Energy Update: Week of October 27th

Friends,

I always love to start this late October week with the Marine Corps Marathon, one of DC’s most spectacular events. And this year is the 50^th year for the event. From the Blue Mile honoring fallen veterans to the personal nature of the race, it is a great tribute to the city, military and the DMV larger community. The men's winner of the race was Kyle King, a local VA marine, who has won the race before and clocked in at 2:18 minutes. The women's winner was also Virginia’s Tessa Barrett, who set a new marathon course record of 2:34. Congrats to all the runners who participated in the event and kudos to the massive support effort.

This Friday is Halloween – save the Milk Duds for me!  It also means as it has for more than 25 years, I gather up a bunch of pumpkins and whip up some special batches of special Pumpkins seeds. You will probably have to swing by the DC office to get some though…and they go fast!

The government shutdown continues into it fourth week with November 1 becoming another inflection point with SNAP fund drying up and the first full payday missed. We also have another political inflection point with the November 4^th elections in VA, NJ and NY City which seem like a moment that both sides seem willing to wait out. Finally, with air traffic delays seeming to increase, the busy Thanksgiving travel season looks like another moment. Things to watch.

After leaving for Asia on Friday, the President continues his trip across Asia talking trade, tariffs, energy and many other things. Today he is in Japan (a big target for US natural gas), Korea midweek and then to China later in the week for a key meeting with Chinese President Xi. Last week, new FERC Chair Laura Swett was sworn in and we expect David LaCerte to be sworn in today as well.  And following Friday’s announcement on data center interconnections, we have also heard that Energy Secretary Wright will make an announcement this afternoon with CEOs of computing heavyweights AMD and Hewlett-Packard.

The Senate Environment Committee plans takes up nominations and pending legislation at a business meeting on Wednesday, including EPA’s Jeff Hall and Dougl Troutman, NRC nominee Ho Nieh and four nominees for the TVA’s board of directors. Also Wednesday, the Senate Energy Committee looks at the National Historic Preservation Act (perhaps a few points about a ballroom?).

Lots of other events this week that you can check out below.

Finally, just two weeks out from COP 30 in Brazil, but some activity is getting under way the weekend before. I will be tracking everything very closely so let me know if you are there – and where you will be!!!

Call with questions.

Best,

Frank Maisano

(202) 828-5864

C. (202) 997-5932                                                                                                   

FRANKLY SPOKEN

"2025 is an inflection year. We expect U.S. gas demand to grow 4%-6% annually through 2030, driven by LNG and power."

EOG Resources CEO Ezra Yacob to Reuters about natural gas.

ON THE PODCAST

PRG Experts Talk Government Shutdown Details – The Bracewell PRG Lobby Shop podcast this week focuses on the government shutdown.  As the U.S. enters its fourth week of the government shutdown, the team breaks down where the pain points are emerging, the political strategies driving the standoff, and what potential paths forward might look like. Hosts Josh Zive, Dylan Pasiuk, and Liam Donovan examine how Democrats have stayed unified, what’s motivating both parties to hold their lines, and what it may take to end the shutdown. They also preview the upcoming Virginia and New Jersey elections, exploring how these off-year races could serve as national bellwethers for both parties heading into 2026.

POLITICO Podcast Talks Trump Drilling Plan – In the POLITICO Energy Podcast, reporters Josh Siegel and Ben Lefebvre discussion the efforts by the Trump Administration’s new oil drilling in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. 

FUN OPINIONS

IEA Expert: Something has to Give in Oil Markets – In an essay in Foreign Affairs, Harvard energy expert Meghan O'Sullivan and Columbia University Center on Global Energy Policy Director Jason Bordoff write throughout much of the modern era, limiting or disrupting the flow of energy was a highly effective tool of global power. With more countries threatening to make coercive use of more different kinds of energy flows, the world could be at the dawn of a new age of energy weaponization.

FROG BLOG

Impact of China’s New Critical Mineral Export Controls – In an opinion piece in Utility Dive, former FERC Chair Joe Kelliher writes States should think twice before taking steps to exit the PJM grid operator. If state officials believe the PJM capacity market is not ensuring resource adequacy, or is doing so at excessive prices, they should turn their efforts to capacity market reform or unwinding the forward capacity market in favor of competitive procurement and long-term power purchase agreements.

FUN FACTS

Gasoline Prices Hitting Multi-Year Low Point: Gasoline prices are at their lowest since either May 2021 or last December. (It's basically a tie for the moment.) Yet, they will likely drop further as we get closer to the end of the year. Average prices are hovering around $3 per gallon, but are already well below that in many places including Massachusetts and Maryland.

IN THE NEWS

DOE Issues Grid, Hydro Orders to FERC – DOE directed FERC late last week to initiate rulemaking procedures with a proposed rule to rapidly accelerate the interconnection of large loads, including data centers, positioning the United States to lead in AI innovation and in the revitalization of domestic manufacturing. The proposed rule allows customers to file joint, co-located load and generation interconnection requests. It will also significantly reduce study times and grid upgrade costs, while reducing the time needed for additional generation and power to come online. In another proposed rule, DOE also directed FERC to remove unnecessary burdens for preliminary hydroelectric power permits, clarifying that third parties do not have veto rights over the issuance of preliminary hydroelectric power permits. Secretary Wright has been pressed about a potential uranium shortage as the US experiences an unprecedented surge in electricity demand. We will need a significant amount of uranium processing if the US expects to remain at the forefront of technological innovation to keep energy affordable, reliable and secure. Our friends at the National Hydropower Assn applauded Secretary Wright and DOE for recognizing the critical role new hydropower and pumped storage play in achieving energy dominance in America. 

"NHA encourages FERC to continue streamlining the licensing process. It is incumbent upon FERC, the Trump Administration, and Congress to ensure that third parties, such as Federal resource agencies, do not unduly inhibit hydropower development and instead foster its necessary growth to meet current challenges. Additional reforms are needed, and we look forward to future collaboration with all stakeholders to enact these improvements." 

Uranium Processor Achieves Major DOE Milestone – Friday was also a big day for uranium producer GLE who achieved a major milestone it is uranium processing: the independent validation of achieving Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6), which affirms the commercial viability of GLE’s next-generation uranium enrichment technologies. And the timing is perfect given that DOE is about to announce major contracts to help address our enriched uranium shortage, which is essential to The supply chain if we are going to expand nuclear power. This is a major milestone for Global Laser Enrichment (GLE). Following an independent assessment by a leading Fortune 1000 technology provider, GLE’s next-generation laser uranium enrichment technology has officially achieved TRL-6. DOE’s TRL scale evaluates the maturity of new technologies, and reaching TRL-6 confirms successful system-level performance under realistic operating conditions. This achievement marks GLE’s transition from technical demonstration to full-scale design and deployment readiness for the Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility (PLEF). The PLEF will be developed using an entirely U.S.-based supply chain, ensuring domestic control of this strategic capability. Let me know if you need more info.  I can provide it.

New RNG Landfill Facility Opens in Southern NJ – Finally, yesterday, OPAL Fuels, South Jersey Gas and Atlantic County (NJ) Municipal Utility opened a new renewable landfill gas site in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. The facility will convert landfill gas into RNG, delivering cleaner energy directly into South Jersey Gas pipelines for the first time. The project will produce over 650,000 MMBtu of RNG annually, reducing emissions equivalent to 346,000 metric tons of CO2.

“The opening of this facility marks an important milestone in OPAL Fuels’ mission of turning waste into clean, domestic energy,” said Adam Comora, Co-Chief Executive Officer of OPAL Fuels. “This project reduces emissions, improves local air quality, creates jobs, and strengthens American energy independence. As we drive forward with a focus on strategic growth and operational excellence, this project serves as an example of how landfills can benefit from producing RNG by generating financial value, cutting methane emissions, and displacing diesel to decarbonize transportation.”

RFA President Addresses Global Ethanol Conference – In a keynote address to the Global Ethanol Summit in Washington, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper offered a look at ethanol’s future by way of its past. Cooper emphasized how the drivers of ethanol’s incredible growth trajectory over the past four and a half decades are still vital for the decades ahead: smart public policy, innovation and continuous improvement in the industry itself, and the fact that ethanol is a product with many uses and benefits.

Breakthrough Release NEPA Reboot Plan – The Breakthrough Institute has released a proposal for real and meaningful National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)Reform.  NEPA has become a litigation machine that delays critical projects, straying from its original purpose of informed planning and public engagement. After decades of regulatory buildup and inadequate reforms, the system is unstable and unpredictable. A true reboot is needed—one that ensures certainty for agencies and courts, amplifies public voice without creating a veto, and uses AI and modern IT tools to streamline reviews and improve accountability. Congress now has a rare bipartisan window to enact durable reform that restores NEPA’s intent while enabling timely, environmentally responsible project delivery.

API Changes E15 Support – API urged congressional leadership to adopt a more balanced and up-to-date approach to E15 legislation, warning the current proposal no longer reflects today's fuel market realities.  The approach reverses a previous position that looked to be thawing long frigid relations with the biofuels industry. API head Mike Sommers wrote in a letter to legislative leaders: "Refiners are now navigating shifting federal compliance structures, a patchwork of state mandates, and a biofuels marketplace that is uncertain. Any legislative consideration of year-round E15 should reflect today’s realities and not those of prior years."

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

ACP Hosts Energy Storage Summit – American Clean Power holds the Recharge Energy Storage Summit today to Wednesday in Austin, Texas. The event features forum and panels focused on energy storage and the shared goal of making American energy more reliable, efficient and affordable. Former FERC Chairs Rich Glick and Willie Phillips speak, as does SAFE’s Abby Hunter, who will address critical minerals.

RFF Forum Look sat Energy Infrastructure – Today at 1:00 p.m., Resources for the Future holds a virtual discussion on obstacles to energy infrastructure. This is the third session in the series and is focused on interconnection of generation. 

Forum Looks at Russia Sanctions – Today at 3:00 p.m., the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA holds a rapid response webinar to discuss the extent of US sanctions and their possible impacts on global oil markets, geopolitical tensions, and efforts to bring the war in Ukraine to an end.

Former FERC Chair Headlines Power Forum – POWER eXchange holds a forum in Denver tomorrow to look at Data Center questions. Former FERC Chairman Mark C. Christie will keynote, bringing two decades of regulatory insight on reliability, market design, and the future of power and digital infrastructure.

Chamber Holds Business Solves Conference – Tomorrow and Wednesday, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation holds its Business Solves conference.  The event gathers business leaders and experts across sectors to share how they tackle pressing societal challenges through innovative, scalable solutions.

Forum Looks at Critical Mineral Refining – The Hudson Institute holds a discussion tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. on Africa's role in addressing America's critical minerals refining vulnerability. The discussion will cover the scale of the challenge, how the US government can better support domestic and allied refining, and how African nations can climb the critical minerals supply chains.

Cato Looks at AI, Energy – The Cato Institute holds a discussion tomorrow at Noon looking at where AI meets energy policy. This event will provide a forward-looking perspective on how AI and energy intersect, and where legislative action may be most effective. Speakers include Sen. Mike Rounds, Cato’s Jennifer Huddleston and NRG’s Travis Fisher.

Forum Tackles Electrification – Tomorrow at 2:00 p.m., the Atlantic Council holds a discussion on innovating for the electrified economy. The event will feature a fireside chat with ABB Chairman Peter R. Voser. The discussion between Voser and Axios’ Ben Geman will explore how technologies and innovation can help bridge the gap between supply and demand, and spotlight how firms can support energy security imperatives while delivering economic growth and geopolitical goals.

CANCELLED – BPC Permitting Summit Features Key Congressional, FERC Leaders – On Wednesday, the Bipartisan Policy Center Permitting Summit 2025 has been cancelled.

Forum Looks at Korea-US Relations – The Center for the National Interest, the Gyeonggi Research Institute, the Korean Association for Policy Studies, and the Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies at JHU’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) are hosting an international conference on the evolving dimensions of U.S.–Korea relations. on Wednesday at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill. This conference will highlight the vital importance of the US–Korea relationship, with two-way trade exceeding $240 billion annually. Much of this exchange connects directly to Gyeonggi Province, Korea’s hub for advanced technology and manufacturing.

Forum Looks at Energy Security – In partnership with Natural Resources Canada and the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, the Atlantic Council will host the 2025 Summit on the Future of Energy Security on Wednesday in Toronto. The summit will convene leaders from government, civil society, and industry to discuss energy security, financing, and cutting-edge technologies. Our friend Grant Isaac of Cameco and Enbridge’s Pete Sheffield are among the long list of great speakers. 

Senate Energy Looks at Historic Preservation – The Senate Energy Committee holds a hearing on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. looking at the Section 106 Consultation Process under the National Historic Preservation Act. 

Senate Votes on Nominees – The Senate Environment Committee holds a business meeting on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. to consider pending nominations, legislation and resolutions.

POLITICO Experts Talk Shutdown – On Wednesday at 1:00 p.m., POLITICO holds briefing for subscribers where a panel will dig into the latest twists of the shutdown. The event covers what has changed since the impasse began, how lawmakers and the White House are recalibrating their strategies, and what tools and deadlines (like the November 1 cutoff) are now shaping the next phase. Expect a clear-eyed look at how the shutdown is impacting federal functions, the food-security of vulnerable communities, and the policy fights yet to come.

Forum Looks at Clean Energy in MENA Region – On Thursday at 10:00 a.m., the Arab Center holds a virtual discussion on energy Transitions in MENA (Middle East and North Africa) for unlocking the region's clean energy potential.

Forum Looks at FEMA Operations – The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) holds a Rapid Readout forum on Thursday at Noon about the status of reform efforts for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Trump Administration and Congress are considering changes to pre-disaster preparedness, disaster response, and post-disaster recovery. This readout will provide background on why FEMA reforms are on the table, unpack how communities could be affected, and outline the most prominent proposal, the bipartisan Fixing Emergency Management for Americans Act of 2025 (H.R.4669).  It will also describe what has happened to date with the FEMA Review Council, established by Executive Order 14180 in January 2025.

IN THE FUTURE

VA, NJ, NY City Election Day – Tuesday November 4^th.

RFF Talks Transportation – Resources for the Future (RFF) holds a webinar with RFF’s scholars moderated by NPR's Camila Domonoske on Tuesday November 4^th at 2:00 p.m. to learn how recent policies and policy proposals may affect critical mineral development, electric vehicle sales and the domestic auto industry, greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable aviation, and more in the latest event in our If/Then series.

Forum Looks at Smarter Transmission Spending – Advanced Energy United holds a webinar on Tuesday November 4^th at 2:00 p.m. to explore how the US can mend the current transmission regulatory gap and advance more beneficial, regionally planned transmission to create a more resilient, affordable, and sustainable energy future nationwide.

Forum Look sat Biofuels Viability – Resources for the Future (RFF) holds a webinar on Wednesday November 5^th featuring a fireside chat between Billy Pizer and Stone Center for Environmental Stewardship expert Robert Bonnie as they discuss research needed into biofuels’ mitigation potential and long-term viability; sectoral roles and deployment barriers; and the design of biofuel policies, including their economic and distributional consequences. This webinar kicks off RFF’s “Future of Biofuels" webinar series, with several expert panels to follow in the coming weeks.

COP 30 Meeting – The 30^th UN climate conference will take place on November 10-21 in Belém, Brazil. The event will bring together world leaders, scientists, non-governmental organizations, and civil society to discuss priority actions to tackle climate change. COP30 will focus on the efforts needed to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C, the presentation of new national action plans (NDCs) and the progress on the finance pledges made at COP29.

NatGas Forum is Set – The North American Gas Forum will be held on December 1^st to 3^rd in Washington, D.C.. to look at issues driving strategy and investment across the U.S. energy landscape. As policy shifts and infrastructure demands intensify, these sessions will set the tone for pragmatic, solutions-driven dialogue. Speakers include Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, AGA CEO Karen Harbert, ACP head Jason Grumet, AXPC head Anne Bradbury and a bunch of industry experts (including our friend Khary Cauthen Of Cheniere).