Energy Update: Week of September 11

Friends,

September 11^th is always a solemn day…and after 22 years it still hurts just as much, especially after watching the 60 Minutes feature last night on FDNY’s story. Hard to watch, but essential to remember.

Staying in NYC, it was a historic moment for 19-year-old Coco Gauff winning Women’s title at the US Open. And of course, Novak Djokovic won his 24^th Grand Slam title with a straight set victory over Daniil Medvedev.  That was a great 3 weeks of tennis.

Congress returns in full this week with appropriations on its mind. Leadership plans to devote Tuesday to a series of suspension votes, before turning its attention to the Defense Department appropriations bill on Wednesday and Thursday. One the key votes in House Rules tomorrow and on the floor Thursday is House Energy Chair McMorris-Rodgers (and others’) legislation to prevent California from getting a waiver for its strict fuel economy rules and ban the sale of ICE cars. 

Speaking of waivers, on Friday the U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit will hear oral arguments in a series of cases brought by Republican AGs over Biden administration vehicle policies, including threshold claims about whether critics have standing to pursue the suits and whether the rules represent “major questions” subject to strict court scrutiny.

The most interesting hearing with be Wednesday’s House Energy panel hearing on power grid challenges. At the same time Wednesday, Senate Environment also looks at the impacts of extreme heat on transportation, while House Resources looks at critical minerals and House Energy Oversight hosts EPA IG Sean O’Donnell on the school bus program. On Thursday, Secretary Granholm heads to the House Science Committee to discuss DOE science and tech priorities. Finally, House Oversight looks into CEQ and potential overreach efforts.

AGA hosts the Potential Gas Committee Thursday morning to discuss the evolving state of America’s natural gas resources and reserves as we move into winter. You won’t want to miss that.

The Business Roundtable brings in some 230 CEOs for meetings in Washington as well this week and we know climate and clean energy will be on some of their agenda.

Finally, the BPC holds a forum on Thursday looking at hydrogen’s potential to tackle critical energy challenges by providing a secure domestic source of reliable energy and reducing emissions from difficult-to-decarbonize sectors such as manufacturing and transportation.

Get ready for Climate week next week with early events on Monday feature ClearPath and API and Tuesday feature the cement industry.  Call with questions.

                                                                                                                                         

FRANKLY SPOKEN      

 “Lowering standards further would harm America’s ability to revitalize our supply chains and manufacturing, as well as to restore and revitalize our nation’s infrastructure. In addition, the current reconsideration is discretionary and not required by the Clean Air Act as the existing standards were just reviewed in 2020. The inability to comply with these near-background level standards could lead to consequences such as onerous permitting requirements that would freeze manufacturing and supply chain investments, as well as other unintended consequences."

24 Trade groups in a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan on potential NAAQS standards changes.

 

ON THE PODCAST

Goodell Talks Heat, Climate  – This week on the Columbia Energy Exchange podcast, host Bill Loveless talks with author and journalist Jeff Goodell about his new book “The Heat Will Kill You First: Life and Death on a Scorched Planet”. Jeff has covered climate change for more than two decades. His book examines the impact that rising temperatures will have on our planet. Jeff has also written books on rising seas, sinking cities, and the coal industry. He is a 2020 Guggenheim Fellow and a contributing editor at Rolling Stone. 

 

FUN OPINIONS

Leaders Call for More Action on Renewables – In an opinion in POLITICO, Leaders from the EU, Africa and the Caribbean called for a tripling of the renewable energy used globally. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Kenya President William Ruto and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley called for the world to set a common maximum horizon in the form of global goals to triple renewable energy capacity and double annual savings of energy use by 2030.

 

FROG BLOG

Lease Cancellation, More Uncertainty – API’s Mark Green write in the API EnergyTomorrow Blog that last week’s ANWR lease cancellations by the Biden Administration is more policy incoherence from the White House and weakens future energy security.  Green writes by now, Americans should expect incoherence from Washington on energy policy – the one-step-forward, two- (or more) steps-backward tactics that serve to undermine American oil investment and production. He also adds that Alaskans, including Indigenous Peoples reacted bitterly.  Finally, he adds the ANWR decision is a reminder that safe oil and natural gas development in ANWR has not been well understood for decades – and still is.

 

FUN FACTS

LNG Imports Rolling – Three countries began importing LNG this year (Germany, Philippines, and Vietnam) and next year, Antigua, Australia, Cyprus, and Nicaragua will begin importing LNG. In spite of the fact that importing LNG requires substantial and expensive regasification infrastructure, in the last 10 years global LNG imports have grown 49% across 48 total countries; Asia (with or without China) is by far the fastest growing market. Insert: LNG import capacity by region, in billion cubic feet per day:

(Data from US EIA)

 

IN THE NEWS

New BPC Group, Report Highlights Importance of NatGas to Clean Energy Future – The Bipartisan Policy Center announced the formation of the Future of Natural Gas Policy Initiative, a group of experts representing natural gas producers, utilities, clean power companies, former energy regulators, labor, and environmental organizations, to review and clarify the role that natural gas can play in the energy transition. The group will seek to produce a thoughtful and pragmatic national policy agenda for natural gas that aligns economic, social, and environmental priorities by the end of this year. Reliable and low-cost natural gas has underpinned a strong American economy and played a significant role in displacing higher-emitting coal power emissions. At the same time, there is an imperative to accelerate deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. This diverse coalition of participants agree at a high level there exists a set of conditions that, if met, would allow an enhanced natural gas system in the United States to proceed in a manner that provides sufficient certainty to both the industry and its commercial partners as well as to stakeholders seeking assurance that the climate risks of continued natural gas development are managed and reduced to negligible levels over time.

1. The group will focus on developing policy recommendations in six key areas:
2. Upstream value-chain emissions;
3. Natural gas infrastructure;
4. Deployment of decarbonized fuels;
5. The role of natural gas for export;
6. End-use emissions through energy efficiency and other end-user solutions such as carbon capture and storage; and
7. Support for domestic employment, union jobs and workforce development in the natural gas sector

The initiative is a consensus-based effort that relies on principled, evidence-based deliberation and constructive compromise. As such, the members should be understood to be working towards support for an eventual set of policy recommendations as a package, but not necessarily every idea in isolation. The principal members of the BPC Future of Natural Gas Policy Initiative include:

• Maryam Brown, President, SoCalGas
• Ralph Cavanagh, Energy Co-Director, NRDC
• Neil Chatterjee, Former FERC Chairman
• Marty Durbin, Senior VP, US Chamber
• Jason Grumet, CEO, American Clean Power
• Jim Kerr, CEO, Southern Company Gas
• Yvonne McIntyre, Vice President, PG&E
• Rich Powell, CEO, ClearPath
• Toby Rice, President & CEO, EQT
• Conrad Schneider, Advocacy Director, Clean Air Task Force
• Rob Smith, VP of Regulatory Affairs, Cheniere
• Samantha Smith, Senior Advisor to the President, AFL-CIO
• Norm Szydlowski, BPC Advisor & Former CEO, Colonial Pipeline
• Jeff Wilson, VP of Public & Government Affairs, Devon

CA Leaders Call for Flexible Hydrogen Rules – California leaders, including Gov. Newsom, have called on the US Treasury to allow green hydrogen produced using power from existing renewables projects to qualify for the federal clean hydrogen tax credits, despite concerns from opponents that say it could increase overall power-sector emissions. The Treasury department is currently finalizing rules on hydrogen production. In addition to Newsom’s comments, the state-organized Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) — a public-private partnership seeking up to $1 billion in funding from the federal Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program — argues against all these measures. ARCHES says that requirements for additionality, geographical correlation, and strict power matching will put hydrogen at a disadvantage compared to other energy technologies by adding to the cost of production.

Industry Trades Urge EPA to Maintain Current NAAQS Standards – Twenty-four major industry trade groups sent a letter to Administrator Michael Regan to urge EPA to maintain the existing National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter. Lowering standards further would harm America’s ability to revitalize our supply chains and manufacturing, as well as to restore and revitalize our nation’s infrastructure. In addition, the current reconsideration is discretionary and not required by the Clean Air Act as the existing standards were just reviewed in 2020.

Gevo, USDA Announce Agreement on Carbon Accounting for Farmers -- Gevo has finalized and executed a Notice of Grant and Agreement Award with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for a Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grant of up to $30 million for Gevo’s Climate-Smart Farm-to-Flight Program. This program is aimed at tracking and quantifying the carbon-intensity (CI) impact of climate-smart practices while creating market incentives for low CI corn to help accelerate production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and low-CI ethanol.

"Our Farm-to-Flight Program, under this USDA grant, aims to count all the carbon at the field level and reward farmers on a performance basis for delivering low-CI corn, as well as to accelerate the production of SAF to reduce dependency on fossil-based fuel," says Dr. Paul Bloom, Chief Carbon Officer and Chief Innovation Officer for Gevo, and Head of Verity. "The program will also focus on deploying our Verity Tracking platform with farmers to help them measure, report and verify their CI reductions."

New Research Underscores Importance of Natural Gas to Hospitality Sector – AGA released a study that underscores the critical role natural gas plays in the U.S. hospitality sector. “Advancing America’s Hospitality: The Value of Natural Gas to the U.S. Hospitality Sector,” the second in AGA’s Advancing America series, examines how natural gas is essential for a healthy hospitality sector. The study underscores the significant economic impact that would be felt throughout the U.S. economy if natural gas was not an available energy source—impacting the cost for consumers on everything from vacations to eating out with a cumulative increase in net costs of nearly $10 billion between 2026 and 2050.  According to the study, “$9.8 billion from 2026 to 2050 is roughly $2,600 per capita or $11,600 for a family of four,” equally about $500 per year per family of four. That means fewer vacations and less going out to eat for the average family.

“The threat to natural gas cooking goes right to the heart and soul of the restaurant industry. There are certain types of food and certain culinary techniques that require a flame for consistency and quality,” said National Restaurant Association Executive Vice President for Public Affairs Sean Kennedy. “More than 3 in 4 restaurant operators have built their menus – which are essentially the core of their business plans – using gas for cooking. The loss of this option would not only be a devastating financial blow for operators and consumers as this report highlights, but it would forever change the restaurant landscape in any impacted community.”

Findings of the report include:

• Replacing natural gas would cost the hospitality sector $9.8 billion between 2026 and 2050. That does not account for equipment replacement costs or any increase in electricity prices due to increased demand.  
• The increase in cost to the median U.S. family would be $500 per year.
• These costs would be imposed on an exceptionally low-margin sector – restaurants have average profit margins of 3-5 percent; hotels have a net margin of 1.1% and entertainment and recreation operates at a 0.9% margin.
• The U.S. hospitality sector is over-indexed in terms of its impact on state and local government finances, accounting for a significant portion of tax revenue.

CRES Names 2023 Congressional Clean Energy Champions – Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) named US Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) as well as US Reps. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) as the 2023 CRES Clean Energy Champions.  Each year, CRES awards federal policymakers with the Clean Energy Champion award as a testament to their work supporting commonsense clean energy and climate legislation that protects our communities as well as our economy and to celebrate their commitment to building a clean energy future for America. The 2022 awardees were Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Representatives Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa). 

 

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

Forum Focused on Solar – The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) hold RE+ 2023 today to Thursday. The forum developed by the nation’s leading solar energy organizations reflects an ongoing entrepreneurial approach to renewing best practices across the clean energy landscape as the marketplace evolves.

Forum Looks at New South Leaders – The Center for Global Development and the Policy Center for the New South hold a virtual conference, today and tomorrow on perspectives of the Global South on Multilateral Development Ban Reform.

Forum Looks at One-Year IRA in WV – The American Security Project holds a forum today at 3:30 p.m. on IRA opportunities at one year for West Virginia. The event will feature a discussion as speakers explore what’s possible for West Virginia’s small businesses, communities & citizens.

CSIS Looks at Summer Climate Shocks – The Center for Strategic and International Studies holds a virtual discussion today at 5:00 p.m. on 2023’s Summer climate shocks. The CSIS Bipartisan Alliance for Global Health Security event will explore the issues looking at the climate science, global health and food and water security challenges.  Speakers include CSIS experts Joe Majkut (climate), Stephen Morrison (Global Health Policy Center) and Caitlin Welsh, (Global Food and Water Security).

RNG Forum Set – The Coalition for RNG holds RNG WORKS tomorrow to Thursday in Nashville. The event educates, demonstrates and promotes RNG industry best practices, for purposes of helping realize sustainable development, deployment and utilization of renewable natural gas - and for purposes of helping achieve greater energy independence and access to domestic, renewable, clean fuel and energy supply.

Forum Addresses Infrastructure Resilience – Tomorrow at 9:30 a.m., the American Society of Civil Engineers holds a discussion on making our infrastructure future-ready. The event will look at modern building standards to support resilient communities and focus on preparations for flooding, earthquakes, tornadoes and wind events.

WRI Looks at UN Report – Tomorrow at 9:30 a.m., the World Resources Institute will hold a forum to unpack the UN’s Global Stocktake Synthesis Report. Climate experts will unpack the main findings from the United Nations’ synthesis report on climate action and outline concrete opportunities for how the Global Stocktake at the COP28 climate summit can serve as a springboard for bold steps to rapidly decarbonize economies.

USEA to Address Utilities Transition – The US Energy Assn holds a forum tomorrow at Noon looking at the transformative future for utilities. From the wide adoption of renewable energy to new storage and new generation, including hydrogen and small modular reactors, the future is full of many hurdles and lots of excitement. Underlying it all is climate change and the growing importance of electricity in everything. Experts include CPS Energy CEO Rudy Garza, NERC VP Howard Gugel, Energy Futures Initiative expert and former DOE official Melanie Kenderdine, Rayburn Electric Cooperative CEO David Naylor and others.  Reporters will include AP’s Matt Daly, WSJ’s Jennifer Hiller, Forbes Ken Silverstein and Utility Dive’s Herman Trabish.

Forum to Look at Minnesota Utility Carbon Reductions – ICF International holds a forum tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. looking at CenterPoint Energy’s Plan to Reduce Carbon Emissions.  CenterPoint Energy, Minnesota’s largest natural gas utility, will share details of its innovative proposal to reduce carbon emissions, including renewable natural gas & hydrogen, a networked geothermal district energy system, end-use carbon capture, and advanced energy efficiency.

E&E Forum To Look at Carbon Capture – E&E News holds a forum tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. with reporters Jean Chemnick, Carlos Anchondo, Corbin Hiar and Mike Soraghan to discuss the current state of play for carbon capture and where the emerging industry could be headed. Efforts to capture carbon pollution from smokestacks and the atmosphere have received strong support from Congress and the White House. Yet questions remain about the technology, economics, infrastructure and community support needed to scale up the carbon capture projects that the Biden administration is counting on to meet its climate goals. Will the legislative and regulatory incentives for carbon capture, pipelines and storage sites be enough to build a viable new industry?

Forum Looks at Climate-Smart Farms – The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) holds a briefing tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. that explores the latest advancements in agricultural research, technology, and practices. The briefing will also explore how new policies could further support ongoing agricultural research. Among the speakers will be Stanford’s David Hayes, former Special Assistant to President Biden for Climate Policy.

CSIS Looks a Water Access, Security – The Center for Strategic and International Studies Project on Prosperity and Development holds a discussion tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. on water access, livelihoods and security.

Forum Looks at Extreme Heat – Tomorrow at 2:00 p.m., Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment holds a forum on rising temperatures and increased heat.  The event will look at climate change modeling. To describe 2023 temperatures as the new normal is inaccurate; we are just beginning to feel the effects of a changing climate, and things will likely get worse.

Forum to Look at Brazil – The Business Council for International Understanding holds a virtual discussion tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. looking at Brazil's commitment to making climate change and the protection of nature a priority.  The event will also look at the Brazilian Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's new initiatives and opportunities for collaboration with the private sector across industries including agriculture, information and communications technology and life sciences.

BPC Addresses Ag Carbon Market – The Bipartisan Policy Center holds a symposium Wednesday morning looking at new horizons for the agricultural carbon market. The voluntary carbon market is expected to grow from $2 billion in 2021 to $10-40 billion by 2030. Agricultural carbon credits today comprise only about 1% of all carbon credits issued, but innovations to reduce livestock enteric methane emissions are poised to substantially grow. Former Ag Secretary Dan Glickman and former long-time Senate Ag Committee Director Chuck Conner are among the speakers.

Forum Looks at IRA, Treasury Policies – The Business Council for International Understanding holds a virtual discussion Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. on the overall strategy and direction of the Treasury Department's climate policies, including implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act.

House Resources Looks at USGS Critical Minerals – The House Natural Resources Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee holds a hearing Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. examining the methodology and structure of the US Geological Survey's Critical Minerals List.

House Energy Tackles Grid Challenges – The House Energy and Commerce Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee holds a hearing Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. on enhancing reliability and efficiency to power American homes.

Senate Environment Looks at Extreme Heat, Transportation – The Senate Environment Committee holds a hearing on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. looking at the effects of extreme heat and weather on transportation.

House Energy Looks at School Bus Program – The House Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee holds a hearing on Wednesday 10:30 a.m. to look at an audit of the EPA's Clean School Bus Program.

DOE Looks at Offshore Wind – DOE holds a webinar on Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. looking at US offshore wind environmental effects. Speakers will share the latest research on the potential environmental effects of offshore wind energy development, including minimization and monitoring strategies.

House Resources Oversight Looks at CEQ Overreach – The House Resources Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee holds a hearing Thursday at 10:00 a.m. examining systemic government overreach at CEQ.

Granholm Heads to House Science for Science, Tech Priorities – The House Science Committee holds a hearing on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. featuring Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and discuss DOE’s science and technology priorities.

NatGas Winter Outlook Forecast – The AGA will be hosting its Potential Gas Committee forum for a hybrid media event on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. to discuss the evolving state of America’s natural gas resources and reserves as we move into winter. Dr. Stephen Sonnenberg, Interim Executive Director of the Potential Gas Committee will provide details and insights of a comprehensive evaluation of technically recoverable resources of natural gas in the United States. All attendees are asked to RSVP in advance with their choice of virtual or in-person attendance.  Please email Adam Kay at akay@aga.org for a meeting link or to register.

Wilson Looks at China Clean Energy – The Wilson Center’s China Environment Forum holds a discussion on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. on China’s clean energy partnerships in the Global South.  Energy partnerships between China and the Global South over the past decade have been heavy on highly polluting fossil fuel infrastructure. Since 2021, China has started a pivot towards a greener Belt & Road Initiative, emphasizing clean energy investments & projects. The event will look at this transition.

BPC Focuses on Hydrogen – On Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at the US Capitol’s Senate Visitors Center, the BPC holds another forum on hydrogen’s potential to tackle critical energy challenges by providing a secure domestic source of reliable energy and reducing emissions from difficult-to-decarbonize sectors such as manufacturing and transportation. This congressional lunchtime briefing will examine the ways the private sector and the Federal government are working together to spur a U.S. hydrogen economy and how the Department of Energy is partnering with the private sector to achieve these goals. Speakers will include DOE Office of Technology Transitions Director Vanessa Chan, industry and Plug Power’s Erin Lane.

CAP Looks at State Climate Policies – The Center for American Progress holds a virtual discussion on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. on implementing America’s clean energy future. The event will look at leveraging Federal investments to support State and Local climate leadership.

Forum Looks at Marine Carbon Removal – American U’s Institute for Carbon Removal Law and Policy holds a forum on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. the role a marine-based carbon dioxide removal in combating climate change. While there are promising prospects for marine-based carbon removal approaches to effectuate substantial sequestration of carbon dioxide, there are also concerns about the potential ramifications of these approaches for sensitive ocean ecosystems.

DOE Forum Focused on SAF – DOE’s Bioenergy office in collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL) holds a forum on Thursday at 3:00 p.m. on Sustainable Aviation Fuel opportunities with bioenergy and how the Bioenergy Research and Education Bridge (BRIDGES) Program, a case study-based bioenergy education curriculum, can be incorporated. BETO and its partners have developed toolkits for four case studies covering Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), upcycling plastics, bioenergy feedstocks, and waste-to-energy potential. Each case study toolkit includes a student and instructor guide and is focused on authentic research and development (R&D) scenarios using bioenergy technologies. A major advantage of teaching with BRIDGES case studies is that students will develop and strengthen skills in problem solving, complex decision making, and understanding R&D dynamics.

R St Looks at AI, Energy – The R Street Institute holds a discussion on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. looking at Artificial Intelligence, energy and the future of high-powered computing. As AI continues to play a greater role in the economy, energy demand by the data centers that drive it is also increasing—making it necessary to explore the interconnection between AI and energy. While AI may increase energy use, it also has promise for increasing energy efficiency.

Forum Looks at Nuclear – The Carnegie Institution for Science holds a forum on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. on opportunities and challenges for advanced nuclear energy. The panel of experts will update and engage the audience about the state-of-the-art technology and future directions for its deployment, the rapidly evolving opportunities and challenges of deploying hundreds of advanced nuclear reactors in the U.S. and globally.

AU Hosts Jennifer Morgan – On Friday at 10:00 a.m., AU’s School of International Service holds a forum on Climate foreign policy with Jennifer Morgan. Morgan is the State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Action in the German Federal Foreign office. She will lay out Germany’s approach to climate foreign policy and to building new partnerships and priorities ahead of the upcoming UN climate conference COP28.

BCSE Hosts Masdar Exec to Discuss COP 28 – The Business Council for Sustainable Energy and the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council are holding a luncheon discussion on Friday at Noon at Cafe Milano in DC with Mohamed Al Ramahi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar). The event will also be live via Zoom. Al Ramahi will discuss Masdar’s plans to become one of the world’s largest renewable energy companies by 2030 by growing its clean energy capacity to 100 GW and 1 million tons per year of green hydrogen production. He will review Masdar’s extensive activities in the United States, where it has invested heavily in renewable energy and plans to invest further through the Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE). He will also preview Masdar's goals, objectives and expectations for COP28, which will be held in the U.A.E. this year.

 

IN THE FUTURE

Climate Week NYC – Climate Week NYC starts on Sunday September 17^th with the Opening Ceremonies. On Monday and Tuesday, September 18-19, Climate Group hosts The Hub Live, Climate Week NYC’s interactive program for innovative solutions, technologies and ideas that drive forward climate action now.

Atlantic Council Hosts Nuclear Energy Policy Summit – The Atlantic Council hosts its 2023 Nuclear Energy Policy Summit on accelerating net-zero nuclear. With nuclear energy set to play an indispensable role in achieving net-zero by 2050, the Summit represents an unparalleled opportunity to situate nuclear energy at the center of the conversation around climate and financing the energy transition.

WaPo Forum Looks at Women Leaders on Climate – Next Monday at 3:30 p.m., Washington Post Live This is Climate hosts a forum with women leaders on climate change.  The event will feature women who are reshaping climate leadership around the world as diplomats, policymakers, scientists and activists on the frontlines. They will discuss innovative solutions to tackle a warming planet, and how women have been disproportionately affected by the climate crisis.

ClearPath, API Host Forum – Next Monday, API and ClearPath host an event at Climate Week NYC.

Cement Industry Highlights Climate Approach in NYC – Next Tuesday at 8:00 a.m., the Portland Cement Association (PCA) and the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) will hold two panel discussions at Climate Week NYC, both centered on the robust, collective effort the cement industry needs to enable us to cross the carbon-free finish line. Panel one will discuss carbon capture, while the second looks at getting to carbon neutrality with alternatives like alt fuels, alt raw materials and energy efficiency. The event will feature cement executives, NGO and Government officials. The event will be at 1250 Broadway.

Forum Looks at Green Fraud – The Woodrow Wilson Center holds a forum on Tuesday September 19^th at 9:00 a.m. on combating green corruption and fighting financial crime as a driver of environmental degradation. The event will highlight the “Green Corruption” approach to tackling nature crime, as well as measures taken by Governments, civil society and international actors in response. Speakers will explore best practices and concrete examples in fighting Green Corruption.

ACORE Forum on ESG Set for Climate Week – The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) along with Climate Action and UNEP FI hold the 8^th annual Sustainable Investment Forum North America, during Climate Week NYC on September 19^th. The Forum will bring together industry leaders in sustainable finance and responsible investment, providing a platform to share best practices in financing the net-zero transition.

NYU Law Holds Conference – The Institute for Policy Integrity holds its annual conference, co-hosted by the Urban Future Lab, on Tuesday September 19^th in NYC.  The event will focus on policies and programs that can help speed the shift to a clean and equitable energy future in the United States. Experts from the federal government, the private sector, and research organizations will discuss such topics as technology-forcing regulations, equity in the energy transition, and efforts to spur demand for emerging technologies. Speakers will include FERC’s Conrad Bolston, EPA’s Tomás Carbonell and Alejandra Nunez, DOE’s Anne Finken and Kate Larsen of the Rhodium Group. 

ACORE Forum to Look at Transmission – The American Council on Renewable Energy holds an on-line forum on Tuesday, September 19^th at 1:00 p.m. on the planning, operational and marketing benefits of HVDC transmission for system operators. A new report highlights the capabilities of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission technologies and the benefits they offer regional power system operators. Panelists will discuss recommendations to address challenges in deploying HVDC technologies.

Forum to Discuss Solar/Storage – The Clean Energy States Alliance next Tuesday September 19^th at 3:00 p.m. holds a forum on predevelopment funding for LMI solar and storage projects. A predevelopment process for a solar or solar+storage project is essential to deciding whether the project can and should move forward. Predevelopment includes site identification, financial modeling, estimating equipment and installer expenses, and customer outreach and enrollment.

Forum to Focus on Innovation – The Embassy of Switzerland in the US hosts a forum on Tuesday September 19^th at 5:30 p.m. on climate innovations in the Alpine region.  The event features a discussion on Alpine countries will present some of their latest research & technology dedicated to environmental needs in the Alps and the Arctic.

FP Hold UN Week Events – With the 78^th UN General Assembly, Foreign Policy will hold FP @ UNGA 78 to explore the most pressing, complex, and interconnected global issues. Through a series of public briefings, roundtable discussions and forums, the events will examine the global energy transition, food security and sustainability, pandemic preparedness, universal health coverage, and the implications of digital transformation across the world. The events start next Tuesday at The Westin New York Grand Central for a discussion on artificial intelligence and the future of healthy cities. Then, on Wednesday Sept 20, FP delves into the health challenges posed by climate change, the future of universal health coverage, how we can strengthen food security amidst complex global challenges and the role of diagnostics in achieving SDGs. Finally, on Thursday Sept 21, experts on the role of technology in shaping international relations, and the global energy transition.

House Science to Look at Federal Contracting – The House Science Committee is expected to hold a hearing on Tuesday September 19^th at 10:00 a.m. to look at Federal contracting requirements and additional burdens they pose on businesses.

ASE Holds Efficiency Gala – The Alliance to Save Energy will celebrate the 31^st annual Evening With the Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards Gala on Tuesday September 19^th at the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC. The Gala draws hundreds of energy efficiency leaders from industry, government and academia together for an evening honoring the best and brightest in energy efficiency.

EPA’s Freedhoff, Rep Johnson Headline Chamber Chemistry Summit– On Wednesday September 20^th starting at 9:00 a.m., the US Chamber is holding its Chemistry Solutions Summit. This event will feature expert voices from Congress, the Administration, and industry to discuss the most important issues and innovation facing the chemical value chain. Speakers will include EPA Chemical office head Michel Freedhoff and Rep Bill Johnson, among others.

Forum Tackles Battery Decommissioning – The Clean Energy States Alliance holds an event on Wednesday September 20^th at 1:00 p.m. on battery decommissioning, recycling and reuse. Presenters will discuss how to plan ahead for battery decommissioning, explain the state of the battery recycling industry, and address possibilities for reuse of partly-expended EV batteries in stationary storage applications.

Forum Looks at Latin American Energy Transition – On Wednesday at 6:00 p.m., the Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP) at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) holds a discussion on the recent political and geopolitical developments and their potential impact on Latin American Countries’ energy transition, the region’s role in global energy markets, global supply chains and on the critical mining commodities that are necessary for the global clean energy transition.

WRI Looks at AI for Climate Action – The World Resources Institute holds a forum on Thursday September 21^st at 9:00 a.m. to look at harnessing the positive potential of AI for urban climate action. The event will look at some of the emerging ideas, technologies, and solutions that organizations are advancing worldwide to address the ongoing climate crisis. Speakers will discuss the potential & challenges of leveraging technologies like Artificial Intelligence to accelerate climate action.

Forum to Look at Hybrid Power Plants – DOE’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory holds a forum on Thursday September 21^st at 1:00 p.m. to look at the status of operating hybrid power plants. Improving battery technology and the growth of variable renewable generation are driving a surge of interest in “hybrid” power plants that combine, for example, wind or solar generating capacity with co-located batteries.

Forum Address Ocean Solutions – The World Resources Institute holds a forum on Thursday September 21^st at 3:00 p.m. looking at the ocean as a solution to climate change. Rising greenhouse gas emissions have had devastating effects on sea life, coral reefs, and coastal communities. However, research in the last few years has brought to light the ocean’s potential to not be just a ‘victim’ of the climate crisis, but also a ‘solution’ to tackling it.

Columbia Forum Looks at Battery Transition Issues – On Thursday September 21^st at 6:00 p.m., the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University's School of International Public Affairs (CGEP) and Columbia Electrochemical Energy Center (CEEC) along with other influential figures across the battery supply chain, environmental groups, civil society stakeholders, and analytical experts holds a forum on balancing lithium production, investment, and policies for a sustainable energy transition. The event will foster a comprehensive and well-rounded conversation that considers tradeoffs from multiple perspectives by bringing together key players from various sectors to encourage an inclusive and open dialogue that delves into the complexities and challenges of lithium supply and its impact on the energy transition.

Critical Mineral Forum Set – The Colorado School of Mines and the Payne Institute for Public Policy are hosting their annual Critical Minerals Symposium on September 21 and 22^nd in Golden, CO to convene world-class experts from government, business, investment and academics to engage in thoughtful discussion regarding the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the production and use of critical minerals, both internationally and domestically. The transition to a low carbon future will require an enormous amount of metals and minerals. Many of the key technologies, from renewable energy to electric vehicles, are witnessing dramatic growth. Critical minerals will become the backbone of the modern economy. However, the increase in demand for critical minerals will have profound impacts on the dynamics of trade, markets, and create new geopolitical challenges. Building on a long history of leadership in this area, Colorado School of Mines Critical Minerals Symposium will address these issues and more.

Clean Energy Week – National Clean Energy week will be held on September 25^th to 29^th. National Clean Energy Week is a celebration of the policies, industries, and innovations that power our daily lives while producing no or very little greenhouse gas emissions.

Forum to Look at Green Buildings – On Tuesday September 26^th to Friday September 29^th, the U.S. Green Building Council holds Greenbuild 2023: Building Transformation in Washington. Greenbuild’s theme highlights the decades-long legacy and unwavering commitment of the green building movement to transforming the built environment to serve, prepare and protect our communities in a rapidly changing world. The event will commemorate the USGBC’s 30th anniversary and mark the debut of LEED v5, the latest iteration of the LEED green building program that advances decarbonization, equity, health, biodiversity, and resilience in the built environment.

Natural Gas Conference Set – Hart Energy LIVE's second America’s Natural Gas conference will be held on September 27^th in Houston and will focus on gas growth potential from the Marcellus and Haynesville to gas fairways in the Permian, Eagle Ford, and Gulf of Mexico. This conference unites American gas and energy players with world-leading influential experts, policymakers, decision-makers and business leaders to share their views on the significant issues shaping the global energy agenda.

RFF to Hold Geoengineering Forum – Resources for the Future (RFF) on September 28 and 29, for “Solar Geoengineering Futures: Interdisciplinary Research to Inform Decisionmaking", a two-day conference focused on the key questions informing ongoing research and decisionmaking on solar geoengineering. This hybrid event will feature an interdisciplinary group of leading solar geoengineering experts exploring the major challenges, uncertainties, and potential benefits related to this emerging set of technologies.

Forum to Look at Methane Issues, Policy – OurEnergyPolicy and bp America are a holding a luncheon Friday September 29^th at Noon at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Room 217 on methane policy and issues. The event will kick off with opening remarks from Tomás Carbonell, followed by a panel featuring Carrie Jenks, Jon Goldstein, and Isabel Mogstad, moderated by Kyle Danish. The panel discussion will focus on business issues, climate challenges, and regulations regarding methane.

DOE to Host Hydrogen Forum – The Hydrogen Americas 2023 Summit & Exhibition will be co-hosted by the US Department of Energy and the Sustainable Energy Council (SEC) on October 2^nd and 3^rd in Washington D.C. 2023 will be a defining year for the hydrogen sector globally, with public and private sector investments flooding the market. The U.S. has taken the lead with its funding announcements, including the Inflation Reduction Act which is seen as a game changer. The EU, Canada and Australia are responding to the U.S. announcements with their own funding schemes, fueling a hydrogen race. The event features over 3000 industry leaders from across the value chain, including government representatives, hydrogen and energy stakeholders, service providers and offtakers who will be showcasing their latest technologies, project developments and policies.

SAF Forum Set For Houston – The Sustainable Aviation Futures series travels to North America on October 2^nd to 4^th in Houston to promote the development and adoption of practical solutions to produce and develop SAF and decarbonize the aviation sector. The event will combine structured networking activities alongside over 120 expert perspectives and more than 20 hours of content. Sustainable Aviation Futures North America will showcase the latest strategies for decarbonization, key industry challenges and exciting opportunities for airlines, corporates and fuel producers. DOE’s Valerie Sarisky-Reed, Gevo’s Tim Cesarek and Clean Fuels Alliance America’s Kurt Kovarik will speak.

Offshore Wind Forum Set for Boston – America’s Clean Power holds the Offshore WINDPOWER 2023 Conference & Exhibition on October 3^rd and 4^th in Boston, MA. The event has cultivated a dedicated and thriving global community of top developers and experts. As more steel goes in the water, this event will only continue to grow in value and scope.

Energy Efficiency Day Set – On Wednesday October 4^th, Alliance to Save Energy, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, U.S. Green Building Council and others host the 8^th annual Energy Efficiency Day to showcase the benefits of energy efficiency. Each year, EE Day has drawn increasing support and, in 2023, the organizers aim to surpass last year’s 1,049 supporters sign on from local governments, utilities, organizations, companies, and utilities, and 47 cities, counties, states, or universities issued proclamations in support of EE Day as well as the U.S. Senate.

Biogas Forum Headed to St. Louis – The American Biogas Council holds a new Fall conference BUSINESS OF BIOGAS on October 10^th to 12^th in St. Louis for biogas project developers and investors who want to learn how to design projects to maximize biogas production and profitability.

BPC Holds Decarb Forum on Cement, Steel – The Bipartisan Policy Committee

Forum Looks at 50^th Anniversary of 1973 Energy Crisis – On Wednesday October 11^th at 5:00 p.m. in NYC, the Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP) and the Institute of Global Politics at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) will mark the 50^th anniversary of the Arab Oil Embargo.  The event will feature a keynote address by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dan Yergin that will examine the historical significance of the Embargo, as well as a panel discussion focusing on the details of the Arab Oil Embargo—what happened, and how did it shake up geopolitics and the global economy? The panel will then examine the lasting effects—how it has guided policymakers in the decades since, and what lessons does it hold for the current precarious geopolitical situation? This event will provide an excellent opportunity to re-examine a pivotal moment in energy history, and one that continues to shape policymaking, in manners both subtle and obvious. Our friend Vijay Vaitheeswaran of The Economist moderates a panel including Jason Bordoff, Citibank’s Ed Morse, Harvard’s Meghan O’Sullivan and Adnan Shihab-Eldin of the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.