Energy Update: Week of September 1

Friends,

Welcome Back! We had a few crazy games of poker (O.A.R. Reference for those of you that missed it) over the past few weeks with the IRS guidance on wind and solar, nuclear issues and more stop work orders for nearly-completed wind projects. And we are watching for more in the offshore wind space as soon as this week when we may see an industry-wide offshore wind stop work order. Turn Forward’s Hillary Bright is happy to discuss all these issues. And as for national security, for USS Cole Commander Kirk Lippold discuss that aspect saying many of the issues related to radar interference can be solved by software upgrades and training, He called Burgum’s concerns about an undersea drone attack “a specious argument.” Here is a great quote from Lippold in today’s Politico story:

“If that were true, well then we ought to stop building airplanes. We ought to stop building piers and ships. So when you have an administration that makes a statement like that, it looks like an overactive imagination in search of a justification.”

And it is not just offshore wind…This morning, WaPo’s Evan Halper has an interesting story about the $500 million cement carbon capture grants cancelled by DOE and how they are hurting states and communities in Red states, as well as labor unions, groups that strongly supported President Trump in 2024. Check it out in the link above.

Congress rolls back in slowly this week for the first time in more than a month. There is plenty to do with the first task being trying to keep the government open by the end of the month. The smart money says Congress may look to pass a “skinny” omnibus that incorporates three or four spending bills, then pass a continuing resolution to dispense with the rest, but who knows if that can make. The Senate is on NDAA this week while the House looks ready to vote on the Energy/Water funding, as well as resolutions of disapproval for three BLM rules.   Other things we are watching: 1) EPA efforts to rollback potential regulations related to HFC refrigerants passed in the AIM law (maybe later this week or next), 2) Senate Energy’s Thursday hearing to hear from FERC nominees Laura Swett and David LaCerte, 3) Permitting discussions launching and getting any traction (perhaps with the beginnings of some action in a couple weeks).

On permitting, API will launch a significant ad campaign mostly across platforms in DC encouraging Congress to pass permitting reform. And the Chamber of Commerce will send a letter cosigned by 525 organizations including groups urging lawmakers to make a bipartisan push to update permitting rules. The letter, which was shared with POLITICO this morning (and can get you a copy if you want):

"Across the country, communities and businesses are ready to invest in projects that will strengthen our economy and improve quality of life—from expanding broadband access and upgrading transportation networks, to building innovative energy facilities that will provide new sources of power to meet growing demand, and modernizing drinking water systems. But too often, outdated and inefficient permitting processes stand in the way, delaying these investments and driving up costs."

Not a lot of other action this week as we roll out of summer. Two good events: 1) CSIS’s Thursday afternoon fireside discussion with Jarrod Agen, Executive Director of the White House’s National Energy Dominance Council and 2) The National Press Club hosts Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore for a Thursday Headliners lunch and discussion on the importance of bipartisanship.

So, I successfully rolled through my annual Pelotonia Cancer Charity bike ride at the beginning of the recess. It is such an amazing and inspirational event that never disappoints. You know I ride for my younger brother, Art,  who is fighting brain cancer so this is my opportunity to fight back with him as hard as I can. I am so grateful to those of you who have supported me in the effort and for those of you that may have missed the chance to jump in, as fundraising will close at the end of September.  I would love it if you did: https://www.pelotonia.org/profile/FM735496

Look out on Thursday for the Super Bowl Champion Eagles taking the on the Cowboys, which will launch the 2025 NFL Season.  College Fall Sports got underway over the weekend. Top-ranked Texas fell to defending National Champ Ohio State (but remember, they still lost The Game) on Saturday while Bill Belichick’s high-profile debut at UNC ended in a route to TCU (Remember, his team in not likely to be good this year). I was at Maryland for their NCAA field hockey season opener with Stanford.

Ready to go!!! Call with questions.

Best,

Frank Maisano

(202) 828-5864

C. (202) 997-5932                                                                                                       

FRANKLY SPOKEN

"A lot of them voted for Trump, and they didn’t vote to have their jobs cut. That’s the level of anger right now.”

Patrick Crowley, the president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, said to Bloomberg’s Jen Dlouhy that his members were stung by the administration’s move against the Revolution Wind project which immediately sidelined roughly 1,000 workers.

“I always hate to say, 'it's unprecedented' with the auto industry, but we've never really seen anything like this."

Kevin Roberts, director of industry analytics at CarGurus in a Bloomberg feature on deeply discounted EV lease deals out there as the phaseout of federal tax credits looms.

ON THE PODCAST

Wolak Talks Hydrogen with Energy Mixx – In a recent episode of the podcast The Energy Mixx, host Kym Bolado and energy expert Robert Rapier, Editor in Chief of SHALE Magazine, chat with FCHEA’s Frank Wolak about hydrogen and what is next after the recent law signed by President Trump. 

White House Permitting Expert Visits Bracewell Podcast – In this special episode of The Lobby Shop podcast, guest hosts Scott Segal and Kyle Spencer sit down with Brittany Kelm, Senior Policy Advisor for the White House on the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC). The three of them dive into the mission of the NEDC, the day-to-day role of the Council, and how the NEDC tackles regulatory challenges in advancing U.S. energy production. Brittany also highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement and NEDC’s coordination with other agencies.

FUN OPINIONS

Offshore Wind, Shipbuilding Help National Security – In an op-ed on the National Interest, former Commander of USS Cole Kirk Lippold writes American energy dominance and the nation’s maritime power are inexorably linked together. The recently built ECO Liberty service operations vessel (SOV) on June 28, 2025 was christened by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and First Lady Sharon Landry at the Port of New Orleans, calling the Edison Chouest-built vessel a symbol of “Louisiana’s greatness.” The ship was built with American steel and by over 500 skilled Louisianans to support the Empire Wind 1 project in New York, which will power half a million homes when ready.

FROG BLOG

NE Labor Officials Rage Against Trump Offshore Wind Stop Work Order – Labor union officials in RI/CT, alongside Govs. Dan McKee and Ned Lamont are highlighting the jobs at stake and potential increases in electricity prices. LIUNA President Brent Booker posted in a video on X “LIUNA members who had a good job making American Energy dominant on Friday, don’t have a job to go back to Monday.”

“When the Biden Administration cancelled the Keystone Pipeline in 2020, I was pissed, I am just as pissed – or even more pissed off – today about what the Trump Administration did with this Revolution Wind. This is a big deal.”

See the full hard-hitting video here: https://x.com/gpbrentbooker/status/1959670457512206587?s=46

FUN FACTS

Drilling Shifting to Gas: In an interview with Offshore Technology, API’s vice-president of economics and research sat for a Q&A on Energy independence, federal lands, refinery capacity and the search for new export markets.

Cleantech Manufacturing Investment Inflection Point – Rhodium Group and MIT analysts report cancellation of clean tech manufacturing plans outpaced new investment announcements for the first time in Q2.

IN THE NEWS

White House Keeps Efforts Up to Slow, Block Offshore Wind – The Trump Administration continues its battle to block wind through a series of actions.  It is not a great strategy. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy withdrew or terminated a total of $679 million in funding for 12 doomed offshore wind projects across America. Department of Energy withdrew a $715.8 million loan the Biden administration promised to a New Jersey utility company to help finance a proposed power line transporting offshore wind power to the grid.  Interior issued a stop-work order on August 22^nd for Ørsted's Revolution Wind project off the coast of Rhode Island, citing national security concerns related to potential interference with maritime areas, possibly due to undersea drone attacks. The project, a 704 MW offshore wind farm, was approximately 80% complete when halted.  Finally, there is still another rumor that the Administration will issue an industry-wide stop work order as soon as this week.  Turn Forward’s Hillary Bright is happy to discuss all these issues. And as for national security, for USS Cole Commander Kirk Lippold discuss that aspect saying the Admin is using a “specious argument to create a false narrative about offshore wind.” Lippold adds that offshore wind actually help energy security.

New England ISO Cites Huge Problem if OSW is Not Approved – ISO New England said Revolution Wind has committed to helping meet New England’s demand for electricity, beginning in 2026. The ISO is expecting this project to come online, and it is included in its analyses of near-term and future grid reliability. Delaying the project will increase risks to reliability.  Full statement

As demand for electricity grows, New England must maintain and add to its energy infrastructure. Unpredictable risks and threats to resources—regardless of technology—that have made significant capital investments, secured necessary permits, and are close to completion will stifle future investments, increase costs to consumers, and undermine the power grid’s reliability and the region’s economy now and in the future.

New EIRP Nuclear Report Set Agenda for Nuclear Energy Dominance – A ground-breaking new report from senior leaders in American nuclear energy presents a series of bold recommendations to the Trump administration and lawmakers to help set the course towards American dominance in this global energy sector. The report, “How America Can Achieve Nuclear Energy Dominance,” outlines powerful findings and more than 30 specific recommendations for a comprehensive plan of action, including boosting deployment of new nuclear, domestic supply chain development, promoting U.S. nuclear exports, regulatory reforms, and workforce development. The report comes on the heels of a series of sweeping and potentially historic Executive Orders from President Trump aimed at revitalizing the U.S. nuclear energy industry and accelerating its growth. The report is a product of the Working Group on U.S. Nuclear Energy Dominance, which consists of some of the most experienced and insightful thought-leaders on nuclear energy issues. Chaired by Todd Abrajano, President and CEO of the U.S. Nuclear Industry Council (USNIC), the bipartisan group brings together experts in government, the nuclear energy industry, academia, law, and the financial community. The Working Group’s members represent a who’s who in thought leadership from across the clean energy landscape. Two respected non-profit policy institutes, Energy Innovation Reform Project and the Center for the National Interest, co-sponsored the Working Group. 

IRS Guidance Released – On August 15^th, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Notice 2025-42 on the beginning-of-construction requirements applicable to wind and solar facilities (the Notice). The following is a summary of the Notice. The Details:

• Starting September 2^nd, the 5% safe harbor under prior IRS guidance is no longer available for wind and solar facilities, except in the case of “low output solar facilities.” A low output solar facility is a solar facility that has a maximum net output of not greater than 1.5 megawatts (measured by nameplate generating capacity in alternating current). Multiple solar facilities with integrated operations will be treated as a single facility.
• The physical work test under prior IRS guidance generally continues to apply to all wind and solar facilities.
• The continuity requirement and the continuity safe harbor under prior IRS guidance generally continue to apply to all wind and solar facilities.
• The Notice does not address the beginning-of-construction requirements relevant to certain “foreign entity of concern” (FEOC) rules. The Notice states that the Treasury Department and the IRS are currently drafting guidance related to the FEOC rules.

The Reaction: Most advocates expressed concerns about undercutting renewables unfairly, but felt that it could have been much worse: 

• ACP: “The Treasury Department’s decision to accelerate the phase out of clean energy tax credits undermines the integrity of our energy grid and our legislative process. In the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Congress explicitly chose to provide energy companies with one year to phase out tax credits to keep energy prices low while meeting growing power demand.  We acknowledge and appreciate the hard work of Senators who led the effort to elevate pragmatism over partisanship in the legislative process.  Their continued advocacy to protect this legislative agreement was instrumental in avoiding greater impediments to energy deployment.”
• SEIA: “The Treasury Department’s new guidance to further restrict energy tax credits is part of an unprecedented side deal the administration made with anti-clean energy ideologues to undermine Congress and further harm America’s solar industry. This is a blatant rejection of what Congress passed in H.R. 1, and it threatens thousands of small businesses across the country that are the backbone of our clean energy economy. This is yet another act of energy subtraction from the Trump administration that will further delay the buildout of affordable, reliable power. American families and businesses will pay more for electricity as a result of this action, and China will continue to outpace us in the race for electricity to power AI. We urge the Trump administration to stop the political games, stop punishing businesses, and get serious about how to actually build the power we need right now to meet demand and stay competitive.”
• ACORE: “The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is deeply concerned that today’s Treasury guidance on the long-standing ‘beginning of construction’ safe harbor significantly undermines its proven effectiveness, is inconsistent with the law, and creates unnecessary uncertainty for renewable energy development in the United States. For over a decade, the safe harbor provisions have served as clear, accountable rules of the road – helping to reduce compliance burdens, foster private investment, and ensure taxpayer protections. These guardrails have been integral to delivering affordable, reliable American clean energy while maintaining transparency and adherence to the rule of law. This was recognized in the One Big Beautiful Act, which codified the safe harbor rules, now changed by this action. We need to build more power generation now, and that includes renewable energy. The U.S. will need roughly 118 gigawatts (the equivalent of 12 New York Cities) of new power generation in the next four years to prevent price spikes and potential shortages. Only a limited set of technologies – solar, wind, batteries, and some natural gas – can be built at that scale in that timeframe.”

EPRI Report Sees Large Growth in AI Demand – A new analysis from the Electric Power Research Institute found that total AI power capacity could jump to more than 50 gigawatts by 2030. That is roughly equivalent to the amount of energy produced by 50 large nuclear reactors, which produce around 1 gigawatt of power. At this rate, the report estimated, AI could consume more than 5% of energy generated in the U.S. by 2030. By comparison, current AI power demand is estimated to be at around 5 gigawatts. EPRI launched the DCFlex collaborative last year to demonstrate the technologies, policies, and tools to make data center flexibility a reality. Data center flexibility, including geographically distributed training data centers, could transform data centers from passive customers to grid assets to improve reliability, lower costs, and speed connection. The effort, which brings together over 45 companies, including founding members Google, Meta, NVIDIA, and various utilities, recently launched its first real-world field demonstrations in Lenoir, N.C., Phoenix, Ariz., and Paris, France.

FERC Chair Christies Moves On – The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chair Mark Christie stepped down from his post just six months after President Trump appointed him, leaving the commission with a 2-1 Democratic majority as Trump’s new appointees await Senate approval.

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

Forum Looks at Community engagement Issues – On Wednesday at 2:00 p.m., Heatmap and Bantam Communications hold a joint webinar to explore how developers can use early data and local intelligence to craft smarter, more strategic community engagement efforts. The event will focus on spot opposition risk before it erupts, understand what communities actually care about, and build targeted community engagement campaigns that resonate.

Hydrogen Americas Summit Set for DC Area – The Hydrogen Americas Summit & Exhibition will be held Wednesday and Thursday at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. The event will include a strategic summit, a technology-focused stage, and an exhibition area featuring developments in hydrogen technologies, energy systems, storage, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). The former Director of DOE’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office Sunita Satyapal, former NRC Commissioner Chris Hanson, FCHEA’s Frank Wolak and Plug Power’s Erin Lane all speak.

Senate Energy Jumps to FERC Nominees – The Senate Energy Committee holds a hearing Thursday at 10:00 a.m. to hear from FERC nominees Laura Swett and David LaCerte. They are trying to fill the two empty seats on the five-member commission. 

NPC Headliners Host Govs. Cox, Moore on Bipartisanship – The National Press Club will host Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Maryland Governor Moore for a Headliners lunch and discussion on the importance of bipartisanship on Thursday at 12:30 p.m. at the Club. Utah Republican Gov. Cox and Maryland Democratic Gov. Moore have collaborated on a bipartisan initiative focused on promoting civility and respectful discourse across the political spectrum, titled "Disagree Better".  Especially in today’s hyper-political environment spurred by the recent political redistricting battles, they continue to advocate for finding common ground and encourage others to engage in respectful conversations, recognizing that better policy outcomes can be achieved through healthy debate.

CSIS Hosts Energy Dominance Council Official – On Thursday at 4:00 p.m., the CSIS Energy Security and Climate Change Program hosts a fireside discussion with Jarrod Agen, Executive Director of the White House’s National Energy Dominance Council. Jarrod will share key insights into the National Energy Dominance Council’s goals and the future of energy dominance in the U.S.

House Resources Talks National Parks, 250^th Birthday – The House Natural Resources Committee holds a field hearing on Friday at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming looking at the Great American Outdoors Act and modernizing and maintaining National Parks to celebrate America's 250^th birthday.

IN THE FUTURE

Nuclear Expo Set for Atlanta – At a key time for the nuclear power industry, the American Nuclear Society (ANS) and the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) hold the 2025 Nuclear Energy Conference and Expo on September 8^th to 11^th in Atlanta, GA.  This event brings together a diverse community of nuclear professionals–from industry leaders and regulators to engineers and independent consultants.

Offshore Wind, National Security Comments Due to Commerce Dept – On August 13^th, the Secretary of Commerce initiated an investigation to determine the effects on the national security of imports of wind turbines and their parts and components. This investigation has been initiated under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended (Section 232). Written comments, data, analyses, or other information pertinent to the investigation to the Department of Commerce's (Department) Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Office of Strategic Industries and Economic Security is due on Tuesday September 9^th.

RE+ Set for Vegas – From September 8^th to September 11^th in Las Vegas, NV, the Solar Energy Industries Association and the Smart Electric Power Alliance host RE+ 25. The event is the largest and most comprehensive event in North America for the clean energy industry, RE+ incorporates business opportunities and education content across energy sectors, including solar, energy storage, hydrogen, microgrids, EV charging and infrastructure, and wind energy.

Forum Looks at Ohio River for Series – The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the Ohio River Basin Alliance holds a briefing on Tuesday September 9^th at 9:00 a.m. outlining how policymakers and community stakeholders can help restore the health of the Ohio River. The Ohio River is an important driver of economic growth for the six states it runs through—Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. This briefing will unpack the challenges and opportunities embedded in increasing the health and resilience of the Ohio River Basin. Panelists will address the disproportionate impact of both pollution and flooding on economically disadvantaged communities. Speakers include Reps. Erin Houchin (R-IN) and Morgan McGarvey (D-KY).

Gastech Set for Italy – Gastech, the world’s largest exhibition and conference for natural gas, LNG, hydrogen, climate technologies and AI in energy, will be held in Milan on September 9^th to 12^th.  The even convenes energy sector leaders, policymakers and innovators to power progress and transform the future of energy.

ACP Hosts Clean Manufacturing Forum – The American Clean Power Assn will host a forum on Wednesday September 10^th at 1:00 p.m. on preserving the American clean energy manufacturing renaissance. Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Neil Bradley (U.S. Chamber of Commerce) and Jason Grumet (American Clean Power) for an in-person PowerTalk on how policymakers and clean energy manufacturers are adapting to the new policy landscape and strengthening domestic clean energy supply chains.

National Clean Energy Week to Target New Clean Energy Environonment – Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions and a host of groups will hold National Clean Energy Week from September 15^th to 19^th in Washington, DC. 

Climate Week NYC – Climate Week NYC will be held on September 21^st to 28^th.  The event brings together inspiring heads of government and leaders from the world of business, tech, academia, and civil society. More details here next week.

RNG Forum Set for Nashville – The RNG Coalition holds its RNG Works forum on September 23^rd to 25^th in Nashville, TN. The Workshop program and Trade Expo combine to educate, demonstrate and promote RNG industry best practices, for purposes of helping realize sustainable development, deployment and utilization of RNG and other renewable gas to achieve greater energy reliability and improve access to clean, renewable fuel, heat, power and products.

Forum Looks at AI Challenges, Power Needs – The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) holds a briefing on Thursday September 25^th at 3:30 p.m. discussing the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change in federal policy-making. While AI can aid in climate resilience and boost economic competitiveness, it is also on a trajectory to increase energy demand, greenhouse gas emissions, and water usage. This briefing will provide a foundational understanding of AI’s role in the climate and energy arena. Panelists will discuss the massive energy and water needs of data centers that run AI algorithms. They will also lay out how the technology is already being put to use—from precision agriculture to resilient grid infrastructure and improved weather forecasting. The briefing will highlight the frontiers of AI, including the federal government’s role in research and development at the Department of Energy’s National Laboratories, and will explore Congress’s role in aligning the rapid rise of AI development and usage with global goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts.

Offshore Wind Conference Tackles Challenges – ACP holds its annual Offshore Windpower Conference in Boston’s Hynes Convention Center on October 7^th and 8^th. This year’s event is built around the work offshore wind stimulates—across ports, transmission, shipbuilding, manufacturing, steel production, and workforce training. We are creating the space for the conversations shaping what comes next for the offshore wind industry.

LA Biz Council Sustainability Summit Set – The Los Angeles Business Council’s 19^th Sustainability Summit will be held in LA on Thursday October 9^th at USC. Speakers will include LA County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath, CEC Commissioner Nancy Skinner< Cal Resource s Secretary Wade Crowfoot, Cal ISO CEO Elliot Mainzer and any more.

Hydro Forum to Explore New Opportunities – The National Hydropower Association holds its Clean Currents forum from October 14^th to 17^th in Pittsburgh, PA.