Energy Update: Week of September 12th

Friends,

I hope everyone was able to ease back into Fall… What a great close to three weeks of tennis in New York at the US Open. Carlos Alcaraz, the 19-year-old Spanish sensation, beat Casper Ruud of Norway in four sets to capture his first Grand Slam championship and take the top spot in the ATP world rankings.  On the Women’s side, World #1 Iga Swiatek defeated Ons Jabeur of Tunisia to win her third Grand Slam title. And what a send off for Serena Williams.

You know over the years, I have mentioned my kids in these emails, but I thought to start this week, I would share a fun story from my son Adam, who while attending UNH, is also working as a First Mate on a commercial tuna boat out of Portsmouth, NH. And last week, Adam hauled in a 105-inch, 700+ lb (487 lbs dressed for you Wicked Tuna watchers) Bluefin about 20 miles out into the North Atlantic. It was one of five he caught for his Captain Jeff Foote. Needless to say, we are eating a lot of tuna next week when we head up to New England.

And why are we heading to New England this weekend? My daughter Hannah and I are umpiring NCAA D I Field Hockey games at Vermont (UVM v. Cal & UVM v Stanford). It is the first time we have ever worked D I games together. If you are interested, you can check out the games Live HERE.  And, to round it out, Olivia got her first college point in Widener’s 4-0 Field hockey victory over Goucher on Saturday.

Enough of that, back to the action…  Even with the worldwide focus on the passing of Queen Elizabeth, Congress rolls back in full this week with the House returning to join the Senate in attempts to get a budget passed. Congress is expected to introduce its stopgap spending measure that includes permitting reform this week ahead of a Sept. 30 deadline. They have 12 legislative days remaining and odds are they kick the can with a CR until December. Of course, as mentioned last week, we are watching the permitting discussion closely, especially as progressives get more vocal in their opposition.  Given the need to improve permitting to speed the energy transition, that view seems short-sighted. Happy to discuss in detail.

On the hearing docket, the House Resources Committee on Wednesday attempts to bring in PR firms that were the target of a recent Committee letter about climate disinformation. This is another hearing in a series that is only about messaging for progressive climate activists. Then, Thursday, House Oversight returns to the subject that as POLITICO wrote in its Morning Energy Newsletter that “produced a lot of heat but so far little in the way of tangible results.”  Of course, because that is what is about.

Two really good events in DC off the Hill. Tomorrow, RFF looks at decarbonization in a forum exploring a new RFF and the Clean Electricity Buyers Institute report that examines five pathways toward decarbonization of the power sector.  And on Thursday, Third Way hosts DOE Sect. Jennifer Granholm to discuss the significant and lasting economic benefits from clean energy innovation driven by American researchers/scientists, as well as American businesses and workers.

Last week I mentioned COP 27 in Egypt.  This week, I remind you that next week is Climate Week NYC around the UN meetings in NYC. A lot happening there, including a cement industry on Next Tuesday and a Chamber of Commerce Forum on Wednesday. Also remember the Global Clean Energy Forum in Pittsburgh in the back half of next week. BCSE holds events there. Call with questions.

Best,

Frank Maisano

(202) 828-5864

C. (202) 997-5932

FRANKLY SPOKEN

“Think of your children; if you like any of them.”

One of a number of phrases in a slide presentation from The Onion on what to say to folks that are climate change deniers. (H/T to WaPo Climate 202’s Maxine Joselow for finding this gem).

ON THE PODCAST

MIT Expert Discusses Nuclear Fusion – In this week’s Columbia Energy Exchange, host Bill Loveless talks with Dr. Dennis Whyte, Hitachi America Professor of Engineering at MIT and director of the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center. He also leads the Laboratory for Innovations and Fusion technology, which has energy company sponsorship to explore early-stage, disruptive fusion technologies. Whyte played an integral role in Commonwealth Fusion Systems, a startup out of the Plasma Science and Fusion Center, that recently raised $1.8 billion in funding to commercialize fusion energy. Bill talks with Dr. Whyte about the science behind nuclear fusion, his work at MIT, and the efforts to bring this technology to market.

FUN OPINIONS

Chamber: Export Ban is a Bad Idea, Fix Jones Act – In an op-ed in RealClearEnergy, US Chamber Global Energy Institute expert Christopher Guith writes export bans are a bad idea, the Biden Administration does have an opportunity to deliver a short-term solution that will ease supply concerns and lower fuel costs in the Northeast: Jones Act waivers to address the historic tightness in fuel markets. Guith writes the Administration needs to get ahead of looming challenges this fall and winter and signal its intent to waive the Jones Act now—and put aside talk of export bans. Providing secure, reliable energy supplies to our nation is simply too important to place artificial restraints on which boats are allowed to move them.

FROG BLOG

LAT Interviews Energy Scientist – The Los Angeles Times reporter Russ Mitchell sat down with Vaclav Smil, a long-time energy scientist who raises significant issues about the energy transition. The economist and professor emeritus at Canada’s University of Manitoba heats his house with solar energy. He’s no global warming denier. He recognizes the need to move away from plastics but asks readers to note how often they touch plastic every day and ask themselves how rapid they think the switch can be. His mission: lay out facts. “I’m not an optimist or a pessimist,” he likes to say. “I’m a scientist.”  See the interesting full interview HERE.

Putin Is Making Mistake by Limiting Gas to Europe – In his column is Bloomberg Opinion, energy columnist David Fickling writes by cutting off almost all gas supply to Europe, Russian President Vladimir Putin all but guarantees a similar outcome to the Gulf oil embargoes of five decades ago — losing market share to alternative suppliers and new energy sources.

FUN FACTS

• Cost of Batteries Rising: The cost of all raw materials to manufacture batteries has gone up significantly in the last two years. Lithium prices have increased the most:

IN THE NEWS

Industry Leaders Urge Senate to Ratify HFC Climate Treaty – Industry groups are prodding the Senate to ratify the Kigali Amendment, as soon as this month. In a letter to senators last week, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, NAM, AHRI, ACC and other trade organizations said the treaty is "essential to provide access to international markets and level the playing field for leading U.S. manufacturers of the innovative replacements for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). We are urging expeditious ratification of the Amendment this Congress," they wrote. Industry and environmental proponents have been trying to get Kigali ratified for half a decade, and they appear to finally be on the cusp of success. The amendment enjoys bipartisan support because a multifaceted group of stakeholders are on board.

Cement Industry Urges Congress to Support Permitting Reform – In a letter to Congress, the Portland Cement Association urged immediate action on permitting reform legislation and that any legislation include measures to assist manufacturers with reducing their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Sustainability and environmental stewardship are top priorities for America’s cement manufacturers. We appreciate the opportunity to share our views on this important step of reforming federal permitting, which would improve the domestic energy supply and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The cement and concrete industry are decreasing the carbon intensity of its operations and products, is fully committed to decarbonization, and has pledged to become carbon neutral across the concrete value chain by 2050. On October 12, 2021, PCA released its “Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality,” providing a detailed outline of technical, market, and policy levers central to achieving the industry’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal. The letter urges reforms o NEPA, modernizing the New Source Review program, improving the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and building upon recent carbon capture investments to streamline NEPA, the Clean Water Act, Underground Injection Control and other permitting obstacles for the construction of carbon transmission infrastructure. Can send copy of the letter if you want to see it.

RGGI Number for Q3 Drop Slightly – This past Friday, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) announced the results from its Q3 auction held on September 7^th, with carbon allowances clearing at a price of $13.45, down 45 cents from its record-high Q2 auction price. 

Dems Mount Opposition to Permitting Deal – In a letter initiated by Rep. Raul Grijalva, more than 70 House Democrats urged Democratic leadership to keep Sen. Joe Manchin's energy permitting reform deal out of this month's stopgap funding measure and other pieces of legislation. "The inclusion of these provisions in a continuing resolution, or any other must-pass legislation, would silence the voices of frontline and environmental justice communities by insulating them from scrutiny," said the letter. Given that both Senate Climate Hawks and renewable energy groups have strongly urged support for permitting reform, perhaps this view is somewhat short-sighted.

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

Book Forum Looks at Population, Sustainability – The Cato Institute holds a book discussion today at 4:30 p.m. on the book "Superabundance: The Story of Population Growth, Innovation, and Human Flourishing on an Infinitely Bountiful Planet." After analyzing the prices of hundreds of commodities, goods and services spanning two centuries, Marian Tupy and Gale Pooley found that resources became more abundant as the population grew.

USEA Looks at Energy System Flexibility – The United States Energy Association holds a virtual discussion tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. on the importance of energy system flexibility.  The event offers a case study of North Macedonia.

Atlantic Council Looks at Oil Export Ban Issues – Tomorrow at 9:00 a.m., Atlantic Council Global Energy Center holds a virtual conversation on the prospects for a potential export ban of US oil products and the ramifications of such a measure for the global oil market.

Forum Looks at Chemical Manufacturing Carbon Issues – The Climate Leadership Council’s Center for Climate and Trade will host a virtual event tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. to unveil a first-of-its-kind study on America’s carbon efficiency advantage in the chemicals industry. Participants will include Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA); Greg Bertelsen, CEO, Climate Leadership Council; Catrina Rorke, Executive Director, Center for Climate and Trade.

Forum to Tackle Clean Energy Investments – Climate Power holds a discussion tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. on how to put the investments from the Inflation Reduction Law into action. The event will focus on clean energy with speakers Christy Goldfuss, Tom Steyer and many more.

RFF to look at Power Sector – Tomorrow at 2:00 p.m., Resources for the Future (RFF) holds an RFF Live webinar exploring a new RFF and the Clean Electricity Buyers Institute report that examines five pathways toward decarbonization of the power sector. A panel of experts—including lead author Daniel Shawhan and other major contributors to the report—will discuss the emissions reductions and health benefits from each pathway, the monetary benefits and costs for the power sector and energy consumers and the effect on company purchases of green power. NREL’s James Elsworth is among the other panelists.

New Report Looks at Batteries, Clean Energy Supply Chains – The Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Center holds the virtual launch of their new report, Alternative battery chemistries and clean energy supply chains, tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. This public virtual panel discussion, moderated by lead report author and acting director of the Global Energy Center, Reed Blakemore, will discuss the report’s findings, explore the supply chain security implications, and use cases for alternative battery chemistries that can complement the dominant lithium-ion format.

Forum to Look at Oil, War – Georgetown’s Center for Security Studies holds a forum tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. that features a conversation with Emma Ashford, author of the new book Oil, the State, and War: The Foreign Policies of Petrostates. The event discusses the agency and power enjoyed by petrostates with Emma Ashford, Oil-rich states are core players in the international system. They are more likely to start wars, and their wealth props up the global arms trade, provides diplomatic leverage, and allows them to support violent and nonviolent proxies.

German Ambassador to Talk Energy – The Economic Club of Washington, D.C. holds a discussion tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. featuring German Ambassador to the United States Emily Haber. Haber will participate in a conversation with Barbara Humpton, Chair of the Economic Club’s Global Initiative and CEO of Siemens USA.

Summit Focuses on Hydrogen Hubs – Infocast hosts a Hydrogen Hubs Summit tomorrow and Wednesday at the Sheraton Pentagon City in Arlington, VA. The Hydrogen Hub: Building a Value Chain will be the first major event where all the communities in the hydrogen hub value chains will come together in one spot to discuss how to launch a new national hydrogen economy. The goals of the Summit are to provide an opportunity to initiate profound conversations between various communities in the value chain and to provide a powerful venue where these communities can fully understand how to build links within the value chain that are necessary to make hydrogen hubs a reality.

Forum to Look a Energy on Campus – The Roosevelt Strategic Council holds its second annual Facilities and Campus Energy North America Summit conference on Wednesday at 8:15 a.m.

CSIS to Discuss G7 Climate Issues – On Wednesday at 9:00 a.m., the CSIS Economics Program holds an expert panel discussion on the merits and challenges of a G7 Climate Club. Dr. Steffen Meyer, Director General for Economic, Financial and Climate Policy at the German Federal Chancellery, will kick off the discussion with a brief description of the Climate Club proposal.

House Oversight to Look at Environmental Free Speech – The House Oversight and Reform Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Subcommittee holds a hearing on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. the legal challenges against environmental activists. Last time I checked, not many enviros’ speech was being limited…

House Resources Looks to Blame PR for Inaction on Climate Change – Only to top off the House Oversight hearing, the House Resources Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee holds a hearing Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday looking at the role of public relations firms in preventing action on climate change. Really? In June, Chairman Grijalva and Oversight panel Chair Katie Porter sent letters to five public relations (PR) firms—FTI Consulting, Story Partners, DDC Advocacy, Blue Advertising, and Singer Associates—that conduct PR campaigns on behalf of fossil fuel industry clients. The lawmakers also sent a letter to the American Petroleum Institute, a major oil and gas industry trade group that plays a major, active role in climate disinformation. Good Luck with that.

House Ag Looks at Soil Practices – The House Agriculture Committee holds a hearing on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. to review soil health practices and programs that support regenerative agriculture.

USEA Looks at Energy Management Landscape – The US Energy Assn holds a forum on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. to provide an overview of the challenges and opportunities across the energy management landscape. Speakers will present trends and best practices on energy management and provide an overview of the different levels of energy management systems.

Forum to Look at Electric Buses – The World Resources Institute and the Electrification Coalition hold a forum on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. to look at the opportunity for electric buses in Illinois. The event will feature public-sector leaders, industry experts, electric vehicle advocates, and school district representatives. This executive-appropriate online discussion is your chance to engage directly with experts on the latest policy, funding, and technology developments and to help chart Illinois' electric school bus future. Deputy Governor Christian Mitchell and Senator Dick Durbin will share their views on the importance of transitioning Illinois' school bus fleets to electric vehicles and discuss how state and federal programs are paving the road ahead.  

Forum to Look at Reactors – The Center on Global Energy Policy will host a panel of experts on Wednesday at Noon to discuss the current international landscape for reactor supply, past financing measures by national governments in support of their reactor exports, and current policy-related issues for US decision makers to consider. DOE Nuclear Asst Sect Katie Huff will speak.

Axios Looks at Corporate Responsibility Issues – Axios holds a virtual event on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. exploring how some business leaders and companies are reevaluating their climate impact, challenging existing norms and developing environmental goals with a new lens following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act.  Axios Climate and Energy Reporter Andrew Freedman will host one-on-one conversations with Jonathan Foley of Project Drawdown and Allbirds Head of Sustainability Hana Kajimura.

Heritage Looks at SCOTUS, Water Issues – The Heritage Foundation holds a virtual discussion on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. looking at how the Supreme Court clarify which waters are regulated under the Clean Water Act.

Forum to Look at Climate Tech – GreenBiz holds a forum on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. focused on the current state of climate tech funding, and what it means for the state of startups and investors over the next 12-18 months. 

CAP Forum Addresses Inflation Reduction Law – The Center for American Progress holds a discussion on Wednesday at 1:45 p.m. that will focus on various aspects of the new law—including the Cabinet members responsible for implementing it, and the how it will impact everyday Americans.  OMB’s Shalanda Young will be the keynote conversation.

Granholm Headlines Third Way Clean Energy Forum – Third Way is holding an in-person event on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. featuring Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm on the significant and lasting economic benefits from clean energy innovation driven by American researchers and scientists, manufactured by American businesses and workers, and deployed at home and around the globe.  The investments in the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and CHIPS and Science Act will cultivate domestic industries and help America compete within booming global markets for clean technologies. Sec. Granholm will be joined by leaders from the private sector and policy experts to discuss groundbreaking new research by Boston Consulting Group, commissioned by Third Way and Breakthrough Energy, which shows that the industries supporting six clean energy technologies alone could grow by over $60 trillion globally between now and 2050, roughly three times the size of today's US GDP.

Senate Energy Looks at Fusion – The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee holds a hearing Thursday at 10:00 a.m. on the federal government's role in supporting the commercialization of fusion energy.

House Oversight Looks at Oil Companies Again – On Thursday at 10:00 a.m., the House Oversight Committee holds a hearing on examining oil companies’ prices, profits and pledges. The hearings are a continuation of a series that Oversight started holding last year that produced a lot of heat but so far little in the way of tangible results.

House Ways/Means Looks at Health Challenges with Climate – The House Ways and Means Committee holds a hearing Thursday at 11:00 a.m. on preparing America's health care infrastructure for climate change.

Forum to Look at Energy Modeling – The Wanger Institute for Sustainable Energy Research holds a forum on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. looking at new developments in energy modeling, urban transitions, and energy poverty. This symposium consists of three panels: New Developments in Energy Modeling and Data; Urban Energy Transitions; and Energy Poverty - Concepts and Practice.

GM Head to Discuss EVs With WaPo – The Washington Post LIVE hosts GM CEO Mary Barra on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. Barra will address how GM’s investments in electric and autonomous vehicles fit into the future of the company and the auto industry. 

Forum to Look at Innovation, Infrastructure – On Thursday at 5:30 p.m. The Women’s Council on Energy and the Environment (WCEE) and FTI Consulting hold a discussion and an opportunity for in-person networking with some of the key “movers and shakers” in the energy transition space in Washington, DC. The discussion will focus on the innovations needed to make the transition a success, the infrastructure required to underpin these efforts and the impact of all these dynamic changes on our energy system, economy as well as communities. Topics will include efforts to address climate change, energy security, rising energy prices, infrastructure build-out, and new technologies - the energy world is changing before our eyes.

BPC Looks at Infrastructure Law – The Bipartisan Policy Center holds a virtual discussion on Friday at 10:30 a.m. focused on implementing the Bipartisan Infrastructure law. The event, cosponsored by the National Association of Counties and National League of Cities, will host U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore and U.S. Department of the Interior Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Coordinator Winnie Stachelberg to discuss their efforts to implement the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—to restore healthy ecosystems, reduce the threat of and mitigate the effect from wildland fire, safeguard water supplies, and ensure greater access to federal public lands.

Forum to Look at Russia, Arctic – The Center for a New American Security holds a virtual discussion on Friday at 11:00 a.m. focused on Russia in the Arctic. This virtual discussion will examine how Russia’s war in Ukraine is changing its approach to the region. The event marks the launch of a new Center for a New American Security’s report, “Russia in the Arctic: Gauging How Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Will Alter Regional Dynamics.” State Department official Doug Jones will be among the featured speakers.

Forum Looks a Supply Chain Challenges with China, Russia – On Friday, at 2:30 P.m., The Atlantic Council holds a conversation with Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), Lead Republican of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, to discuss these critical challenges. Rep. McCaul was an author of the recently passed CHIPS for America Act and has been a leading voice on national security issues involving China. This is the first in a series of Atlantic Council events to engage policymakers on a bipartisan basis on issues relating to secure supply chains, technology competition, and related challenges posed by China and Russia. The Atlantic Council recently released two reports related to these topics.

IN THE FUTURE

Forum Looks at Indo Pac Energy – On September 18-19^th, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation hold their second annual Indo-Pacific Islands Dialogue, focusing on "climate change, maritime security, and resilient infrastructure on the geopolitical landscape in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Climate Week NYC –Climate Week NYC will be on September 19-25^th. Climate Week NYC will bring together hundreds of leaders from business, government and civil society to showcase the best climate action and discuss how to do more. But just as importantly, it will explore and confront where the world is still falling short. Climate Group runs a series of events which form the main program of the week. The Climate Week NYC Opening Ceremony and The Hub Live bring together a global audience of senior leaders from business, government and the climate community.

Chamber Cement Industry to Holds Climate Week Events – There are two great industry events on Tuesday September 20^th:

• Cement Industry Forum – At 11:00 a.m., the cement industry holds a net zero forum focused on their progress one year after rolling our - 2050 Sustainability/Net-Zero Roadmap. The event will be held at 1 Bender Place, near the Climate Week Hub. Speakers include Keynoter Selwin Hart, Special Advisor to the Secretary General of the United Nations for Climate Action and Just Transition, as well as Portland Cement CEO Mike Ireland, Holcim CEO Jan Jenisch and PCA Chairman Ron Henley.
• Chamber Global Energy Institute – On Wednesday morning in NYC, the US Chamber’s Global Energy Institute holds a forum to preview the road to COP27. More details on this next week

NYT Climate Week Forum Features Gore, Kerry – One other great event on Tuesday is the New York Times Climate week forum featuring Al Gore, John Kerry and many more.  Our friend Lisa Friedman interviews Kerry. Here is the LINK.

Axios to Look at Houston’s Environment – Axios Local holds a forum on Tuesday September 20^th at 8:00 a.m. at The Astorian to kick off the launch of the Axios Local Houston newsletter, focusing on sustainability efforts and eco-friendly initiatives in the city, from reducing pollution to developing green infrastructure. Houston Chief Resilience and Sustainability Officer Priya Zachariah and enviro justice expert and TX Southern prof Robert Bullard will speak. ACC’s Chris Jahn will also interview Huntsman Corporation CEO Peter Huntsman

FERC’s Phillips Headlines Enviro Conference – NYU Law School’s Institute for Policy Integrity is holding a forum on Tuesday September 20^th starting at 10:00 a.m.  The event discusses the climate and energy landscape with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the West Virginia v. EPA ruling and other recent developments. Speakers will discuss the state of energy policy and environmental justice in the wake of these shifts at a day-long conference during NYC Climate Week. Keynote Speaker is FERC’s Willie Phillips.

Forum to Look at Climate Resilience – The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) holds a briefing on Tuesday September 20^th at 11:00 a.m. on corporate climate risk, resilience, and disclosures. The climate crisis is increasingly impacting companies of all sizes by threatening valuable assets, operations, and supply chains. Panelists will explain what Congress needs to know about climate-related financial risks, steps that can be taken to build a climate resilient financial system, and the benefits and impacts that the proposed rule would have on federal agencies, companies, and shareholders.

Forum to Look at Global Trends – Foreign Policy’s Tech Forum returns on Wednesday September 21^st at 9:30 a.m. in New York against the backdrop of the 77^th UN General Assembly and Climate Week.  The event will address the most pressing issues facing the world today, including how trends toward protectionism and techno-nationalism could fragment global markets, inhibit innovations’ potential to reach scale, and undermine international collaboration needed for health, safety, and security in the digital age.

US-Iceland Energy Summit Set – The Atlantic Council Global Energy Center, the Embassy of Iceland, and Green by Iceland host the US-Iceland Clean Energy Summit at the House of Sweden on Wednesday September 21^st at 10:15 a.m. The Summit will convene transatlantic government leaders, businesses, and civil society groups to discuss opportunities to strengthen international cooperation to achieve climate goals. The Summit will build upon recent advancements in clean energy, including geothermal and carbon capture utilization and storage, and highlight technological solutions to accelerate the energy transition. Speakers will highlight opportunities and challenges to accelerate public and private partnerships to advance the energy transition and achieve today’s ambitious climate goals.

Forum to Tackle Climate Resilience – The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) holds a forum on Wednesday September 21^st at 10:30 a.m. on supporting climate resilience.  The event will feature a discussion among corporate leaders that explores how major corporations can improve the climate resilience of the communities where they operate and employ and where they have significant supply chain interests. Edison International’s Pedro Pizarro will speak.

Forum to Focus on Paris – The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) holds a forum on Wednesday September 21st at 10:45 a.m. The forum provides perspectives from key thought leaders on developments since COP26, what needs to be delivered at COP27, and how the Global Stocktake (GST) can help the world deliver in this critical decade. Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Canada, and Aminath Shauna, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology, Maldives are among the speakers.

Granholm Headlines USEA Forum – The US Energy Assn hold its 4^th annual Advanced Energy Technology Forum on Thursday September 22^nd starting at 9:00 a.m.  DOE Secretary Granholm will offer opening remarks for the conference which will include three panels on national lab issues, infrastructure and academic innovations. Panel one includes expert from NETL, Idaho NL, NREL and Brookhaven, while panel two includes our friend grid infrastructure expert Rob Gramlich. The academic Panel Includes our former Bracewell partner, now that the University of Houston Tracy Hester and MIT’s Robert Armstrong.

RFF Looks decarb in Manufacturing – On Thursday September 21^st at 9:00 a.m. Resources for the Future holds a launch event for the Global Climate Policy Partnership, a global network of research institutions helping major economies and businesses achieve ambitious climate goals. During this webinar we’ll delve into a crucial component of the climate challenge: the manufacturing sector. While one-fifth of global carbon dioxide emissions come from this sector, structuring policies to reduce these emissions is complicated by the fact that manufactured products are often traded on competitive international markets. National policies designed to reduce emissions inevitably raise the cost of production and can lead to lost domestic and international competitiveness, and the leakage of emissions to nations with less stringent emission reduction policies.

Global Clean Energy Business Forum Set for Pittsburgh – The Global Clean Energy Action Forum (GCEAF) will be held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday September 21^st to 23^rd in Pittsburgh. Directly following the UN General Assembly and hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy, the GCEAF will convene energy ministers from governments representing 90% of public investment in clean energy, industry leaders, tech innovators, investors, and international organizations. The BCSE will be active there and The Electrification Coalition (EC) will lead the Electric Vehicles, Batteries, and Charging Infrastructure Business Forum Room, which includes Keynote speaker Kathleen Hogan of DOE and panels on EV supply chains challenges, financing and policy opportunities, charging infrastructure and meeting the ambition of Transportation electrification at scale. Check out the All-Star Lineup here which includes DOE Sect Granholm and Climate Envoy John Kerry.

BSCE to Hold Two Pittsburgh Forums – The Business Council for Sustainable Energy will hold two specific events at the upcoming Global Clean Energy Action Forum in Pittsburgh, PA.

• Forum to Look at Codes – BCSE, International Code Council, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and U.S. Green Building Council explore what is needed in a holistic policy approach including the adoption and enforcement of energy codes, as well as incentives, which will enable transformation to more climate-friendly buildings and meet climate commitments. Panelists will discuss the intersection of buildings and the energy grid including energy storage, distributed storage, renewables, smart appliances, and electric vehicles, and other technologies and practices available to help building owners and operators to make the transition to cleaner energy alternatives. Speakers include BCSE’s Lisa Jacobson, President, Business Council for Sustainable Energy, Ryan Colker of the International Code Council, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Meredydd Evans, among others.
• Utilities Focus on Decarb Plans – The BCSE, Edison Electric Institute (EEI), Capital Power, Duquesne Light Company and National Grid host an event on Thursday September 22^nd at 1:45 p.m. to explore how a range of decarbonization approaches and strategies can be implemented at the community level to support achieving net-zero goals. These community-driven opportunities include energy efficiency, transitioning to decarbonized power and fuels, and beneficial electrification, among others. The panelists will focus on how engagement with stakeholders and community leaders shapes their planning and investment strategies, and will discuss their experiences, what is already being done, lessons learned, and strategies for the future. Speakers include Jacobson, DOE’s Betony Jones, EEI’s Brian Woolf, Kate Chisholm of Capital Power, Duquesne Light’s Christine Waller and Reihaneh Irani-Famili of National Grid.

National Clean Energy Week Set – Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions holds the 6^th annual National Clean Energy Week 2022 (NCEW22) on September 26^th to 30^th. NCEW22 is a bipartisan opportunity to celebrate American clean energy innovation. As chair of NCEW, one of my favorite aspects of this week-long celebration has always been hearing from the experts during the NCEW Policy Makers Symposium, which will be held this year from September 27-29^th.