Energy Update: Week of March 16th

Friends,

Conan O’Brien was excellent last night during Hollywood’s big night. Big winners were One Battle After Another and Sinners (including Michael B. Jordan for Best Actor). Frankenstein took home three Oscars, while KPop Demon Hunters nabbed two, including an Oscar for Best Original Song. Two films — Two People Exchanging Saliva and The Singers — actually tied for Best Live Action Short Film. Here are the highlights from the 98^th Academy Awards.

NCAA Brackets are out with men’s games starting tomorrow in Dayton. Tomorrow’s games include #11 Seed play-in with Texas/NC State and #16 play-in featuring DMV locals UMBC and Howard. Top Men’s Seeds are Duke, Arizona, Michigan and Florida. Tops seeds have performed well in recent years, with 26 of the last 40 NCAA Tournament champions having been #1 seeds, 11 seeded between #2 and #4. Last year, the elite 8 had four #1s and 3 #2s. Hard to call Illinois and Michigan State sleepers, but both had strong years in the difficult Big 10 season and were harmed by early conference tournament exits (although both were in OT). Looking for both teams to make deep runs. Others I like: #5 Arkansas (who lost 7 tough road games)  #6 BYU (who was great early in the season and is led by freshman phenom AJ Dybantsa), #11 VCU (who has won 20 of 21 games) and #9 St. Louis who is an excellent 3-point shooting team.

On the Women’s side, top seeds include UConn, UCLA, Texas and South Carolina. As the reigning national champion, UConn has had an undefeated regular season, while UCLA won a tough Big 10 ( 12 teams from the conference are in the 68-team field) winning 21 straight games. Sleeper teams include Ivy League Champ Harvard, #11 Murray State (the Racers lead the nation in points per game at 87.9), #13 Montana State (who has the best defense in the country at just 55 ppg)  and Grand Canyon University (who are 32-2).

Over the weekend at the Indo-Pacific Energy Ministerial and Business Forum (which was co-hosted by the US Chamber) showed the investment in US energy. In Japan, 22 deals were announced between foreign governmental entities and companies with US governmental entities and companies, totaling $57 billion. The announcement represent a concerted effort to accelerate bilateral investments, especially within the context of the US-Japan trade deal, where Japan committed $550B.  These deals span the energy landscape including LNG, nuclear and critical minerals. In the context of Iran, these long-term deals show the importance of US LNG both domestically and as support to our global allies. Let me know if you need more on this.

Oil markets and the Iran Conflict continue to get the bulk of our attention in the energy space. The Administration continues to search for ideas that can mitigate price spikes, including additional Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) releases, emergency supply actions and other policy ideas. API’s Mike Sommers wrote that the SPR was designed for disruptions like this, and the release is an appropriate step at a moment of geopolitical uncertainty. He added some policy ideas others have raised, like export restrictions, would have serious unintended consequences. We are following closely and staying in touch with our industry and analyst friends, so I’m happy to help you break this down or connect you with additional resources. Also, I will be talking Iran and oil/gas markets on Wednesday around 5:30 p.m. with Julie Mason on Sirius MX’s POTUS 124.

The House this week will vote on legislation to protect sequoias from wildfires and to safeguard the use of lead ammunition for hunting on public lands, among several other environmental/energy initiatives. The Senate will center around DHS nomination hearing for Sen. Markwayne Mullin. FERC also has its March Open Meeting on Thursday.

For hearings, House Energy looks at Winter Storm Fern and the power industry performance tomorrow with NERC CEO Jim Robb and grid expert Michael Goggins, while the House Resources Committee Looks at critical mineral supply chains with SAFE’s Abigail Hunter. On Wednesday, Senate Environment focuses in on the Endangered Species act while on Thursday Senate Energy will look at the May 2025 Nuclear power executive order featuring DOE’s Ted Garrish.

The biggest event of the week I am tracking is on Friday where the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, NEDC, LNG Allies and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce launch a new initiative to advance American energy dominance by expanding U.S. exports across the global natgas value chain. Other events include an Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Center discussion on the investments, innovations, and policies that could drive the buildout of transmission infrastructure tomorrow morning, a great OurEnergyPolicy nuclear event at the Press Club and a CSIS event on infrastructure with AGA’s Karen Harbert on Wednesday and a Thursday evening America the Beautiful Foundation and the White House Environmental Task Force special evening celebrating a renewed era of American conservation.

One week to CERA Week. The conference will take on extra significance this year with world energy markets in turmoil because of the Iran military conflict.  Secretary Burgum and Secretary Wright will speak early in the week.  I will be at the Starbucks… See you there.

One additional item: the 31^st session of the International Seabed Authority in being held in Jamaica this week through Thursday. Look for potential actions on deep sea minerals.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day tomorrow and for us Italians, Happy St. Joseph’s Day on Thursday.  Get those NCAA brackets submitted ASAP. Call with questions.

Best,

Frank Maisano

(202) 828-5864

C. (202) 997-5932

FRANKLY SPOKEN

"We have global markets in energy for products, for oil and all that. No discussion about doing that."

Energy Secretary Wright Wednesday when asked on CNN about restricting oil exports, emphasizing the worldwide nature of oil markets..

ON THE PODCAST

Energy Shots: Strait of Hormuz and Global Oil Prices: Shocks, Inventories, Supply Flows – Every other Friday, Joseph Majkut and Kevin Book break down the trends of the moment with charts, visuals, and straight talk that cuts through the noise. This week, Joseph and Kevin discuss Iranian oil, the IEA member countries' oil stock levels, and much more related to the Iran Conflict. 

FUN OPINIONS

Time to Act on AI Now or China Will – In an op-ed in Fox News Opinion, ConservAmerica’s Jeff Kupfer and Brent Fewell write America must power AI with speed and discipline — or China will dominate. America learned this lesson during the early years of the shale natural gas boom. Producers that improved water stewardship, reduced air impacts and engaged communities early were able to continue development. Where public confidence collapsed, moratoria and bans often followed. Trust, once lost, is far more difficult to rebuild than to establish from the outset. AI infrastructure now faces a similar inflection point. If projects move forward without clear performance commitments, they risk becoming politically untenable. But if developers adopt credible, independently verified standards early, they can reduce uncertainty, limit conflict and accelerate responsible buildout.

Fixing the Clean Act to Build Faster – In an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, Michael Buschbacher and James Conde write Trump’s EPA can drive down electricity costs while reducing environmental Harm by removing counterproductive regulations that will allow us to build more natural plants faster. 

FROG BLOG

Kerry: Time for Nuclear to Execute – In a View piece in Semafor, former Secretary of State and US Sen. John Kerry writes the US nuclear push requires more urgent execution at scale. This is a bipartisan objective and both parties have provided a myriad of assistance, including expansive tax credits, massive cheap loans, strategic grants, and supply chain assistance. We now need the industry to put their proverbial oars in the water and row together with common cause. If approached with seriousness and long-term commitment, nuclear energy can strengthen American competitiveness, lessen future climate volatility, and anchor a more secure and resilient energy system for decades to come.

Nuclear Power Important to US-South Korea Trade Discussions – In an opinion in Energy Intelligence, the Center for the National Interest President and nuclear expert Paul Saunders writes nuclear energy appears to be moving increasingly toward the center of US-South Korea trade talks, a development that mirrors US-Japan negotiations. As the US increasingly focuses on the Western Hemisphere, nuclear energy could grow in importance as an anchor of relationships with its allies in the East, whose support and cooperation will be essential to meeting US national security, energy and economic goals. US-South Korea civil nuclear cooperation will strengthen America’s nuclear industry and its relationship with this valuable ally.

FUN FACTS

Iran Conflict Inflation Hits: The Iran conflict has serious political implications around the world, with energy-related inflation shaping up to be the inescapable deciding factor for global politics. Oil prices rose past $100 per barrel again Thursday, and US gas prices surpassed $3.50 per gallon this week, the highest level since 2024.

IN THE NEWS

Rev Wind Sending Power, Vineyard Completed – The Revolution Wind project has started delivering power to New England's electric grid, strengthening the region’s power supply and helping reduce costs for consumers. The project is a 704 MW offshore wind energy project that supplies enough electricity to power more than 350,000 homes and businesses. The project will deliver power under fixed-price, 20-year agreements with energy utilities in Rhode Island and Connecticut, providing price certainty and stability for consumers. Revolution Wind is expected to generate energy year-round, with particularly strong output expected in the winter months, when energy supplies into New England can be constrained and prices can spike. On a separate note, another project, Vineyard Wind, announced late last week that it had completed construction. Vineyard Wind has been delivering power for over a year. Vineyard Wind is located 15 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, Massachusetts. It has 62 turbines that will generate a total of 800 megawatts, which is enough clean electricity to power about 400,000 homes. Turn Forward Executive Director Hillary Bright:

“Like the other three major offshore wind projects under development today, Vineyard and Revolution provide 20-year, fixed-price contracts that offer consumers price predictability and reliable power for decades to come. These projects are built by local union workers, with more than two million work hours logged in Rhode Island and Connecticut alone. The ports and infrastructure created to support them are valuable new regional assets. Offshore wind is fast emerging as a key part of a balanced American energy mix at a time of significant energy uncertainty. We look forward to seeing all five projects brought to completion.”

Report Details Massive US, CA Pipeline Needs – A new report from researchers at the University of Houston, Wood and ESMIA Consultants for the INGAA Foundation says the U.S. and Canada will need at least 37,000 miles of new natural gas transmission pipelines and 103,000 miles of gathering lines by 2052 to keep up with rising gas demand.  This amounts to an increase of nearly 40% in capacity to transport an additional 70 bcf of gas per day, found. Even a “low-carbon scenario,” which assumes state and international climate targets are met, would require more than 25,000 miles of new natural gas pipelines. The two biggest drivers of that gas demand are expected to be data centers and LNG exports even though there are some uncertainties through 2050. But even in a scenario where data center power needs or LNG exports were significantly lower, gas demand was only marginally lower.

PA Rep. Urges White House to Promote Cement through EO – Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07) has called on President Trump in a letter to support America’s cement industry through an Executive Order that would designate cement as a Critical National Security Material and prioritize domestically produced cement in federal projects. Cement underpins the roads, bridges, energy infrastructure, and defense installations that keep America strong. Pennsylvania’s cement and related industries employ 6,000 people and contribute nearly $5 billion to the state’s annual economy. ACA said it appreciates Rep. Mackenzie’s leadership and looks forward to continuing to work with policymakers to strengthen U.S. cement manufacturing.

IEA Engineers Global SPR Releases – The International Energy Agency’s member states agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil to cushion a supply disruption triggered by the war in Iran. The figure includes 172 million barrels from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the largest release since 2022. But the move did little to calm energy markets, as shipments through the Strait of Hormuz remain effectively frozen: Oil prices jumped back up above $100 per barrel following a fresh series of attacks on tankers and storage facilities, and worries of a sustained interruption to global flows. API’s Mike Sommers wrote on X “the SPR was designed for disruptions like this, and the release is an appropriate step at a moment of geopolitical uncertainty.”

SEIA: Solar Installations Dropped – US solar capacity installations fell 14% in 2025 compared with the previous year a new report from the Solar Energy Industries Association and Wood Mackenzie found, as the Trump administration’s rollback of solar tax credits began hitting the sector. A combination of tariffs, scrapped subsidies, and a White House energy agenda built around fossil fuels and nuclear power drove utility-scale solar down 16% and community solar down 25%,. Still, solar remained the largest source of new electricity added to the grid, kept alive by its appealing economics and a rising urgency to meet demand from energy-hungry data centers. “It’s clear that solar will ⁠continue to be the dominant source of new power capacity in the US even as gas generation continues to grow.”

Dunford Named CSIS CEO – The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) named retired General Joseph F. Dunford, who served as the 19^th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has been named its next chief executive officer. General Dunford will assume the role on May 7, 2026, succeeding John Hamre, who announced last year that he will retire as CEO after 26 years of transformational leadership at CSIS. As CEO, General Dunford will oversee all aspects of CSIS’s research programming and operations, guiding the Center’s strategic direction and institutional growth. One of the nation’s most respected national security leaders, General Dunford brings decades of experience at the highest levels of national decisionmaking. The Boston native served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff—the nation’s highest-ranking military officer—under Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, from October 2015 through September 2019. Previously, he served as the 36^th commandant of the Marine Corps. He also commanded the International Security Assistance Force and United States Forces–Afghanistan from February 2013 to August 2014.

ACCF Report Highlights Important Security Issues with SRM Techs – A new report from the American Council for Capital Formation (ACCF) Center for Policy Research warns that Solar Radiation Management (SRM) — technologies designed to reflect sunlight and cool the planet — is rapidly emerging as a national security issue that requires immediate U.S. leadership.  The report, The National Security Case for U.S. Leadership in SRM Technology, authored by ACCF President and CEO George David Banks, finds that SRM presents both strategic risks and geopolitical consequences if left ungoverned. The report warns that China’s expansive weather modification programs — the largest in the world — combined with its Military-Civil Fusion strategy and other advancements, including in AI, heighten concerns about the future trajectory of SRM technologies. Chinese civilian climate research, particularly in high-altitude aerosol modeling and atmospheric intervention, could be integrated into military modernization efforts. Under Beijing’s Military-Civil Fusion framework, civilian scientific advancements can be rapidly incorporated into defense applications without clear boundaries.

New Study Looks at Economic Gains for Utah in Clean Energy – The Western Way released a new economic impact study  from Weber State University's Crossroads Economics Center documenting what market-driven energy development is doing for rural Utah. The bottom line: 41 utility-scale solar, wind, and geothermal projects represent $8.4 billion in construction and investment activity, 34,600 job-years of employment, and $33 million per year in property taxes flowing to rural schools and local services — with no renewable portfolio standard required. Utah's energy growth is being driven by economics, not mandates. With Governor Cox's Operation Gigawatt calling for a doubling of the state's energy production, the data makes the case that saying yes to responsible energy development isn't just good energy policy — it's good economic policy.

NCEA Releases New Energy Security Index – The National Center for Energy Analytics released a new Energy Security Index. NCEA’s U.S. Energy Security Index introduces the first integrated measure of the state and direction of geopolitical risk in the U.S. energy system—tracking 18 indicators across oil, gas, minerals, uranium, and infrastructure vulnerabilities. The ESI does not attempt to predict every disruption. It measures whether the overall trend is moving toward greater resilience — or greater exposure. Read the report to see how America’s energy security improved over the last decade, why risks have begun rising again, and what the trend suggests for the years ahead.

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

Hydropower Conference Set – CEATI holds it 16^th hydropower conference in San Diego, CA tomorrow and Wednesday. CEATI gathers utility leaders, experts and influencers at this prestigious event to share practical insights and breakthrough developments shaping the future of hydropower. The 2026 event will feature utility professionals from a variety of leadership roles, including Dam Safety Engineers, Hydro Plant Managers, Engineering Directors, Hydrologists, Water Resource Managers and Business Executives.

Glick, Phillips Headline Renewable Finance Conference – Infocast’s Solar and Wind Finance & Investment conference will take place today to Wednesday in Phoenix. Panels include a discussion of the effects of the OBBBA budget law on renewables. The event will feature numerous industry experts and Energy Department officials, as well as former FERC Chairs Rich Glick and Willie Phillips.

AZ Gov, UPS CEO Headline Chamber Transportation Summit – Tomorrow, the US Chamber holds its Keep America Moving Summit in DC. This year's event includes discussions with top leaders in Washington, DC, the business community, and State and local government on the challenges and opportunities in delivering a 21^st Century infrastructure system for the nation, and what that means for our businesses, workers, and economy. AZ Gov. Katie Hobbs is Keynote.

Whitehouse Addresses Cities – The National League of Cities’ 2026 Congressional City Conference today and tomorrow at the Marriott Marquis in DC. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, will deliver luncheon remarks tomorrow while later today, Reps. Mike Flood (R-NE), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), Rob Bresnahan (R-PA), Kathy Castor (D-FL) all speak on a panel.

Forum Looks at Grid Infrastructure – Tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. ET, the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Center will host a forward-looking discussion on the investments, innovations, and policies that could drive the buildout of transmission and distribution infrastructure across North American power grids in 2026. The imperative to upgrade and expand the power grid grows stronger every year as aging energy infrastructure and rapid electricity demand growth drive a huge need for investment. Expanding energy infrastructure is critical not only for delivering low-cost and reliable power in the United States, but also to enable the United States and its partners to develop and implement a leadership position in the artificial intelligence (AI) economy. FERC Commissioner David Rosner is the keynote.

House Energy Looks at Energy Performance in Winter Storm Fern – The House Energy and Commerce Energy Subcommittee holds a hearing tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. on Winter Storm Fern lessons and supplying reliable power to meet peak demand. AEP has a witness as is Michael Goggin from Grid Strategies who will Likely highlight the performance of offshore wind in the Northeast.  NERC CEO Jim Robb and Grid Strategies Michael Goggin will testify.

House Resources Looks at Critical Minerals Supply Chain – The House Resources Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee holds a hearing tomorrow at 10:15 a.m. on the critical mineral commodity supply chain. Witnesses include SAFE’s critical minerals expert Abigail Hunter,  Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology director Simon Jowitt and Gracelin Baskaran of CSIS.

Senate Environment to Address Endangered Species – The Senate Environment Committee’s Fisheries, Wildlife, and Water Subcommittee holds a hearing on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. to focus on challenges and opportunities with implementing the Endangered Species Act.

CERES Hosts Clean Energy Reception with Rep. Peters – CERES holds its welcoming reception for its LEAD on a Clean Economy 2026 event tomorrow evening at Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar. They will be joined by special guest speaker, Representative Scott Peters (CA-50), co-author of the Problem Solvers Caucus bipartisan permitting reform framework and a leader on Capitol Hill in working across the aisle on clean energy policy. The overall event runs tomorrow to Thursday.

Bioenergy Conference Set – The American Bioenergy Leadership Council holds its 2026 ABLC Leadership Summit in DC at the Mayflower.  There are a ton of great panels on SAF, E15, national security and much more. My Bracewell colleagues Shai Sahay speaks on eh EU/US biofuel differences while Tim Urban discusses maritime fuels. 

Rubin Headlines Brookings Forum – The Brookings Institution's Hamilton Project; and the Brookings Institution's Hutchins Center on Fiscal & Monetary Policy hold a forum on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. focused on reimagining homeowners insurance amid growing climate risk. Former Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin delivers Keynote remarks

Forum Tackles Nuclear Questions – OurEnergyPolicy is hosting an upcoming luncheon on the technology, regulatory and financial status of advanced nuclear on Wednesday at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The panel will feature Bradley Crowell from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Bill Jessup from Natura Resources, and Doug True from the Nuclear Energy Institute.

AGA’s Harbert Headlines CSIS Look at Energy Dominance, Defense – The Center for Strategic and International Studies holds a discussion on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. on energy dominance and the defense industrial base. The event will highlight key observations and policy recommendations on the energy implications of revitalizing the defense industrial base. Following several lead-off speakers, this event will feature a panel discussion on the nexus between U.S. energy security, defense strategy, and manufacturing tradeoffs. AGA CEO Karen Harbert will be a keynote.

Senate Energy Looks at Nuclear Executive Orders – The Senate Energy Committee holds a hearing on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. focused on DOE’s Implementation of President Trump's May 2025 Nuclear Energy Executive Orders. DOE’s Ted Garrish leads the panel

FERC Open Meeting Set – FERC holds its Monthly Meeting on Thursday at 10:00 a.m.

Forum Looks at Iran Challenge to Global South – The Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft holds a virtual discussion on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. on how the Iran conflict hurts the Global South. The event will focus on the interruption of oil and natural gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz and a dramatic spike in energy prices. Greg Priddy, senior fellow for the Middle East at the Center for the National Interest is among the panelists. 

Heatmap Forum Looks at Clean Tech Comms Strategies – Heatmap Labs and FischTank PR hold another virtual installment of their Climate Communications Series on Thursday at 1:00 p.m., focused on the state of climate investment in 2026. Leading investors will unpack where capital is actually going and what founders need to do to raise, communicate effectively, grow, and win in a disciplined but active market. The discussion ends with tactical advice and best practices on how comms leaders and their teams can begin to prepare for the year ahead.

American the Beautiful Foundation Holds Event at Kennedy Center – On Thursday evening, the America the Beautiful Foundation and the White House Environmental Task Force hold a special evening celebrating a renewed era of American conservation leadership inspired by the President’s “Make America Beautiful Again” initiative. This event will highlight efforts to advance clean air, clean water, reliable American energy, and the responsible stewardship of our nation’s natural resources. The program will feature remarks from senior U.S. government leaders and conservation partners helping shape this new chapter of American conservation—one that strengthens both environmental stewardship and national prosperity.

Decarb Conference Set – The Climate Registry hosts the 2026 Climate Leadership Conference event: Carbon Disclosure and Decarbonization Forum in Pasadena, CA on Thursday and Friday. This year’s program features policymakers, sustainability experts, and university changemakers who are shaping the future of decarbonization. BCSE experts will be there.

Methane Forum Set CO School of Mines – The Payne Institute for Public Policy at the Colorado School of Mines is hosting its 4^th annual Accelerated Methane Reduction Symposium on Thursday and Friday.  This year’s theme is more energy for AI, domestic demand and LNG exports by investing in natural gas infrastructure.

USTDA, NEDC to Coordinate Forum – In advance of CERA Week on Friday morning, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, LNG Allies, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for the launch of a new initiative to advance American energy dominance by expanding U.S. exports across the global gas value chain. The event will feature expert panels and presentations highlighting emerging market opportunities and strategies to leverage U.S. government partnerships and resources. Invitees include U.S. business executives, senior U.S. government officials, representatives from Capitol Hill, and industry leaders from key emerging markets.

Chamber Holds PFAS Roundtable – The US Chamber holds at environmental summit on Friday morning starting at 9:00 a.m. that will feature a roundtable on PFAS  and water policy solutions. The roundtable is the second in the Chamber’s monthly roundtable series on environmental issues. 

Forum Looks at SE Asia, Africa Mining Challenges – On Friday at 9:30 a.m., the Stimson Center holds a virtual discussion looking at protecting water in the mining rush, drawing lessons from Africa and Southeast Asia. This virtual event will explore the impact of mining on communities’ access to clean, safe water.

IN THE FUTURE

CERA Week Set – CERAWeek is on for March 22^nd to 26^th. The event is the most prominent energy Conference of the year and features three mutually reinforcing platforms: The Executive Conference, the Innovation Agora and Partner Programs. The industry's foremost thought leaders convene to cultivate relationships and exchange transformative ideas. The programs are designed to advance new ideas, insight and solutions to the biggest challenges facing the future of energy, the environment, and climate. I will again be very active in the Starbucks Hilton Bracewell office. Swing by and visit.  You never know what issues you will discuss or executive you can meet.

Boozman to headline Agri-Pulse Forum – Agri-Pulse is holding its Ag & Food Policy Summit on Monday March 23^rd in DC.  Sen. John Boozman, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, will be one of the keynote speakers, along with Rep. Shontel Brown, Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson and Gevo’s Lindsay Fitzgerald among many more. This year's Summit theme is: “Profit, Policy, and .Possibility: Mapping the Future of Market Expansion for U.S. Agriculture.” Keynote speakers and panel discussions will cover everything from new value-added products, renewable fuels, the power of protein, trade, artificial intelligence.

National Agriculture Day – Tuesday March 24. National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America (ACA). ACA is a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber community, dedicating its efforts to increasing the public's awareness of agriculture's role in modern society. They are celebrated 250 years in 2026.

Axios Focused on AI, Power Markets – Axios hosts an AI+DC Takeover Week, a three-day event starting Monday March 23^rd and culminating in its AI+DC Summit on Wednesday March 25^th.  Speakers include Constellation CEO Joe Dominguez, Meta’s Dina Powell McCormick and Sen. Mark Warner.

Forum Looks at Syria Energy Issues – The Atlantic Council's Middle East Programs and Global Energy Center hosting the US-Syria Energy Symposium on Thursday, March 26^th at 10:00 a.m. The program will feature insightful panel discussion with industry and policy leaders examining the current state of Syria's oil and gas industry, the regulatory and structural reforms underway to attract responsible investment, opportunities for US companies, the challenges faced when seeking to engage in Syria's emerging market, and how Syria's energy development contributes to the region's long-term stability, integration, and economic revitalization.

Daines, Total Energies CEO to Headline Semafor World Economy Forum – Semafor holds its annual World Economy Forum on April 13^th to 17^th. Across the week, our editorial tracks will explore global finance, geopolitical unpredictability, healthcare, and the rapid changes AI is generating. The session I’m most excited about, however, is Powering the Future — where I’ll be sitting down with some of the leaders shaping the next era of energy. Speakers include TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné, Sen. Steve Daines, Baker Hughes CEO Lorenzo Simonelli and GE Vernova CEO Scott Strazik, among others.

SEJ Goes to Chicago – On April 15^th to 18^th, SEJ’s 35^th annual conference will be held at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), is a leading public research university and national authority in environmental health, sustainability, urban planning and climate science. SEJ2026 will bring together journalists, scientists, academics, students, policymakers and nonprofit leaders to explore urgent environmental, climate and health issues. Of course, on Thursday, Bracewell and the American Cleaning Institute will co-host our annual popular reception.

Columbia Global Energy Summit Looks at Geopolitics – On April 21^st in New York City, the annual Columbia Global Energy Summit, hosted by the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA, will focus on energy, security and geopolitics in the New World Order. Over the course of the day, speakers will provide thought-provoking commentary and analysis on key issues, such as the collapse of the rules-based international order, the impact of geopolitical shifts on the global economy, and how both of these dynamics shape the global energy industry. Program topics include demand flexibility and the rapid expansion of the AI industry, great power competition and the energy transition, increasing competition throughout critical mineral supply chains, energy affordability and permitting reform.

DC Climate Week Set – DC Climate Week is a community-organized week of events, exhibitions, tours, screenings, and gatherings across Washington, DC on April 21^st to 26^th. For the Second year, the event will explore the challenges of the climate crisis and discover the solutions that give us hope. Bracewell will host several events so stay tuned for details.

Energy Forum Set for San Antonio – The 13^th Energy Thought Summit (ETS)will be held in San Antonio, TX on April 27^th to 30^th. The event will reflect on the industry's past achievements, while discussing the limitless opportunities that lie ahead. Immerse yourself in the collective wisdom of industry pioneers, thought leaders, and visionaries, inspiring us all to push the boundaries of what is possible when it comes to shaping our new energy future.

SAFE Summit to Tackle Critical Mineral, Energy Security Challenges – SAFE Summit 2026 is set for April 27^th and 28^th at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center – 3rd Floor Ballroom in DC.  The event will convene innovators and leaders at a premier conference event for high-stakes and high-impact conversations shaping the nation’s energy, transportation, and minerals future. Session topics focus on AI, batteries, mineral security policies, transmission, energy, Detroit’s China EV problem and More. Spotlighting SAFE’s The Pillars of Power: A Strategy for Energy Security and Industrial Resiliency, the Summit will focus on rebuilding America’s industrial base, securing critical supply chains, and embracing energy abundance.

Chamber Holds Energy Summit – On May 1^st, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and RealClearEnergy hosts its   2026 Energy Future Forum. Affordability has become the watchword of the year, driving conversations across AI aspirations, reshoring efforts, mineral mining and refining, LNG exports, and more. Join leaders from industry, policy, and technology for a full day of discussions on how cost pressures are shaping the future of energy and innovation. Featured speakers include Energy Secretary Wright, Southern CEO Chris Womack, EQT CEO Toby Rice, FERC Commissioner David Rosner and Siemens Energy President Matt Neal.

USEA Holds Energy Forum – On May 5^th, the US Energy Association will convene the US Energy Policy Forum in Washington, DC, to shift the national dialogue from high-level discussion to "Prioritizing Action." This landmark event will gather a select group of visionaries and decision-makers to bridge the gap between policy and practice, defining the next era of our energy landscape.

CCS Forum Set For DC – The Global CCS Institute holds its 2026 Americas Forum on Carbon Capture and Storage on Tuesday May 12^th in Washington, D.C. hosted at the Embassy of Australia. The Forum program will feature keynote remarks, experts panels, and in-depth discussions on policy, technology, investment, and project developments. The event will also discuss Carbon Removal by Howard J. Herzog (MIT) and Professor Niall Mac Dowell (Imperial College London), both of whom will be speaking at the Forum