Energy Update: Week of Nov. 11

Friends,

Happy Veteran’s Day.  Please thank a veteran!!!

Wow!!!  That was a bit of an earthquake last Tuesday. President Trump is returning to the White House and set in motion a massive shift in our energy policy.  We discussed this in detail in the Bracewell PRG Pulse webinar. The team hosted Politico’s Jonathan Martin Rep. Nikki Budzinski, USEA head and former DOE DepSect Mark Menezes and E&E Politico’s energy transition reporter Ben Storrow.  You can See the full suite of election/energy/trade resources HERE.

We have been speaking to many of you about the implications for energy, environment, trade, oversight, oil/gas issues, clean energy, White House nominations. Please feel free to contact us if you are looking for resources and insight.  I will also be discussing these issues on the Julie Mason Show on Sirius XM’s P.O.T.U.S. radio at 4:00 p.m. TODAY.

Another place feeling the immediate impacts are attendees at COP 29, which starts today in Baku and runs through next weekend.  Most of the event will focus on climate finance and additional actions, but the US elections will shake that up – especially given the previous Trump position on removing the US from the Paris Agreement.   The Chamber, BCSE, our friends at RMI and many others are there, doing events and meetings. Given all the US successes on emissions reductions and energy transition technologies, it is still hugely important to remain engaged and keep a seat at the table. For the most up-to-date information on BCSE events and news at the international climate conference, visit the BCSE at COP 29 landing page.

On the agenda this week, API leaders hold a media conference call tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. to discuss the top energy policy priorities that the incoming Trump administration and new Congress should address in 2025 to secure American energy leadership and help reduce inflation. RSVP to press@api.org for dial-in details.

Congress returns too with votes on two pieces of energy legislation (the Harnessing Energy at Thermal Sources Act, which would aim to ease the permitting process for drilling geothermal wells; the Critical Mineral Consistency Act, which would expand the definition of critical minerals) on Wednesday and Senate Environment Votes on NRC Commissioner Matt Marzano.

SO much to say about everything, but things are also changing quickly.  We are tracking so feel free to check in to get the latest updates. Call with any questions.

Best,

Frank Maisano

(202) 828-5864

C. (202) 997-5932                                                                                       

FRANKLY SPOKEN

"The fear that climate progress will be impeded by the Trump administration is largely overstated."

John Tough, managing partner of software-focused Energize Capital, regarding clean energy impacts of the election of former President Donald Trump to reporters at Axios Pro. 

ON THE PODCAST

Bracewell Experts, Friends Highlight Election Impacts – The Bracewell PRG Election Pulse Webinar was held last Wednesday after election day.  The team hosted Politico’s Jonathan Martin Rep. Nikki Budzinski, USEA head and former DOE DepSect Mark Menezes and E&E Politico’s energy transition reporter Ben Storrow.  Bracewell experts also discussed implications for energy, environment, trade, oversight and White House nominations.  You can view the webinar here. 

FUN OPINIONS

An Election Message from American Energy Society – In a post to readers on Tuesday prior to getting elections results, American Energy Society President Eric Vettel writes like any of its readers looking at the 2024 election, AES staff is unnerved. We will honor the kind of respectful conversations that Katherine Hayhoe encourages in Saving Us, our 2021 Energy Writer of the Year. We will encourage collaboration on behalf of a secure energy transition, as we did at our Summit last month in Southwest Virginia, brokering productive conversations on workforce development with solar interests (Secure Solar Futures) and coal (Coronado Global Resources); and about energy sovereignty with the Mattaponi and Rappahannock Tribes and Dominion Energy. We will facilitate civil discourse between red energy-producing states like Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Louisiana, and blue energy-consuming states like New York, California, and Massachusetts. And we will continue to cover the entire energy sector, without fear or favor. We serve as a model for a civil professional society.

FROG BLOG

Chamber Leads Delegation to COP – In a blog post on its website, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will lead an official business delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.  The Chamber believes it is critical for the U.S. government to actively participate in the U.N. process to demonstrate continued leadership on a topic of such global significance and to ensure the business community is part of the discussion. We must reduce emissions at the pace of innovation through policies that are realistic, durable and reinforce U.S. economic competitiveness.

FUN FACTS

Berkeley Gas Ban Referendum Loses Big:  Where energy is concerned, one of the most symbolic votes taken anywhere on Election Night came from California, where voters in the very liberal city of Berkeley soundly rejected Measure GG, a local law that would “impose a special tax on all buildings 15,000 square feet or larger that use natural gas.”

IN THE NEWS

Vistra Looking to Nukes for Data Centers – Vistra is looking at nuclear expansion as part of its strategy to meet rising energy demands from data centers and industrial activities. The company is in talks with data center developers to increase output at its nuclear sites, including the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant near Dallas, Texas, and is also exploring nuclear uprates and new builds. Vistra received the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) approval in July 2024 to extend the operation of Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant through 2053, an additional 20 years beyond its original licenses. The company’s Beaver Valley Nuclear Power Plant units 1 and 2 in Pennsylvania are licensed through 2036 and 2047, and Davis-Besse in Ohio is licensed through 2037.

Germany in Disarray –   German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that he would be willing to call a vote of confidence in parliament before Christmas, a move that would pave the way for snap elections. Europe's largest economy was thrown into disarray last week with the collapse of his coalition. The coalition has been at odds over how best to rescue Europe's largest economy, which is facing its second year of contraction and a crisis in its economic model after the end of cheap gas from Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine and amid increasing competition from China. Scholz said he had proposed capping energy costs for companies to bolster Germany's appeal as a place to do business and wants a package to help save jobs in the ailing auto industry,

BOEM Advances on Massachusetts Wind Project – The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced the final environmental review for the proposed SouthCoast offshore wind project off the coast of Massachusetts. If approved, the project could generate enough power for more than 800,000 homes. The SouthCoast Wind Energy proposal includes up to 147 wind turbine generators, up to five offshore substation platforms located at a maximum of 149 positions, and up to eight offshore export cables potentially making landfall in Brayton Point or Falmouth, Massachusetts. The lease area covers approximately 127,388 acres and is about 26 nautical miles (nm) south of Martha’s Vineyard and 20 nm south of Nantucket, Massachusetts. 

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

VETERAN’S DAY – Today, November 11^th

COP 29 in Baku – COP 29 begins in Baku today continuing through next Saturday. For the most up-to-date information on BCSE events and news at the international climate conference, visit the BCSE at COP 29 landing page.  Also, on Wednesday evening, Semafor will host at Goals House in Baku featuring White House climate advisor Ali Zaidi, as well as Adam Elman, Google’s EMEA director of sustainability, and Yemi Lalude, head of Africa at the private equity giant TPG. If you’d like to join, please request an RSVP at netzero@goalshouse.com.

JHU Forum Looks at Paris, Corporate Impacts – The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies holds a virtual discussion today at 12:30 p.m., on whether the Paris Climate Agreement Has changed corporate behavior. The event features Jeff Colgan, director of the Brown University Climate Solutions Lab.

API Holds Presser on 2025 Agenda – API leaders hold a media conference call tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. to discuss the top energy policy priorities that the incoming Trump administration and new Congress should address in 2025 to secure American energy leadership and help reduce inflation. On the heels of an election where voters sent a clear signal in favor of an all-of-the-above energy approach, API President and CEO Mike Sommers and API Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer Amanda Eversole will outline bipartisan solutions for securing America’s energy dominance. RSVP to press@api.org for dial-in details.

Forum Looks at Critical Minerals – Marketlinks holds a virtual discussion tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. on a new report, "Landscape Analysis of Critical Minerals in Southeast Asia.”

Bracewell Environmental Seminar Set for Houston – Bracewell’s Environmental Section holds its Environmental Seminar on Wednesday in Houston. Among the topics will be election impacts and the future of the Inflation Reduction Act, election results’ and new rulings’ implications for infrastructure permitting and environmental review and a number of other topics. 

Senate Environment Votes on NRC Nom – The Senate Environment Committee holds a markup on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. to vote on the nomination of Matthew Marzano to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

CSIS Looks at Latin American Copper – The Center for Strategic and International Studies holds a virtual discussion on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. focused on Latin America's Copper as a key to a low-carbon future. This event will discuss the findings of research conducted by the Americas Program and the Critical Minerals Security Program at CSIS. The experts will discuss the challenges and opportunities that Latin America presents in the copper sector, particularly players like Chile and Peru, as well as the necessary incentives that need to be in place for a successful derisking of the copper supply chain.

Forum Look sat Water in Central America – The Wilson Center's Latin America Program holds a virtual discussion on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. focusing on water challenges in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. This event will present the findings of three in-depth studies conducted by local experts Carolina Amaya, Gabriel Woltke, and Lucía Vijil Saybe, as part of a Wilson Center initiative to understand climate resiliency and adaptation in northern Central America. These papers explore the root causes of the water crisis, offering case studies that highlight the far-reaching impact on vulnerable communities and proposing solutions for improving water governance, data collection, and public investment.

USEA Looks at Supply Chain – At its next virtual press briefing on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., the US Energy Association will hold a discussion on the issue of supply chain stress for inspection. Maria Pope of Portland General Electric and EEI’s Scott Aaronson are among the panelists.

Vets Forum Looks at EVs, Grid – In honor of National Veterans and Military Families Month, on Wednesday at 12:00 p.m., the Electrification Coalition's Veterans for EVs Initiative is hosting a webinar to tackle questions surrounding grid resiliency and reveal how EVs can actually make the grid stronger. Speakers will also explore the broader implications of EV adoption, including their role in transportation's future and our national security.

Forum Looks at Critical Minerals, China – The Hudson Institute holds a discussion on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. focused on competing with China on critical minerals. Hudson’s Mike Gallagher will host James Litinsky, founder, chairman, and CEO of MP Materials, to discuss the role of these vital resources in PRC-US competition and what Washington can do to emerge victorious.

Hickenlooper, Chatterjee Headline Heatmap Forum – On Wednesday at 3:00 p.m., Heatmap holds an exclusive election postgame conversation and happy hour in Washington, D.C. with Senator John Hickenlooper and former FERC Chairman Neil Chatterjee. Following this year’s momentous election, Sen. Hickenlooper and former FERC Chairman Chatterjee will join Robinson Meyer and Jael Holzman for an in-depth conversation on what the presidential, congressional, and state results mean for the future of the Inflation Reduction Act, if any new climate policies may be possible under the incoming administration, and if we can expect progress in the effort to move away from fossil fuels.

Forum Looks at Challenges of Permitting – On Thursday at 9:00 a.m., CSIS holds a virtual discussion focused on the implications of permitting challenges facing energy infrastructure in the United States. The event will look at permitting debates, raising questions for energy importers and global markets about the predictability of U.S. energy exports. This discussion will examine the issues at hand and the implications for international markets. Pout friend Christine Tezak is on the panel.

Reuters Forum Looks at Decarb – Reuters holds a virtual discussion on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. looking at demystifying the road to decarbonization, was well as the realities of sustainable progress. This webinar will delve into the genuine challenges that sustainability professionals encounter when working towards their decarbonization goals.

CSIS Looks at Indigenous Rights, Critical Minerals – The Center for Strategic and International Studies holds a virtual discussion on Thursday at 2:00 p.m. on Indigenous rights and the just transition, focusing on critical energy transition minerals. This discussion aims to bring together experts in Indigenous rights and critical minerals to discuss what real consultation and cooperation would look like and how human rights protections can play a vital role in the current critical minerals environment.

IN THE FUTURE

Forum for Institutional Investors Looks at Politics – On Tuesday November 19^th, AIEN US Chapter Conference on Structured Finance for New Energies will be held in in New York. Bracewell’s Liz McGinley and Dee Martin will be participating in the program conducting a “fireside chat” with James Lucier from Capital Alpha Partners following the keynote topic “US Election Implications on New Energy Investments.”

ACORE Leads Coalition on Permitting – A diverse group of organizations led by ACORE will gather at the National Press Club at 9:30 a.m. to announce the launch of a coalition focused on the urgent need for permitting reform to expand America’s transmission system so more carbon-free energy resources can be deployed. The coalition will be releasing new research on how permitting reform is necessary for ensuring the deployment of affordable, reliable, carbon-free energy, and is central to meeting U.S. climate objectives and achieving a clean, competitive American future.

Forum Looks at Hydrogen – Infocast’s Global Clean Hydrogen: American Production & International Markets Conference will be held in Houston on Wednesday November 20^th.  The event focuses on the development and expansion of clean hydrogen production in the United States and its potential for international markets, bringing together project developers, buyers, financiers, and industry experts to discuss strategies and insights on navigating the global clean hydrogen landscape. Bracewell’s Parker Lee will be moderating the panel on large scale private project development.

Major Hydrogen Conference Set for Houston – On December 4^th, ThomsonReuters Events Energy Live hold a 2024 Hydrogen Conference in Houston. Bracewell’s Tim Urban will be leading a panel discussion on the state of clean hydrogen with panelists including bp’s Tomeka McLeod, Plug Power’s Sanjay Shrestha and Ana Quelhas of EDP. FCHEA CEO Frank Wolak, SoCal Gas expert Neil Navin, Air Liquide’s Laura Parkan and Brett Perlman of the Center For Houston's Future also speak.

DOE Deploy24 Summit Set – Demonstrate Deploy Decarbonize 2024 (Deploy24) is the second annual gathering of decision makers from across the private and public sectors—including senior industry executives, capital allocators, community leaders, and others across the clean energy supply chain—all focused on accelerating the deployment of critical energy and decarbonization technologies and supply chains in the United States. Hosted by DOE, Deploy24 builds this private-public dialogue through a range of unique formats, from keynote addresses to rigorous, off-the-record workshops organized by scalable technology, all with an urgent focus on the immediate opportunities and challenges to accelerating our domestic energy transformation. The Business Council for Sustainable Energy is a sponsor and Gevo CEO Pat Gruber is expected to be among the speakers.

Congressional Energy Forum Set – EnergyStream holds the 5^th Energy Transition Forum 2024 on December 4^th & 5^th at the Cosmos Club of Washington, DC. The Forum brings powerful U.S. Senators and Congressmen from both sides of the aisle, together with top energy executives to explore in-depth the energy strategies and policies to achieve a sustainable, clean, reliable and affordable energy future.