Energy Update: Week of January 18th

Energy Update - January 18, 2022

Friends,               

I hope everybody had a chance to take yesterday as a day of service.  And special thanks to all of you who wished me happy birthday on Sunday. I was floored by your thoughtfulness and kindness. 

Back to the action on the Hill this week with hearings on pipeline legislation (Wed) and Crypto (Thurs) in House Energy, several pieces of energy legislation in House Science and a focus on oil/gas drilling in the Gulf in House Resources.  And the House Agriculture Committee will be meeting with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the state of the rural economy, with the expected mentions of biofuels.  FERC also has its first meeting of 2022 on Thursday.

The biggest energy event this week is Thursday’s US Energy Assn State of the Energy Industry forum with comments from nearly all the energy trade association leaders in DC, including SEIA’s Abby Hopper, API’s Mike Sommers, AGA’s Karen Harbert, ACP’s Heather Zichal, EEI’s Kuhn, NRECA’s Matheson, ACORE’s Wetstone, NEI’s Korsnick and EPRI’s Mansoor.  Thursday will also be the Washington Auto Show’s Policy Day, just prior to the WAS launching on Friday.  Check out the new cars and an EV pavilion.

Other events include the Chamber’s GEI hosting a forum tomorrow on innovations on the transmission grid while the Carbon Capture Coalition holds a virtual media briefing on the carbon management provisions in the newly-enacted bipartisan Infrastructure law and BBB.

Last week, we offered our first five issues for our Top 10 issues for 2022.  Today we provide the second five which includes Electrification, Hydrogen, offshore wind, filling the BBB Gap and new nuclear…See the full list below.

Congrats to our friend Yvonne McIntyre who recently left NRDC to head the GR shop for CA-based utility PGE.  COVID is still out there so please stay safe and healthy.

Best,

Frank Maisano

(202) 828-5864

C. (202) 997-5932

FRANKLY SPOKEN

“We've always acknowledged that EPA has some limited authority to act within the fence line. The challenge has been that EPA is trying to go so overboard and regulate outside the fence line and force owners of coal-fired power plants to subsidize renewables and different forms of energy.

“We've been very, very sensitive to recognize that climate does change, and it's appropriate for Congress to have a debate on these issues, but it's not appropriate for a federal agency to act unilaterally under any circumstance.”

WV Attorney General Patrick Morrisey in an interview with E&E News on his challenge to EPA rules to regulate carbon emissions which reaches the Supreme Court this term.  

ON THE PODCAST

Westerman Talks Tree Initiative, Other Climate Issues – Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-Arkansas) joined John Hart on the Right Voices interview series. The two discussed conservation, forest management, and the Trillion Trees initiative. Westerman had this to say about progressive attempts to incorporate universal pre-K and government-run healthcare in climate legislation: “Climate change is being used as the tool to pass a socialist agenda, which is unfortunate. If we wanted to address carbon in the atmosphere, climate change all comes down to carbon in the atmosphere. There’s nothing that takes carbon out of the atmosphere like a tree.” Watch the full interview here or read the highlights on C3

FUN OPINIONS

Wilson Center Releases Policy Outlook – The Wilson Center strives to provide policymakers with industry-leading expertise that is trustworthy, nonpartisan, and rooted in the values expressed in our congressional charter: “symbolizing and strengthening the fruitful relation between the world of learning and the world of public affairs.” In this spirit, they are releasing On the Horizon – What to Watch in 2022, a compendium of potential issues on the environment, energy and climate that will take center stage in 2022.

FROG BLOG

RFF Looks at EV Tax Credits – The Build Back Better Act would create a first-ever electric vehicle tax credit for commercial vehicles, including medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs). A diverse class of vehicles, MHDVs include vehicles like large pickup trucks, garbage trucks, and long-haul freight vehicles—and MHDVs could be a crucial component of the Biden administration’s decarbonization goals, as these vehicles produce about 23 percent of all US transportation sector emissions. RFF experts Joshua Linn, Wesley Look, and Cole Martin find that subsidies for electric buses and electric trucks can substantially affect new vehicle sales, the proportion of electric vehicles on the road, and associated carbon dioxide emissions.  Read the full blog post 

THE 2022 TOP 10 ENERGY ISSUES

The Next Five:

6) Massive Offshore Wind to Shine – Just this week, Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced they will hold a wind auction next month for more than 480,000 acres offshore New York and New Jersey, in the area known as the New York Bight. The administration’s goal to install 30 GW of offshore wind by 2030 is complemented by state offshore wind policies and actions throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Collectively, New York and New Jersey have set the nation’s largest regional offshore wind target of installing over 16 GW of offshore wind by 2035. The US has been slow, but it already has made significant progress toward creating a pipeline of projects. It has approved the nation’s first two commercial-scale offshore wind projects in federal waters: the 800-megawatt Vineyard Wind project and the 130-megawatt South Fork Wind project. There will be at least 16 plans to construct and operate commercial offshore wind energy facilities by 2025, which would represent more than 22 GW of clean energy for the nation. We have long known of wind’s potential and there are still worries about local regulations, engagement with fishing groups and transmission challenges, but perhaps wind is ready for primetime and 2022 will be a key year

7) Hydrogen Time – One of the first major initiatives of the DOE last year was the Hydrogen Shot, which is an effort to set ambitious and achievable targets to make key clean energy technologies affordable in the next decade, as well as create new jobs and tackle the Biden Administration’s energy and climate goals. Hydrogen Shot set an ambitious yet achievable “1 1 1” goal to reduce the cost of hydrogen to $1 per 1 kilogram in one decade.  This has spurred a rush to stories about hydrogen, which is very flexible and can be used in many different ways.  Currently, we are already producing lots of Hydrogen for Industrial uses, including in warehouse across the country where more than 80,000 forklifts are moving your Amazon (etc) packages every day.  There are also transportation uses – especially for heavy-duty, long-haul trucking, power generation and public transportation fleets.  A continued battle rages over the colors (Gray, Blue, Green) of hydrogen and which can be produced more sustainably.  Industry groups are all in and some enviros agree that Hydrogen could be valuable for hard-to-electrify sectors like cement and Aluminum. There will be a lot of focus on it in 2022 and it should be a major future player.  

8) If BBB is a No Go, What Fills the Gap – President Biden’s BBB agenda with its $555B in climate provisions remains stuck in neutral. While the climate issues don’t seem to be the stumbling block after Sens. Manchin and Sinema have tamped down the controversial provisions, what happens if BBB collapses will be one of the major storylines of 2022.  Will the climate provisions re-emerge in some other form or will it head to a lame duck session in funding bills (where have we seen that before energy/climate bill 2020).  Legislation by McKinley-Schrader, Frank Pallone or Diana DeGette all were on the backburner during BBB.  If it disappears, look for them to step to the front to begin crafting potential climate legislation that would not be as divisive.

9) Electrification: Boom Or Bust – 2021 saw more efforts to both ban natural gas and prevent bans on natural gas, setting up a continuing battle for the 2022 agenda.  Activists say electrifying building is the only solution to climate change and in big/small Liberal cities have implemented natgas bans. But those bans could hurt renters and low income families that don’t own homes and in most cases can’t afford higher-prices electric appliances/heating.  And all this added electric power could provide a significant risk to grid reliability.  Many other energy using and Red states have run in the opposite direction, passing state legislation to prevent this local natgas bans.  It is a deep, complex issue with no easy answers. This year, expect to see if some of the localities can make it work.  If they can, it may lead to more bans.  If there are unintended consequences on cost, affordability or grid reliability, it could be bad news for enviros plans

10) This is the Year, For New Nuclear? – It seems like I have had this one over the last 5 years, but this might be the year for Southern’s new nuclear units at Vogtle to really step in and step up.  This almost has to be the year.  While Germany and Japan inch away from large nuclear generation, they face increasing challenges to meet power needs with Germany leaking back into coal.  The future of nuclear though may really be in Small module Nuclear, which has seen very positive reviews and advances. The US can lead the world in developing and commercializing advanced nuclear reactors that are smaller, safer, cleaner, cheaper, more efficient and scalable than conventional power technologies. Accelerating the development of a new generation of advanced nuclear reactors – designs that are smaller, cheaper, more efficient and scalable – is essential to meeting that immense global market and Test reactors are already making a difference.

BONUS ISSUE TO WATCH: Kigali, HFC Issue – One issue to keep on your radar this year is the ratification of the Kigali amendment in the Senate that would phase out HFCs and reduce climate emissions dramatically and temps by 0.5⁰ C.  Already, Congress passed the AIM Act in December 2020, implementing legislation that requires EPA to moves a regulation to phase out HFCs. Just last year EPA started its regulatory process and President Biden finally submitted the 2016 treaty to the Senate.  More than 18 Senators co-sponsored the AIM Act, so it will be interesting to see if they still move to ratify the Treaty, which is necessary over the long-term to prevent trade sanctions.

The First 5 from Last Week:

1) Critical Minerals for EVs, Renewables – If everything is about climate, then everything is also about critical minerals that we need to power EVs, solar panels, semiconductors, etc.  There are so many important stories that are bubbling up on critical minerals right now, from China’s efforts to dominate the supply and production to the investigating opportunities to collect pure critical mineral from the deep sea. There are domestic terrestrial mining battles over lithium, copper and nickel, and there are serious questions about mining operations in the Congo, Indonesia and Chile.

2) Supreme Court Climate Action – This is year is a big one for the Supreme Court and climate.  For once and for all, it seems the Court may finally make a serious call on EPA’s ability to regulate climate emissions.  This decision may be as big as the initial 2005 Mass v. EPA decision.  Stay tuned in February... 

3) Infrastructure, Transmission Grid Upgrades – It is go time for infrastructure following the passage of bipartisan legislation in November 2021.  With EV infrastructure, grid upgrades, broadband, water Infrastructure and climate-focused road/bridge improvements, this law was a major climate effort that includes clean energy and hydrogen projects, research hubs, advanced recycling RD&D, grants to plug orphan wells and reclaim abandon mines, provides weatherization assistance increase energy efficiency, renewables investments in schools and replacement of diesel school buses.  It was bipartisan when the Senate passed it but Republicans lost interest in the House after the success of the VA Governor’s race, even attacking the 13 supporters.

4) LNG Boom – 2021 was record year for liquefied natural gas (LNG) with global demand hitting record highs each year since 2015, due mostly to surging demand in China and the rest of Asia. The US will become the world's biggest LNG exporter in 2022, surpassing Qatar and Australia, and may hold that title for years to come. And the issues continue to be more sustainable. EIA projects LNG exports will reach 11.5 bcfd in 2022. That would account for roughly 22% of expected world LNG demand of 53.3 bcfd next year Third-party gas certification that took off in 2021, particularly in the Haynesville Shale in Louisiana and East Texas, could lead to the first certified gas US LNG export cargo in 2022, market watchers say.

5) Politics, Politics, Politics – The tight margins in the House and the tie Senate have made the politics of 2022 happen faster than ever before.  Longtime Democratic Rep John Dingell used to say that the political “silly season” always started around April in an election year. Unfortunately, it seems we are already there.  With some Republicans attacking their own members over supporting the bipartisan infrastructure package and Democrats reeling from losing the VA governor’s race (and almost the incumbent in NJ to someone no one ever heard of), the race is already well underway, so don’t expect much bipartisan effort.  Traditionally, energy/environment plays a lower profile, but if gas prices head to levels that some analysts expect, it could get rough for politicos.  Climate also remains a major talking point. Watch for Republicans to starting seeding the ground on the issues led by John Curtis, David McKinley, Garrett Graves and Dan Crenshaw.

FUN FACTS

LNG Ready to Roll: There are 7 LNG export terminals operating in the US; however, a "second wave" of terminals is in development and almost all of them are along the US coast of the Gulf of Mexico: 4 are FERC-approved projects (list below) and 15 others are delayed. Meanwhile, Canada has about 16 delayed LNG export projects. (H/T American Energy Society member David Scull.)

  1. Savine Pass, Louisiana (0.7 Bcfd)
  2. Cameron Parish, Louisiana (1.41 Bcfd)
  3. Sabine Pass, Texas (2.25 Bcfd)
  4. Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana (4.0 Bcfd)

IN THE NEWS

Interior Announces Historic Offshore Wind Energy Auction in NJ, NY – The Interior Dept said BOEM will hold a wind auction next month for more than 480,000 acres offshore New York and New Jersey, in the area known as the New York Bight. Secretary Haaland was joined by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and Liz Shuler, President of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, to highlight what will be the first offshore wind lease sale under the Biden-Harris administration. The Feb. 23 auction will allow offshore wind developers to bid on six lease areas – the most areas ever offered in a single auction – as described in BOEM’s Final Sale Notice. Leases offered in this sale could result in 5.6 to 7 gigawatts of offshore wind energy, enough to power nearly 2 million homes. As offshore wind technology continues to advance, these areas may have the potential to produce even more clean energy.

Equinor, bp Announce Wind Purchase Agreement – Speaking of NY, at an event with Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, NY Gov. Kathy Hochul and Rep. Paul Tonko, Equinor and bp rolled out finalization of the Purchase and Sale Agreements (PSAs) with the NY State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), for Empire Wind 2 and Beacon Wind 1.  The PSAs set the terms under which these projects will supply homegrown, renewable power to New York and inject significant economic investments into the state’s economy. The finalization of the PSAs concludes the contracts awarded in January 2021, when Equinor and bp were selected to provide New York State with offshore wind power in one of the largest renewable energy procurements in the U.S. to date. Once completed, Equinor and bp’s portfolio of active offshore wind projects (Empire Wind 1, Empire Wind 2 and Beacon Wind 1) will produce enough electricity to power about 2 million New York homes, and will help generate more than $1 billion in economic output to New York State. This includes investments in ports and infrastructure that will reinforce New York’s position as the regional offshore wind industry hub—and a leading example of economic activity driven by the energy transition. The offshore wind projects on the US east coast are key building blocks to deliver on Equinor’s ambition to install 12-16 GW of renewables capacity by 2030. Equinor expects to deliver these projects within the return guidance communicated at the last Capital Markets Update in June 2021. The completion of the PSA represents a major milestone and enables the start of project execution for the Equinor-bp partnership.

DOE Releases Transmission Initiative – The Department of Energy launched the “Building a Better Grid” Initiative to catalyze the nationwide development of new and upgraded high-capacity electric transmission lines, as enabled by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Building a Better Grid will work with community and industry stakeholders to identify national transmission needs and support the buildout of long-distance, high voltage transmission facilities that are critical to reaching President Biden’s goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035 and a zero emissions economy by 2050. This program will make the U.S. power grid more resilient to the impacts of climate change, increase access to affordable and reliable clean energy, and create good-paying American jobs across industry sectors – boosting transmission jobs which employs over one million workers across the country.

EIA expects US crude oil production to surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2023 – The EIA is forecasting that U.S. oil production will average 12.4 million barrels per day during 2023, surpassing the record high for domestic crude oil production set in 2019. In its January Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), EIA forecasts U.S. crude oil production will increase for nine consecutive quarters, from the fourth quarter of 2021 through 2023. EIA also expects OPEC to increase its crude oil production to 28.9 million barrels per day in 2023, up from an average of 26.3 million barrels per day in 2021.

US Oil, Gas Producers Ramp Up Drilling Activity – Baker Hughes says the US oil and natural gas rig count increased by 13 to 601 last week, the biggest weekly gain since April as high oil prices drive activity in regions other than the Permian Basin. The Eagle Ford Shale added six rigs for a total of 50, its highest since April 2020, while the Haynesville Shale posted a three-unit gain to reach 52, its highest since November 2019.

ExxonMobil Announces Ambition for Net Zero – ExxonMobil said today it expect to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This would apply to Scope 1 and 2 emissions from ExxonMobil’s operated assets and is backed by detailed roadmaps that we’re developing for all our major facilities and assets around the world.  These roadmaps, which cover about 90% of the company’s greenhouse gas emissions, are scheduled to be completed by the end of this year, with the remainder in 2023. For more details, look here to its Advancing climate solutions (formerly called the Energy & Carbon Summary).

EEI’s Wolff Named Chief Strategy Officer – EEI announced that Executive Vice President of Public Policy and External Affairs Brian Wolff also has been named EEI’s Chief Strategy Officer.  EEI said it is a recognition of his demonstrated leadership, political acumen, and the creative and focused approach he takes to advancing EEI’s public policy priorities on behalf of America’s investor-owned electric companies. 

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

Global Energy Forum Set – The Atlantic Council hosts the 2022 Global Energy Forum virtual programming this week in conjunction with the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.  The Global Energy Forum will convene several virtual programs this month during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) to complement ADSW’s critical mission of accelerating global climate action. These programs will include a high-level discussion on the outcomes from COP26 and the agendas for COP27 and COP28; the rollout of the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center’s annual flagship publication The Global Energy Agenda; a discussion on the various pathways to reaching net-zero; and a deep dive on the role of hydrogen in a net-zero energy system.

Biodiesel Conference Underway in Vegas – The 2022 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo started in Las Vegas yesterday and runs through Thursday.  The Conference & Expo is the premier industry event bringing together stakeholders from all sectors to learn, do business and strategize about how to meet the growing demand for clean fuels amid rapid decarbonization efforts. The conference agenda features educational sessions that expand and prepare in the rapidly changing world.

E&E Reporters Brief on 2022 Agenda – E&E News reporter hold an Insights Briefing TODAY at 1:30 p.m. to discuss the upcoming congressional session.  E&E Daily Editor Manuel Quiñones and E&E News Hill reporters Emma Dumain, George Cahlink, Nick Sobczyk and Jeremy Dillon discuss what they have learned on these issues during this.

Forum Looks at Energy Diplomacy – Today at 4:00 p.m., the American Academy of Diplomacy is hosting a panel discussion on Energy Diplomacy featuring distinguished former ambassadors including Ambassador Robert Cekuta, Ambassador Steven Mann, and Ambassador Molly Williamson. The discussion will dive into current diplomatic challenges to Energy Diplomacy such as the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Additionally, the event will allow attendees to interact with the panelists in a Q&A section.

Forum Looks at Climate Resilience – Bloomberg Live holds a virtual event Wednesday starting at 8:30 a.m., on climate resilience. PepsiCo Chief Sustainability Officer Jim Andrew and Deloitte Global CEO Punit Renjen are among the speakers.

WRI Looks at Stories for 2022 – The World Resources Institute holds its annual Stories to Watch event on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. The event will feature WRI’s new President/CEO Ani Dasgupta, who stepped into the role in 2021. Ani will share insights into the big stories in 2022, including what it will take for governments and businesses to translate their commitments into real action. Dasgupta will discuss some of the world’s most pressing questions on how to accelerate the energy transition, net-zero climate commitments credibility, the bold pledges to end deforestation, the surge in electric vehicles, and much more.

US Chamber Energy Group Looks at Grid – On Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. The US Chambers Global Energy Institute holds an in-depth EnergyInnovates discussion on grid resilience. This virtual discussion will highlight the people, companies, and technologies that will support the modernization of the electricity grid, while hardening the grid from emerging threats—both natural and manmade— and enhancing the high levels of reliability often taken for granted today. Featured speakers include Rep. Bob Latta (OH-05), FERC Commissioner Mark Christie, Siemens Energy’s Tim Holt, EEI’s Scott Aaronson, GridWise’s Richie O'Neill and ACORE’s Macro Grid Initiative Director Barbara Tyran.

House Science Marks Up Energy Legislation – The House Science Committee will meet Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. to mark up several bills including:

  • H.R. 4270, the “Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act”
  • H.R. 4819, the “National Nuclear University Research Infrastructure Reinvestment Act of 2021”
  • H.R. 6291, the “Microelectronics Research for Energy Innovation Act” or “Micro Act”
  • H.R. 4521, the “Bioeconomy Research and Development Act of 2021”
  • H.R. 847, the “Promoting Digital Privacy Technologies Act”

House Energy Looks at Pipeline Legislation – The House Energy and Commerce Energy Subcommittee holds a hearing Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. looking at securing energy infrastructure.  The hearing focuses on legislation to enhance pipeline reliability, H.R. 6084 (117), the "Energy Product Reliability Act."

Carbon Capture Group to Discuss Infrastructure, BBB, 2022 Agenda – The Carbon Capture Coalition holds a virtual media briefing on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. on the carbon management provisions in the newly-enacted bipartisan Infrastructure law and BBB.  Speakers will also discuss a recent GAO report reviewing industrial and carbon capture projects supported by DOE with federal stimulus funding in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis and offer a preview of the federal carbon capture policy agenda for 2022. The online conversation will feature remarks from National Wildlife Federation President/CEO Collin O'Mara, LanzaTech’s Tom Dower, USW Anna Fendley, Carbon Capture Coalition’s Jessie Stolark and Madelyn Morrison. Our friend Ben Finzel moderates and you can sign up with him at ben@renewpr.com.

Forum to Look at Equitable Environmental Solutions – On Wednesday at Noon, Resources for the Future (RFF) and the Urban Institute will host the fifth event in Exposure, a six-part webinar series on environmental justice. At this event, a panel of experts will discuss how to make these partnerships work to advance environmental justice knowledge and work toward equitable solutions to environmental problems. Speakers include Eddie Bautista of the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance, Bonnie Keeler of the University of Minnesota and Michael Méndez of UC-Irvine.

Forum Looks at Climate Resiliency, Technology – Greentech Conferences holds a webinar on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. to discuss technology and climate resiliency. This webinar, moderated by Rob Kirsch, retired WilmerHale partner and former chair of that firm’s energy and environmental practice, will address how technology is being deployed in those efforts and explore whether there are actions that might enhance the effectiveness of resilience strategies identified through the use of technology.  

Forum Addresses Empower Communities on Energy – On Wednesday at 1:15 p.m., Arizona State University Center for Energy & Society holds a web event looking at the need to reorganize the energy system to empower communities.  Panelists include Indigenized Energy Initiative Founder/CEO Chéri Smith, Philadelphia Energy Authority CEO Emily Schapira and Cecilio Ortiz-Garcia of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Forum to Look at Rural EV Infrastructure – The Nat’l Assn of State Energy Officials will hold a forum on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. on EV infrastructure for rural areas. States will spend $5 billion over the next five years to build-out electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure along key corridors across the country. As states consider various elements of EV infrastructure planning and program design, it will be important to build on lessons learned from existing EV programs and work together to create a comprehensive, nationwide network.

USEA Hosts State of Energy Industry – The US Energy Assn holds its 2022 State of the Energy Industry Forum on Thursday.  The annual event features CEOs from nearly every major trade association as they share their policy objectives and priorities for 2022.  All the cool kids are coming including SEIA’s Abby Hopper, API’s Mike Sommers, AGA’s Karen Harbert, ACP’s Heather Zichal, EEI’s Kuhn, NRECA’s Matheson, ACORE’s Wetstone, NEI’s Korsnick, EPRI’s Mansoor and MANY MORE. On Friday at 9:30 a.m., USEA is also hosting the Energy Council of Canada’s 2022 Canada Energy Update. Aligned with USEA’s State of the Energy Industry Forum, Canada’s national energy industry associations will assemble to look ahead to 2022.

EV Charging Summit Set – The National EV Charging Summit will be held on Thursday and is part of a year-long effort to stand up an unprecedented coalition to support federal action on a national charging network for light-, medium- and heavy- duty vehicles. The National EV Charging Initiative brings together automakers, power providers, electric vehicle and charging industry leaders, labor, and public interest groups to signal they are ready, willing, and able to act now. Members are collaborating to accelerate shovel-ready charging infrastructure projects that will put people to work, infuse the economy with billions of dollars of investment, and increase access to clean transportation.

House Energy to Look at Crypto Currency Climate Impacts – The House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Oversight subpanel will hold a hearing on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. on cryptocurrency's electricity demands, as the digital asset industry faces growing scrutiny for its climate impacts. The hearing will likely cover the energy-intensive computational process used to build blockchains that serve as public ledgers for cryptocurrency transactions.

Forum to Look at Baker Legacy – On Thursday at  11:00 a.m., the Center for a New American Security will host a special discussion on Baker’s extraordinary life and legacy with the authors of two recent books: Susan Glasser and Peter Baker, co-authors of “The Man Who Ran Washington: The Life and Times of James A. Baker III,” and Diana Villers Negroponte, author of “Master Negotiator: The Role of James A. Baker, III at the End of the Cold War.” They will be joined by Robert Zoellick, former Deputy Secretary of State and President of the World Bank, who worked closely with Baker in many of his most consequential activities.

Forum to Look at Negative Emissions Techs – On Thursday at Noon, the GEOMAR - Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel in Germany, in close collaboration with Prof. Carlos Duarte from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) holds a forum to discuss a new decision-support tool in the form of the interactive digital Global NBS and NETs Atlas. The overall objective of this Webatlas is to synthesize and geospatially visualize reliable scientific findings on climate mitigation and adaptation potentials and cost estimates of various natural- and technically-based carbon dioxide removal and storage options. This synthesized information is a necessary basis for decision-making in the strategic development of viable paths that are compatible with the Paris climate targets.

House Resources to Look at Oil, Gas Leasing – The House Natural Resources Committee holds a hearing Thursday at Noon in its Energy subpanel looking at the climate impacts of Gulf of Mexico oil and gas leasing.

ELI Look at Biden Enviro Agenda in First Year – The Environmental Law Institute holds a forum on Thursday at Noon for an in-depth exploration of the Biden administration’s environmental accomplishments and setbacks in the first year, as well as the opportunities and challenges that remain in the years ahead. Panelists include Case Western Reserve University School of Law prof and former EPA official Jon Adler, Howard University School of Law’s Quentin Pair and EDF’s Vickie Patton.

Forum to Look at Future Cities – The Hill holds its virtual "Future of Cities Summit" on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. focusing on BBB and potential Infrastructure investments.  Speakers include Oklahoma City, Okla. Mayor David Holt, Reno, Nev. Mayor Hillary Schieve, Kansas City, Mo. Mayor Quinton Lucas, Denver, Colo. Mayor Michael Hancock, Phoeniz, Ariz. Mayor Kate Gallego, Mesa, Ariz. Mayor John Giles and Rochester Hill, Mich. Mayor Bryan Barnett.

Auto Show, Policy Day Set – The Washington, D.C. Auto Show will return to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center from Friday through Sunday, January 30. As the region's largest indoor event and one of the top auto shows in the United States, the 2022 Washington Auto Show will continue in its timely tradition of featuring hundreds of new vehicles from the world's top manufacturers.  Adapting to the times, the Auto Show will introduce a brand new element to its programming - the EV Pavilion. Catering to the growing electric mobility market and its record-hitting 2020 year, this Pavilion aims to educate show attendees on what the future of mobility looks like.  As usual, the show holds its Washington Auto Policy forum and Mobility Talks on Thursday.  Gina McCarthy opens the event at Noon with Sen. Chris Van Hollen closes the forum at 4:30 p.m.

IN THE FUTURE

WRI to Look at UN Process – Next Monday at 9:00 a.m., the World Resources Institute holds an engaging webinar on how to make the UN climate process more effective in the years ahead. A diverse set of panelists will surface both what works well and what challenges have stymied faster progress. The event will cover everything from making the institutional design of the UNFCCC fit for purpose, reflecting on the experiences from the last 30 years, evaluating the role of the secretariat, and how to strengthen accountability for countries and corporations alike.

Forum to Look at Africa, Hydro, Climate – Next Monday at Noon, the Columbia University Center on Global Energy Policy holds its third event of a webinar series that seeks to foreground the heterogeneity of perspectives found around the continent on what climate means in different African contexts and how more than one billion Africans are already living with extraordinary climatological variability and constraints on the use of natural resources. A panel drawn from Southern Africa will reflect on how to rethink some of the linkages between hydropower, water insecurity and law in the region.

Chamber to Host Initial Egypt Forum – The Chamber will hold a forum on January 24th at 9:00 a.m. as the first part of the run up to COP 27 in Egypt.  With Egypt serving as the official host of the UN COP 27 Climate Summit in 2022 and given its role as a leader in the largest energy producing region of the world, this forum will focus on ways in which governments and the private sector can work together leveraging technology and innovation to address the climate challenge across the economy. Among the speakers with be John Kerry and DOE Undersecretary David Turk.  Chamber CEO Suzanne Clark will also moderate a discussion with Kerry and the Egyptian Foreign Minister.

C2ES Looks at Global Stocktake – The Center for Climate and Enviro Solutions (C2ES) is working closely with the Environmental Defense Fund to examine the GST process to offer insights on how the Global Stocktake can deliver meaningful outcomes and recommendations to improve the process. Next Tuesday January  25th at 10:00 a.m., C2ES holds a  webinar to spotlight the first of a series of papers on the, exploring how the UNFCCC can address emerging gaps and challenges on equity and implementation, as well as to deliver a path for increased ambition. A lynchpin of enhanced ambition under the Paris Agreement, the Global Stocktake (GST) is the first official checkpoint to assess Parties’ collective progress towards achieving the purpose of the Agreement and its long-term goals. Translating the GST into increased ambition will mark a critical test for Paris Agreement’s effectiveness.

FERC Commissioner to Address RFF – Resources for the Future (RFF) holds a forum on Tuesday January 25th at Noon with FERC Commissioner Allison Clements. RFF President/CEO Richard Newell will sit down with Clements to discuss her decades-long career in energy law, policy, and regulation across the public and private sectors, as well as the priorities she has set for her five-year term as FERC commissioner. Their conversation will touch on a variety of topics, including grid resilience and modernization, environmental justice and equity, and the Biden administration’s clean energy agenda.

DOE Holds Community Solar Summit – DOE’s National Community Solar Partnership (NCSP) will host its second Annual Summit “To 5 Million and Beyond: Community Solar’s Pathway to Success” on Tuesday January 25th at 11:00 a.m. NCSP is a coalition of over 800 stakeholders working to expand access to affordable community solar. NCSP recently announced a new target to power the equivalent of 5 million households with community solar by 2025, realizing $1 billion in energy bill savings. At the summit, NCSP and DOE leadership will discuss the plan to reach this new target, how to overcome barriers to equitable deployment, and what achieving it will mean for the community solar industry. Speakers will include Kelly Speakes-Backman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and Jahi Wise, White House Senior Advisor for Climate Policy and Finance. They will be joined by speakers from the solar industry and state and local governments across America, including Katherine Hamilton, Chair of 38 North Solutions, who will discuss the pivotal role community solar plays in their renewable energy goals.

ACP Forum Looks at Offshore Wind Grid – Next Tuesday January 25th at 2:00 p.m., the American Clean Power Association holds a forum with experts from Anbaric Development Partners and DNV come together to discuss key topics related to the offshore grid concept, including planning, technology compatibility and interoperability, infrastructure and supply chain, industry collaboration, and more.

The energy sector undoubtedly plays a crucial role in accomplishing the 1.5 C° climate change threshold target, and offshore wind energy is expected to be a major contributor to the energy transition. Many regional and global experts see a planned offshore grid as a way forward, but this solution presents advantages, challenges, and complexities that will be dissected in our panel discussion.

Forum to Look at Challenges in Disruptive World – On Wednesday January 26th, The US Institute for Peace (USIP), in partnership with the Alliance for Peacebuilding, kickstarts PeaceCon@10 with a high-level keynote and panel discussion. The discussion will address the relationship between climate change, conflict, and fragility, and consider strategies for the international community to address the peace and security implications of these issues as well as the ongoing pandemic. Following a series of breakout sessions hosted by the Alliance for Peacebuilding, participants will re-join USIP for a fireside chat with a closing keynote speaker.

Forum to Look at Nuclear Energy Supply – The Nuclear Energy Institute holds its Nuclear Fuel Supply Forum on January 26th at Noon to explore policy issues related to nuclear fuel at the half-day Nuclear Fuel Supply Forum. Speakers from key government agencies and organizations that shape policy and evaluate the direction of the markets will present their latest insights on the future of the industry.

Forum to Look at Greenflation – On Wednesday January 26th at Noon, the Environmental Law Institute and leading experts host an in-depth economic discussion about greenflation, carbon regulations, ESG practices, and more.  Speakers include C2ES expert Doug Vine, Columbia Climate School professor Urvashi Kaul and Kirkland’s Sara Orr.

Forum to Looks Utilities, Climate – Energy Central holds a PowerSession on The Future of Utilities and Climate Change Goals on Thursday, January 27th at 2:00 p.m.  Now that COP26 has ended with soft and hard commitments, in this PowerSession will host panelists to discuss what we really need from world leaders and utilities to achieve the target of 1.5-degree warming by 2100.

SEIA Forum to Support Diversity Supply Chain – On Wednesday January 26th at 2:00 p.m., the Solar Energy Industries Association holds a virtual networking event to meet with and learn more about diverse-owned businesses partners in the solar industry. SEIA launched the Diverse Suppliers Database last year to connect buyers throughout the supply chain with diverse-owned businesses.

ACP Forum to Look at Energy Storage – America’s Clean Power holds a forum on Thursday January 27th at Noon on the future of long duration energy storage.  This virtual roundtable, moderated by ACP’s VP of Energy Storage Jason Burwen, will feature opening remarks by ACP CEO Heather Zichal and a discussion of technologies and their applications to decarbonize power systems. This webinar will be co-hosted by ACP and members of the Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) Council, with McKinsey & Company, as knowledge partner of the Council, providing insights. Council members will share insights from their inaugural report, where the implications of LDES technologies for energy flexibility and the clean energy transition as well as the background behind the formation of the LDES Council will be discussed. Key findings of the report will be shared, including US-specific insights, followed by a live plenary panel discussion with representatives from Council members. The panel will also take questions from the audience. The report is the result of months of research and collaboration of Council members. From extensive modelling and exploration, projections show that 1.5-2.5 TW and 85-140 TWh could be deployed globally by 2040, with USD 1.5-3 tn investment, storing up to 10% of all electricity consumed.

ELI Addresses Clean Transportation – On Thursday January 27th at Noon, ELI and expert panelists hold an in-depth exploration of where the transportation sector is headed in the coming years, including the opportunities and challenges on its way reduce its environmental impact.  Telsa’s Yesenia Villasenor is among the speakers.

Forum Set on Natural Disasters – On Thursday January 27th at 2:00 p.m., the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center as part of a new partnership with the US Department of State, is bringing together regional organizations to advance an inclusive conversation on health and natural disasters in anticipation of the ninth Summit of the Americas. Speakers will share ideas on ways to create a stronger hemispheric response that better prepares the entire region for pandemics and natural disasters, with a focus on vulnerable communities.

FERC Clements to Speak at R St on Transmission – The R St. Institute holds a conversation on Thursday January 27th at 3:00 p.m. how to level the transmission field, which could create hundreds of billions of dollars in net benefits to consumers and unlock clean energy. Areas to explore include independent transmission planning and oversight, equal rate treatment between suppliers and proper implementation of competitive processes under FERC’s Order 1000.  FERC Commissioner Allison Clements will keynote while panelists include Industrial Energy Consumers Paul Cicio, Harvard Electricity Law Institute’s Ari Peskoe and SPP’s Keith Collins.

WCEE Forum Looks at Women Leaders – On Thursday January 27th at 4:00 p.m., the Women’s Council on Energy & Environment (WCEE) and Google for a two-part virtual series featuring practical information and skill building for careers in energy and environment. You do not need to be a member of WCEE to participate. This page is to register for the first event in the series, click here to register for the Feb. 3 networking event. Women from Google and WCEE will discuss their career paths, the many directions you can take in energy and environmental fields, and offer practical advice on career planning and goal setting.  

USEA to Discussion DOE Transmission Initiative – The US Energy Assn holds a presser on Friday January 28th at 11:00 a.m. with a panel of experts to talk about DOE’s new transmission initiative "Building a Better Grid". They will be questioned by a panel of knowledgeable reporters. USEA Acting Executive Director Sheila Hollis will give opening remarks, and Llewellyn King, who organized this briefing, will moderate. Panelists will include EEI’s Phil Moeller, Tri-State G&T CEO Duane Highley, Southwest Power Pool CEO Lanny Nickell.  Reporters on the panel will be our friends Rod Kuckro and Ken Silverstein, as well as Markham Hislop of Energi Media.

Group Looks at Energy Market Design – The NYU Institute for Policy Integrity and EDF hold a forum on Thursday February 3rd at 1:00 p.m. on energy market design. This webinar will discuss ongoing policy questions and the latest research on how different market designs could affect clean energy outcomes.  FERC’s Valerie Teeter, Penn State’s Chiara Lo Prete and UMich’s Catherine Hausman speak.

NARUC Winter Meetings Set – The National Assn of Regulatory Utility Commissioners holds it Winter Policy Summit Meeting on February 14 to 16th in DC.

Ethanol Conference Set – The Renewable Fuels Association holds the National Ethanol Conference (NEC) in New Orleans on February 21st to 23rd.  Since 1996, the NEC has been recognized as the ethanol conference for the latest, timely information on marketing, legislative and regulatory issues facing the industry. With numerous networking opportunities, more business meetings are conducted and contacts made at this conference than at any other ethanol conference.

Biden to Deliver State of the Union – In the latest SOTU Speech ever, the President will address a joint Session of Congress on March 1st.