Energy Update: Week of September 15th

Friends,

Welcome to the 9^th annual National Clean Energy Week in DC. There will be no red-carpet, Emmy-like awards ceremony, but this week is a great opportunity to get a look at the clean energy industry, the challenges it faces and where it is headed in the future.  Speaking of the 77^th Primetime Emmy Awards, Seth Rogan’s The Studio was the biggest winner, taking best comedy series and several others breaking an Emmys record. Adolescence and The Pitt (featuring former ER star Noah Wylie) took the night’s other top prizes. The night’s most popular winner was Stephen Colbert, who received a prolonged standing ovation for his talk series win, which comes after CBS cancelled his show.

The White House has a busy week but mostly not in DC as the President heads to London for a high-profile visit with King Charles (perhaps expect at least a little uncomfortable discussion on climate). Lots of follow up for Sects. Wright and Burgum after last week’s GasTech engagement in Italy. Finally, Thursday’s FERC Open Meeting marks Democratic Commissioner David Rosner’s first as chair and grid reliability is on the agenda.

Congress continues its effort on budgets and NDAA, but how to get to the finish line remains uncertain. House Rules takes up legislation on grid reliability, cross-border energy infrastructure and reestablishing the National Coal Council, which was eliminated by the Biden Administration with votes later in the week. Hearings include tomorrow morning’s House Resources on Alaskan energy, House Energy on natgas bans and appliance choice (featuring AGA’s George Lowe) and House Oversight on EPA enforcement under Biden.

There is also a lot of action/discussion/planning on potential permitting, which also features a House Energy subpanel hearing tomorrow afternoon. Following in the footsteps of API and the US Chamber, the Business Roundtable is launching a new seven-figure advocacy campaign today to press for bipartisan permitting reform and AXPC, a trade group representing independent oil and gas companies, is circulating on the hill a permitting roadmap, according to our friend Josh Siegel of POLITICO.

In additional to Clean Energy Week events at The Conrad tomorrow and Wednesday, companies in the Nuclear industry host an evening event at The Kennedy Center tonight to focus on the ambitious goals to rapidly expand nuclear energy, while on Wednesday, AEI hosts a forum with legal experts on EPA’s Endangerment Finding. Climate activists will also hold a presser Wednesday with Sen. Markey on EPA Endangerment, as well as clean vehicle rules.

On a side note, our friend NYT business/climate reporter and now noted author, is in DC on Wednesday and Thursday for book events for his new book Dirtbag Billionaire, the story of Patagonia’s Yvon Chauinard. Gelles will be discussing it at Politics and Prose with Teddy Schleifer on Thursday at 7 pm.

Finally, I have added a bunch of Climate Week events below that I found interesting. There is so much happening next week. See you next week in NYC!!!  

Call with questions.

Best,

Frank Maisano

(202) 828-5864

C. (202) 997-5932                                                                                                       

FRANKLY SPOKEN

“This isn't just an oil and gas issue, it is an issue for every energy source and almost every industry. If we can't build things again, there is no chance that this country is going to be able to beat China in the race for the AI future.”

API President and CEO Mike Sommers in an interview with POLITICO’s Josh Seigel.

"In normal times, I would have supported her nomination. And I have told her this. But these are not normal times. This Administration is issuing illegal stop work orders on fully permitted projects. They are creating a grid crisis. They are killing good union jobs. And they are raising electricity prices. And until they are willing to comply with the letter of the law, it will be difficult for me to support their nominations."

Senate Energy Committee ranking member Martin Heinrich during its Business meeting to vote on FERC nominees

ON THE PODCAST

CSIS Starts New Energy Podcast Series – CSIS Energy Security and Climate Change Program Director Joseph Majkut and ClearView Energy Partners, LLC Co-Founder Kevin Book have launched an unscripted and unfiltered biweekly videocast called Energy Shots that addressees current energy policy issues through data and commentary. The first episode was on Friday and discusses trade bargains and border adjustments.

New Harder Podcast Talks – In its new Shocked podcast at the University of Chicago’s Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, Axios journalist and Institute Journalism Fellow Amy Harder and Institute Director Michael Greenstone share new ways of thinking about the challenge from people on the frontlines as well as cutting-edge solutions—like changing the earth’s atmosphere, making batteries out of sodium and using artificial intelligence to predict the weather. The first episode explores what it means to use energy well, from Air Conditioning to AI, and whether “less” is always the right answer.

FUN OPINIONS

Sommers: Legal Battle Undermine Gulf Coast Restoration, Energy Development – In an op-ed in the Washington Post, API Head Mike Sommers argues that a surge of lawsuits in Louisiana against oil and natural gas producers could mirror California's failed legal approach, which drove away investment and increased energy costs. Retroactive liability threatens more than $5 billion in annual energy revenue and undermines the state's pivotal role in America's energy security. Sommers says litigation will not restore Louisiana's coast, but safe and responsible energy development already plays a key role.

Offshore Wind is National Security Issue, but Positive – In an opinion in the Washington Times, Market Institute President and conservative commentator Charlie Sauer writes Trump’s bad decision to stop work at Revolution Wind should not undercut his overall energy strategy. The Interior Department’s recent decision to halt construction on the Revolution Wind project in Rhode Island contradicts the very principles that have made Mr. Trump’s energy dominance agenda successful. Stopping a project that far along doesn’t just hurt consumers and workers; it also signals to investors around the world that they and their project might be next if it falls afoul of the ever-evolving American political landscape. Even when you follow the rules in the U.S., politics can still pull the rug out from underneath you. That’s dangerous because energy projects of all kinds — oil, gas, nuclear, pipelines, transmission lines and, yes, wind farms — require billions of dollars in up-front capital and years of planning. If developers start to believe the U.S. government will change its mind at the last minute, they will take their money elsewhere and put America’s global energy dominance at risk.

FROG BLOG

Cement/Concrete Roads are Best, Valued Option – In an opinion piece in the Washington Times, American Cement Assn CEO Mike Ireland, American Concrete Pavement Assn CEO Laura O’Niell Kaumo and National Ready-Mix Concrete Assn CEO Jon Roche write that despite President Trump’s protests about DC roads, concrete roads are a dependable fit for our nation’s capital. In terms of strength and resistance, concrete roads are capable of handling heavy vehicle loads common in cities like Washington and corridors nationwide. They also resist rutting and shoving, particularly in high traffic areas like intersections, bus lanes, and roundabouts, like Dupont Circle. Concrete is also cost effective. While construction costs may vary, concrete’s lower life-cycle maintenance costs make it one of the most cost-effective solutions for road agencies.  In fact, more than 50% of pavement life-cycle costs occur after a road first opens.  Durable surfaces and lasting treatments like quality overlays protect taxpayer dollars and deliver sustained system performance. The cement and concrete industry contributes more than $140 billion to the U.S. economy each year and directly and indirectly employs more than 600,000 people. Americans working in this business take great pride in the materials they manufacture, as it’s a tremendous responsibility.  They are, in fact, the backbone of this nation’s infrastructure, which serves all Americans. 

Bipartisan Push on Energy – In a blog post, ClearPath’s Luke Bolar writes post One Big Beautiful Bill, a clear path for a politically durable American energy strategy has emerged: clean, firm 24/7 energy technologies. Technologies like advanced nuclear, carbon capture, hydropower, fusion and enhanced geothermal systems have seen bipartisan support in The Energy Act of 2020; The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021; The Inflation Reduction Act, driven by Democrats in 2022; and OBBB. There is a broad, bipartisan consensus that to compete with China, the U.S. must develop new energy projects. Instead of falling into the false choice trap of fossil fuels versus renewables, or the economy versus the environment, Bolar writes we need to choose markets over mandates and innovation over regulation to meet the growing demand with clean baseload power.

FUN FACTS

U.S. Crude Inventories Swell: U.S. commercial crude stocks excluding the strategic petroleum reserve accumulated this summer for only the third time in the last 30 years (the previous increases occurred in 2022 and 1996).

IN THE NEWS

EPA Releases GHG Reporting Rule Rolled out – EPA has released its plan to end longtime requirements for companies and industries to collect and report emissions of heat-trapping gases responsible for climate change.  Many industry groups worry that the new rules endanger significant investments because it complicates access to tax credits passed in the OBBBA that seek to capture greenhouse gases and limits our ability to monitor any HFC transitions required by the AIM law.

API Rolls out Permitting Policy Approach – This morning API) today released a policy roadmap urging Congress to modernize the nation’s outdated permitting system and ensure access to affordable, reliable energy at a time of rising demand and soaring electricity costs. The plan outlines concrete steps for durable, comprehensive solutions that cut red tape, sets clear deadlines and provides legal certainty.

“American energy is ready to go, but Washington’s broken permitting system is standing in the way,” API President and CEO Mike Sommers said. “As energy demand rises, critical infrastructure to deliver it is stuck behind red tape. It’s time for Congress to act on durable reforms that ensure access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy – because when America builds, America wins.”

API’s permitting reform plan outlines critical reform areas, including:

Set Deadlines, Enforce Them

• Enforce statutory timelines under the Clean Water Act
• Eliminate last-minute information roadblocks
• Improve permitting timelines on federal lands and waters
• Establish a modern, uniform process for cross-border energy projects

Stop Lawsuits, Start Building

• Set clear timelines for legal challenges
• Fix instead of canceling permits
• Provide long-term certainty through nationwide permits
• Keep projects moving once reviews are complete

Targeted Reviews, Swift Decisions

• Clarify limitations on actions subject to NEPA
• Limit reviews to direct project impacts
• Direct agencies to stay within their authority
• Prohibit use of the social cost of carbon in reviews

API recently launched a TV and digital ad campaign underscoring the bipartisan consensus on the need for permitting reform and urging Congress to act. Watch the ad on YouTube here. 

The Chamber started this ball rolling last week when Marty Durbin raised similar concerns in a blog post:

We’re concerned about recent decisions to issue halt work orders on offshore wind projects that already have permits, some of which are far along in construction. Not only does this inject significant uncertainty into the infrastructure development process, but it invariably increases the price of the projects and risks raising the cost of electricity, diminishing our ability to meet growing demand.

While new environmental and defense concerns can certainly arise after a permit has been issued, permitted energy projects of any type shouldn’t be halted at such a late stage, and project sponsors should have a safe harbor once the requisite permits have been issued.  America needs every possible electron it can get, from any source, to ensure affordable and reliable energy.  The Chamber has consistently opposed efforts by the government to pick energy winners and losers, and revoking wind permits today opens the door to uncertainty for all types of energy projects in the future.

Chamber Submits 232 Wind Comments – Speaking of the Chamber, It filed comments today in the Commerce Department’s 232 investigation of the trade practices surrounding wind turbine components.  They write:

Ample supplies of affordable electricity is itself a national security imperative, underpinning U.S. defense readiness, advanced manufacturing, and America’s leadership in artificial intelligence. The renewable energy industry assists in addressing this imperative by helping to meet the nation’s surging demand for electricity. The U.S. Chamber strongly supports all forms of energy that can contribute to the reliability and affordability of electricity.

This is especially important as our electricity demand is increasing at unprecedented rates due to the imperative that America lead the world in the development of advanced technologies, manufacturing, and artificial intelligence. As such, the U.S. needs to utilize all of the power generation tools available—including natural gas, nuclear, wind, and solar—to support the highest levels of reliability while maintaining affordable electricity rates.

42 House members Raise Questions about RFS – Forty-two members of Congress representing diverse energy-producing regions signed the attached letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.  The signers include the entire Texas Republican delegation. The letter urges a moderate renewable volume obligation that can maintain the competitiveness and security afforded by the refining industry; wards off reallocation of volume obligations created by small-refinery exemptions; and emphasizes the importance of a global supply chain in feedstocks to protecting consumers and fuel producers alike.

GEO Letter to Congress: Support Geothermal Heat Pumps – The Geothermal Exchange Organization is asking House Energy and Commerce Energy Subcommittee leadership Reps. Bob Latta (R-OH) and Kathy Castor (D-FL) to help strengthen the industry as electricity demand rises. Specifically, the trade association that promotes the growth of GeoExchange heating and cooling systems urged Congress to direct Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service to issue a domestic content safe harbor table, streamline permitting and back industry workforce development.

Baker Hughes to Develop Geothermal Plant – Baker Hughes plans to develop a 500 MW geothermal project in Imperial County, California with renewable energy and critical minerals company Controlled Thermal Resources (CTR) to advance the development of one of the world’s largest geothermal energy projects. CTR’s Hell’s Kitchen Project is expected to support geothermal power production, delivering 24/7, clean baseload energy, fueling AI and data center growth, creating thousands of American jobs and strengthening our energy security. Baker Hughes plans to deploy high-temperature drilling technologies, field services and power systems traditionally used in the fossil fuel sector in order to deliver around 500 MW of geothermal energy.

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

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 this week.  The main symposium will be tomorrow and Wednesday at The Conrad. Speakers include Sens. John Curtis and Lisa Murkowski, Reps. Bruce Westerman Susie Lee, Tim Walberg, Juan Ciscomani, Jared golden, Scott Peters, Jen Kiggans, Bob Latta, Buddy Carter, Govs. Kevin Stitt and Jared Polis, BCSE’s Lisa Jacobson, Turn Forward’s Hillary Bright, SEIA’s Abby Hopper, NOIA’s Erik Milito, US Chamber’s Dan Byers and many more.

Nuclear Companies Host Event at Kennedy Center – This evening, Cameco, the Nuclear Company, Palantir and Nucor are hosting an evening event at The Kennedy Center to build momentum around the Administration’s ambitious goals to rapidly expand nuclear energy in the United States. It will open with a reception and keynote speech and panel discussion on the future of nuclear energy in the United States. At 7pm, we will premiere “The Nuclear Frontier,” a documentary following young advocates and business leaders as they fight to expand nuclear across the US.

POLITICO Looks at AI, Tech Policy Challenges – Tomorrow morning at Union Station’s Columbus Club, POLITICO holds its AI & Tech Summit to convene White House officials, key lawmakers, regulators and industry leaders to discuss everything from microchips and data centers to supercomputers and new energy projects — diving deep into the next era of technology policy, investment and regulation. Speakers include Sens. Ted Cruz, David McCormick and Amy Klobuchar, OSTP Director Michael Kratsios, FCC Chair Brendan Carr and Rep. Pete Sessions, among others.

House Oversight Looks at Weather Forecasting Challenges – A House Oversight Subcommittee holds a hearing tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. on weather forecasting.

House Energy Looks at Appliance Rules – The House Energy and Commerce Energy Subcommittee holds a hearing tomorrow at 10:15 a.m. on appliance and building policies.  The hearing will look at building codes and bans focusing on consumer choice.  Witnesses will Include AGA’s George Low.

House Resources Focuses on Alaska Energy – The House Resources Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee holds a hearing tomorrow at 10:15 a.m. on unleashing Alaska's extraordinary resource potential.

House Oversight to address EPA Enforcement Issues – The House Oversight Committee’s Federal Law Enforcement Subcommittee holds a hearing tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. EPA enforcement decisions under the Biden Administration.

House Energy Takes Turn at Permitting – Following last week’s House Resources hearing, the House Energy & Commerce’s Environment Subcommittee holds a hearing on permitting reform under the Clean Air Act.

AEI Looks at EPA Endangerment Finding Actions – The American Enterprise Institute holds a discussion on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. that will discuss EPA’s Endangerment Finding action. The event will feature Michael Buschbacher of Boyden Gray, former EPA General Counsel Matt Leopold, and AEI’s Roger Pielke Jr. and Benjamin Zycher. The panel will explore the legal, scientific, and policy dimensions of the endangerment finding and what a reversal might mean for US environmental governance.

Senate Environment Looks At Army Corps – The Senate Environment holds a markup on Wednesday at 9:50 a.m. to vote on the nomination of Jeffrey Hall to be an assistant EPA administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.  After the vote, the Committee holds a hearing on "Oversight of the US Army Corps of Engineers."

Forum Looks at Low Carbon Fertilizers – RMI holds a webinar on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. on low carbon fertilizers.  This fourth and final webinar in the Journey to Green Ammonia series focuses on building differentiated demand for low-carbon fertilizers. The discussion will explore practical approaches to how buyers, producers, and innovators can work together to create and scale market demand that supports the viability of low-carbon fertilizer products. 

Climate Groups Challenge EPA Climate, Vehicle Rules – Climate Action Campaign holds a news conference on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. focused on EPA's climate plan and clean vehicle rollback. The event will be at the Senate Swamp and feature Ed Markey.

Brookings Looks at Hurricane Resilience – On Wednesday at 1:00 p.m., Brookings Metro and Economic Architecture will spotlight resilient construction, community-driven design, and forward-looking infrastructure that anchors stronger, more equitable communities with a panel of leaders from the Alabama Resilience Council, Rebuild by Design, and Resources for the Future. The panelists will discuss how the widespread adoption of structural solutions can ensure the resilience of homes and neighborhoods across the nation and share actionable approaches—from state-level reforms to community-driven innovation to private-sector models—that strengthen infrastructure, homes, and neighborhoods while advancing human-centered, equitable resilience.

Forum Looks at Transmission Planning – Quanta Technology and RMI hold a webinar on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. advanced transmission technologies in planning for utilities and grid operators. The event brings together experts from across the electricity sector to discuss how utilities, grid operators, and regulators can deploy advanced transmission technologies to boost capacity, improve grid flexibility, and speed new energy integration — all while meeting recent FERC Orders (2023 and 1920).

Atlantic Festival Set for NYC – The Atlantic holds the Atlantic Festival on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in New York City.  Lots of interesting things including an HR McMaster speech, former VP Mike Pence and a town hall with Tom Hanks and Ken Burns.

Hudson Forum Looks at African Energy Challenges – On Thursday at 2:30 p.m., the Hudson Institute holds a discussion on Africa and energy that will look at the cost of misguided international energy policies. Hudson’s Zineb Riboua will host Professor Brenda Shaffer, faculty member of the US Naval Postgraduate School and senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Center, to discuss international energy policy shifts that can help address the challenge.

UNGA Climate Meeting – The UN General Assembly meeting in NYC over the Weekend.

IN THE FUTURE

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. Some events for next week:

Monday September 22^nd

Transforming Fashion's Footprint: Innovation and Business – 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – In-person, International Affairs Building, Columbia University. Researchers, startups, and industry leaders discuss new materials and models driving decarbonization in fashion.

Axios House: Axios is sponsoring 3 days of events on many topic.  Click on the link for a List of all of them.  Breakthrough Technologies and the Energy Economy of Tomorrow – 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM – In-person, Axios House, 22 Vanderbilt, NYC. GE Vernova CEO Scott Strazik joins Axios’ Mike Allen to discuss innovation shaping the future energy economy.

What Now, What Next: Tackling Spent Nuclear Fuel for a Sustainable Future – 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM – A hybrid panel hosted by The City College of New York will explore technical, political, and community-centered solutions for managing spent nuclear fuel in support of U.S. climate goals.

Uncharted Waters: Examining the Risks of Marine Geoengineering – 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM – A virtual panel hosted by Friends of the Earth will assess the ecological, ethical, and political risks of marine geoengineering techniques such as ocean fertilization and alkalinity enhancement.

U.S. Clean Energy & Industrial Innovation – Report Launch & Climate Week Kick-Off – 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM – An in-person event hosted by The New York Climate Exchange will launch a new report on U.S. clean energy and industrial innovation, featuring key findings, expert panels, and networking on technologies shaping resilience, security, and competitiveness.

POWER: Bring it on! – 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM – An in-person event hosted by the Business Council for Sustainable Energy with K&L Gates and Hydro Québec will feature discussions on U.S. energy and finance, covering federal clean energy incentives, major project development, and evolving standards for sustainable investing.

API - ClearPath Carbon Innovation Forum –  1:00 PM – 6:00 PM- The Carbon Innovation Forum will cover exciting developments in American-made low carbon technology, explore ways to remove unnecessary regulatory barriers, and critically examine the investments needed to scale up the energy technologies required to bolster U.S. geopolitical strength.

Beyond Barriers: Unlocking Home Electrification for Everyone with Inclusive Utility Investment – 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM – An in-person panel hosted by CET will examine how Inclusive Utility Investment programs can accelerate residential decarbonization, expand access to clean energy upgrades, and address challenges to scaling nationwide.

The Ocean Awakens – 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM – An in-person event hosted by Plastic Odyssey aboard the Wavertree at South Street Seaport will convene corporate, nonprofit, and startup leaders for panels, screenings, and networking on ocean action, covering sustainable supply chains, restoration, innovation, and storytelling.

Follow the Capital: Investment and Careers in Climate – 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM -- In-person, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, NYC. CGEP’s Women in Energy hosts leaders from finance, policy, and industry on climate capital flows and inclusive career opportunities.

Systemic by design: scaling circularity through culture, innovation, and infrastructure – 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM – An in-person session hosted by Arc’teryx will bring leaders from fashion and design to discuss embedding circularity into global supply chains through cultural change, innovation, and systems-level infrastructure.

Powering progress - grid innovation, AI, and the next US energy transition – 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM – An in-person session hosted by Climate Group will explore how AI, data infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing are reshaping U.S. energy demand, with leaders discussing grid modernization, permitting reform, and investment models to build smarter and more resilient clean energy systems.

From volatile to viable - the new playbook for energy security – 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM – An in-person session hosted by Climate Group will highlight how governments and businesses can align energy security with climate goals, showcasing strategies where efficiency and renewables strengthen independence, resilience, and economic growth.

Tuesday September 23^rd

SAF Investor New York – All day – An in-person event hosted by SAF Investor will gather leaders from aviation, energy, and finance to focus on financing, scaling, and commercializing sustainable aviation fuel, covering capital markets, corporate strategy, regulation, and infrastructure.

Scaling Clean, Firm Power: The Role of Multi-Day Storage in Enabling Data Center and Industrial Load Growth – 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM – An in-person event hosted by Noon Energy at The Cornell Club will explore how multi-day energy storage can support industrial growth, improve grid reliability, and deliver round-the-clock renewable energy in an era of rising AI and electrification demand.

EDP Executive Roundtable: Powering Resilience: How Renewables Drive Energy Security and Competitive Advantage – 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM – An in-person executive breakfast hosted by EDP will convene energy, technology, and financial leaders to discuss how renewables can meet power demand while strengthening U.S. economic and national security.

Reuters@ Climate Week NYC – September 23–26, multiple sessions daily – An invitation-only series hosted by Reuters at 3 Times Square will feature exclusive forums, high-level dialogues, and curated networking with policymakers, CEOs, and global leaders, focusing on climate action, energy, resilience, and the role of AI in shaping business and society.

Abundance in action: how to frame the next clean energy transition – 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – An in-person session hosted by Climate Group will convene leaders to define the “abundance ethos” and discuss how to translate it into equitable, scalable action for the clean energy transition.

Rystad Energy: Clean Energy Forum – 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM – An in-person event hosted by Rystad Energy at 50 Vanderbilt Ave will feature keynotes and panels on hybrid power grids, fuels for net zero, and the evolving energy transition, followed by a networking reception.

AI + the Future of Sustainability Reporting – 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM – An in-person event hosted by Sustainserv Inc. at 350 5th Avenue will feature corporate, communications, and technology leaders discussing how AI and emerging tools are transforming corporate sustainability reporting and shaping future practices.

Tackling the energy trilemma – security, affordability, sustainability – 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – An in-person session hosted by Climate Group will bring industry leaders together to discuss how businesses can balance energy security, affordability, and sustainability amid geopolitical volatility, highlighting tools like 24/7 clean energy procurement, smart grids, and flexible demand.

Semafor @ Climate Week – Several EVENT, but 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM –
In-person, NYC. Semafor hosts dialogues with leaders and journalists on climate politics, clean energy, and international cooperation. This event features Brookfield Renewables execs and others talking about AI-powered energy,

Wednesday September 24^th

Resilience breakfast at Climate Week NYC – 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM – An in-person breakfast hosted by Resilience at the Javits Center will launch the Climate and Nature Risk Report 2025, with CEO Dr. Andrew Coburn presenting insights on how major corporations are responding to climate and nature risk amid geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

The New York Times Climate Forward 2025 – All day – An in-person event hosted by The New York Times at The Times Center will convene global leaders, experts, and innovators for a full day of discussions on the most pressing climate challenges and solutions shaping policy, business, and society.

Pillars of the Green Transition – 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM – An in-person event hosted by Newsweek at One World Trade Center will feature corporate and climate leaders discussing how maturing technologies, ESG reporting, and smart innovation are shaping the next phase of the global green transition.

Nuclear Symposium 2025 – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM – An in-person event hosted by Nuclear New York on Roosevelt Island will bring together leaders from policy, finance, and technology to explore how nuclear energy can meet rising electricity demand through scalable, cost-effective deployment.

Tidal Shifts: Clean Energy Investment State of Play – 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM – An in-person executive roundtable hosted by the Business Council for Sustainable Energy and CleanCapital, in partnership with White & Case, will examine long-term clean energy investment trends amid a shifting U.S. political landscape.

The Race to Fusion Energy: International Cooperation and Competition – 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM – An in-person event hosted by Columbia Engineering in partnership with the Fusion Industry Association will examine how global cooperation and national competition are shaping the push to commercialize fusion energy, with panel discussions, a reception, and lab tours.

CLIMATE COMMS FOR CREATORS + COMMUNICATORS: Live Workshop! – 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM – An in-person workshop hosted by the Earth Public Information Collaborative will train creators and storytellers in practical strategies from the new Climate Communications Toolkit, featuring speakers from COP30, Conspirators, and H&M Foundation.

Power On Transformational Leadership: Reinventing Purpose, Strategy & Change for Climate Action – 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM – A virtual masterclass hosted by PURE will feature Neil Gaught, Ian Pallister, and Ana Alonso on embedding purpose, reinventing strategy, and applying change management to drive organizational climate action and sustainable transformation.

Turning Waste to Value: Creating a Circular Energy Future – 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM – An in-person event hosted by Bridge Green Upcycle at 116 E 55th Street will bring together experts from energy, cleantech, and finance to discuss how circular economy principles can minimize waste, improve resource efficiency, and support long-term sustainability in the clean energy transition.

Transitioning from EPR Compliance to Innovation to Have More Sustainable and Circular Packaging – 4:15 PM – 5:45 PM – An in-person session hosted by Pure Strategies will feature speakers from Colgate-Palmolive, Ulta Beauty, and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation on how companies can meet packaging EPR laws while driving circularity, cutting emissions, and improving business value through sustainable packaging innovation.

Simplifying Renewable Energy Procurement for Supply Chains: Panel & Happy Hour – 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM – An in-person event hosted by Green Project Technologies at a Midtown rooftop will feature a panel on supplier renewable energy adoption and Scope 3 decarbonization, followed by a networking happy hour.

Heatmap House – All day – An in-person event hosted by Heatmap News at 873 Broadway will convene investors, founders, policymakers, and journalists for a full day of panels and discussions on urgent climate and clean energy challenges and opportunities.

Thursday September 25^th

Offshore Wind Transmission US 2025 – September 25–26, full days – An in-person conference hosted by Global Transmission at the New York Marriott Downtown will bring together regulators, port leaders, and industry stakeholders to discuss challenges and solutions for building the transmission infrastructure needed to advance offshore wind and support U.S. climate and energy security goals.

Stop Plastic Pollution at Source - Revolutionary River Technology – 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – A virtual event hosted by PURE will feature Think Ocean founder Hugo Valdes-Vera presenting new river-based technology that prevents plastic from reaching oceans, achieving 90% capture rates using renewable energy with no harm to wildlife.

Rare Earths and Energy Transition – Can We Diversify the Supply Chain for Vital Industries? – 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM – A virtual panel hosted by NY Energy Forum will feature industry leaders discussing U.S. efforts to reduce reliance on China for rare earths and explore strategies to diversify supply chains critical to the energy transition.

Achieving Zero Waste: Moving the Circular Economy from Idea to Practical Implementation – 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM – An in-person event hosted by The New York Climate Exchange at Governors Island will feature experts from the Center for Zero Waste Design, U.S. Green Building Council, and CET on practical strategies for architects, builders, and operators to eliminate waste and implement circular economy principles in the built environment.

12th Annual Alumni in Energy Symposium – Navigating Challenges to the Energy Transition – 1:00 PM – 5:45 PM – A hybrid event hosted at Bracewell will feature leaders including James Von Nostrand, Chair of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, to discuss regulatory, financial, and policy challenges shaping the energy transition.

Riding the Climate Reporting Rollercoaster: Perspectives from Leading Journalists – 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – An in-person session hosted by Antenna Group at 330 W 38th St will feature CBS News producer Tracy J. Wholf and Heatmap News correspondent Matthew Zeitlin discussing how climate and energy reporting is evolving, moderated by Isaac Steinmetz.

Energy Transition and Clean Tech Investment Amid Uncertainty – An in-person event hosted by Freshfields US LLP at 3 World Trade Center will convene senior leaders from capital, technology, and energy sectors to discuss how investors and corporates are addressing regulatory, geopolitical, and financing challenges in scaling clean energy and infrastructure.

Friday September 26^th

Port Authority of NY & NJ: Advancing Sustainable Aviation Fuel in the Region – An in-person, invitation-only event hosted by the Port Authority of NY & NJ in Lower Manhattan will convene airlines, policymakers, SAF producers, and corporate buyers to discuss scaling sustainable aviation fuel supply, group purchasing models, and the impact of state and federal policies on regional SAF adoption. Gevo’s Lindsay Fitzgerald will speak at this event.

Saturday September 27^th

Climate Hackathon: Adaptation & Resilience – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM – An in-person event hosted by Fulton Ring will challenge participants to design solutions that strengthen climate resilience, using new data and mapping tools to help governments, businesses, and communities better assess risks and adapt to extreme weather.

Chamber Forum Looks at Regulations – The US Chamber hosts a forum on Tuesday September 22^nd at 3:00 p.m. looking at whether regulation is killing American innovation. Chamber Executive Vice President Neil Bradley and Competitive Enterprise Institute President and CEO Kent Lassman explore the balance between necessary rules and entrepreneurial independence. The event will examine how overregulation can dampen businesses’ initiatives and disrupt new and emerging industries, while also addressing where thoughtful, transparent oversight can protect fairness and long-term growth.

USEA Looks at Utilities, Wildfire Impacts – On Wednesday, September 24^th at 11:00 a.m., the US Energy Association holds its next virtual press briefing as an examination of the current wildfire challenge, future expectations, and ways utilities can act to prevent wildfires, from hardening systems to the use of drones and AI to predict, respond to, and reduce instances of fire. In the briefing, a panel of senior journalists who cover energy will question a panel of experts on the wildfire liability faced by utilities. Briefings are broadcast live; they are unscripted and the atmosphere is collegial.

Annual Forum to Address Clean Energy Issues – NYU’s Institute for Policy Integrity holds its annual conference on Thursday September 25^th as part of Climate Week 2025.  The event will bring together experts from around the country to help make sense of a rapidly shifting landscape for clean energy. From recent federal interventions halting wind projects and postponing coal plant retirements to the reversal of much of the Inflation Reduction Act, and a long list of federal deregulatory actions, uncertainty abounds for energy developers, policymakers, and investors. The conference will feature a fireside chat with former DOE Deputy Director David Turk and Constellation Energy’s Kathleen Barrón. Other prominent speakers will discuss the evolving economics of low-carbon energy and the legal outlook for key energy rules and related executive actions facing litigation.

POWER Mag Webinar Looks at AI, Utilities – Power Magazine holds a webinar on September 25^th at 11:00 a.m. on digital transformation for Energy and Utilities looking at adapting to AI's pace. This webinar focuses on the critical need for organizations to develop a robust Digital Enterprise to survive and thrive in a rapidly accelerating technological landscape.

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.

POLITICO Holds Transportation Policy Outlook – POLITICO holds a Transportation policy briefing on Tuesday September 30^th at 8:00 a.m. at Union Station that examines what all of this change means for ground transportation regulation and investment. The future of American road transportation is undergoing a reset in Washington. The fuels and batteries needed to power the automobiles of tomorrow will be shaped by today’s fluctuating consumer demand and shifting policy priorities.

Forum to Look at Utah Public Land Issues – ConservAmerica holds webinar on Tuesday September 30^th at 1:00 p.m. to bring together state and local leaders, exploring how a balanced approach to federal public land management and disposal can help unlock opportunities while preserving Utah’s natural values. Panelists will discuss the challenges faced by local communities and practical strategies to improve collaboration between the federal government and state and local officials, ensuring that conservation priorities are honored while also addressing pressing needs for affordable housing and economic development.

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.

Carbon Capture Report Launched – On Thursday October 9^th at 9:00 a.m., the Global CCS Institute will hold the launch event of the Global Status of CCS 2025 Report. The Global Status of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Report delivers an exciting snapshot of new developments and breakthroughs in CCS over the past year, unveiling the latest data on projects in operation and under development.

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.

Bracewell’s Tax Expert to Speak at SAF Congress – The Sustainable Aviation Fuel North American Congress will be held on October 14^th to 16^th in Houston at the Marriott Marquis Hotel. SAF North America 2025 brings together more than 800 decision-makers from across aviation, energy, and government to tackle the biggest challenges in SAF scale-up, infrastructure, and policy. Speakers will include all major airlines, DOE’s Valerie Reed and Blake Simmons, Bracewell’s tax expert Tim Urban and many 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.