Energy Update: Week of March 31st

Friends,

Final Fours are set!!!! (or almost with two Women’s NCAA hoops teams remaining to be determined today and #1 seeds South Carolina and UCLA already in). Men’s games for next Saturday also include all #1 seeds (that’s kind of boring) Florida/Auburn and Duke/Houston.  I guess you could say the NCAA Basketball Committees got it right on the top seeds  The Frozen Four is also set for St. Louis with Boston U, Western Michigan, Penn State and defending champ Denver (who bounced out #1 Boston College).

This week is Tariff week. The President has said that reciprocal tariffs on imported goods and higher levies on autos and car parts built outside the United States will take effect on Wednesday…expect that action to take up most of the oxygen. If there is any left, expect the Senate starting to move its budget forward the same day to take it. 

On hearings, the Senate Energy Committee holds a hearing on Thursday hosting Kate McGregor to be deputy Interior secretary and former FERC Commissioner James Danly to be deputy Energy secretary, while Wednesday House Resources Oversight subpanel looks at energy dominance and Senate Environment hosts Secretary Sean Duffy on transportation issues.

The biggest event this week is the SAFE Critical Minerals Summit at the Washington Convention Center.  YOU CAN STILL REGISTER ON-SITE. Tomorrow, speakers include White House Deputy NSA Adviser Alexander Wong, Sen. John Hickenlooper, China Competitiveness Committee Rep. John Molenaar and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, while Wednesday speakers include Sens. Bernie Moreno and Lisa Murkowski, as well as International Seabed Authority Secretary-General Leticia and Rep. Jen Kiggans.

With the back-and-forth action on hydrogen, the US Energy Assn and FCHEA hold a briefing tomorrow at Noon in 624 Dirksen with the Senate Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Caucus on the future of American hydrogen policy.  USEA’s Mark Menezes and FCHEA’s Frank Wolak are among the speakers. Also tomorrow, EESI and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) holds a briefing in 2168 Rayburn about the 13^th edition of the Sustainable Energy in America Factbook.

Also on Wednesday, the Electric Power Supply Association holds its Competitive Power Summit at the Grand Hyatt Washington with PJM CEO  Manu Asthana and Vistra CEO Jim Burke among the speakers.

Finally, Cement Industry holds its Washington Fly-In this week canvassing Capitol Hill, the White House and agencies like DOT, EPA and DOE.  It is also National  Hydropower Assn’s Water Power Week today to Wednesday at the Capital Hilton with Sen. Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Reps Adrian Smith and Suzanne Bonamici and FERC Commissioners David Rosner and Lindsay See all speaking.

Tomorrow is April 1^st so be on the lookout for those April Fools’ jokes!!!

Best,

Frank Maisano

(202) 828-5864

C. (202) 997-5932                                                                                                  

FRANKLY SPOKEN

“The US is going to be a very relevant, meaningful market for us in the next few years. Overall, there was a feeling of potential. This was the perfect environment, we found.”

Oscar Perez, CEO and managing partner of Madrid-based Qualitas Energy, Speaking to Semafor’s Net Zero. Last year, Qualitas acquired a North Carolina solar-and-battery-storage business after around 12 years of staying out of the US.

“American cement manufacturers believe that a well-constructed border measure will allow them to leverage their leadership in emissions efficiency. This is essential for any lasting strategy to protect the domestic cement industry from any global challenges. It’s great to see Senator Cassidy and Trump administration officials expressing support for this policy approach. We are prepared to continue to collaborate with them to advance a trade policy that strengthens the competitiveness of U.S. cement producers."

Mike Ireland, President and CEO of the Portland Cement Association, in a new Sen. Bill Cassidy, video featuring vocal support from several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees for his Foreign Pollution Fee Act to level the playing field with Chinese manufacturing and expand American production.

ON THE PODCAST

John Stewart, Ezra Klein on Governing, Permitting – The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart hosted Ezra Klein, host of The New York Times podcast "The Ezra Klein Show" and co-author of "Abundance," to examine why turning progressive visions into reality has become so difficult. They explore how good intentions have created obstacles, how empowering officials can streamline government, and what could be achieved without bureaucratic constraints.  Here is the discussion of the specific process on getting permit approvals for Broadband.

FUN OPINIONS

Wolak Q&A Features 45V, Hubs – In a Q&A with E&E News/POLITICO’s Shelby Webb, Frank Wolak says the industry has reached an inflection point. People in the hydrogen business are looking at where the gas is already being used and where demand already exists — including in industries such as oil refining. Wolak said shifting the hydrogen industry's focus away from turning the gas into an end-use fuel could still help the industry grow from the roughly 10 million metric tons produced annually in the United States to more than 20 million metric tons per year over the next decade.

Heatmap Q&A on Congress Budget Issues – In a Q&A for Heatmap, Jael Holtzman interviews me on what the 1990s can tell us about the IRA’s chances for survival. When we went through this in 1994, you would think the budget math mattered more, but it never does. Once people start lobbying and start advocating for their own constituencies, local projects, I think you’re going to see a significant trimming of the attitude. There’s a few people who, budget be damned, will be in the ‘let’s cut everything’ book. I don’t think that’s a majority of the [Republican] caucus, though, especially when you look at provisions of the IRA. There are many provisions of the IRA that are how Republicans have done energy policy for years. There were provisions in the bipartisan infrastructure law that were how Republicans have done energy policy for years.

FROG BLOG

RFF Experts Looks at IRA Tax Repeal Issues – As Congress develops the new federal budget, the 45Y and 48E “technology neutral” tax credits are on the table for repeal. The 45Y “production” tax credit pays a set amount for every unit of electricity generated by renewable sources, and 48E is an “investment” tax credit that pays a fraction of the capital costs for clean electricity generation and storage technologies. In a new issue brief, researchers at Resources for the Future (RFF) explore the consequences of a repeal under four scenarios: high electricity demand, low natural gas prices, high natural gas prices, and a reference case.  The findings include:

• Increase electricity costs: A repeal could increase national average electricity rates by 5–7 percent, or $75–$100, in 2030. The upper plains states (such as Kansas and the Dakotas) could face the steepest increases, with consumers paying $300–$400 more per year after 2030.
• Reduce federal tax expenditures: The federal government could save $190–$270 billion between 2025 and 2034 by repealing the tax credits.
• Increase carbon emissions: Cumulative power sector emissions could rise by approximately 3,500 million metric tons (Mt) to 4,500 Mt of carbon dioxide between 2025 and 2040. This is equivalent to having an additional 50 million gas-powered cars on the road over that same time period.
• Reduce renewable energy capacity: In 2035, wind generation could fall by 125 gigawatts–225 gigawatts and solar capacity by approximately 175 gigawatts.

FUN FACTS

Electricity Consumption Expanded: Semafor highlighted IEA’s report showing global electricity consumption surged by 4.3% in 2024, nearly double the annual average growth rate over the past decade and almost twice as fast as wider energy demand.

IN THE NEWS

Metals Co. Seeks US Approval for Seabed Mining – The Metals Company has officially filed a request for a pre-application consultation with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to pursue deep-sea mining for critical minerals in international waters. TMC is also meeting with White House officials on the matter and hopes to secure US approval to mine in an International Seabed Authority-licensed area, even though ISA has yet to finalize environmental protection rules.      

Cement CEOs Descend on Capitol Hill – Nearly 100 cement industry leaders and professionals will be on Capitol Hill April 1-2 to meet with members of Congress and their staffs to discuss promoting American manufacturing, challenges with the permitting process, and the need to bolster America’s energy independence. The meetings are part of the Portland Cement Association’s (PCA) Annual Cement Fly-in. PCA represents U.S. cement manufacturers. The association remains committed to its focus on alternative fuels, lower carbon cement and carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS), with the goal of ensuring our building materials for our homes, hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure are produced in an environmentally responsible way.

C3 Rolls out New Report – C3 launched its Free Economies are Clean Economies Report last week. At the release event, C3 Solutions hosted a panel moderated by C3's Research Fellow Ian Banks and including Nick Loris, C3's EVP for Policy, Diana Furchtgott-Roth of the Heritage Foundation, Chris Barnard, President of the American Conservation Coalition, and Emily Domenech, Senior Vice President of Boundary Stone Partners. Furchtgott-Roth highlighted the importance of energy security. Barnard and Domenech discussed the importance of permitting reform and innovation to make progress on environmental goals and pursue an all-of-the-above approach to energy. Loris made the case that economic freedom is essential for consumer-centric energy and environment policy that protects consumers and taxpayers.

House Passes IMPACT Act – The House passed Reps. Miller and Foushee’s IMPACT Act under suspension, which will establish a dedicated RD&D program for innovative cement, concrete and asphalt at DOE and create American Jobs. The IMPACT Act will:

• Promote R&D of advanced technologies for low-emission production; 
• Focus on carbon capture and domestic inventions in the production of cement, concrete and asphalt; and
• Strengthen workforce development and American industry's competitiveness in the global market.

IMPACT’s passage in the House is the first step to boost American cement, concrete and asphalt innovation, laying the groundwork for the enactment of IMPACT 2.0 and the Senate’s Concrete and Asphalt Innovation Act.

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

Forum Looks at Artic Women Leadership on Climate – George Washington University holds a discussion today at Noon on Arctic women leadership addressing climate, geopolitical and economic transitions. The event feature local, State, Federal and Indigenous perspectives. The panel will discuss the challenges to northern communities posed by climate change, shifting geopolitical realities, and the rapid transition from fossil fuels to a new economy. Former member of the U.S. Congress and Alaska State Legislature Mary Peltola is among the speakers.

Murkowski Headlines Hydropower Week – The National  Hydropower Assn holds Water Power Week today to Wednesday at the Capital Hilton in DC.  Sen. Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Reps Adrian Smith and Suzanne Bonamici and FERC Commissioners David Rosner and Lindsay See all speak.

World Hydrogen North America Set – World Hydrogen Leaders are thrilled to announce the return of the 4^th annual World Hydrogen North America Congress in Houston, taking place today to Wednesday in Houston. World Hydrogen North America brings together key players across the entire hydrogen value chain to align on solutions to current obstacles, forge new partnerships, and accelerate the building of a robust hydrogen market.

Energy Evolution Summit Set for San Diego – The Smart Electric Power Alliance holds the Energy Evolution Summit today to Wednesday. The summit is focused on energy leaders who are prioritizing decarbonization and driving the transformation of the energy sector. Our friends Emily Fisher is on the agenda.

SAFE Summit Set Focused on Critical Minerals, Energy Security – SAFE holds its 3^rd annual SAFE Summit tomorrow and Wednesday. Tomorrow, speakers include White House Deputy NSA Adviser Alexander Wong, Sen. John Hickenlooper, China Competitiveness Committee Rep. John Molenaar and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, while Wednesday speakers include Sens. Bernie Moreno and Lisa Murkowski, as well as International Seabed Authority Secretary-General Leticia and Rep. Jen Kiggans. 

House Oversight Looks at AI Power Issues – The House Oversight and Government Reform Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee holds a hearing tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. on America's AI efforts. The hearing will focus on the economics of AI, data centers and power consumption.

USEA, Hydrogen Trade Group Talk Hubs, 45V at Senate Event – Tomorrow at Noon in in 624 Dirksen, the Senate Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus, with the US Energy Assn and the Fuel Cell Hydrogen Energy Assn will host a panel discussions on the future of American hydrogen policy.  The event will address Federal hydrogen policies that are onshoring of manufacturing, creating thousands of high-paying jobs, supporting energy exports and ensuring American technology leadership. Speakers include FCHEA CEO Frank Wolak, USEA CEO Mark Menezes, Air Products’ Bree Raum, Traci Kraus of Cummins, Air Liquide’s Joe Fawell, Honda’s Christina Krasow, Bracewell’s Dee Martin and Kendall Stephenson of the US Chamber of Commerce.

Georgetown to Discuss Japan, Climate – Georgetown University holds a discussion tomorrow at 12:00 p.m. on Japan's energy and environmental policy in a shifting global climate. Former Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt is among the speakers.

Forum Focuses on Energy Storage, Cybersecurity – Tomorrow at 1:00 p.m., the Clean Energy States Alliance holds a webinar on energy storage and cybersecurity. In this webinar, industry experts will provide an “Energy Storage and Cybersecurity 101” and overview the current landscape for cyber security considerations for energy storage systems. This webinar will feature presentations from Howard Gugel, Senior Vice President of Regulatory Oversight at the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), and Sai Ram Ganti from the Cyber Security Division at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). 

UT Energy Center Looks at NatGas, Carbon Capture – The University of Texas at Austin's Energy Institute holds a discussion tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. on producing low carbon power from natural gas and carbon capture. The event is focusing on the journey of Entropy Inc., an entrepreneurial and private-equity-backed company that is working to commercialize low-carbon baseload power from natural gas fired generation and carbon capture technology.

EESI Hosts BCSE Factbook Briefing – The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) holds a briefing tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. in 2168 Rayburn about the 13^th edition of the Sustainable Energy in America Factbook. The Factbook provides valuable year-over-year data and insights on the U.S. energy transformation, featuring an in-depth look at the energy efficiency, renewable energy, and natural gas sectors, as well as transmission, digitalization, microgrids, offshore wind, hydrogen, and renewable natural gas. This year, the Factbook dives into the growing energy demand driven by data centers and artificial intelligence. It examines trends in clean energy supply chains, growth in domestic manufacturing, and the ways in which permitting and siting impact the deployment of renewable energy. Panelists will speak to key takeaways from the 2025 Factbook and what they mean for industries working in all facets of the energy transition.

EPSA Competitive Power Summit Set – The Electric Power Supply Association holds its Competitive Power Summit on Wednesday at the Grand Hyatt Washington.  Speakers include PJM CEO  Manu Asthana, Vistra CEO Jim Burke, Pennsylvania PUC Chair Steve DeFrank, NY ISO Rich Dewey and many more.

Duffy Heads to Senate Environment on Transportation – The Senate Environment Committee holds a hearing on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. on constructing the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy will testify. 

House Resources Oversight Panel to Look at Energy Dominance – The House Natural Resources Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee holds a hearing on Wednesday at 10:00a.m. on unleashing  American energy dominance.

Forum Looks at Critical Minerals – The International Institute for Strategic Studies holds a virtual discussion on Thursday morning at 7:00 a.m. looking at critical minerals and green industries in the Indo-Pacific. this IISS webinar will explore the geo-economics of the Indo-Pacific with a particular focus on the nexus between critical minerals and green industries, especially EV supply chains. Three eminent specialists in the field of economic security – Amano Tatsushi, Dr Kristin Vekasi and Dr Suzuki Hitoshi – to discuss the impact of the deteriorating global geopolitical and geo-economic environment for critical materials and green industries, with particular reference to Japan, the EU and the UK. The discussion will also consider avenues for cooperation between Japan and its European partners.

WoodMac Forum Set for ACP – Wood Mackenzie holds a Power and Renewables Briefing 2025 on Thursday morning starting at 8:30 a.m. focused on advancing electric power in the US amid policy and market uncertainties.  The event brings together energy and policy leaders from across Washington, D.C. to explore the latest market dynamics and their impact on renewable energy project development. At this briefing, you'll gain valuable insights into the collective impact of these market challenges, in addition to the opportunity to discuss with industry peers proposed solutions and implementation risks. NRG’s Travis Kavulla is among the speakers.

UChicago Climate Institute Hosts Kammen – The Mansueto Institute and UChicago’s Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth hosts Daniel Kammen, the James and Katherine Lau Distinguished Professor of Sustainability at the University of California, Berkeley on Thursday.  Kammen will highlight examples and challenges in materials discovery and deployment, and advance modeling techniques to work within and beyond sectors as examples of challenges where new thinking, entrepreneurs, and approaches to social justice are all needed.

Trump 100 Days in Focus – On Thursday at 3:30 p.m., American Clean Power Association hosts an engaging and thought-provoking virtual fireside chat featuring ACP CEO Jason Grumet and Marc Lotter, Communications Director for Trump’s 2020 campaign and former senior advisor to President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, during Trump’s first term. In this insightful conversation, Grumet and Lotter, a current morning anchor on NEWSMAX, will explore the start of Trump’s second term and discuss how the Administration’s actions have impacted the national and international political landscape.

IN THE FUTURE

Rep. Stauber, Admin Officials Headline Chamber Minerals Event – The US Chamber holds a summit on critical minerals on Tuesday April 9^th at 9:00 a.m. This event will feature expert voices from government and industry to discuss the most important issues and innovations facing the critical mineral value chain. Speakers include DOE’s Lou Hrkman and Reps. Pete Stauber, Haley Stevens and Rob Wittman.

Forum Looks at RFF Global Energy Report – Resources for the Future (RFF) holds a webinar on Wednesday April 9^th at 2:00 p.m. looking at the report “Global Energy Outlook 2025: Headwinds and Tailwinds in the Energy Transition,” which coincides with the release of the 2025 Global Energy Outlook—RFF’s annual report that synthesizes global energy market projections and analysis from leading energy organizations and corporations. During the webinar, RFF researchers will discuss key findings around AI-related demand growth, evolving global LNG markets, renewable energy deployment in developing countries, shifting projections for sub-Saharan Africa, and what these findings mean for global greenhouse gas emissions. The webinar will also feature an in-depth panel discussion that will dive deeper into the topics explored in the report. Panelists will discuss the future of US and global climate policy, how recent shifts in US policies will shape that future, and the interplay between energy security, economic growth, and climate change as global trade flows and alliances evolve.

Columbia Energy Summit Set – On April 9^th, the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA holds the annual Columbia Global Energy Summit on the Columbia University campus. This year’s day-long Summit will address myriad issues at the heart of today’s complex geopolitical, environmental, and economic landscape. Speakers from around the world, including current and former government officials, financial industry executives, CEOs of major companies, leaders of civil society, and experts from academia will offer valuable perspectives on critical challenges facing the global energy and climate community. Speakers include Oklo CEO Jacob DeWitte, Microsoft Chief Sustainability Officer Melanie Nakagawa, former European Commissioner for Energy, European Commission Kadri Simson and Rio Tinto head Jakob Stausholm.

EESI Looks at Surface Transportation – EESI, the American Public Health Association, and Transportation for America hold a briefing on Thursday April 10^th about the public health implications of transportation policy. As Congress embarks on the surface transportation reauthorization process, policymakers have the opportunity to revisit federal policies and investments that also shape public health, prosperity, and climate outcomes. This briefing will explore the nexus of transportation, public health, and climate change. Panelists will describe potential negative health outcomes, stemming from issues like air pollution and road crashes. The briefing will also provide policy, process, and funding solutions that weave public health considerations into the surface transportation reauthorization process in a way that benefits both people and climate.

CEN Holds Grid Forum – On Thursday April 10^th at 3:00 p.m. the Conservative Energy Network holds a webinar to explore grid modernization and how it efficiently improves clean energy transmission efforts. Panelists will discuss how grid modernization allows for more secure and reliable energy, the economic impact of transmission policy, and why efforts toward more modern transmission solutions benefit us. Attendees will gain insights into how grid modernization projects improve clean energy integration efforts and the economy, and how similar projects positively impact the community interests and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of transmission project deployment. CEBA’s Bryn Baker and ACP’s Carrie Zalewski are among the speakers. 

USEA Presser Looks at EPA Power Plant Issues – The US Energy Association will examine the precarious balance between new EPA rules and old trajectories under Trump at its next virtual press briefing on Wednesday April 16^th at 11:00 a.m.

EarthX Forum Set for TX – Earthx2025 will be held on April 21^st to 25^th in Dallas.  The event is a 5-day, comprehensive environmental conference that features in-depth conversations with important business, political, and environmental leaders and presents bold solutions for the future of the planet. ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas, Sylvia Earle, former CIA director David Petraeus , NOAA head Tim Gallaudet and Doobie Brothers/Steely Dan guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter are among the speakers.

MIT CSHub Hosts Executive Roundtable on Resilience – On April 22^nd at 11:00 a.m., the MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub will convene an Executive Roundtable to address intensifying natural disasters and a crisis of insurability.  The event brings together a diverse set of stakeholders: industry leaders, policymakers, insurers, researchers, and community advocates. The roundtable will explore how stronger construction—incorporating more resilient building materials, designs, and retrofits—protects homes, lives, and communities while aiding an insurance industry in crisis.

RNG Summit Set for Houston – On Tuesday April 22^nd to Thursday April 24^th at The Woodlands Resort outside of Houston, TX, the RNG COALITION will hold its annual RNG SUMMIT, a series of mid-year policy forums focused on renewable gas leadership, education, advocacy, development and sustainability. Speakers from across North America - including industry stakeholders, federal, state and provincial lawmakers and regulators - will provide real-time updates on legislation and regulation impacting regulated and voluntary RNG markets in the United States, Canada and Europe.

SEJ Conference Set for Arizona – The Society of Environmental Journalists’ (SEJ) 34^th annual conference, will be held on April 23^rd to 26^th hosted at Arizona State University in Tempe.  The devastation of wildfires in Los Angeles is a stark reminder of the urgency of this moment for environmental journalism. As extreme weather and natural disasters grow in frequency and magnitude, a shift in the political climate adds another layer of complexity to covering these issues.  Of Course, Bracewell hosts its annual reception on Thursday.

Offshore Wind Forum Set – Oceanic hosts the International Partnering Forum for offshore wind in Virginia Beach, VA on April 28^th to May 1^st. IPF is the largest offshore renewable energy conference where industry experts from around the world come together to discuss collaboration and innovation. The event features insightful discussions and presentations that reflect the fast-changing industry and help your business succeed today and in the years ahead.

Cement Industry Hosts Global Conference – The cement industry hosts its global conference on May 4^th  through May 7^th in Birmingham, AL. The 67^th annual IEEE-IAS/PCA Cement Conference is the most prestigious gathering of cement and concrete industry professionals.  

Chamber Hosts Resilience Conference – The US Chamber holds its 2025 Building Resilience Conference on May 6^th and 7^th to see how communities can better prepare and recover from disasters and other global threats. This year’s conference will bring together leaders to shape a national approach—one that is faster, more proactive, and risk-oriented—to effectively navigate crises and overcome the urgent challenges posed by disasters.: The event will cover key elements of creating a more prepared and resilient future.

Crapo to Address Energy Infrastructure Council – The Energy Infrastructure Council will hold its 2025 Annual Meeting and Legislative Conference in Washington, DC on June 9^th and 10^th. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID) has confirmed that he will be our luncheon keynote at the event.