Energy Update: Week of June 8

Friends,

I am reporting from Durham, New Hampshire today after dropping Adam off at UNH for school.  “Move in” to his apartment was this morning so then I head to Boston for a quick Neptune Oyster Lobster Roll and then the quick flight home.  He doesn’t start until August but wants to get an early start getting to know the place…and we said perfect, move out!!! Two down, one to go.

It has been a crazy two weeks in Washington and the action continues on Capitol Hill with a number of hearings looking at the previous weeks (COVID/racial justice) action, as well as the expected quick movement by House Democrats on police reform legislation.  While that has absorbed most of the oxygen last week, there was significant movement on infrastructure as well, another issue both Democrats and Republicans see as an important issue to be part of the next COVID legislative package.  To that end, MIT research and engineering expert Jeremy Gregory wrote in The Hill on Friday that we can’t go forward on infrastructure without looking back at past efforts like 2009’s ARRA, which only marginally improved roads, to find better ways to address future challenges. 

Later today, the Senate starts on an effort to pass major bipartisan legislation aimed at land and water conservation and national parks funding.  It appears though the effort to move a clean bill may get a challenge with Louisiana Sen. Cassidy proposing an amendment that would increase the amount of offshore oil and gas drilling revenue that could be used to address coastal restoration.

The House Energy Committee’s Environment panel takes up COVID and enviro justice issues tomorrow at Noon looking at COVID-19's disproportionate impact on environmental justice communities.  Senate Energy will also vote on DOE Nominee Mark Menezes before a hearing on Wildfire Management, while OMB’s Russ Vought also is expected to get a committee vote on Wednesday.  Finally, the House Resources Committee holds its first virtual hearing ever on COVID and Puerto Rico, while Committee Dems hold two more “forum” as well on COVID recovery and the environment tomorrow and wildfire issues on Wednesday.

There are a bunch of events this week listed below, but there is a great one on Friday at 4:00 p.m. that you should try not to miss.  The Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies at Rice University holds a webinar on COVID-19, Energy Transition, and the Intersections of Industry, Technology and Resilience with American Air Liquide CEO Mike Graff.  Graff will discuss Air Liquide’s response to the global pandemic from the perspective of one of the world’s largest suppliers of medical oxygen and also look at the future of energy and the role that hydrogen can play in transitioning to a lower carbon future.

Finally, our friend Nick Juliano, who is editor of POLITICO Pro’s newly launched Sustainability news service, and sustainability reporter Catherine Boudreau are hosting a virtual interview with Environment Subcommittee Chair Paul Tonko to mark the launch of POLITICO’s sustainability coverage.

That’s all for today, call with questions, stay safe & healthy.  Check out the latest COVID-19 updates here. 

Best,

Frank Maisano

(202) 828-5864

C. (202) 997-5932

 

FRANKLY SPOKEN

“The (25C) tax credit has a proven track record. It puts contractors and manufacturers in this industry back to work while making home improvements that lower homeowners' heating and cooling bills, improve home comfort, and address important environmental objectives.”

A letter from nearly 800 manufacturers, contractors and distributors of heating, cooling, and water heating products and equipment urging Congress to extend and expand existing tax credits for home energy efficiency improvements. 

ON THE PODCAST

Columbia Energy Podcast Talks Infrastructure, Reliability with World Bank Expert – In the newest edition of Columbia Energy Exchange, host Bill Loveless talks with Makhtar Diop, the vice president for infrastructure at the World Bank. He leads the bank’s efforts to develop sustainable solutions and help close the infrastructure gap in developing and emerging economies. Makhtar discusses the reasons behind the progress that has been made around the world and the impediments keeping the goal of universal access still out of the reach of so many people, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. The latest challenge, he notes, is the pandemic. He also explains what the World Bank is doing to alleviate these needs, including new initiatives in the works.

FUN OPINIONS

MIT Expert Weighs in on Better Spending on Infrastructure – MIT research and engineering expert Jeremy Gregory wrote in The Hill on Friday that while there is a bipartisan push is underway in Congress to add infrastructure to the next round of COVID-19 recovery, but we can’t go forward on infrastructure without looking back at past efforts like 2009’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which has only marginally improved roads.  Gregory says “over the next century, our infrastructure must cope with new, unprecedented stresses due to climate, structural inequality, and recently, the economy. Therefore, we need to be sustainable in every sense of the word: Today’s investment must sustain future generations as they face unique economic, environmental and social challenges.” 

FROG BLOG

Barrasso Blasts House Effort on Infrastructure, COVID Recovery – In a blog post on FoxNews.com, Senate EPW Chair John Barrasso  blasted the infrastructure framework proposed by House Democrats is "a laundry list of liberal priorities" and "a second 'Green New Deal'" which will not get traction.  He touted the Senate’s effort to pass several major transportation and water infrastructure bills saying they are bipartisan and will help cut red tape, make communities safer and create much-needed jobs.

IN THE NEWS

LA Governor Signs Balanced Energy Legislation – Gov. John Bel Edwards in Louisiana signed bipartisan legislation to prevent local natural gas ban ordinances in Louisiana making it the fourth state to add balanced energy choices.  Earlier this year, Arizona, Tennessee and Oklahoma have passed laws while some cities in Washington state and California have a variety of ordinances to ban natural gas. 

EPA Posts New Cost-Benefits Analysis Approach – EPA issued a proposed rule last week concerning processes EPA should undertake when promulgating Clean Air Act regulations to ensure that information regarding the benefits and costs of regulatory decisions are developed and provided in a consistent and transparent manner. EPA hope the rule will ensure that all future significant regulations promulgated under the Clean Air Act be accompanied by a benefit-cost analysis (BCA) using the best available scientific information, in accordance with best practices from the economic, engineering, physical, and biological sciences, and ensuring transparency of the BCA.

Jeff Holmstead, former EPA Air Office Head:  In some ways, EPA isn't really breaking new ground here.  Since the early 1980s, Presidents of both parties have ordered federal agencies, including EPA, to base regulatory decisions on benefit-cost analysis.  Unfortunately, EPA has not always followed these presidential orders. In today's rule, EPA is now proposing to make this requirement enforceable.  If EPA issues a significant new Clean Air Act rule that is not based on a legitimate benefit-cost analysis, anyone can file a lawsuit to challenge the rule on those grounds. 

Marty Durbin, President of the U.S. Chamber’s Global Energy Institute: “High quality cost-benefit analyses are foundational to balanced and informed regulatory decision-making. Rulemakings that rely on problematic and non-transparent assumptions contribute to confusing and misleading cost-benefit information. A more open and standardized process not only makes common sense, but will enhance public understanding of the scientific and other inputs that drive EPA’s decisions, improve the integrity of the rulemaking process, and lead to better public policy. We therefore welcome EPA’s effort to address this important issue and we look forward to reviewing the rule in more detail.”

API’s SVP of Policy, Economics & Regulatory Affairs Frank Macchiarola: “API supports this proposal to provide consistency and greater transparency in analyzing the benefits and costs of proposed rules. Ensuring the EPA’s rulemaking process uses clear and consistent data showing how the agency developed proposed rules will benefit the public, industry and all stakeholders. The past decade is proof that we can achieve environmental progress and economic growth at the same time. Under improved Clean Air Act provisions, continued innovation and technologies developed by the oil and natural gas industry can build on these achievements.”

White House Issues Infrastructure Executive Order – President Trump signed an executive order late last week instructing Interior, the Pentagon and USDA to waive long-standing environmental laws to speed up federal approval for new infrastructure projects given the current “economic emergency.” The order will “instruct the Interior, Agriculture, and Defense Departments to use emergency and other authorities to accelerate projects on Federal lands,” a senior administration official said. It will “expedite construction of highways and other projects designed for environmental, energy, transportation, natural resource, and other uses.”

AGA CEO Karen Harbert: “Today’s executive order rebalances the permitting process to consider environmental impacts and the need for infrastructure, jobs and affordable energy. Streamlining natural gas pipeline permitting, while still ensuring a diligent process, will help our nation’s economic recovery at this incredibly difficult time by creating urgently needed jobs and providing affordable, reliable energy to homes and struggling businesses.”

House Transportation Bill Introduced – The move came as bipartisan lawmakers in Congress discuss efforts to increase spending on infrastructure projects to kick start the U.S. economy as part of the next round of COVID relief.  The day prior, House Transportation Democrats introduced legislation and two Senate Committees held hearings on the topic The Portland Cement Association commended the Committee on introduction of the INVEST in America Act:

“The significant increases in funding in the INVEST in America Act are critically important as our nation deals with high unemployment and economic stagnation as result of the COVID19 pandemic. PCA stands ready to work with Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate in delivering a robust and bipartisan surface transportation reauthorization bill.” 

OPEC+ to Stick by Production Cuts – OPEC+ is set to extend production cuts to the oil market after a breakthrough in high-stakes negotiations, with the alliance signing off on the deal on Saturday.  After almost a week of wrangling, the group’s leaders Russia and Saudi Arabia finally coerced Iraq to stop shirking its share of cuts and to compensate for past failings.

Companies Urge Congress to Move Energy Efficiency Credits – Nearly 800 American manufacturers of heating, cooling, and water heating products and equipment – members of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) -- contractors and distributors from across the country urged Congress to extend and expand existing tax credits for home energy efficiency improvements.  In a letter to House and Senate leadership, the companies, which represent some 2.4 million American jobs, requested the extension as a means to help equipment manufacturers, technicians, installers, distributors, and homeowners alike in weathering the pandemic that has cost more than 400,000 jobs since March of this year.  

Enverus: Looking at Oil/Gas Challenges – The oil and gas industry has faced an unprecedented scenario over the past few weeks, with demand falling and a glut in supply. Yet, while COVID-19 brings challenges the world has never previously faced, when it comes to price crashes, we've been here before—during the 2008/2009 financial crisis and the oil & gas price crash of 2015/16.  In a recent paper, sourcing data from Enverus, its experts look at three lessons from the past and how they might apply to today’s low price environment.

2020 Environmental Performance Index Released – Researchers at Yale and Columbia Universities released the 2020 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) last week.  The EPI is a biennial scorecard of national results on a range of sustainability issues. Yale professor Dan Esty, who directs the Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy and that co-produces the EPI, observed that “our analysis suggests that countries with broad-based sustainability efforts and particular emphasis on decarbonizing their economies come out at the top of the pack.”  Now in its 22nd year, the EPI report has become the premier metrics framework for global environmental policy analysis – ranking 180 countries on 32 performance indicators across 11 issue categories covering environmental health and ecosystem vitality. The 2020 EPI features new metrics that gauge waste management, carbon dioxide emissions from land cover change, and emissions of fluorinated gases – all important drivers of climate change.  This year Denmark ranks #1 while the US ranks 24^th.  China (120) and India (168) rank much lower.

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

MOST EVENTS SCHEDULED ARE NOW ONLINE WEBINARS

APPA Holds Virtual Summit – The American Public Power Association hosts a three-day virtual summit today through Wednesday that features national public power leaders to share strategies and solutions.

Buildings Forum Moves to Virtual – The 2020 Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit has transitioned to a virtual leadership symposium today through Thursday. The event will feature timely webinars and peer exchanges with fellow industry stakeholders and experts. The full agenda is here

For information on plenaries and special events, look here.  For other details on virtual sessions/speakers. 

JHU Hosts Event on Fossil Fuel Phase-Out – The Johns Hopkins University SAIS programs hosts a webinar today at 12:30 p.m. on just energy transitions, renewable energy jobs and a fossil fuel phase-out. This webinar aims to shed light on: 1) the key strategies of just transition that policymakers can focus on to ameliorate opposition from fossil fuel workers and their communities to the much-need low carbon transitions; and 2) the extent to which fossil fuel jobs can be replaced by growing renewable energy jobs.

POLITICO to Chat with Tonko – Nick Juliano, editor of POLITICO Pro’s newly launched Sustainability news service and sustainability reporter Catherine Boudreau host a virtual interview with Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), Chairman, Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change to mark the launch of POLITICO’s sustainability coverage. The interview will cover the ongoing national unrest and its ties to economic inequality and sustainability, where a "green recovery" fits in as part of efforts to re-open the U.S. economy and how the private sector is re-thinking supply chains to deal with the disruptions from the pandemic and future crises.

Ocean Virtual Conference Set – Tomorrow at 9:30 a.m., the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation holds a virtual "Ocean Week 2020" conference focusing on biodiversity.

Senate Energy to Look at Wildfires – The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee holds a hearing on wildfire management in the midst of COVID-19.  Prior to the hearing they will vote on the nomination of Mark Menezes to be #2 at DOE. Speakers include Interior’s Amanda Kaster, The Forest Service’s John Phipps, Washington state forester George Geissler and Norm McDonald of the Alaska Division of Forestry.

BPC to Hold Infrastructure Seminar – The Bipartisan Policy Center will hold a web event tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. looking strengthening essential infrastructure. While adhered to stay-at-home orders, essential and critical infrastructure workers continued to work around the clock to make sure Americans had access to water, electricity, and the internet. Others kept our nation’s transit systems running at great personal risk. As communities reopen, it is critically important we understand the current and future needs of these essential workers, whose skills were in high demand and low supply long before the pandemic began. This webinar will feature experts across infrastructure sectors to further explore these issues. 

Chamber to Host COVID Recovery Forum – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosts a webcast tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. on transforming from lockdown to transformation that will focus on priorities for a sustainable, resilient and equitable recovery.  Speakers include IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO, Tom Donohue and Executive Vice President of International Affairs, Myron Brilliant to discuss the priorities for achieving a sustainable, resilient and equitable recovery.

Conference on Enviro Requirement for Electronics – The Information Technology Industry Council and IPC host the virtual Critical Environmental Requirements for Electronics Conference tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.

Webinar to Look at Battery Storage – ABB’s industry experts John Glassmire and Stanislav Cherevatskiy hold an online discussion on battery energy storage systems (BESS) tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. The webinar will focus on high-value services such as virtual synchronous generator, black start and virtual inertia, among others.

House Energy Panel Looks at COVID, Enviro Justice Communities – The House Energy and Commerce Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee holds a hearing tomorrow at Noon on the COVID-19's disproportionate impact on environmental justice communities.  Among the witnesses will be former EPA Enviro Justice office staffer Mustafa Ali and NAACP enviro program director Jacqueline Patterson.

RFF to Revisit Forest Discussion – Earlier this year, Resources for the Future (RFF) hosted an in-depth conversation on the important role forests can play in climate change mitigation.  Tomorrow at 12:00 p.m., RFF will continue this conversation by convening a panel of expert practitioners for a webinar on how they are incorporating climate mitigation into their forest management practices—on the ground, in various parts of the country. This RFF Live event will begin with a short background presentation on the role of forests in climate mitigation, followed by a moderated panel discussion with representatives from nonprofit organizations and investment services, as well as private landowners who have practical experience in active forest management as a means to achieve conservation goals.

Aspen Forum to Look at Sustainability – On Wednesday at 2:00 p.m., the Aspen Institute will hold a discussion and virtual exchange of ideas on the business of sustainability and how to best drive climate action on the corporate level.  Speakers include Aspen’s Nancy McGaw, AEE’s Nat Kreame and S&P Global’s Susan Gray. 

Resource Dems Talk COVID Recovery – The House Natural Resources Committee Democrats hold a forum tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. on recovering from COVID and efforts to build a prosperous, environmentally-friendly economy.

CSIS to Look at Carbon Innovation – The Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Energy Security and Climate Change Program, with input and support from the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Technology Transitions and Chief Commercialization Officer will hold its third session in the Energy Innovation Series on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.  Innovation in Carbon Management will focus on innovation occurring in carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration. Assistant Secretary of Energy for Fossil Energy Steve Winberg will give a brief keynote address on DOE’s priorities in carbon management technologies. CSIS Senior Vice President and Director of the Energy Security & Climate Change Program Sarah Ladislaw will then moderate a discussion with speakers from the national lab system, Congressional staff, and the private sector on how various efforts in these categories fit into the innovation chain, from basic science to commercialization and deployment.

Energy Web Series Looks at NE Transportation – OurEnergyPolicy hosts another energy webinar on Wednesday at Noon to discuss changes in powering transportation, energy policy choices, and the Northeast’s Transportation Climate Initiative.  Speakers will include Mass Secretary of Energy/Environmental Affairs Kathleen Theoharides and NYSERDA’s Richard Kauffman. 

Web event to Look at EBuses – The Clean Energy Leadership Institute hosts a webinar discussion on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. featuring Jobs to Move America's National Program Director, Dr. Christy Veeder.  Veeder will discuss how electric buses can benefit the environment, the economy, and public transit, and the considerations needed for an equitable mass deployment. 

USEA Continues CCUS Roadshow – On Wednesday at 2:00 p.m., the US Energy Assn continues its Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technology Roadshow webinar series.  Mike Moore of USEA will moderate a discussion with our guest speakers on the current status of, and prospects for, CCUS commercial deployment in the post-pandemic world. C2ES’s Jeff Bobeck is among the speakers.

Resources Dems Look at Wildfire Issues – The House Natural Resources Committee Democrats hold another forum on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. examining coronavirus impacts on wildland fire operations and vulnerable communities.

ABA Enviro Spring Conference Set – The American Bar Association Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources holds 49^th Spring Conference webcast on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. looking at how to protect communities by facilitating and coordinating responses to disasters.

WCEE to Hosts Oil/Gas Pandemic Discussion – The Women’s Council on Energy and the Environment (WCEE) holds a virtual lunch on Thursday at Noon featuring a discussion with experts on the oil and gas market and regulatory issues. The event will discuss COVID-19’s impacts on the oil and gas sector, the industry’s response, and possible roads to recovery.  API economist Celeste Marshall is among the speakers.  

Forum Looks at Clean Energy in Mexico – The Woodrow Wilson Center's Mexico Institute and the Institute of the Americas hold a webinar on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. on clean energy in Mexico. The forum will discuss a paper by policy expert John McNeece. The paper and its rigorous analysis will set the stage for a high-level policy debate, through a series of webinar presentations, that will address the issues set forth by the administration and discuss the future of clean energy in Mexico.  John McNeece will kick-off with Thursday’s presentation based upon his report.

House Resources Looks at Puerto Rico. COVID – The House Natural Resources Committee holds a hearing on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. on PROMESA Implementation during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Air Liquide CEO Graff to Focus on COVID, Energy Transition – On Friday at 4:00 p.m., The Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies at Rice University holds a webinar on COVID-19, Energy Transition, and the Intersections of Industry, Technology and Resilience.  The event will feature Michael Graff, the chairman and CEO of American Air Liquide Holdings.  He will join Baker’s Ken Medlock for a virtual armchair session about Air Liquide’s response to the global pandemic from the perspective of one of the world’s largest suppliers of medical oxygen. This will transition into a discussion centered on the future of energy and the role that hydrogen can play in transitioning to a lower carbon future.

IN THE FUTURE

USEA to Discuss Energy Preparedness – The US Energy Assn will host a web forum on Tuesday, June 16^th at 9:00 a.m. in collaboration with USAID on how the global energy sector is adapting during these unprecedented times. The webinar will highlight the work our global partners have done to increase resiliency and react to any crisis.  USEA partner utilities in Colombia, India, Serbia and Uganda will discuss how they are ensuring reliable electricity production and delivery, protecting revenue streams, and adapting their operations and policies to rapidly changing situations. 

Webinar to Discuss New Grid Report – The Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) hosts a webinar on Tuesday June 16^th on a new report on Clean Energy. According to a report to be released in early June from the University of California, Berkeley and GridLab, the United States can reliably deliver 90% clean, carbon-free electricity nationwide by 2035 using existing technology, without increasing consumer bills, and without the need for new fossil fuel plants. Two of the report’s authors, Ric O’Connell (Executive Director, GridLab) and Dr. Amol Phadke (Senior Scientist and Affiliate, Goldman School of Public Policy, UC Berkeley) will present the main findings and discuss their implications.

Stimson to Host GIS Event – The Stimson Center hosts an event on Thursday June 18^th at 8:00 a.m. for an introduction to existing GIS tools and a discussion about how they can support a more sustainable energy future for Asia.  Transitioning to a sustainable energy future requires considering how energy intersects and interacts with other sectors. Multi-sector planning benefits from geographic information system (GIS) tools, which can map energy infrastructure against other infrastructure, key environmental indicators, and socio-economic data. Doing so can identify risks, opportunities, and comparisons of costs and benefits across different project portfolios.

WRI to Look at Trillion Trees – The World Resources Institute holds a forum Thursday June 16^th at 10:00 a.m. to launch its TerrMatch platform. TerraMatch is a new online platform that connects people who know how to grow trees with funders. It will help countries, communities, and businesses around the world act on their commitments to restore land. The launch of this exciting new platform will also feature some of the leaders in this global fight against land degradation and climate change.

Web Event to Provide Industry Update – On Thursday, June 18^th at 1:00 p.m., ScottMadden hosts a webcast to present its latest Energy Industry Update  The event explores how the energy industry could be “taken to the limit” by long-term trends and challenging business-as-usual approaches. It has been published at a unique time in the world, as a whole, and within the energy industry. The COVID-19 pandemic is changing everything, and no one is sure how the industry will look later this year, let alone in the long-term. What is certain is that customers will continue to need reliable and affordable electricity and natural gas. During this session, ScottMadden’s energy experts will share their views and field questions related to the future of the gas utility, 100% clean energy goals and how they may be impacted by COVID-19, and regulatory strategy during a pandemic.

AEE Holds Eastern Policy Conference Part II – Advanced Energy Economy will hold the second part of its annual Eastern Regional policy conference in an online seminar on June 18^th at 2:00 p.m. featuring RTO execs.  This panel of wholesale power market leaders and visionaries will look back at how we got here and look ahead to consider how RTO markets can evolve to meet the opportunities and challenges of an advanced energy future.

Renewable Conference Set – The American Solar Energy Society hosts its SOLAR 20/20: Renewable Energy Vision on June 24 and 25 as a virtual conference.