Energy Update: Week of February 24

Friends,

Mardi Gras is in full swing with Fat Tuesday set for tomorrow.  All weekend and up through tomorrow, New Orleans is especially crazy.  Then, starts the 46-day Lenten period (40 fasting days & 6 Sundays) leading up to Easter, one of the most important times of year for many around the world.  And with this reflection, we also turn our eyes to LA where today they honor NBA great Kobe Bryant, his daughter and others who were killed in a recent helicopter crash.

Back in Washington this is a busy week despite the fact that Senators head to strategy retreats.  The action all starts today when the Atlantic Coast Pipeline faces oral arguments at the U.S. Supreme Court. The case has been closely watched and will help determine the future of infrastructure construction.  Similarly, tomorrow the White House CEQ NEPA reform public hearing is being held in Washington. In advance of hearing, national leaders will hold a briefing TODAY to discuss why NEPA modernization is essential to maintaining our nation’s competitive edge and economic advantage by reducing critical infrastructure delays.  Led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Unlock American Investment Coalition is made up of 45 organizations in favor of NEPA updates representing a diverse cross section of the American economy.   Speakers at the 2:00 p.m. event at the Chamber TODAY will include LIUNA head Terry O’Sullivan, BPC head Jason Grumet, Farm Bureau head Zippy Duvall, and road builders CEO Dave Bauer all speak among others.

There are rumors that Senate Energy Chair Murkowski and ranking Dem Manchin will introduce an energy legislation package as soon as tomorrow, but most likely next week.  We do know that Wednesday House Resources looks at two climate bills (including the Trillion Trees legislation) and that – on Thursday – Energy Secretary Brouillette will be at House Energy Approps and a House Energy panel will host EPA Administrator Wheeler both to discuss 2021 budget issues.  There are a number of other budget hearings as well and a good House Science panel hearing Thursday on that examines Federal flood maps in a changing climate with NOAA and FEMA experts.  

The DC energy economists hold their annual dinner on Wednesday night at the Canadian Embassy and it will feature AGA head Karen Harbert who will discuss successes and the future of natural gas.  SEIA is in NYC to hold its Finance & Tax Seminar on Thursday, while Friday morning CSIS holds a discussion on U.S. efforts to address plastic waste, focusing on ocean pollution and climate change featuring Sen. Tom Udall.  Of course, we have plastic recycling experts who can help. 

Finally, important news out of Arizona that I am sure Harbert will mention. Gov. Doug Ducey has signed legislation that prohibits cities and counties from banning new natural gas hookups as a counter to some city ordinances pushed by liberal cities like Berkley CA, Brookline MA and Takoma Park MD.

Jumping on Sirius XM’s Press Pool today at 4:00 p.m. with my old friend Julie Mason to discuss these issues and more…so tune in!  That’s all for today, call with questions.

Best,

Frank Maisano

(202) 828-5864

C. (202) 997-5932

FRANKLY SPOKEN

“The appeals court decision put thousands of men and women out of work.  Our broad coalition and state leaders are unified in hoping the Supreme Court will overturn that devastating decision. A sound court ruling will lead to a stronger economy, more residents gainfully employed and more tax revenue for our communities.”

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey in a briefing on the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, which heads to the US Supreme Court today for oral arguments.

ON THE PODCAST

ClearPath’s Faison Joins Rep. Crenshaw Podcast to Talk Clean Energy, Innovation – ClearPath founder Jay Faison joined Rep. Dan Crenshaw recently on his podcast “Hold These Truths with Dan Crenshaw.” Listen here.  They cover a lot of ground including discussion of clean energy investments, hydropower, Navy Seal training, the importance of maintaining a robust nuclear power fleet, India's electrification relying on coal, and plenty more. Rep. Crenshaw closed the podcast saying, "ClearPath has not only been an advocate, but a big help to Members who want to bring forth solutions and legislation that are real -- not based on fantasy or emotion -- real solutions where the end goal is reducing emissions."

FUN OPINIONS

Barrasso: Climate Solutions Include Free-Market Innovation, Not Taxation – In an op-ed in USA Today, Senate Environment Committee Chair John Barrasso said free-market innovation — not government regulation or taxation — is the best way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. “Those of us interested in real solutions are looking to free-market innovation to reduce emissions. Clean and constant nuclear power emits zero carbon dioxide. We should expand America’s nuclear energy production and continue to support innovators building advanced reactors.”  Barrasso adds just as critical is the development of technologies to capture carbon and use it to produce commercial products such as building materials.

NatGas Fracking in Problem For Dem Presidential Candidates – A new op-ed in The American Thinker, former Investor’s Business Daily editorial writer Dan Sobieski writes Democrat Presidential candidates have no case, moral or otherwise, for banning fracking – especially in places like Pennsylvania – which would ironically hurt the while creating an economic collapse.  If they insist on advocating, they will be caught between shale rock and a hard place.  Sobieski Says it is fracking that has produced a boom in the production of natural gas, a fossil fuel that has produced a significant reduction in the U.S. of so-called "greenhouse gases."

FROG BLOG

IER Blog: New Japanese Coal Plants To Be Built Despite Paris Accord Commitment – A new report from the Institute for Energy Research says Japan’s plans to build as many as 22 new coal-fired power plants at 17 different sites in the next five years is in spite of its commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Under the Paris climate accord, Japan committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 26% by 2030 compared to 2013 levels. Japan currently relies on coal for over a third of its power generation needs. While older coal plants will begin retiring, eventually reducing coal dependency somewhat, the country still plans to meet over a quarter of its electricity demand from coal in 2030. Japan is reliant on imports for most of its energy needs, and it has been increasing its coal consumption as it has been weaning itself off of foreign oil following the oil price shocks of the 1970s. Coal was also a preferred choice of fuel for new electricity generation after the Fukushima nuclear accident and is part of the country’s fuel diversification plans. Japan is second to China in financing coal plants in developing nations.  Japan is portraying this summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo as one of the greenest ever, indicating that electricity for the Games will come from renewable sources. The country is using the Olympic Games to underscore its transition to a more climate-resilient economy, displaying innovations like roads that reflect heat. Critics note, however, that despite its innovations, Japan will start operating five new coal-fired power plants that will emit more carbon dioxide than what the Olympic Games can offset with renewable energy. Despite its commitment to the Paris climate accord, Japan is building state-of-the-art coal-fired power plants in its own country and financing them in developing countries. By replacing old coal units with best available technology, it is still reducing carbon dioxide emissions as well as emissions of nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter.

CAGW Blasts NEW USDA Biofuel Mandate – The Citizens Against Government Waste wrote in a new Wastewatcher blog post Friday that the new USDA Innovation plan this looks and sounds far too much like more taxpayers subsidies for programs that already exist.  CAGW President Tom Schatz said the plan to reach 30 percent for biofuels in 2050 is especially troubling.  Schatz said USDA’s historic approach to “market-driven blend rates” has been to aggressively pursue unachievable biofuel mandates that put manufacturing jobs at risk, result in more emissions and create a reliance on foreign fuels.  Ethanol is cheaper than gasoline and does not need a mandate.  If the USDA is truly interested in “market driven” approaches, it should advocate eliminating the renewable fuel standard (RFS) so that renewable energy can economically compete on its own, rather than trying to promote mandates that drive quantities of ethanol-laced fuels that consumers may not want, while putting jobs at risk and raising costs at the pump.

IN THE NEWS

ACEEE Release Utilities’ Scorecard – The second edition of the ACEEE Utility Energy Efficiency Scorecard was released late last week and says utilities have dramatically increased their overall energy savings as they adopt innovative ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  The report assesses the 52 largest US electric utilities across a range of energy efficiency metrics. The metrics fall into three categories critical to utility-sector efficiency: (1) energy efficiency program performance, (2) program offerings and portfolio comprehensiveness, and (3) enabling mechanisms for efficiency. Eversource MA and National Grid MA both performed best, tying for the top spot. The other top 10 utilities include San Diego Gas & and Electric, Commonwealth Edison, Baltimore Gas & Electric, Pacific Gas & Electric, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, DTE, Portland General Electric, and Eversource CT. Since the previous edition, utilities have dramatically ramped up energy savings, increased their focus on helping low-income communities save energy, and begun to invest in promoting electric vehicles. The Scorecard gives utilities, regulators, and other stakeholders benchmarking data and a roadmap they can use to track performance and strengthen utility-sector energy efficiency.

IRS Releases 45Q Guidance – The IRS and Treasury released long-awaited initial guidance regarding the tax credit for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) under newly enhanced Section 45Q. The guidance took the form of two separate documents—a revenue procedure laying out the structural parameters for financing CCUS projects, including a safe harbor for proper allocation of the 45Q credit among partnerships; and, additionally, a notice providing clarity on what qualifies as “beginning of construction” on CCUS projects for purposes of claiming the 45Q credit. It should be noted that the guidance in the latter notice is similar to existing commence construction guidance for the credits for wind and solar projects, respectively.  This sub-regulatory guidance represents an important step toward greater certainty necessary for project developers and investors to correctly plan their CCUS projects. Since the tax credit was first introduced in the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 and later amended in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, companies and investors have pushed IRS for greater clarity on basic questions regarding project financing and start of construction.  However, the guidance issued today by IRS does not resolve all questions raised by developers and investors. Further guidance on 45Q implementation, including a notice and comment rulemaking, remains under development by IRS and is expected later this year.

Solar Finding Home in Rural America – There are nearly 2 gigawatts of community solar installed across the United States, supporting our rural communities by generating local revenue and helping states make progress toward their clean energy and climate goals. These projects are authorized in 19 states and the District of Columbia and allow residents, farmers, small businesses, and municipalities to receive credit on their electricity bills for the power produced from their section of a solar array, lowering overall electricity costs. A new paper released by SEIA details the various project models and arrangements farmers make to build or host community solar projects, and offers resources to help landowners and solar firms navigate this growing market. The report highlights five case studies across the country, from a project supplying clean power to a Minnesota school district and elderly care facility, to a Vermont dairy farm leasing land for a solar project to balance its income from fluctuating milk prices. The case studies explore new models for farmers and local governments to consider. For example, the community solar installation on Allard Farm in Hadley Massachusetts benefits neighboring local governments and subscribers. The farm not only provides electricity cost savings to those who are subscribed to the farm, but to all local residents by lowering local taxes. Every one of the projects highlighted are unique in their electric generating capacity, energy off-taker, financing model or geographic location, but all are providing immense value to farmers, their communities and local economies.

Companies Boost Investment in MO RNG Biogas Plant – Smithfield Foods and Roeslein Alternative Energy (RAE) said they are providing an additional $45 million investment in its Monarch Bioenergy joint venture, which captures methane from hog manure to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) in Missouri. The additional investment will enable the continued implementation of “manure-to-energy” projects on Smithfield’s farms, resulting in RNG generation across 85% of the company’s hog finishing spaces in the state.  This activity builds upon the “manure-to-energy” projects currently in operation across five Smithfield farms in northern Missouri and puts the company one step closer to equipping nearly all its finishing spaces in the state with the technology to produce RNG. The continued progress underscores Smithfield's industry-leading commitment to sustainability, and is key to achieving the company’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 25% by 2025. The “manure-to-energy” projects allow Monarch Bioenergy to leverage the infrastructure of Smithfield’s farms to capture methane emissions from hog farms and convert them into pipeline-quality natural gas, which will be distributed to RNG markets across the country.

Innovation Group Issues Report on Advances – The American Energy Innovation Council, an organization comprised of 12 executives in the energy, technology, and aerospace industries, released a report highlighting the scalable energy technology needed to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The report says this technology does not currently exist and the United States must partner beyond basic R&D to support the scale-up and demonstration phases. “Any serious climate plan must include support for the full innovation lifecycle—research and development along with demonstration and deployment,” said Jay Faison, founder of ClearPath and AEIC member. “Innovation doesn’t end at the lab’s edge, and we need programs to help scale-up, de-risk and deploy the clean technologies of the future, including advanced nuclear, carbon capture and storage.”  Other leaders in the AEIC include Southern’s Tom Fanning, Air Liquide’s Mike Graff, Xcel’s Ben Fowke and Bill Gates. 

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

Small Island Ambassador to Talk Climate – Today at 12:30 p.m. GW’s Elliott School of International Affairs hosts a conversation with His Excellency Isilio Coelho, Ambassador of Timor-Leste to the United States.  The ambassador will discussion global warming and small island impacts.

Forum Looks at Trade – The Foreign Policy Institute at Johns Hopkins University SAIS will hold a conversation today at 2:00 p.m. with Bernd Lange, Chair of the European Parliament's International Trade Committee, Standing rapporteur for EU - US trade relations.  Rather than focusing on contemporary irritants in the U.S. - EU trade relationship, the conversation with Lange will provide a perspective on transatlantic approaches to sustainable trade. To this end, the discussion aims at identifying potential common ground on linking trade to labor and environmental standards.

Forum to Look at Climate – The Center for Climate and Security and the Environmental and Energy Study Institute hold a briefing today at 3:30 p.m. in 2168 Rayburn on projected climate change impacts on U.S. security and national interests in the coming decades. The briefing will showcase the Center for Climate and Security’s Security Threat Profile of Global Climate Change report, a product of the National Security, Military, and Intelligence Panel on Climate Change. The report is a comprehensive look at the wide-ranging security impacts of climate change across all six geographic U.S. Combatant Commands, under two scenarios of future warming (a 1-2°C rise in temperatures, and a 2-4°C rise). Authored by a diverse group of U.S. national security and intelligence experts, this report offers both regional and international threat assessments for climate change, and recommendations for the way forward in addressing the looming global challenge.

Georgetown Hosts Town Hall on Carbon Capture – The Wealth of Nature podcast team hosts a town hall at Georgetown tonight at 5:00 p.m. on the science, technology, and policy behind carbon capture. STIA’s own Cathy Novelli will moderate a conversation among Drs. Sallie Greenberg, Fadl Saadi, and Addison Stark.

NEPA Hearing Set in DC – The White House Council on Environmental Quality holds its DC public hearing tomorrow to take comment on proposed updates to the National Environmental Policy Act. More information is available here.

LNG Summit Set for Houston -- The 4^th annual LNG USA Summit is being held in Houston tomorrow and Wednesday.  The event is designed to inform and inspire operators across the LNG value chain and facilitate effective decision-making. It’s a unique chance to learn how to integrate technological, environmental and economic developments into the LNG market to push the sector towards profitability and growth. It is an excellent source of innovative ideas, quality connections and groundbreaking solutions.

Senate Energy Looks at Forest Service Budget – The Senate Energy Committee holds a hearing tomorrow on President's FY2021 budget request for the Forest Service.  The Forest Service will also testify at House Approps’ Interior/Environment panel on Thursday at 1:00 p.m.

ELI Forum to Look at Climate Court Cases – The Environmental Law Institute hosts a forum tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. that will look plaintiffs that have pursued climate litigation encompassing federal statutory claims, public trust claims, adaptation issues, and more on both the domestic and international fronts. Decisions in these cases have the potential to shape how the law addresses pressing climate issues in the years to come. Climate science is both a vital element of environmental litigation and such litigation can be an important avenue for the communication of climate science to the public.

Forum to Look at Europe Gas Challenges – Tomorrow afternoon, the Jamestown Foundation will host a conference “Balkan Energy Battlegrounds: Gas Pipelines and Geopolitics,” a multi-panel conference discussing the emerging geopolitical competition over natural gas supplies to Southeastern Europe. The conference will focus on the geo-strategic energy competition in the Balkans as well as its broader implications for this region, Ukraine and Central Europe. The event will feature a rich collection of experts, including business leaders, analytical researchers, and government officials.

Holdren Headlines UMd Climate Science Forum – The University of Maryland Center for Global Sustainability holds a meeting tomorrow at 3:30 in UMd’s Bioscience Research Building on science, technology and policy at a crossroads.  John Holdren, President Obama's Science Adviser, will speak, followed by a panel. 

ACEEE to Hold Rural Conference – The American Council for Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) is holding its second Rural Energy Conference at the Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile in Chicago and will explore how energy efficiency and clean energy are increasing rural prosperity. This conference will delve into clean energy solutions tailored for rural communities that will spur economic growth and energy affordability. Many rural residents spend a higher share of their income on energy costs than their non-rural counterparts. Join us to explore the power and potential of energy efficiency and clean energy to lower energy bills and improve the everyday lives of rural residents.

House Resources to Mark Up Climate Bills – The House Natural Resources Committee will hold a legislative hearing on Wednesday on two bills seeking to address climate change. The Democratic bill, H.R. 5435 (116), from Chairman Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), seeks net-zero emissions from the nation's public lands and oceans by 2040, Anthony reports for Pros. The Republican legislation, H.R. 5859 (116), offered by Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), sets the goal of planting a trillion trees by 2050.

CSIS Hosts SDG Forum – The Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) hosts a conversation on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. as part of its "Chevron Forum for Development" series on Sustainable Development Goals.  This event focuses on goal #9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, which seeks to increase connectivity and productivity of developing countries’ industries and build resilient infrastructure systems to bolster economic growth.  This event will seek to answer questions about how developed countries can help lower- and lower-middle-income countries build their industries and workforce better. The event will also look at forms of sustainable infrastructure investments that are necessary for regions like Sub-Saharan Africa to further its efforts to industrialize and modernize its economy.

Webinar to Discuss Clean Energy – The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions holds a webinar on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. looking at clean energy and climate innovation.  The event features former ClearPath expert and current Senate Energy Staffer Spencer Nelson as well as his minority staff colleague Luke Bassett and House Science Staffers Adam Rosenberg and Hillary O’Brien. 

Harbert to Headline Energy Economists Dinner – The Embassy of Canada and the U.S. Association for Energy Economics of the National Capital Area Chapter hold their Annual Dinner on Wednesday at the Embassy of Canada.  The keynote for the event will be American Gas Association CEO Karen Harbert, who will share her unparalleled perspective of the energy industry based on her years of high level service in the public and private sectors. The NCAC will also present, for the second time, its Lively Award for service to our chapter and to the energy community at large. The recipient is Shirley Neff, a former chapter president who is currently Senior Advisor in the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs in the U.S. Department of Energy.

SEIA Tax Seminar Set for NYC – The Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) holds its Finance & Tax Seminar on Thursday at the Convene – Financial District in NYC.  The annual event connects senior-level solar and finance executives with legal and tax experts for an in depth look at financing trends, contract structures, deal terms, current market conditions and policy forecasts that impact structured transactions within the solar and storage industries.  There are also a Finance 101 Workshop and an evening reception on Wednesday.

Wheeler heads to Hill for Budget Discussion – The House Energy and Commerce Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee holds a hearing on the FY2021 EPA budget with Administrator Andrew Wheeler.

House Science Look at Federal Research Budget – The House Science Committee holds a hearing on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. to review of the Administration's Federal research and development budget proposal for FY2021.  Kelvin Droegemeier, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy will testify.

House Hosts Energy Secretary – The House Appropriations Energy and Water panel holds a hearing on Thursday at 2:00 p.m. on the Department of Energy Budget Request for FY2021.  Secretary Brouillette will testify. 

House Science Looks at Federal Flood Maps – The House Science Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee hearing on Thursday that will provide an examination of Federal flood maps in a changing climate.  NOAA’s Mark Osler and FEMA’s Michael Grimm are among those testifying. 

Udall to Address Plastic Pollution – The Center for Strategic and International Studies holds a discussion Friday at 11:00 a.m. on U.S. efforts to address plastic waste, focusing on ocean pollution and climate change. The CSIS Stephenson Ocean Security Project and Energy Security and Climate Change Program hosts Sen. Tom Udall who will share his views on U.S. efforts to address plastic waste.  The conversation will center on the contribution of plastics to ocean pollution and climate change. Plastic production is forecasted to triple by 2050, at which point it will account for 20 percent of global oil consumption and generate considerable greenhouse gas emissions. The United States alone disposes of 32 million tons of plastic waste each year. Much of that ends up in the ocean where it degrades marine ecosystems and enters our food system through fisheries.

Clean Energy Forum Set – The Sixth Annual Clean Energy & Sustainability Extravaganza will be held on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Clark Hall at the University of Maryland-College Park.  Sponsored by the Association of Energy Engineers-National Capital Chapter (AEE NCC) and Leaders in Energy (LE), this year’s theme is “Innovative Trends on Campuses in Clean Energy and Sustainability” including Smart City applications, microgrids, composting/waste, water efficiency, and sustainable transportation. The event will showcase new ideas, technologies, policies, products, and services.

Forum to Focus on Business, Climate – UChicago’s Booth Net Impact and Harris Ventures host the Social Impact Summit on Friday on business and the climate crisis in Chicago.   The Social Impact Summit is an educational event that brings together students across business, public policy, and other disciplines to engage and discover how to use resources within their company, organization, and themselves to enact change in their community and society. This year’s theme aims to deepen the conversation at The University of Chicago around what's being done by businesses to address climate change and what individuals can do in their careers and with their power as consumers to combat it.

IN THE FUTURE

Powell, former DOE Official headline CCS Forum – The Global CCS Institute holds its 9^th annual DC Forum on March 3^rd The Forum features stakeholders from across the private sector, the government, and the NGO community to discuss how we supersize the next wave of carbon capture projects. Policy incentives in the United States, such as 45Q and California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard, are driving dozens of new projects across various sectors including power, industrials, and transportation fuels. Speakers will include former DOE official Julio Freedman (now at Columbia), ClearPath’s Rich Powell, DTE’s Mark Rigby and Louisiana State Energy Officer Jason Lanclos.

NYU, Duke to Host Forum – Next Tuesday, March 3^rd, NYU's Institute for Policy Integrity and Duke University's Nicholas Institute Environmental Policy Solutions are hosting a conference at NYU in Washington, D.C., that will focus on the different approaches for carbon pricing in wholesale energy markets.  As states advance their climate policies with ambitious clean energy targets, wholesale market operators are grappling with questions about if and how electricity markets should evolve as a response. Several ISO/RTOs are looking to change their market rules to include carbon pricing, but there is a diversity in approaches.

BPC to Look at NEPA –The Bipartisan Policy Center convenes an expert panel on Tuesday March 3^rd at 9:30 a.m. to discuss recent energy infrastructure study by the National Petroleum Council and the important relationship between climate policy and the NEPA process. The study, co-chaired by Williams Companies, called on Congress to address this problem by clarifying the National Environmental Protection Act permit process and, in a first for the NPC, developing a national climate change policy. BPC and over 300 disparate organizations participated in and endorsed the study. Our friend Amy Harder of Axios moderates a panel with the Chamber’s Global Energy Institute President Marty Durbin,

Williams CEO Alan Armstrong and Jason Grumet.

JHU to Host Forum – Next Tuesday, March 3^rd at 12:30 p.m., Johns Hopkins University hosts a forum on state-owned enterprises and climate. Center on Global Energy Policy of Columbia University expert Philippe Benoit will discuss the role of SOEs in driving GHG emissions, examine the effectiveness of market-oriented solutions such as carbon taxes in changing SOE behavior, and explore other options to engage these companies that build off their distinctive features.

Conference to Look at Russian Gas Issues – The Atlantic Council hosts a forum on Tuesday, March 3^rd at 3:00 p.m. to discuss the current state of the Ukrainian energy sector and impacts on the broader European markets. Andriy Kobolyev, Naftogaz’s CEO, has been one of the top figures negotiating with Gazprom and will discuss the past six years.  Naftogaz has proven to be a capable defender of Ukrainian energy independence. Ukraine’s new government has outlined an ambitious desire for reform, and the country’s top energy company is a key component in the process.

Forum to Look at Infrastructure, SDGs – The Center for Global Development holds a forum on Tuesday, March 3^rd at 4:00 p.m. featuring Grete Faremo, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director, UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS).  CGD’s Executive Vice President Amanda Glassman will hold a conversation with Faremo to look how UNOPS works with countries and its role in the UN system, how infrastructure can contribute to the advancement of women, how effective public procurement is key to achieving the SDGs, and the organization’s future direction.

ACORE Policy Forum Set – The 2020 ACORE Policy Forum is set for March 4^th at Convene.  This year, the event will address the most important issues facing the renewable energy industry, such as the implications of the 2019 tax extenders agreement, the prominence of climate in the 2020 election and more. Panelists and keynote speakers will explore a variety of topics within four key themes, including the latest from Congress, Clean Energy Standards, Climate and Power Markets/Transmission.  Keynote conversations will feature Garrett Graves (interviewed by Heather Reams) and FERC Commissioner Rich Glick (interviewed by Larry Eisenstat)

RFF Hosts Moniz – On Wednesday March 4^th at 9:00 a.m., Resources for the Future (RFF) holds a conversation with former US Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz on global energy and climate policy. He’ll discuss a range of topics, such as ongoing international climate negotiations, his proposal for a “Green Real Deal,” and new and existing technological innovations that could help to mitigate carbon emissions and climate change. Moniz is the founder and CEO of the Energy Futures Initiative, a nonprofit clean energy think tank dedicated to advancing solutions to climate change.

Forum to Look at Iran, Energy – The Cato Institute holds a panel of distinguished experts on Wednesday March 4^th at Noon to discuss the Iran crisis, American energy security, and the future of U.S. Middle East strategy.  Speakers will Include University of Notre Dame’s Rosemary Kelanic, Ellen Wald of Transversal Consulting and Joshua Rovner of The American University.

Senate Indian Affairs Committee Looks at Energy Legislation – The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will convene a hearing on Wednesday March 4^th at 2:30 p.m. to examine S.2610, to reauthorize certain programs under the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs of the Department of Energy, and S.2891, to require the Secretary of the Interior to establish Tribal Wildlife Corridors.

Transmission Summit Set – The 23^rd annual Transmission Summit East will be held in Arlington, VA on March 4-6^th at the Key Bridge Marriott.  The event will bring together regulators, utilities, and transmission experts to explore new approaches to resiliency, technological investment and regional planning, and answer the key questions that will govern future transmission development.  PJM’s Craig Glazer, Georgia PSC Commissioner Tim Echols, MD PSC Commissioner Odogwu Obi Linton and a number of company and ISO speakers are on the agenda. 

Chamber to Host Aviation Summit – The U.S. Chamber will convene its annual Aviation Summit 2020 in Washington, DC at the Reagan Trade Center on March 5^th.  The event will focus on aviation safety and security, sustainability, and aircraft of tomorrow. 

RFF to Host EIA Forum – Resources for the Future (RFF) holds a forum on Thursday, March 5^th for a discussion on EIA’s recently released 2020 Annual Energy Outlook (AEO). EIA researchers will kick off the event with short presentations on the design and outcomes of the scenarios they modeled. A second panel of experts will then contextualize the modeling results by reviewing broader trends in electricity markets and current policies. This RFF workshop will help to illuminate potential influences as the US electric power sector transitions over time.

ITIF Forum, Report Set – On Thursday, March 5^th at 12:00 noon, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation and the Aspen Institute will hold an expert panel exploring the challenge of industrial heat decarbonization.  ITIF will also release the Innovation for a Cool Earth Forum’s Industrial Heat Decarbonization Roadmap. Roughly 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from producing heat for industrial processes such as cement, iron and steel, and chemicals production—more than the emissions from cars and planes combined. Decarbonizing industrial heat production will be essential to meeting climate change goals. Speakers include Erin Burns of Carbon 180, former DOE official Julio Friedmann and former State Department Official David Sandalow – both at Columbia University’s Center for Global Energy Policy and Jessie Stolark of the Great Plains Institute.

CERA Week Set – The annual energy extravaganza CERAWeek 2020 will be held in Houston on March 9-13^th.  Keynote speakers will include DOE’s Dan Brouillette, Senate Energy Chair Lisa Murkowski, Senate Energy ranking member Joe Manchin, EPA’s Andrew Wheeler, IEA’s Fatih Birol and FERC Chair Neil Chatterjee.  Also speaking with be our friends Maryam Brown of SoCal Gas, AGA head Karen Harbert, API’s Mike Sommers and former Energy Sect Moniz, as well as CEOs from BP, Cheniere, Occidental, Shell, Duke Power, TOTAL, CP and Exelon among others.

Clean Energy Biz Group Gets Pushes Clean Energy On Hill – The Clean Energy Business Network will be hosting dozens of businesses who are developing clean energy technologies on Capitol Hill on March 11^th

BCSE Holds Clean Energy Forum – The Business Council for Sustainable Energy holds its 2020 Clean Energy Forum on Thursday March 12^th at the American Gas Association. The event will feature a business meeting to discuss the BCSE's priorities for 2020, expert panels on ESG investment trends and federal appropriations and tax issues, as well as congressional outreach meetings.  The morning will kick off with a networking breakfast and discussion with Clinton Britt, Chief of Staff to Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Climate Change, under the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Forum to Look at Coastal Resilience – The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) holds a briefing on Friday March 13^th looking at initiatives that are helping protect Southeast ecosystems and communities from erosion, storms, and other coastal hazards. The briefing will showcase nature-based solutions that can protect human lives and property from extreme weather and flooding while creating habitat for wildlife and supporting various coastal industries. These techniques can also be paired with traditional “gray” infrastructure to meet a greater variety of planning needs. Panelists, including NOAA’s Heidi Stiller, will describe the collaborative process between federal, state, and local stakeholders in collecting, sharing, and acting on scientific data to inform policy decisions around adaptation, thereby helping communities define and achieve their resilience goals.

Solar Conference Set for San Diego – Infocast is holding its Solar + Storage Finance & Investment Summit on March 17^th at the Omni LaCosta Resort in San Diego.  The forum focuses on innovative deals, discuss structures and investment challenges, and assess the opportunities that come with implementation and integration.

Forum to Look at Decarbonizing Power Sector – CSIS is holding the second session in the Climate Solutions Series, Decarbonizing the Electric Power Sector on Tuesday March 17^th at 10:00 a.m. This public discussion will examine the technological potential for reaching net-zero GHG emissions from power generation, policies to drive power sector decarbonization, the challenge of creating low-carbon electric power sectors in developing countries, examples of private sector contributions to power sector decarbonization, and how businesses can increase supply of—and drive demand for—zero-carbon power.  The event will feature Princeton expert Jesse Jenkins, former DOE official Sue Tierney and Todd Moss (Energy for Growth Hub).

Forum to Look at Hawaii Resilience – The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) holds a briefing on Friday March 20^th at 1:30 p.m. in 385 Russell looking at innovative efforts to finance and implement climate change mitigation and resilience projects. Featuring a panel from Hawaii, the briefing will explore steps the state is taking to reach carbon neutrality and run on 100 percent renewable energy by 2045. Hawaii’s top climate change official will discuss state-wide efforts to lead on climate, and the Executive Director of one of the most robust green banks in the country will speak about its unique features and how it supports companies, communities, and individuals as they work towards Hawaii’s climate goals in an equitable way.  

Energy Sect to Address Innovation Forum – The American Energy Innovation Council will be hosting a briefing on Capitol Hill on Thursday March 26^th with U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette to discuss recommendations for accelerating clean energy innovation.

Planet Forward Summit Set – GW’s SMPA holds Its 2020 Planet Forward Summit on April 2-3^rd at the Jack Morton Auditorium, where students and academics, as well as corporate leaders, scientists, journalists focus on how the best environmental change agents use storytelling to transform their audiences from passive listeners to engaged doers.

Storage Forum, Expo Set – The U.S. Energy Storage Association (ESA) will host its Annual Conference & Expo, held this year in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on April 8^th to 10^th.  The forum will look closely at energy storage to facilitate higher renewable energy, electric transportation, cost savings, or community resilience reasons. 

Offshore Wind Conference Set – The Business Network for Offshore Wind, the leading non-profit advocate for U.S. offshore wind at the state, federal and global levels, will host its 7^th annual International Partnership Forum (IPF) on April 21-24^th in Providence, Rhode Island. The annual IPF conference is the premier event for the offshore wind supply chain, which is now projected to be a $70 billion revenue opportunity through 2030.

Energy Forum Set for CO – The Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University, University of Colorado-Boulder, and National Renewable Energy Lab are hosting the 9^th annual 21^st Century Energy Transition Symposium at the Embassy Suites in Downtown Denver on April 28^th and 29^th.  Over 65 speakers (in 20 different sessions) from various expertise and backgrounds covering environmental challenges & solutions through collaboration with industry from multiple sources of energy.  Hear from keynote speakers including Colorado Governor Polis, ARPA-E Director Lane Genatowski, Tri-State CEO Duane Highley and many more.  

CA Conferences Set – The 8^th Annual California Energy Summit is being held on May 6^th to 8^th in the LA Grand Hotel Downtown.  It will feature top regulatory officials, utility and public power leaders, and developers to discuss the state-wide implications of wildfire mitigation measures, incentives that can drive deployment of self-generation and storage to enhance resilience, near-term resource adequacy and long-term SB100 procurement needs of CCAs, public power and IOUs and the expansion of interstate energy trading and transmission buildout needs. 

AEE Holds Eastern Policy Conference – Advanced Energy Economy holds its second annual Eastern Regional policy conference in Annapolis on May 21^st.  The event features business leaders and policymakers exploring legislative and regulatory paths to scaling advanced energy markets in electricity and transportation, in states and nationally.  Speakers will include Alison Cassady of the House Select Climate Committee, PJM’s Susan Riley and Michigan PSC Chair Sally Talberg.