Energy Update: Week of May 6

Friends,

Wow… That’s about all you can say about Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.  Maximum Security seemingly dominated the field 145^th Run for the Roses, wire-to-wire on a sloppy Churchill Downs track, but then we were treated to a shocking disqualification after the race in which track stewards declared 65-1 long-shot Country House the winner.  Never in history has a winner been disqualified for a track foul (in 1968, Dancer’s Image was DQ’d three days after for a failed drug test).  Maximum Security's owner says the horse will not run in the Preakness (but we’ll see about that) and that he is appealing the Derby stewards’ decision.  As one who follows these things, I think there is little chance the stewards’ call will be overturned, but I was really surprised they made the DQ call in the first place given the minor track jostling that occurred.  But it is, what it is… Bummed I lost my cash winnings on MaxSec but it also underscores my philosophy of dropping a $2 on any horse over 50-1 in big races like this (especially ones who are fast closers). 

While my Cinco de Mayo celebration was ruined, I still take some satisfaction in knowing that in my preview, I recommended you pick three of the first four (MaxSec, Tacitus, Country House) horses before the DQ.  Preakness in two weeks on Saturday May 18^th at Pimlico in Baltimore.  We review the second jewel in the Triple Crown next week.

Big news this morning at the National Press Club when our friends at SEIA launched a Diversity Challenge in concert with the broader energy industry.  The purpose of the challenge is to start a conversation about what our sector is doing to address diversity and inclusion. It’s intended to be a constructive way to bring the energy world forward to talk about an issue that is of critical importance to its collective businesses.  See the details below.  Also, the 50^th Offshore Technology Conference starts today In Houston with new Chamber Energy head Christopher Guith on the agenda.  Tomorrow, BGov holds its Spring Hill Watch breakfast event on the future of health care and environmental policy.

Following last week’s climate legislation vote, we return back to important budget issues in Congress.  This week, Interior Secretary David Bernhardt heads to House Approps tomorrow afternoon for his first subpanel budget hearing as Secretary.  Energy Secretary Rick Perry also heads to the House Energy subpanel on Thursday.  Also tomorrow morning, Senate Homeland hosts former OIRA heads Susan Dudley and Sally Katzan on improving agency rulemaking.

NCAA Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse brackets are up.  Top seed on the Men’s side is Penn State while Maryland gets top nod on the Women’s side, despite its first loss to Northwestern yesterday in the Big 10 final.   Finally, our summer concert season stars on Friday night down in Norfolk at the Hampton Coliseum where the kids and I will hit the Tool concert during their mini-tour that features release of their first new music in years.  Very psyched for that…

Call with questions,

Best,

Frank Maisano

(202) 828-5864

C. (202) 997-5932

 

FRANKLY SPOKEN

“We are in a race with China and others to secure minerals and the supply chain as transportation worldwide moves toward an electrified and digitized future.”

Robbie Diamond, the president and CEO of Securing America’s Future Energy on the new legislation from Sens. Murkowski and Manchin on legislation streamlining the federal permitting process for developing mines for lithium, graphite, and other minerals critical to developing batteries that power electric vehicles.  Diamond says the legislation will help the U.S. compete with China’s market dominance in the EV market. 

ON THE PODCAST

GTM Energy Gang: Republican Climate Plans, Action – GTM’s Energy Gang is talking climate. 

A few leading Republicans are responding to the progressive climate plan with some ideas of their own: the New Manhattan Project and the Green Real Deal.   They’ve gotten a mostly cold response from the left. But have we finally broken the ice for a legitimate cross-party policy discussion on climate? We’ll look at the GOP responses.  Then, Trump’s latest verbal convulsion. Speaking at a fundraiser, the president said wind noise causes cancer and kills property values. We’ll take this opportunity to review what the literature says about the impact of wind.  Finally, the gang looks at Virginia, where there’s been a ton of legislative activity on solar, efficiency, grid infrastructure and climate.

FUN OPINIONS

MIT Technology Review: Conservative Climate Groups Seize Moment – While the debate continues over whether the sweeping economic and environmental justice proposal is good policy or politics, a number of centrist and even conservative groups pushing for action on climate also sense a shift of the Overton window here. Groups like DC think tank ClearPath see a chance to advance carbon-free energy policies that may not be so audacious, but could achieve broader support—and, in their own estimation, would be more effective in combating climate risks.  ClearPath’s executive director, Rich Powell, says the most important role the US can play is in creating carbon-free energy tools that are cheaper and better than the polluting options already on the market.  See the full MIT Tech Review Interview here. 

IN THE NEWS

SEIA to Host Diversity Challenge – The Solar Energy Industries Association launched a Diversity Challenge in concert with the broader energy industry.  The purpose of the challenge is to start a conversation about what our sector is doing to address diversity and inclusion. It’s intended to be a constructive way to bring the energy world forward to talk about an issue that is of critical importance to its collective businesses. For example, organizations and businesses with diverse workforces are more innovative and more successful.  To launch this challenge, SEIA will be hosting an event at the National Press Club with the Solar Foundation to release an updated Solar Diversity Study and Diversity Best Practice Guide.  They will also launch a #DiversityChallenge that can be shared on social media regarding what companies/organizations have done, what they are working on, and what has been successful in increasing diversity and inclusion.  Other Components of the Challenge Include: 

• SEIA is recruiting dozens of solar companies to sign on to the PWC CEO Action Pledge 
• Hosting ancillary events around the country after May 6^th to ensure this important topic is discussed outside of DC with solar companies 

• Planning a workshop at the Press Club event to learn about and share components of a successful diversity campaign.

House Passes Paris Climate Legislation – The House voted Thursday to block the Trump administration from pulling out of the Paris Agreement, an Obama-era pact that sets strict emission goals worldwide. The bill passed 231-190 largely along party lines, with three Republicans voting for it. The legislation is the most significant climate legislation since the cap and trade bill from 2009.  Remember, it is not a Treaty and the business community in almost all sectors encouraged the Administration to remain at the table in International negotiations.  It seems the debate/question is being treated as the partisan exercise that it is. It is a gesture but so was pulling out of the treaty, really.  It is clear that the Senate will not be taking this up and even if it was to pass, the President has said he would veto it.  Finally, just a reminder though, it is the executive’s constitutional authority to dictate foreign policy and on treaties (or similar negotiations).   We are happy to discuss this and any of the amendments that members are now plowing through.

IRS Issues CCS Tax Guidance – Late last week, the IRS and U.S. Treasury Department finally issued a request for comments on implementation of 45Q reform included in the FY2019 budget agreement approved by Congress in February of 2018. The request for information includes a 45-day comment period “on issues arising under” 45Q “as well as specific comments concerning the secure geologic storage and measurement of qualified [CO2], the recapture of the benefit of the credit for [CO2] sequestration, and other issues.” Comments “will help to inform development of future regulations and other guidance implementing” the 45Q credit, the notice says.  The details of how the IRS would implement the credit is essential for companies and other investors to commit to new carbon capture, storage and utilization projects that could be financed by the credit.  The Carbon Capture Coalition issued a statement on the announcement which you can view here. You can view the Coalition's model guidance submitted to Treasury in November 2018 here. 

BP to Develop GoM Offshore Section Expansion – BP has sanctioned development of the Thunder Horse South Expansion Phase 2 project in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. The project will further boost output at one of the largest oil fields in the Gulf of Mexico and marks BP’s latest major investment in the U.S. offshore region.  The project is expected to add an estimated 50,000 gross barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) of production at its peak at the existing Thunder Horse platform, with first oil expected in 2021. Thunder Horse South Expansion Phase 2 follows several other major expansion projects at the offshore platform in recent years. An earlier South Expansion project at Thunder Horse started up ahead of schedule and under budget in early 2017 and raised output at the facility by an additional 50,000 boe/d. Last October, Thunder Horse Northwest Expansion project came online and is expected to boost production by an estimated 30,000 boe/d. And in 2016, BP started up a significant water injection project at Thunder Horse to enhance oil production at the field.

Oregon Hydro Storage Project Moves Forward – Federal energy regulators granted approval and a license this week to an Oregon pumped hydrogen energy storage project, the first facility of its kind in decades to be licensed in the Pacific Northwest. If built, the Swan Lake North pumped storage project would have a capacity of 393 megawatts (enough to meet the instantaneous demand of up to 390,000 homes) and would be the largest energy storage facility in the region.

SCOTUS Passes on Pipeline Appeals – The Supreme Court will not hear appeals of two unrelated rulings from lower courts that both favored pipeline builder Transcontinental. One challenged Pennsylvania's Clean Water Act Section 401 certification for the Atlantic Sunrise project. The other affirmed Transco's Natural Gas Act rights to condemn private property for a new pipeline.  My colleague Christine Wyman is an expert on the subject and can discuss. 

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

Offshore Tech Conference Hits 50 – The Offshore Technology Conference hits its 50^th anniversary today through Thursday in Houston.  The event aims at advancing scientific and technical knowledge for offshore resources and environmental matters.  Celebrating 50 years since 1969, OTC’s flagship conference is held annually at NRG Park (formerly Reliant Park).  Speakers will include Equinor COO Jannicke Nilsson, Total President Arnaud Breuillac, Chamber Global Energy Institute head Christopher Guith, Murphy Oil CEO Roger Jenkins, Baker Hughes Oilfield Services head Maria Claudia Borras and BP America President Susan Dio. 

Forum Looks at AVs – ACEEE is holding its first Forum on Connected and Automated Vehicles today at the National Press Club looking at energy impacts of CAVs.  CAVs are capturing the attention and imagination of technologists, futurists, urbanists, and automakers. Their rapid development is driven by the prospect of safety, mobility, and convenience benefits.  CAV adoption could affect transportation energy use as well, and policy choices will influence the size—even the direction— of that impact. At this unique one-day event, attendees will identify the drivers of the energy impacts and explore CAV policy options to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of transportation.  Speakers include Obama ORIA Head Andrei Greenawalt, EPA’s Karl Simpon and GM’s Thomas Van Heeke, among others.

Forum to Look at NatGas on Europe – The Atlantic Council hosts an event today at 2:00 p.m. looking at Gazprom as a Geopolitical Instrument.  The event will look at the strategic challenge for the EU and the US.   At a pivotal moment in the pipeline’s development, the Atlantic Council will host a conference bringing together American and European energy experts and government officials to discuss how the United States and the EU should approach Gazprom’s relationship with the Kremlin and to offer their thoughts on the ongoing debate surrounding the Nord Stream II pipeline and its potential impact on American and European interests.  The event will feature two panels regarding Gazprom’s political utility for the Kremlin and the challenges that the Nord Stream II pipeline presents to European energy security. 

BGov to Look at Enviro Policy – Bloomberg Government holds its Spring Hill Watch breakfast event tomorrow morning on the future of health care and environmental policy. The Spring 2019 Hill Watch report will also explore intel and analysis on policy areas such as agriculture, health care, tax, defense, education, and more. On the heels of the spring report’s release, Bloomberg Government’s Hill Watch Breakfast will be a live moderated discussion with Bloomberg Government and Bloomberg Environment reporters and analysts, speaking with industry and government leaders on the future of health care and environmental policy.  Sen Bill Cassidy and Rep Scott Peters are among the speakers.

ELI Hosts Discussion of Deep Decarbonization – The Environmental Law Institute holds a forum tomorrow morning to discuss legal pathways to decarbonizing in the U.S. as laid out in the book Legal Pathways to Deep Decarbonization in the United States, edited by Michael Gerrard and John Dernbach.

NRECA Conference Set For Houston – NRECA Connect will be held in Houston tomorrow to Thursday to bring together more than 600 co-op communications, marketing and member services professionals.  Current communications and local challenges will be on the agenda. 

Senate Homeland to Look at Reg Reforms – The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management will host Susan Dudley, OIRA administrator under President George W. Bush, and Sally Katzen, administrator under President Clinton, tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. to discuss improving agency rulemaking and making sure existing mandates are performing as expected.

Forum to Look at Transatlantic Energy Policy – The American Institute for Contemporary German Studies holds a discussion tomorrow at Noon on the future of international energy policy and the Transatlantic Partners. Sonja Thielges will present her research on the foreign policy implications of (sustainable) energy transitions in the U.S. and Germany and discuss implications for the transatlantic partnership.

Forum Looks at National Flood Insurance Program – The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) holds a briefing at 2:00 p.m. 1334 Longworth on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This briefing will provide a basic understanding of the National Flood Insurance Program, its history, its challenges, and reforms needed. The panel will provide important background and highlight new strategies for improving NFIP’s financial stability and for reducing the impacts of future floods on vulnerable populations and communities.  Speakers include CRS analyst Diane Horn, Chad Berginnis of the Association of State Floodplain Managers and Samantha Medlock of the Santa Barbara & Ventura Colleges of Law.

Bernhardt Heads to House Approps – The House Appropriations Interior, Environment Subcommittee holds a hearing tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. on FY2020 Budget, Interior Department with testimony from Interior Secretary David Bernhardt.

EIA Releases STEO – The U.S. Energy Information Administration will issue its Short-Term Energy Outlook report around Noon, providing a forecast of energy supply, demand, and prices. Energy consumption in the United States hit an all-time record last year of 101.3 quadrillion British thermal units, up 4 percent from 2017 and 0.3 percent more than the previous record set in 2007.

Forum to Look at Water Infrastructure – The Water Environment Federation holds its Stormwater and Green Infrastructure Symposium in Ft. Lauderdale, FL Wednesday to Friday, featuring topics ranging from coastal resiliency strategies to green infrastructure operation and maintenance.

House Energy Panel to Look at Asbestos Legislation – The House Energy and Commerce Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee holds a hearing Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. on legislation targeting asbestos.

Senate Enviro Hosts Army Corps Projects Budget Discussion – Senate Environment Committee holds a hearing on Wednesday looking at the budget for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Civil Works Program.

House Science Looks at NSF Budget – The House Science Committee holds a hearing on Wednesday in 2318 Rayburn featuring a review of the National Science Foundation’s FY 2020 Budget Request.  NSF Director France Córdova and Board Chair Diane Souvaine.

USAEE to Talk LNG – On Wednesday at noon at Chinatown Gardens, the National Capital Area Chapter of the United States Association for Energy Economics is hosting a presentation on U.S. LNG and European Energy Security featuring Keith Martin, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and as a board member for Uniper, an international energy company active in more than 40 countries that owns and manages power plants throughout Europe and Russia.

House Transpo Panel to Look at Arctic Challenges – The House Transportation Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee holds a hearing on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. looking at maritime infrastructure vulnerabilities in the Arctic. Coast Guard vice commandant Adm. Charles Ray, former USCG Adm. Thad Allen, Wilson’s Polar Institute expert Mead Treadwell, CSIS’s Heather Conley, RAND’s Abbie Tingstad and Alaska Armey Corps District commander Phil Borders will all testify.

Senate Armed Forces Looks at DOE Atomic Programs – The Senate Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee holds a hearing on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. looking at DOE’s atomic defense activities and programs.

UChicago to Host Cities Climate Discussion – On Wednesday evening, the University of Chicago’s energy program features a talk by Chris Wheat, strategy director for the American Cities Climate Change Challenge at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), on the efforts of cities, states, businesses and others to mitigate climate change in the absence of U.S. action.

NAS Workshop to Look at Plastics – The National Academy of Sciences holds a workshop on Thursday and Friday looking at the challenges of plastics.  The overall goal of the workshop is to provide a venue for the chemistry and chemical engineering communities and related fields to identify opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of plastics by enhancing plastics recycling and by reducing the lifetime of plastics that enter the environment.

BPC to Host Air Capture Report – The Bipartisan Policy Center hosts a forum on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. to take a first look at a Rhodium Group report focused on direct air carbon capture.  The event includes a presentation from lead author John Larsen and a discussion on the policy opportunities and barriers to direct air capture technology advancement with leading experts, businesses, and policymakers to learn how direct air capture can build a cleaner and more efficient economy, bolster our technology leadership, and reduce carbon pollution.

Mass to Discuss Vineyard Transmission Issues – On Thursday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities will discuss transmission infrastructure needed to connect Vineyard Wind LLC’ planned 800-megawatt offshore wind farm. The project, located south of the island of Martha's Vineyard, will be the first large-scale offshore wind farm in the U.S. and is scheduled to start by 2021. The state's electric utilities are required to enter into contracts for 1,600 megawatts of offshore wind energy by the end of June 2027 as part of Massachusetts' goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. Vineyard Wind LLC is co-owned by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid is owned by Iberdrola SA

Chamber Travel Forum Set – The U.S. Chamber Foundation holds TRAVEL FORWARD on Thursday. The event will discuss the future of travel and the people, ideas, and innovations moving the industry forward. Entrepreneurs, business leaders, and tech experts will discuss the innovations and emerging technologies making travel more efficient, personalized, accessible, interactive, affordable, and safe. Topics will include high-tech transportation, space tourism, micro hotels, customer service robots, AI, personalized travel, and more.

Forum to Look at Small Business Issues – On Thursday morning at Marriott Courtyard Convention Center, POLITICO hosts two deep-dive conversations exploring policy solutions to the barriers facing small-business owners and entrepreneurs. They will hold panels with entrepreneurs and small-business owners about the innovative policies federal, city and state leaders should pursue to support growth. We also will get insights into what is moving on Capitol Hill and in federal agencies to help business owners and entrepreneurs succeed.

House Resources Targets Mining Reforms – The House Natural Resources Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee holds a hearing on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. looking at mining reform legislation.

House Energy Panel Hosts Perry – The House Energy & Commerce Energy panel will hold a hearing on Thursday at 10:15 a.m. in 2123 Rayburn on the 2020 DOE Budget. DOE Secretary Rick Perry, Secretary of will be the witness for this hearing.

House Science Look at STEM Diversity – The House Science Committee holds a hearing on Thursday focused on achieving the promise of a diverse STEM workforce.  Witnesses include Mae Jemison of the 100 Year Starship, AAAS’s Shirley Malcom, Lorelle Espinosa of the American Council on Education, Intel’s Barbara Whye and Ohio State’s James L. Moore III. 

Resources to Look at Wildfire Issues – The House Natural Resources National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Subcommittee holds a hearing on Thursday looking at wildfire resilient communities.  Speakers include Forest Service official Patti Hirami, Marko Bey of Oregon’s Lomakatsi Restoration Project, Steve Quarles of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety and Ray Rasker of Headwaters Economics in Bozeman, MT.

CSIS to Hold Poneman Book Event – On Thursday at 5:30 p.m., the Center for Strategic & International Studies hosts a book event featuring "Double Jeopardy: Combating Nuclear Terror and Climate Change" by Daniel B. Poneman.  In the book, Poneman argues that the world needs an “all-of-the-above” energy policy, one that advances the goal of decarbonizing the environment through all available means—including nuclear power. Poneman makes a compelling case that we can enhance the ability of nuclear power to combat climate change even as we reduce the risks of nuclear terror. Doing so will require well-crafted laws and policies, implemented with an ethos of constant vigilance and embedded in a culture that weaves safety and security goals into the fabric of our nuclear programs. This will enable government and industry to work together to maximize energy and climate benefits while minimizing safety and security risks.  He sits down with IHS’s Dan Yergin.

Conference to Look at Digital Utilities – PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is holding a conference on digital transformation in the utility industry Thursday and Friday.  Amidst technological disruption and evolving customer expectations utility executives are looking to optimize existing processes and transform business models. The second series event, Digital Utilities of the Future 2 will have a key theme of manifesting innovation and engage in thought-provoking conversations about changing the culture that can transform utilities.

Report to Look at India Rural Electrification – The Rockefeller Foundation, Smart Power India, and the Johns Hopkins SAIS Initiative for Sustainable Energy Policy (ISEP) release a report on Thursday that will look at rural electrification in India.  The groups spear-headed a project to answer questions about rural electrification, collecting primary research from over 10,000 households and 2,000 rural micro-enterprises across four Indian states. The resulting report titled - ‘Rural Electrification in India: Consumer Behavior and Demand’ – furthers the discussion around India’s rural electricity access, customer demand behavior and service satisfaction.

Forum Looks at Latin American Energy – Inter-American Dialogue hosts a forum on Friday at 9:30 a.m. looking at prospects for energy resource development in Latin America.

Conference to Look at Oil Economy – The 2019 Petroleum Resources Economics Conference will be held at The HESS Club in Houston, TX on Friday.  The event is the conference of the Society of Petroleum Resources Economists will focus on reserves and resources estimation, oil prices, unconventional/offshore projects and risk management and uncertainty evaluation. 

IN THE FUTURE

Forum Looks at Clean Innovation – The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation hosts a forum on Monday, May 13^th at 2:30 p.m. in 2103 Rayburn looking innovation opportunities and the federal role to advance clean industry in the United States, with a focus on issues currently before the 116th Congress.  Speakers include Ryan Fitzpatrick of Third Way and Doug Vine of Center for Climate Energy Solutions (C2ES). 

GND Groups End Tour in DC – On Monday May 13^th, the Sunrise Movement returns to Washington DC for its final special stop of the Road to a Green New Deal. At this Tour Stop, they'll explore the climate crisis and what it looks like here in DC and for the country, and what the promise of the Green New Deal means.  Speakers include Sen. Ed Markey. 

Forum to Look at Nuclear Decommissioning Issues – The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) hosts a briefing next Monday at 2:00 p.m. in 2318 Rayburn on the new era of the U.S. nuclear power industry as its electricity generation winds down and decommissioning of nuclear power plants ramps up. Decommissioning is the process of dismantling a closed plant, securing or removing its radioactive waste, and lowering a site’s residual radioactivity. Getting it right is critical to communities’ health and safety. Getting it wrong could pose existential threats.  The U.S. civilian nuclear fleet is aging out. As civilian reactors approach the end of their operating lives, their economics have been undercut by less expensive natural gas-fired generation. Even though nuclear owners are demanding state subsidies to keep some aging plants open a while longer, it will not stop the coming wave of closures. Six reactors have shut down since 2013. Another 15 are slated to close by 2025. Most of the civilian reactor fleet will inevitably close over the next 20 years.  To explore these issues, distinguished experts including regulators, independent scientists, NGO advocates, and representatives of affected communities, will speak and answer questions at the briefing.  Speakers for this forum are former NRC Chair Greg Jaczko, retired Navy Rear Admiral Len Hering (safety expert on the decommissioning process at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station in southern California), NRDC’s Bemnet Alemayehu and several others.

McCarthy to Headline Global Cooling Prize Announcement – On May 14^th at 2:00 p.m., the CSIS Energy & National Security Program, Rocky Mountain Institute, Conservation X Labs, and the Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development is launching the Global Cooling Prize will a forum at CSIS in DC.  Announced in November 2018, the Prize is a global competition to develop breakthrough residential cooling technology.  The Global Cooling Prize seeks to create a global cooling revolution by spurring the development of a radically more energy-efficient cooling technology.  This event will feature discussions of this important global challenge and emerging opportunities to find scalable solutions.  Speakers will include a Keynote Speech from former EPA head Gina McCarthy, as well as discussions with DOE official David Nemtzow and former DOE Deputy Sect Bill Martin and several others.

EnviroRun with DOE's David Hume – On Tuesday May 14^th, EnviroRun will host David Hume, Marine Engineering Consultant for the Allegheny Science & Technology for the Department of Energy. EnviroRun is a “fun run” followed by a networking session designed to provide an opportunity for connecting with the environmental community. On the run, David will provide an overview of the marine energy sector and highlight some of the exciting new R&D that DOE’s Water Power Technologies Office is working on to advance wave, tidal and ocean current energy technologies as well as his career path to get to that role. EnviroRun will meet at WeWork K Street before going out on the fun run at 6:00 p.m. No worries, there will be a place to store bags while runners are on the trails.

GTM Solar Summit Set – Greentech Media hosts it 12^th annual Solar Summit in Scottsdale, AZ on May 14-15^th.  It will cover the latest developments in global solar markets, module technology, how the ITC stepdown will impact project finance, distributed solar emerging markets and much more.

POLITICO to Look at Grid – On Wednesday May 15^th, POLITICO is hosting a deep-dive conversation at the Willard on what’s needed to build the power infrastructure of the future. While many state leaders argue developing the electrical transmission and distribution system is key for economic development, there is debate over who will pay for investments needed to revamp U.S. electricity infrastructure. Featured Speakers will include Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), APPA’s Sue Kelly and PJM’s Andrew L. Ott.

Bernhardt to Visit House Resources – The House Resources will host David Bernhardt on May 15^th for a budget and oversight hearing.

Wheeler to Address Infrastructure Questions at BPC – The Bipartisan Policy Center will host EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler on May 16^th at 10:00 a.m. to discuss EPA’s role in building critical infrastructure, followed by a panel discussion on water infrastructure and affordability.  

Forum Looks at Energy Storage – The Atlantic Council Global Energy Center hosts a discussion on Thursday May 16^th at Noon looking at the future of energy storage. Quartz Senior Reporter and Global Energy Center Senior Fellow Akshat Rathi moderates a panel featuring Wood Mackenzie Energy Storage Analyst Mitalee Gupta and Carnegie Mellon University Assistant Professor Venkat Viswanathan.

CSIS Report: Looks at Infrastructure – The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the Energy for Growth Hub, two independent organizations that have closely supported the creation of the USDFC, convened the Working Group on U.S. Development Finance for Infrastructure to consider the context and emerging opportunities and provide focused recommendations for the new USDFC to live up to its potential. The questions we asked included: What are the major global and market trends affecting the USDFC’s ecosystem? Where are the potential opportunities the greatest? How can the USDFC do more, in volume and quality, than OPIC in filling the infrastructure gaps to unleash the potential of the private sector and to create jobs?   On Thursday, May 16^th at 1:30 p.m., CSIS and the Energy for Growth Hub will host a public event with the co-chairs of the working group to discuss the recommendations in the report.  Here is a link to the CSIS brief that resulted from these conversations

USEA Low-Cost CCUS Briefing - The US Energy Assn hosts a briefing on Thursday May 16^th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. online.  The event will explore costs of carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a critical component in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The cost to capture CO2 has often served as a barrier to its deployment of CCS, however, costs vary across different sectors. Ron Munson of Cogentiv Solutions LLC – a consulting organization focused on in carbon, energy, and environmental management, will curate the event.

Houston Hosts Wind Industry’s Biggest Conference – AWEA returns to Houston on May 20-23, for the WINDPOWER Conference and Exhibition, the Western Hemisphere’s largest gathering of the people and technology driving wind power trends. WINDPOWER is where the vision and business deals that will drive the future of the wind industry happen.  More on this as we get closer.

Senate Enviro to Hold Leg Hearing on PFAS – The Senate Environment Committee will hold a legislative hearing on Wednesday May 22^nd on current PFAS legislation. 

USEA Policy Forum Set – The US Energy Assn holds its annual public policy forum on May 23^rd from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Reagan Building.  The event will feature a distinguished group of speakers with over 150 energy stakeholders, journalists, diplomats, and government agency officials expected to attend.  USEA will also recognize and honor recipients of the 2019 United States Energy Award and its Volunteer Awards.

National Press Club Hosts EPA’s Wheeler – The National Press Club will host a luncheon speech with EPA head Andrew Wheeler on June 3^rd. 

Cruz to Headline Oil, Gas Forum – The 5^th Washington Oil & Gas Forum 2019 will be held on June 5^th and 6^th at the Cosmos Club.  Sen. Ted Cruz will be Keynote Speaker.  The Washington Oil & Gas Forum has been established as the prime international industry event in Washington, DC. The Forum is a unique opportunity for American and international oil/gas senior executives to meet with Congressional and Government leaders. This year’s topic is “Critical Oil and Gas Infrastructure and the role of U.S. LNG and Pipeline Gas in the Global Markets.”  Other Speakers include Garret Graves, Eni Chair Gianni di Giovanni, State’s Frank Fannon, DOE’s Shawn Bennett and ATR’s Grover Norquist.

Clean Energy Expo Set – The 21^st Annual Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency EXPO and Policy Forum is set for Thursday July 11^th to showcase renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. In every state across the country, these technologies are having a significant impact in business development and job creation in the manufacturing, transmission, power, transportation, and building sectors. The bipartisan House Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Caucus is the Expo's honorary co-host.