the EPA along with the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy, praised the D.C. Circuit's decision:

"This decision is an important affirmation that the EPA's implementation of the AIM Act is on solid legislative and legal ground, which is important as we move forward with the current transition to next-generation refrigerants. We look forward to working with the EPA to ensure effective and efficient implementation going forward."

Friday Tariff Updates… – President Trump signed a new Executive Order on Friday, implementing revisions to his “Liberation Day” reciprocal tariffs and making significant changes to the fentanyl-based tariffs applied to Canada. While these actions do not directly target energy products – and most fuels have been specifically excluded — the ripple effects of these tariffs will be felt throughout the energy industry. From the availability and pricing of grid components, critical minerals, and energy hardware to broader demand-side impacts driven by macroeconomic uncertainty, these measures introduce real risk across the energy infrastructure supply chain. Meanwhile, Mexico got an additional 90 days to strike an agreement on trade. India will pay 25 percent. Bloomberg has a helpful list of the new rates. Our team at PRG is tracking these developments very closely and continue to monitor, analyze and respond to the evolving trade landscape.

…Following the EU Deal Tariff – President Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a transatlantic trade agreement negotiated under the administration’s reciprocal tariff regime. The agreement establishes a uniform 15% U.S. tariff on most EU exports, replacing higher rates on key products and halting a planned increase to 30% that was set to take effect last Friday. In exchange, the EU committed to significant purchases of U.S. energy and military equipment, along with substantial new investment in the U.S. economy. However, the agreement does not alter the 50% Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum, which remain in effect. European Commission President von der Leyen indicated these tariffs may eventually be replaced by a “quota system,” suggesting the potential for a tariff rate quota (TRQ) arrangement similar to the one previously in place between the U.S. and EU until President Trump terminated it in March 2025. Both sides also agreed to continue negotiations on a global steel arrangement aimed at addressing excess capacity and moving away from tariffs toward alternative measures. The White House Fact Sheet on the agreement can be found  here.

Carbon Capture Group Details More Blueprints – On Friday, the Carbon Capture Coalition shared the second in a series of factsheets building on the Federal Policy Blueprint they published in February. The series, called Bite-Sized Blueprints, highlights key topics in carbon management relevant to the nationwide deployment of carbon management technologies and bolsters the priorities outlined in the Coalition’s Federal Policy Blueprint. The second factsheet is focused on showcasing how the deployment of the full suite of carbon management technologies can drive significant economic opportunity and create tens of thousands of high-quality, family-sustaining jobs. Backed by regional analyses and real-world project examples, this edition underscores the critical role carbon management can play in strengthening domestic energy, industry, and manufacturing sectors.

OPEC Will Increase Production Again – OPEC+ members will raise daily oil production by 547,000 barrels beginning in September. It continues the two-year strategy turnaround from trying elevate oil prices by limiting production. WTI crude dipped to $66 and Brent stalled just under $69 as expanded OPEC+ output and the prospect of 100% tariffs on Russian oil unsettled markets.

EFI Interviews lead to Energy Production Report – The EFI Foundation (EFIF) conducted interviews with more than 20 developers of projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 29 states, resulting in a comprehensive analysis of ways to modernize DOE. There is bipartisan agreement that the DOE needs to undergo bold program and management changes to reach new highs in energy production. EFIF's report highlights methods and frameworks that can re-energize the department.

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

Alliance Energy Series Continues – The Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) continues its Virtual Summer Policy Series 2025 tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. looking at how energy efficiency investments drive business performance, job creation and infrastructure resilience.

ACP Holds Industry Women Leaders Event – ACP’s EmpowHER Forum moves to Charlotte, NC in a full, three-day EmpowHER conference from on Wednesday to Friday. EmpowHER 2025 is dedicated to advancing women in clean energy. The event will feature an array of sessions including keynote addresses, breakout discussions tailored to different leadership levels, interactive workshops, retreat-like networking events and wellness activities. Invenergy’s Kelly Speakes-Bachman and ClearPath’s Andrea Steiner are among the speakers. 

Forum Looks at Trump Budget Law – The National Press Club Journalism Institute and the Bipartisan Policy Center are offering a series of virtual briefings to help journalists enhance their understanding and coverage of the bill’s major themes. Part one of the series is on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. to guide journalists through the nuts and bolts of the law and the congressional procedures that were key to its passage, with a particular focus on what is helpful to know for ongoing coverage of the new law and its impacts.

Forum Looks at UK Markets Successes – On Wednesday at 3:00 p.m., the CHARGED Initiative—a collaboration between GridLab, Advanced Energy United, and RMI—holds a virtual event to provide insights from state PSC commissioners who participated in a study tour of Great Britain this spring to learn about its innovative flexibility markets. The event offers key insights into grid flexibility strategies and learn how these global lessons can be applied to the U.S. distribution system.

EPA Power Plant Rule Comments Due – Comments are due Thursday on the Trump EPA’s proposal to repeal GHG standards for power plants. The agency is proposing to find that U.S. power plants do not “significantly contribute” to climate-harming GHG emissions and thus the agency does not have to regulate them.

Webinar Looks at Hydrogen Projects – Gasworld holds an online forum on Friday at 9:30 a.m. on large-scale projects turning ambitious hydrogen plans into reality. This webinar will explore the evolving challenges facing large hydrogen projects and the innovative solutions helping push them forward. From adapting to new technologies to financing models and cross-border collaboration, this is your chance to engage with the leaders shaping hydrogen’s future.

IN THE FUTURE

National 811 Day – August 11^th is National 811 Day reminding you to call before you dig.

EIA Short-Term Energy Outlook released – August 12^th

Citi Resources Conference Sent for Vegas – Citi’s 2025 Natural Resources Conference will be held in Wynn Encore Las Vegas on Tuesday August 12^th to Thursday August 14^th. 

Forum Looks at Energy Stats – The Statistics, Analytics, and GIS for Energy (SAGE) conference holds two-day conference on Wednesday August 13^th and Thursday August 14^th bringing together leading practitioners, innovators, and subject matter experts in data science, GIS, statistics, and analytics to address challenges and opportunities in the energy sector, with a focus on natural gas. The event provides an intimate opportunity for leaders and practitioners to showcase and learn about cutting-edge solutions and technologies, exchange insights, and explore the role of data and geospatial technologies in the success of their operations. an audience at the forefront of creating innovative, data-driven energy systems.

CCS Tech Report Set – The Global CCS Institute holds a webinar on Thursday August 14^th to look at the key findings from the Institute’s flagship publication, State of the Art: CCS Technologies 2025. This edition of the annual compendium highlights over 160 solutions from more than 80 leading companies, showcasing the breadth of technologies driving the momentum of CCS globally. This session will cover the forthcoming Editor’s Insights Technology Compendium companion piece, which highlights a set of key observations the Editors have identified while compiling the Technology Compendium. To be released in August, this companion piece covers energy performance, industry coverage, low partial pressure applications, technology readiness, and the continued growth in submissions to the Technology Compendium.

EnerCom Oil/Gas Conference Set for Denver – The 30^th annual EnerCom Energy Investment Conference will be held August 17^th to 20^th at the Westin Denver Downtown. The conference annually hosts an in-person audience of more than 1,000 attendees, including industry professionals, institutional investors, family office investors, high-net-worth individuals, retail investors and private equity funds. In addition, the conference’s live webcast reaches a global audience of virtual attendees. Attendees can expect to hear presentations from more than 70 organizations, featuring public and private oil and gas and energy transition companies with operations worldwide, along with panel discussions touching on current energy topics.

Well Drilling Forum Set – The IADC Well Control Conference of the Americas and Exhibition will be held in New Orleans on August 19^th and 20^th to examine the innovations that are shaping the future of well control, from technology to personnel competencies. This event will focus on timely technical presentations highlighting recent developments and innovations in technology, techniques, training, management systems, and a wide variety of other topics that affect well control.

TX Energy Forum Set – Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) will a speaker at the 6^th Annual Texas Energy Forum 2025, organized by U.S. Energy Stream on August 27^th and 28^th at the Petroleum Club of Houston,  TX. Key discussions will address the future of regulatory reform, tariffs, and tax incentives; advancements in oil, gas, and LNG markets; the expansion of power generation; and breakthroughs in Electric Vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure. The Forum will highlight advancements in solar and wind energy, nuclear power, hydrogen, biofuels, critical energy infrastructure, energy storage, and securing access to vital materials —all essential for meeting the world’s rising energy demands.

Labor Day – Monday, September 1^st

Hydrogen Americas Summit Set for DC Area – The Hydrogen Americas Summit & Exhibition will be held on September 3^rd and 4^th at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. The event will include a strategic summit, a technology-focused stage, and an exhibition area featuring developments in hydrogen technologies, energy systems, storage, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). The former Director of DOE’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office Sunita Satyapal, former NRC Commissioner Chris Hanson, FCHEA’s Frank Wolak and Plug Power’s Erin Lane all speak.

RE+ Set for Vegas – From September 8^th to September 11^th in Las Vegas, NV, the Solar Energy Industries Association and the Smart Electric Power Alliance host RE+ 25. The event is the largest and most comprehensive event in North America for the clean energy industry, RE+ incorporates business opportunities and education content across energy sectors, including solar, energy storage, hydrogen, microgrids, EV charging and infrastructure, and wind energy.

National Clean Energy Week to Target New Clean Energy Environonment – Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions and a host of groups will hold National Clean Energy Week from September 15^th to 19^th in Washington, DC. 

Climate Week NYC – Climate Week NYC will be held on September 21^st to 28^th.  The event brings together inspiring heads of government and leaders from the world of business, tech, academia, and civil society.

RNG Forum Set for Nashville – The RNG Coalition holds its RNG Works forum on September 23^rd to 25^th in Nashville, TN. The Workshop program and Trade Expo combine to educate, demonstrate and promote RNG industry best practices, for purposes of helping realize sustainable development, deployment and utilization of RNG and other renewable gas to achieve greater energy reliability and improve access to clean, renewable fuel, heat, power and products.

Offshore Wind Conference Tackles Challenges – ACP holds its annual Offshore Windpower Conference in Boston’s Hynes Convention Center on October 7^th and 8^th. This year’s event is built around the work offshore wind stimulates—across ports, transmission, shipbuilding, manufacturing, steel production, and workforce training. We are creating the space for the conversations shaping what comes next for the offshore wind industry.

Hydro Forum to Explore New Opportunities – The National Hydropower Association holds its Clean Currents forum from October 14^th to 17^th in Pittsburgh, PA.