Energy Update: Week of June 6th

Friends,

Another glorious weather weekend as the Summer Driving season rolls on... And it really does!  Despite record gas prices ($4.87 national average), people continue to be on the move.  It is why we see prices continuing to creep up – even as industry production increases and OPEC+ also sends signals of a production boost.  Supply just can’t keep up with demand right now.  And remember, inflation-adjusted, we still haven’t reached a gas-price record yet (that would have to be an average of $5.38 to pass 2012).  I know, not really much consolation. 

Our experts are looking closely at the latest announcement the Admin made this morning to delay the solar tariff investigation underway at Commerce.  It should provide some increased certainty to the solar sector because, if the Admin follows through on what was announced, new tariffs on solar imports related to Auxin circumvention inquiry should not be collected for at least two years.  This is the most meaningful part of the announcement.  As for the DPA part, some irony: at the heart of the solar tariffs case is the thought that China and SE Asian states subsidize solar; the DPA package does the same.  Here is the overall DOE announcement on the manufacturing DPA which also includes transformers and electric grid components; heat pumps; insulation and hydrogen electrolyzers, fuel cells, and platinum group metals.

As for the heat pumps side, Steve Yurek, head of the Air-Conditioning, heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), represents America’s heat pump manufacturers, said they look forward to “working with White House officials and the Department of Energy to ensure a robust supply chain for innovative and energy efficient heat pumps and other technologies, reduce and harmonize regulations, and develop the trained workforce necessary to install and maintain this equipment.”

Congress is back and we will see some important action this week on Reconciliation.  It seems Democrats are getting closer to a Dem-only deal, even as the bipartisan energy talks led by Sen. Manchin seem to have collapsed. And we really do expect some direction on hydrogen this week as DOE holds its Hydrogen Program 2022 Annual Merit Review and Peer Evaluation Meeting with Secretary Jennifer Granholm and a keynote from Shalanda Baker.  The review is expected to discuss the pending hydrogen hubs funding, definitions of clean hydrogen and much more. 

Congressional hearings this week include a House Science hearing Wednesday on methane which will be of significant interest to the oil/gas industry. Senate EPW also will host NRC nominees Annie Caputo and Bradley Crowell.  On Thursday, Senate Energy talks budget with the Forest Service and House Select Climate Committee hosts NOAA Administrator Richard Spinrad and assistant secretary of State for Oceans Monica Medina to look at ocean-based solutions to climate change.

Other events include ACORE’s Finance Forum in NYC and CSIS hosting Chevron’s Mike Wirth tomorrow.  OurEnergyPolicy looks at the rise of climate litigation and the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies holds a virtual discussion on FERC’s authority to regulate the climate on Wednesday. And on Thursday, ACCF hosts a trade talk with W&M Trade Chair Earl Blumenthal.

Finally, the Belmont Stakes – the third jewel in the Triple Crown – runs Saturday on Long Island.  With a field of 10 horses, all eyes will be on long-shot Derby winner Rich Strike, who made national headlines going out of the gates with 80-1 odds.  Even with the rest, I wonder aloud if Rich Strike can strike gold again. I love filly Nest, who is getting 8-1 in the early odds. She was the runner-up in the Kentucky Oaks, won her previous three races and has a win at Belmont Park. Mo Donegal has proven he can hang with the big guns so put him in your exotics’ mix. And who can go against a horse named We The People, who is fresh and looked strong in early workouts. Others to watch: Creative Minister and Ethereal Road.  

No surprise on the Men’s side at the French Open – Yes, Rafa again (14^th time).  On the Women’s side, US teenager Coco Gauff was smoked in just over an hour by World #1 Iga Swiatek, who has won 35-straight matches.

Stay tuned with Congress back…Call with Questions.

Best,

Frank Maisano

(202) 828-5864

C. (202) 997-5932

FRANKLY SPOKEN

“The president is providing improved business certainty today while harnessing the power of the Defense Production Act for tomorrow. Today’s actions protect existing solar jobs, will lead to increased employment in the solar industry and foster a robust solar manufacturing base here at home.

“While the Department of Commerce investigation will continue as required by statute, and we remain confident that a review of the facts will result in a negative determination, the president’s action is a much-needed reprieve from this industry-crushing probe. During the two-year tariff suspension window, the U.S. solar industry can return to rapid deployment while the Defense Production Act helps grow American solar manufacturing."

SEIA President Abigail Ross Hopper on President Biden's announcement on clean energy manufacturing in the United States 

ON THE PODCAST

RFF Looks at Houston in Energy Transition – In this week’s episode of RFF’s Resources Radio, host Daniel Raimi talks with Bobby Tudor, the chair of the Houston Energy Transition Initiative and the founder and former CEO of the Houston-based investment and merchant bank Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. In his new role with the Houston Energy Transition Initiative, Tudor focuses on how Houston can take the lead in the energy transition away from fossil fuels. He and Raimi talk about the history of Houston, how oil and gas came to play such a big part in the city’s economy, the strengths that the current energy incumbents can leverage in a transition to net-zero emissions, what the city’s economy might look like in 20 or 30 years, and what roadblocks could stand in the way.

Another Energy Discussion With Sirius P.O.T.U.S. – Last Friday, I made another visit to my friend Julie Mason on Sirius XM’s P.O.T.U.S.’s Mason Mornings to discuss energy prices, EU's Russian Energy restrictions, critical minerals & the GOP’s new climate plan.  Listen here.

FUN OPINIONS

Blair: Critical minerals, Deep Sea are essential to EV Transition – In an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, former Obama Director of National Intelligence and current SAFE Chair Dennis Blair says any serious critical mineral strategy must include undersea mining by US, ratification of UN Law of Sea Treaty and cooperation with our closest allies and partners. Supply options include vast sources of nickel in polymetallic nodules on bottom of the Pacific Ocean in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone.  CCZ contains two times as much nickel, three times more cobalt and significantly more manganese than all world’s land-based reserves combined.

FROG BLOG

Chamber Highlights Concerns in Reliability Report – In a blog post, US Chamber Global Energy Institute electricity expert Heath Knakmuhs writes the stunning proliferation of orange and red across NERC’s summer risk assessment map is undeniably cause for concern. John Moura, NERC’s Director of Reliability Assessment and Performance Analysis, summed up their conclusions rather succinctly: “It’s a sobering report.” Moura went on to say, “It’s clear the risks are spreading…and the pace of our grid transformation is a bit out of sync with the underlying realities and the physics of the system.” NERC’s summer assessment makes it clear that the energy transition being pushed ever faster by activists may be getting ahead of the technologies we have today to keep the grid reliable. Only by respecting the realities of today will we be able to maintain the public support necessary to build the clean energy grid of the future.

FUN FACTS

Pipeline Struggle to be Built Now: In Q1 2022, 9 new natural gas pipeline projects received FERC approval or were completed, which will provide 0.43 Bcf/d of pipeline capacity. This was the lowest quarterly addition since 2016. (Insert below: a map of the recently approved or completed LNG pipelines

IN THE NEWS

DOE to Push Domestic Manufacturing – President Biden today issued presidential determinations providing the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) with the authority to utilize the Defense Production Act (DPA) to accelerate domestic production of five key energy technologies: (1) solar; (2) transformers and electric grid components; (3) heat pumps; (4) insulation; and (5) electrolyzers, fuel cells, and platinum group metals. The DPA determinations are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s plan to lower energy costs for families, strengthen national security, and achieve lasting American energy independence that reduces demand for fossil fuels and bolsters our clean energy economy. 

Steve Yurek, head of the Air-Conditioning, heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), represents America’s heat pump manufacturers, said they look forward to “working with White House officials and the Department of Energy to ensure a robust supply chain for innovative and energy efficient heat pumps and other technologies, reduce and harmonize regulations, and develop the trained workforce necessary to install and maintain this equipment.”

Another Friday News Drop: RFS – The EPA issued final biofuel blending volumes for 2020 through 2022 on Friday that slightly lowered the overall amount of the fuels to be consumed this year from the level proposed in December as EPA seeks to strike a balance between the agricultural and petroleum industries amid record-high fuel prices. As part of the finalized renewable volume obligations, the agency will retroactively reduce the volumes for 2020 to account for the drop in demand and slightly raise the proposed ethanol blending level for 2021 to align with actual consumption. Here is the EPA press release and backup documents. 

A few Senators/groups commenting:

Sen. Pat Toomey:

“As Americans pay record high gas prices, President Biden is considering raising the Renewable Fuel Standard mandates. This will cost Americans even more when they fill up their tanks and continue to drive up food costs.”

Sen. Mike Lee:

President Biden promised to use every tool to fix the gas price crisis.  But he’s refused to end or reduce biofuel mandates that turn food into fuel, crush small refineries and cost Americans $30+ billion.  High prices are on purpose.  Biden is making you pay for his radical agenda.

API VP of Downstream Policy Ron Chittim:

“Pushing aggressive biofuel blending mandates only risks increasing the cost of fuel production and exacerbating high prices at the pump. The final 2022 volumes exceed EPA’s own estimates of what the market can absorb and are likely to place additional pressure on refiners that are already running full throttle to keep pace with demand. The failure to establish a feasible and achievable 2022 standard is yet another example of the disconnect between the administration’s rhetoric and the policies they are pursing.” –

AFPM CEO Chet Thompson:

“We support EPA’s commonsense decision to align the 2020 and 2021 standards with actual production volumes for those years in which COVID-19 lockdowns wreaked havoc on fuel demand. The 2022 standard, however, is bewildering and contrary to the Administration’s claims to be doing everything in their power to provide relief to consumers. Unachievable mandates will needlessly raise fuel production costs and further threaten the viability of U.S. small refineries, both at the expense of consumers. The Administration missed a prime opportunity to provide relief and will have no one to blame for this but themselves.”

Republicans Roll Out Climate Agenda – The past week House Republicans unveiled a climate and energy blueprint that would reduce emissions and bolster energy security. The House Republican Energy, Climate, and Conservation Task Force chaired by Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA) launched part one of a six-part strategy on energy and climate policy. The plan’s six pillars include:

• Unlock America’s Resources
• Beat China and Russia
• Let America Build
• Build Resilient Communities
• American Innovation
• Conservation with a Purpose

Cement Group Offers Insight to CEQ on Buy Clean – In a letter to Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory, the Portland Cement Assn writes sustainability and environmental stewardship are top priorities for America’s cement manufacturers and that the “Buy Clean” initiative is a crucial tool for tackling climate change.  Cement and concrete products are used to build highways, bridges, runways, water & sewage pipes, high-rise buildings, dams, homes, floors, sidewalks, and driveways. These products are the building blocks for many of the infrastructure projects needed to maintain a resilient, weather-resistant, and adaptive economy.  PCA, which represents the majority of cement manufacturers across the country, supports market‐based policies and initiatives that will enable the cement industry to reduce its carbon footprint responsibly and sustainably. Foremost we want to see any procurement policy to address global warming to do so while preserving the global competitiveness of America’s manufacturers. In summary, there are broad themes and recommendations that we wish to draw your attention to:

• Cement manufacturing is a complex, energy-intensive process;
• Our industry has already made significant improvements -when PCA updated the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for portland cement in 2019, it showed an 11.3% decrease in GHG emissions when compared to the previous EPD done in 2016;
• In order to allow cement manufacturers greater flexibility to innovatively reduce GHGs, the federal government needs to adopt performance specifications over prescriptive specifications;
• Any federal procurement program should evaluate construction materials over their entire lifecycle to fully account for all GHG emissions and decarbonization and project design to achieve lower GHG emissions over the project lifecycle;
• With increasing natural disasters due to climate change, federal procurement should consider the resiliency and life-safety aspects when selecting construction materials.

EPA Issues 401 Ruling – Late last week, EPA proposed new rulemaking for Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) as it applies to projects.  API Vice President of Midstream Policy Robin Rorick said at a time of increasing regulatory uncertainty and high energy costs, adding bureaucratic red tape is the exact opposite of what is needed. “A consistent and transparent process for water quality certifications for energy developers and manufacturers is critical to develop vital energy infrastructure and meet increased global demand. We support the Clean Water Act and are concerned these actions would counteract the well-defined timeline and review process enacted by Congress, increasing permitting delays and allowing states to go well beyond their scope for water quality certifications.”

DC Circuit Rules in Boiler Case – Federal judges said last week they would not scrap a Trump-era DOE rule tightening efficiency standards for certain commercial boilers.  The American Public Gas Association (APGA) and other challengers said DOE had not adequately explained its reasoning for increasing the standards for commercial packaged boilers in 2020, in violation of a January ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Marie Carpizo, general counsel for the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute, said that the agency's economic justification for the 2020 rule "was flawed and skewed." "We also continue to believe that DOE should have been required to undertake a notice and comment period on the new arguments and evidence provided in its supplemental response that were not in the initial rulemaking record."

SAFE Minerals Project Hires Expert – SAFE Commanding Heights announced the addition of Joe Quinn as Vice President for Strategic Industrial Materials, who will head up a new policy initiative dedicated to advancing more secure, reliable, and sustainable supply chains for aluminum and other industrial materials critical to America’s national and economic security. Prior to joining SAFE, Quinn served as the Vice President of External Affairs & Industry Relations at the Aluminum Association where he led the government relations, communications, and political affairs divisions. This initiative comes approximately one year after the launch of SAFE’s Center for Critical Minerals Strategy, which has become a leading thought leader on mining and processing supply challenges relating to electric vehicles, batteries, and other essential systems.  

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

Middle East Institute Holds Climate Conference – The Middle East Institute holds its virtual inaugural Climate Week Conference today through Thursday.

Hydrogen Review Program Set for this Week – The Department of Energy holds its Hydrogen Program 2022 Annual Merit Review and Peer Evaluation Meeting this week today through Wednesday. Today included opening remarks from Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and a keynote from Deputy Director for Energy Justice Shalanda H. Baker. Plenary sessions will include overviews of the DOE Hydrogen Program and subprograms, updates on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law hydrogen provisions, a moderated Q&A session, and presentation of the DOE Hydrogen Program Awards. Please return tomorrow for Day 2 of the plenary, which will include updates on Hydrogen Shot. View the detailed meeting agenda for a comprehensive schedule of events and presentations. 

ACORE Finance Forum Set – The 2022 ACORE Finance Forum will be held in New York City tomorrow and Wednesday.  New York State Energy Research and Development Authority CEO Doreen will give keynote remarks at the Forum.

Reuters to Host Hydrogen 2022 – To scale-up production, secure off-takers and lead the hydrogen economy, Reuters Events holds Hydrogen 2022 conference and exhibition tomorrow to detail and discussion how to build the global hydrogen economy.

Solar Forum Set – Wood Mackenzie hosts a Solar and Energy Storage Summit in San Diego on today through Thursday.  WM’s expert team of solar and energy storage research analysts and consultants will engage in powerful conversations with leading industry experts to discuss the outlook and strategies for getting the sector back on the path to growth.

Forum Hosts Naftogaz CEO – The US Ukraine Business Council hosts an in-person Roundtable Meeting tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. with Naftogaz Ukraine CEO Yuriy Vitrenko on the energy security of Ukraine.

DOE to Host Energy Storage Webinar – DOE’s Solar Energy Technologies Office and Wind Energy Technologies Office host the launch of the Interconnection Innovation eXchange (i2X) tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. This new platform aims to tackle the biggest grid interconnection challenges. Led by DOE and National Laboratory experts, i2X is focused on developing innovative solutions to enable the faster, simpler, and fairer interconnection of solar energy, wind energy, and energy storage to the electric grid while enhancing the reliability and resiliency of our nation’s distribution and transmission grid networks.

Webcast to Look at Energy Analysis – Tomorrow at 1:00 p.m., ScottMadden releases its spring 2022 issue of the ScottMadden Energy Industry Update in a webcast hosted by EnergyCentral.  Topics include transmission interconnections, decarbonization portfolios and fuel switching questions. 

E&E Reporters Talk NEPA – Tomorrow at 1:30 p.m., E&E News reporters Niina Farah, Christa Marshall, Heather Richards and Kelsey Brugger discuss the state of play for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).  The law holds the key to energy production and distribution projects and policies aimed at fighting climate change. The decades-old law faces significant action as energy and environmental advocates look to the courts to fight new projects after the Biden administration’s moves to restore changes made by the Trump administration, leaving significant new projects in flux.

Chevron’s Wirth Talks Energy Transition –Tomorrow at 2:00 p.m., the CSIS Energy Security & Climate Change Program hosts a conversation with Chevron CEO Mike Wirth on the future of U.S. oil and gas sector in the energy transition. In this leadership conversation, Mr. Wirth will discuss the state of the industry and the role U.S. oil and gas can play in the global energy transition.

Commission to Hold Hearing on European Energy Security – Tomorrow at 2:30 p.m., the Helsinki Commission will hold a hearing on European Energy security post-Russia. This hearing will examine plans to create a Europe that is wholly free from Russian oil and gas. Witnesses will discuss the importance of a robust energy embargo to starving the Russian war machine; options to ensure that Ukraine’s energy needs are met; alternative sources of energy for Europe; and the perspective of Germany, which plays an outsize role as the most powerful economy in Europe and a primary consumer of Russian natural resources.  Among the witnesses is Naftogaz Ukraine CEO Yuriy Vitrenko.

Members of Senate, House Address Energy Summit – US Energy Stream hosts its 7^th Washington Energy Summit 2022 on Wednesday and Thursday at the Cosmos Club of Washington, DC.  The Summit is an annual market intelligence platform that brings together Senators, Congressmen, government leaders, senior energy executives, investors and experts to successfully address climate policy in the quest for net-zero emissions in a decarbonized energy future. Speakers include Sens. Roger Marshall, Bill Cassidy, Ted Cruz, Steve Daines and Cynthia Lummis, as well as 20-plus Representatives.

Chamber, State Hold CEO Summit – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the State Department hold their fourth CEO Summit of the Americas on Wednesday and Thursday in Los Angeles, focusing on trade, health, digital transformation, energy and sustainability, rule of law and economic inclusion. The 2022 IV CEO Summit of the Americas will leverage the power of the private sector to bring together diverse business leaders—including those representing small and medium-sized enterprises—from the U.S. and across the hemisphere to drive innovative, practical solutions for a brighter future across the Americas.  John Kerry is among the Keynote speakers.  GEI head Marty Durbin will moderate a panel on energy issues with our long-time friend Caroline Choi of SoCal Ed and Shilpin Amin, GM International President

Whitehouse to Discuss Decarb at RFF – Resources for the Future (RFF) holds an RFF Live event on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. breaking down recent developments in decarbonization and industrial competitiveness. First, RFF President and CEO Richard G. Newell will sit down with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse as he seeks to introduce a new proposal addressing emissions and competitiveness. Then RFF will move to a panel of experts on international trade and decarbonization to examine proposals aimed at reducing industrial emissions while keeping US industry competitive on the world stage.  Speakers will include Holcim US’s Virgilio Barrera and Anna Fendley of the United Steelworkers.

LEED Forum to Discuss Buildings – On Wednesday morning in the Ronald Reagan, U.S. Green Building Council President and CEO, Peter Templeton, USGBC organizational and community leaders, members of the LEED Steering Committee and LEED technical staff including Melissa Baker, senior vice president of LEED hold a LEED Convene and Connect event to discuss progress on buildings a get key stakeholder input. This session is an open and interactive conversation about our built environment and what is needed to respond to the critical challenges of today and tomorrow.

Senate Enviro to Host NRC Noms – The Senate Environment Committee holds a hearing Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. on the nominations of Annie Caputo and Brad Crowell to be commissioners of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. 

House Science Looks at Methane – The House Science Committee holds a hearing on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. focused on detecting and quantifying methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. Witnesses include NREL’s Brian Anderson, EDF’s David Lyon, Carbon Mapper CEO Riley Durren and Greg Rieker of LongPath Technologies.

OEP to Discuss Climate Litigation – On Wednesday at Noon, OurEnergyPolicy holds a forum on the rise of climate litigation.  The event will feature a discussion about the role of the courts in addressing climate-related damages. Speakers include former Rep. Rick Boucher.

Forum to Look at FERC, Climate – The Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies holds a virtual discussion on Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. on FERC’s authority to regulate the climate. The forum will be a probing, wide-ranging discussion of the statutes and case law featuring former FERC Commissioner Bernard McNamee and former Deputy Attorney General for Virginia Ken Davis.

ACCF to Talk Trade w Blumenthal – On Wednesday at 12:00 p.m., the American Council on Capital Formation (ACCF) hosts a conversation with Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) on the future of U.S. trade policy.  Blumenauer has a unique platform to promote issues like Medicare for All and the Green New Deal. He is an advocate for rebuilding and renewing our nation's infrastructure, economic security for families, protection of public lands, stopping gun violence, ending the prohibition of marijuana, and criminal justice reform.

Web Event to Look at Marine Energy – To celebrate World Oceans Day, the National Hydropower Association and Marine Renewables Canada hold a Path to Clean Energy virtual event on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. looking at advancements in marine energy featuring a discussion with Rep. Suzanne Bonamici. At the webinar, you will learn about how the industry is accelerating commercialization, deploying devices that are proving their viability, and demonstrating that government incentives are needed to spur research, innovation, and early commercial activities.

CSIS Looks at Hydrogen – The CSIS Energy Security and Climate Change Program holds a discussion on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. on global efforts to develop a clean hydrogen market. This event will examine ways to create and connect the supply and demand for clean hydrogen.  Speakers include Kirsten Westphal (H2Global), James Bowen (Perth USAsia Center), and Jitendra Roychoudhury (KAPSARC).

House Climate to Look at Ocean Solutions – The House Select Climate Committee will meet Thursday at 9:00 a.m. to Look at ocean-based solutions to climate change. NOAA Administrator Richard Spinrad and Monica Medina, assistant secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, will testify.

Senate Energy Hosts Forest Service – The Senate Energy Committee holds a hearing on the President's FY2023 Budget Request for the U.S. Forest Service.  USFS Chief Randy Moore testifies.

Senate FR Panel Looks at Europe Energy Challenges – On Thursday at 10:00 a.m., the Senate Foreign Relations Europe and Regional Security panel holds a hearing on America's role in supporting Europe's energy diversification agenda

Forum to Look at Climate Workforce – Boston University holds a virtual discussion on Thursday at Noon on building the next generation climate workforce thorough innovative solutions from around the country. The event will focus on how universities, the private sector and communities are addressing climate change through solutions-oriented graduate education and workforce training that combines science, management, policy, communication, and governance fields and what Congress can do to support these efforts.

SEIA Hots Forum for Vets – On Thursday at 2:00 p.m., SEIA’s Solar Ready Vets hold a webinar to celebrate military veterans who have transitioned into solar careers and discuss how solar companies can attract top military talent through the Solar Ready Vets / Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program. With dynamic leadership, teamwork, organizational skills and a mission-driven work ethic, military veterans are a unique and valuable source of talent at a pivotal time for our industry. The Fellowship (implemented by Hiring Our Heroes through DOE-funded Solar Ready Vets Network) allows solar companies to host highly qualified mid-to-senior level transitioning service members for on-the-job experience in professional or management roles at no cost to the employer.

Wilson to Look at State Climate Policies – On Thursday at 3:00 p.m., the Wilson Center’s Environmental Change and Security Program and the University of California, Berkeley’s Center for Law, Energy & the Environment host a discussion with experts who are driving the development and implementation of these policies for a practical discussion on what works, what gaps in learning remain, and how to apply these lessons learned to guide federal climate policy development.

IN THE FUTURE

ELI Hosts Meeting on Private-Public Partnerships – Next Monday at Noon, the Environmental Law Institute hosts the authors and sidebar authors of The Environmental Forum’s May/June Cover Story to discuss their “Moving in Synch” article and the potential steps that the administration and corporate enterprises can take to quickly form a public-private partnership as an effective gap-filler while support builds for comprehensive climate legislation. Among the panelists is our friend Bob Perciasepe of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES).

EESI Looks at Wildfires, Climate – On Monday June 13^th at 1:00 p.m., the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) hosts a briefing on policies and practices to address wildfires. Panelists will discuss policies and practices that would allow the United States to reduce the overall risk of wildfires, including how innovations in community-centered wildfire protection can improve resilience for humans and ecosystems.

Forum to Look at Eastern Europe – The Atlantic Council Global Energy Center holds the 7^th Annual Central and Eastern European Energy Security Conference on Tuesday June 14^th at the Atlantic Council’s Headquarters in Washington, DC. The Central and Eastern European Energy Security Conference is the leading platform for addressing key energy security and climate issues in Central and Eastern Europe. For the seventh edition of the conference, government and private sector leaders discuss transatlantic cooperation on removing energy as an enabler of Russian aggression in the region. The conference explores how Central and Eastern Europe can advance energy security and climate action by diversifying oil and gas imports, investing in critical energy infrastructure, accelerating decarbonization, and rebuilding Ukraine’s energy system.

Event to Look at Trade, Climate Goals – On Tuesday June 14^th at 10:00 a.m., the American Security Project hosts a conversation with the Rt Hon. the Lord Barker of Battle and Ambassador Daniel Sepulveda to discuss aligning climate change goals with trade policy.

Senate Energy to Look at Wester Drought – The Senate Energy Committee holds a hearing on Tuesday June 14^th at 10:00 a.m. to examine short- and long-term solutions to extreme drought in the Western US.

Forum to Look at Northern Triangle Climate Issues – As the impacts of climate change mount worldwide, the countries of Central America’s Northern Triangle (El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras) face disproportionate exposure to catastrophic storms and other threats such as drought and food insecurity. This vulnerability is contributing to a growing humanitarian crisis in a region already wracked by poverty, inequality, corruption, and violence and is exacerbating these drivers of migration within and from the region, including to the United States. In response to this challenging context, the Inter-American Dialogue convened a Task Force on Climate Change in the Northern Triangle, representing a diverse set of perspectives, to inform a series of policy reports. These publications will be outlined on Tuesday June 14^th at 11:00 a.m. looking at the effects of climate change on key sectors and vulnerable communities and provide recommendations for US assistance to support sustainable, locally led climate adaptation in the region. A presentation of the findings of the three reports will be followed by a panel discussion with task force members.

RFF to Host Bezos Fund Head – On Wednesday June 15^th, Resources for the Future (RFF) holds a Policy Leadership Series event with Dr. Andrew Steer, President and CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund. Born out of a $10-billion commitment from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the Earth Fund is a philanthropic organization that funds efforts to address climate change and protect nature. RFF President and CEO Richard G. Newell will sit down with Steer to discuss the mission and goals of the Bezos Earth Fund; the role of philanthropy in transformational systems change; and the range of investments, policies, and technological innovations needed to accelerate decarbonization and protect nature. Their conversation will touch on a variety of topics, including data-driven solutions, innovation, and environmental justice and equity.

WRI to Discuss Electric School Buses – On Wednesday June 15^th at 2:00 p.m., Clean Energy Works, the Alliance for Electric School Buses and WRI’s Electric School Bus Initiative hold a webinar focused on electric school bus infrastructure, including charger selection and installation, infrastructure upgrades, interconnection agreements, charging and vehicle-to-grid technologies. Panelists will share best practices and helpful tools for productive district-utility partnerships.

CCS Forum Set – On Thursday June 16^th, the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute holds 10^th Annual D.C. Forum on Carbon Capture and Storage. The event will include policymakers, industry leaders, NGOs, journalists, and financial institutions to gather and discuss the rise of CCS, as well as the urgency of increasing support for the enabling conditions needed to take it to scale. We will explore topics such as recent U.S. policy developments, the role of finance, the importance of environmental justice and listening to frontline communities, and the latest on global carbon markets.

BCSE Hosts Ex-Im Bank Head To Talk Clean Energy Exports – The Business Council for Sustainable Energy E2, Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA), Clean Energy Business Network (CEBN) and Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) host a forum on Thursday June 16^th at 2:00 p.m. on clean energy exports and the huge opportunity they present for U.S. businesses.  This briefing with senior representatives of the Biden administration to discuss the state of international trade in clean energy products and technology, and the federal tools and programs available to businesses seeking to expand. Speakers include Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) President Reta Jo Lewis and US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Chief Climate Officer Jake Levine.

WCEE Forum to Look at Enviro Justice – On Thursday June 16^th at 2:00 p.m., the Women’s Council on Energy and the Environment (WCEE) hosts a forum about the administration’s efforts to address environmental justice and equity concerns, and what it means for private sector actors. Hannah Perls, Staff Attorney at Harvard Law School’s Environmental & Energy Law Program, and Stacey Halliday, Shareholder at environmental law firm Beveridge & Diamond P.C., will provide an update on the Federal government’s environmental justice efforts and lead a discussion about how the private sector is responding to the increased focus on environmental justice.

Wilson to Host Seabed Critical Minerals Forum – The Wilson Center will hold a forum on Tuesday June 21^st at 1:00 p.m. looking at the US strategy toward seabed mining. More on this soon.

ACP Holds Energy Storage Forum – American Clean Power holds an Energy Storage Forum on June 22^nd and 23^rd in Washington.  The two-day event will feature an exclusive conversation with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse.  Whitehouse will be joined by additional federal, state and market leaders shaping the future of energy storage policy, including DOE’s Jigar Shah and Cal ISO CEO Elliot Mainzer.