Energy Update: Week of July 7th

Friends,

Well, President Trump, Speaker Johnson and Majority Leader Thune actually did it. The House passed the Senate version of the OBBBA on Thursday, 218-214, with Reps. Thomas Massie (Ky.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.) voting with every Democrat against the measure – all by July 4^th. The overwhelming Republican support reflected both the enormous appetite within the GOP for extending the 2017 tax cuts and a demonstration of Trump’s political strength.  The President signed the legislation on Friday in an over-the-top ceremony just prior to the July 4^th National Fireworks show. There was even a B2 stealth bomber fly-over. 

Perhaps, the issue area that may feel the most impacts in the legislation is the clean energy sector (I think even more than Medicaid in the short term). While they certainly did better in the Senate bill than in the original House legislation, it still will be a difficult road ahead for many clean energy industries that had the wind at their back in the previous administration with the IRA energy provisions. And while looking at the typical strengths of the Clean Energy provisions that we have discussed many times (lots of jobs, economic development, rural development and projects In Republican areas), the typical political arguments just did not win the day for the most part over the Trump/Conservative approach to undercut Biden’s policies, as well as disregard both energy transition and climate concerns. As I told my friends at the Washington Post the day before the final vote:

“Every rational tactic that typically works to build support for this stuff was used.  They all fell short when confronted with Trump’s political machine, which has seemed to have won the day.”

There are a lot of potential follow ups, especially in the energy space.  It seems there is a wide array of potential impacts, good and bad, understated and overblown, small and major.  We can discuss and offer experts.

Not much happening this week after last week’s race to the finish line OBBBA blow out. Following a couple of unscheduled days in session last week, the House scrapped votes (some on energy issues) for this coming week with next votes expected on July 14^th.  The Senate’s first vote will occur tomorrow on a cloture motion on the nomination of Preston Griffith as Energy undersecretary. Senate Environment votes on EPA nom Usha Turner and NRC Commissioner David Wright on Wednesday and House and Senate Appropriations action now starts to move to center stage.  We also expect to see a draft of potential NDAA legislation this week.

Expect Trump to find more ways to celebrate his big win with any events this week. We also expect he will head to Texas for a more solemn visit following the tragic weekend flooding, which has taken over 80 lives and impacted many more (including children who were attending summer camps in the region). Unfortunately, this tragedy has also spurred some political blame (stoked this morning by a letter from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer) about Weather Service cuts and climate change. The reality of this specific situation is nuanced as was reported by POLITICO on Sunday. Their article has some very interesting links that I would recommend: The Texas Tribune’s Paul Cobler; Trump cuts critic Matt Lanza at The Eyewall and NYT’s Jesus Jiménez and colleagues digging into the challenges of getting those vital NWS warnings to the people that needed them, in a very short space of time, across a very rural area, in the dead of night and why that final part of the chain might have gone wrong.

Another tariff D-Day approaches on Wednesday. The administration appears to have thought better than to try to negotiate complex deals with 100-plus countries, but expect “take it or leave it” letters to 12 countries from Trump today, which may reset deadlines and specify terms. Finally, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu heads to the U.S. for talks with President Trump today.  

For other events, bestselling author, award-winning journalist and friend of this Energy Update, Michael Grunwald, will discuss his new book We Are Eating the Earth at a National Press Club Headliners Book Event on Thursday evening. The book explores how the global food system is accelerating climate change. Earlier on Thursday, the US Energy Assn holds a forum to understand how global tensions intersect with America's robust energy position, featuring the Chamber’s Dan Byers and LIPA’s Andy Black.  On Wednesday, USEA will explore the future of natural gas domestically and internationally at its upcoming virtual press briefing, featuring a panel of senior industry experts, including Dustin Meyers of API.

Wimbledon is at the mid-point (yet French Open Champ Coco Gauff is already out)  and the Tour de France (the most grueling three weeks in sports) is in Stage 3 today and will be a battle between Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard, who between them have won the five last Tours. Finally, I cannot let this slip by: on Saturday, Ozzy Osbourne joined his former Black Sabbath band mates for a grand farewell concert in Birmingham, England featuring Metallica, Guns N' Rose, Tool, Tom Morello and many other rock legends.

We get our first taste of hurricane season today when Tropical Storm Chantel arrives in South Carolina and North Carolina, then heading into the Mid-Atlantic. I know our friends at Duke and Southern will be ready, but stay safe.

I will be in Alaska next week on a trip with Stacey celebrating our 30^th anniversary (in September) so PROBABLY, no update next week. Or maybe just something short…  Send me any good Alaska tips.  Call with questions.

Best,

Frank Maisano

(202) 828-5864

C. (202) 997-5932                                                                                                         

FRANKLY SPOKEN

“Despite limited improvements, this legislation undermines the very foundation of America's manufacturing comeback and global energy leadership. If this bill becomes law, families will face higher electric bills, factories will shut down, Americans will lose their jobs, and our electric grid will grow weaker."

Abigail Ross Hopper, President of the Solar Energy Industries Association.

ON THE PODCAST

Wolak Highlights Hydrogen Successes – In today’s episode of the USEA Power Sector Podcast series on groups leading the emergence of 21st century power, Frank Wolak, President and CEO of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association highlights FCHEA’s history and mission, how hydrogen fits in today’s energy economy, and what FCHEA is working toward in this highly dynamic political moment.

FUN OPINIONS

Hydrogen Success Is Essential to Creating Market– In an op-ed in the Houston Business Journal, Air Liquide CEO Adam Peters and FCHEA head Frank Wolak write if the U.S. fails to match our competitors this level of investment and commitment on clean energy, we risk being outpaced by our international peers. From a national security perspective, a strong hydrogen sector enables the U.S. to maintain greater control over our energy future. A network of hydrogen production, storage, and distribution sites across the country – such as the Hydrogen Hubs – can support our military and defense operations and continue to decrease our reliance on energy and materials imports. The potential for hydrogen exports also represents an investment in our future energy security, and that of regional security across the globe.

FROG BLOG

Security Expert: Fuel Economy Standards Important to National Security – In an opinion piece in The National Interest’s Energy World, General Carlton D. Everhart says Washington’s oil market hubris risks repeating the mistakes of the past by rolling back fuels economy standards. Everhart also write the rollback threatens national security as well.

FUN FACTS

July 4^th EIA Special: US Energy Use Since 1776:  In 2024, the United States consumed about 94 quadrillion British thermal units (quads) of energy, a 1% increase from 2023, according to EIA’s Monthly Energy Review. Fossil fuels—petroleum, natural gas, and coal—accounted for 82% of total U.S. energy consumption in 2024. Nonfossil fuel energy—from renewables and nuclear energy—accounted for the other 18%. Petroleum remained the most-consumed fuel in the United States, as it has been for the past 75 years, and nuclear energy consumption exceeded coal consumption for the first time ever.

When the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, wood, a renewable energy source, was the largest source of energy in the United States. Used for heating, cooking, and lighting, wood remained the largest U.S. energy source until the late 1800s, when coal consumption became more common. Wood energy is still consumed, mainly by industrial lumber and paper plants that burn excess wood waste to generate electricity.

IN THE NEWS

GLE Submits Full Application to License the Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility – Global Laser Enrichment (GLE) has completing GLE’s full license application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the planned Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility (PLEF). GLE is first to complete this license process and licensing is one of the major challenges in the nuclear space.  Completing and submitting a license is a significant milestone and should begin a timeline for NRC to efficiently review and issue the license to operate a first-of-its-kind, new enrichment facility.

Key Points:

GLE has accelerated its efforts to license the Paducah, KY facility to meet the America’s need for a secure source of nuclear fuel.

GLE is first in line with the NRC to license a new enrichment plant in the US – no one will get a new license faster.

GLE is on-track to have the Paducah, KY facility operating no later than 2030.

GLE would be the world’s first commercial laser enrichment plant.

Since May, GLE has been enriching uranium under a large-scale enrichment demonstration pilot in Wilmington, NC.

GLE is one of the awardees under DOE’s Low Enriched Uranium RFP program to expand domestic capabilities. 

GLE CEO Stephen Long stated: "This achievement reflects the significant commitment, dedication, and ingenuity of our remarkably talented team, who worked to prepare and deliver a high-quality application in a very short timeframe, 6 months ahead of schedule. GLE’s unique capabilities position the PLEF as a potential single-site solution for U.S.-based uranium, conversion, and enrichment production."

GLE is the first in line with the NRC to license a new enrichment facility. The PLEF licensing effort builds upon GLE’s 2012 NRC approved license for a commercial-scale laser enrichment facility in Wilmington, NC, which did not proceed due to poor market conditions at the time. GLE anticipates an accelerated licensing timeline for the PLEF given the NRC’s prior approval and GLE’s well-characterized site. In 2024, GLE acquired 665 acres adjacent to the former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant for construction of the planned PLEF.

NRC Approves Extension for Reactor Certifications -- Speaking of NRC, it issued a final rule extending the duration of reactor design certifications from 15 to 40 years, which will take effect on September 15^th.  Industry watchers largely welcomed the rule, and it comes as the Trump administration is pushing to revive construction of the power source that has seen only a handful of new reactors come online in recent years.

Punchbowl Continues Future of Energy Series – Punchbowl’s latest edition of The Future of Energy, presented by Duke Energy spoke with a leading voice in the industry as Republicans hope their unified control of Washington will bring transformative change to energy policy. Hear from Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), the Energy and Water Appropriations chair and leader of eight energy-related caucuses, for a legislative perspective on energy's future. Discover efforts to refocus on traditional forms of energy, from fossil fuels to nuclear power.

Duke’s Renjel Takes Over Power Entities – As of July 1^st, Bracewell Update friend Louis Renjel will become executive vice president and chief executive officer of Duke Energy Florida and Midwest while retaining his position as chief corporate affairs officer. Prior to joining Duke Energy in March 2017, Renjel was a longtime executive at Jacksonville, Fla.-based transportation company CSX Corporation and worked at the Senate Environment Committee.

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

CSIS Hosts World Energy Stats – Today at 1:00 p.m., the Center for Strategic and International Studies holds a virtual discussion on the Energy Institute’s Statistical Review of World Energy 2025. CSIS’s Energy Security & Climate Change Program hosts EI’s Chief Executive Nick Wayth for a presentation and discussion of the 2025 EI Statistical Review of World Energy. Following the discussion, Daniel Yergin, KPMG’s Angie Gildea and CSIS’s Joe Majkut will join Dr. Wayth for a discussion on the highlights of the EI Statistical Review of World Energy. 

Book Forum Talks Energy Insecurity – The Columbia Center for Global Energy Policy and Resources for the Future (RFF) hold a forum in Washington today at 6:00 p.m. for a conversation with Powerless author and Co-Director of the CGEP Energy Opportunity Lab Diana Hernández and Founding Director Jason Bordoff on the hidden crisis of energy insecurity in America. The event will explore the book's key findings and bold policy solutions to ensure affordable, safe energy for all. Opening remarks by RFF's Carlos Martín.

Opportunity Forum Set – The Energy Opportunity Forum, now in its third year at Columbia’s Center on Global Energy Policy, will be held tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. The forum bring leaders together to discuss the future of navigating and advancing energy access, affordability, and sustainability both domestically and globally. Through a series of conversations, the Forum will explore innovative policy approaches, new models for public-private and philanthropic collaboration, and practical solutions to ensure energy remains a driver of economic resilience and equitable development in a rapidly changing world. Speakers include former US Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo, RFF’s Billy Pizer and Jason Bordoff.

EPA Public Hearing on GHG Rule Set – EPA will be holding a virtual public hearing tomorrow on EPA’s proposal to repeal all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants.

Homestead Headlines Bracewell EPA GHG Rule Discussion – Bracewell will host an Environmental Essentials Webinar tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. on EPA’s proposed repeal of the carbon pollution standards for power plants and the implications for the rest of industry. In this webinar, Jeff Holmstead and Brittany Pemberton will briefly discuss the thinking behind the proposed finding and the likelihood that it will stand up in court. They will also analyze the implications of such a finding for other industry sectors – over the next four years and in a future Democratic administration.

House Energy Looks at Pipeline Safety – The House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Energy Subcommittee holds a hearing tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. reviewing pipeline safety policy. The hearing will discuss priorities for pipeline safety reauthorization and examine what steps need to be taken to build and operate pipelines safely and effectively.

AAAS Looks at Data Center Energy – The American Association for the Advancement of Science holds a virtual discussion tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. on powering AI data centers' growing need for energy and what it means for the grid. This webinar will break down the different types of data centers and how their workloads affect electricity use and power quality. It will also discuss what energy sources are being used and how renewables fit into the picture and look at what this means for the electrical grid

Defense Energy Summit Set – The Defense Strategies Institute holds its Defense Department Energy and Power Summit on Wednesday and Thursday. Wednesday speakers include Acting Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary Robert Thompson, NRC Commissioner Annie Caputo and Deputy Assistant Energy Secretary for Nuclear Reactors Rian Bahran. Speakers on Thursday include Jeff Waksman, acting assistant Army secretary for installations, energy and the environment; Peter Lynch, acting principal deputy assistant Navy secretary for installations and environment; and Nancy Balkus, deputy assistant Air Force secretary for infrastructure, energy and environment.

Senate Environment to Move EPA, NRC Nominees – The Senate Environment Committee will vote on nominees to the EPA and Nuclear Regulatory Commission on Wednesday at 8:45 a.m., including our friend, Usha-Maria Turner at EPA and David Wright at NRC.

Senate Energy Hosts Energy Nominees – The Senate Energy Committee holds a hearing on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. on the nominations of Lanny Erdos to be the director of the Interior Department's Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement; Audrey Robertson to be assistant Energy secretary for EERE; Timothy Walsh to be assistant Energy secretary for environmental management; and David Eisner to be assistant Energy secretary for international affairs.

Senate Commerce Hosts Ocean Agency Nominees – The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee holds a hearing on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. on the nominations of Neil Jacobs to be Commerce undersecretary for oceans and atmosphere; Taylor Jordan to be assistant Commerce secretary for environmental observation and prediction; and Harry Kumar to be assistant Commerce secretary for legislative and intergovernmental

USEA Talks NatGas with Experts – The US Energy Association will explore the future of natural gas domestically and internationally at its upcoming virtual press briefing on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. The event will feature a panel of senior energy journalists interviewing industry experts, including Dustin Meyers of API.

Forum Addresses Competitive Electricity Markets – The Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies holds a virtual discussion on Wednesday at Noon on the Federal Government relying on competitive markets to price electricity. The event will be a conversation with two seasoned experts as they explore these critical questions about the future of electricity regulation in the United States. Speakers include former Deputy Virginia Attorney General Ken Davis and Harvard Law School Electricity Law Initiative Director Ari Peskoe.

Senate Energy Looks at Forest Service Budget – On Thursday at 10:00 a.m., the Senate Energy Committee will hold a hearing on the Forest Service's budget.

USEA to Look at Israel-Iran Energy Conflict – The US Energy Assn holds a forum on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. to understand how global tensions intersect with America's robust energy position. This crucial event will provide an in-depth analysis of the Israel-Iran conflict, its potential impacts on global energy markets, and the remarkable resilience of US energy security. Expert speakers, including Chamber and Liquid Pipeline Assn execs, will cover historical context, market responses, and US strategic capabilities, offering invaluable insights into navigating today's complex geopolitical landscape. 

Forum Tackles Geothermal – The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace holds a conference on geothermal energy's global breakthrough. Carnegie’s Sustainability, Climate, and Geopolitics Program holds its first conference on the global opportunity of next-generation geothermal technologies to hear the perspectives from industry leaders, government officials, NGOs, and the International Energy Agency. The conference will unveil findings from Carnegie’s forthcoming publication Unlocking Global Geothermal Power which will provide a first look at which countries could prove optimal second movers for next-gen geothermal systems. This paper utilizes data from Project InnerSpace's GEOMap, a geospatial database that illustrates new geothermal potential.

USEA Looks at Geothermal, CCS – The US Energy Association holds a virtual discussion on Thursday at 1:00 p.m., exploring synergies between geothermal energy and carbon capture. speakers will examine the status of integrating CCUS into geothermal settings as a heat recovery method from CO2 injection, as in CO2-plume geothermal (CPG) systems, as well as through the potential reuse of depleted geothermal reservoirs for CO2 storage. The webinar will also cover financing models, incentives like 45Q, and how state and federal policy can better align to support dual-use infrastructure.

Press Club Features New Grunwald Book on Ag, Food – Bestselling author and award-winning journalist Michael Grunwald will discuss his new book We Are Eating the Earth at a National Press Club Headliners Book Event on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. We Are Eating the Earth explores how the global food system is accelerating climate change. It has cleared land the size of Asia and Europe combined and generates a third of all carbon emissions. Grunwald follows food and land expert Tim Searchinger, whose fight against flawed science and powerful agricultural interests reveals how some climate solutions may be doing more harm than good. He also spotlights real innovations that could help feed the world while protecting the planet, grounded in a new ethic that values every acre. Grunwald is the bestselling author of two widely acclaimed books, The Swamp and The New New Deal. He’s a former staff writer for The Washington Post, Time, and POLITICO and winner of the George Polk Award for national reporting, the Worth Bingham Award for investigative reporting, and many other journalism prizes.

IN THE FUTURE

RNG, SAF Summit Set for Houston – Infocast’s RNG and SAF Capital Markets Summit will be held on July 16^th and 17^th in Houston.  The event will feature equity investors, debt providers, developers, and key market players across RNG and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). These industry leaders will provide strategies to successfully navigate the challenges facing these projects, and fund industry growth.

USEA Hosts Advanced Technology Showcase – The US Energy Assn holds its Advanced Energy Technology Showcase and Policy Forum on July 17^th at the Ronald Reagan Trade Center. The event will explore the exciting evolution of cutting-edge energy technologies. This engaging event will illuminate their journey from discovery to deployment, showcasing how smart public and private investments are accelerating innovation.

Congressional Renewable Expo Set – The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the House and Senate Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucuses hold the 28^th annual Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency EXPO and Policy Forum (EXPO 2025). Leading experts will showcase technologies and solutions that create jobs, lower utility bills for households and businesses, build resilience, protect our national security, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  Congressional speakers include Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Emanuel Cleaver II (D-Mo.), Scott Peters (D-Calif.), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.),  Industry speakers include FCHEA’s Connor Dolan, Daiken’s Kelley Raymond, BCSE Board Chair Allison Hull of Sempra, NHA’s Malcolm Woolf, NEMA’s Patrick Hughes and many more.

RFF to Look at Energy Infrastructure – Resources for the Future (RFF) is hosting a series of webinars to discuss the critical need to build more energy infrastructure more quickly, policy efforts to facilitate this need, and the many remaining obstacles to growing energy infrastructure. On Thursday July 17^th, RFF holds the kickoff webinar featuring a panel of experts discussing these issues including Clean Energy Buyers Alliance CEO Rich Powell, former FERC Commissioner Allison Clements and Heatmap News Founding Executive Editor Robinson Meyer.

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.