Energy Update: Week of September 25th

Friends,

Hope everyone has a good fast on this most holy Jewish Day of Atonement.  I know I am constantly ready for Yom Kippur as I always am in need of atonement, especially after a few days at Climate Week NYC.

Congress is headed straight for a shutdown at the end of this week. Don’t know what else to add but that chaos will likely ensure. One issue to note: this will likely slow all the processes underway with government agencies including both those the Administration wants to move (IRA implementation, IRS guidance on Hydrogen, SAF) and those they are slow-walking (5-year drilling plan, oil/gas leasing). This will be what we are watching very closely and offering context/background. 

There still will be important hearing action despite the potential shutdown.  Two important hearings on Thursday include a Senate Environment hearing on plastic recycling rebate programs featuring APR head Steve Alexander and a Senate Energy Committee hearing on China's dominance of critical mineral supply chains and how to counter it. On Wednesday, EPA head Michael Regan heads to House Science and House Energy looks at EPA Brownfields issues. Finally, House Energy looks at the grid reliability on Thursday.

Also Wednesday, the Consumer Product Safety Commission holds a briefing for a notice of proposed rulemaking on a safety standard for residential gas furnaces and boilers. And one other important note for Wednesday: the Dallas Fed releases its latest survey of oil and gas execs in the region. It is always an interesting take on the state of the industry.

This week is National Clean Energy Week so there are a ton of other events related to expanding and developing the clean energy marketplace. CRES, ClearPath and others (including states around the countries) are hosting a bunch of events throughout the week. 

Three other good events this week: tomorrow, SAFE holds the first in a five-part series from its Grid Security Project Grid in Peril which features Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Rep Bob Latta (R-OH) on how to shore up the grid; a Wednesday BPC forum and reception on Capitol Hill in the Rayburn Foyer to explore CO2 utilization pathways with policymakers, industry leaders and field experts; finally a Friday OurEnergyPolicy luncheon Friday at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Room 217 on methane policy and issues.

Another Republican Presidential debate on Wednesday…interested to hear if energy/climate gets as many mentions as the first debate. 

                                                                                                          

FRANKLY SPOKEN 

“If we don’t hold polluters in India and China accountable first, the politics are almost impossible. 

Collin O’ Mara, head of the National Wildlife Federation and an informal adviser to the Biden re-election campaign. O’Mara told the New York Times’ Coral Davenport the United States needs to push other nations to act before Mr. Biden can build support for new domestic climate measures.

“If you are seen as imposing debilitating regulations on heavy industry that employs large numbers of people, you’re not only going to get a backlash from manufacturing, but labor as well. How to do that without looking like you are stabbing these industries in the back, or in the front for that matter, is a real political challenge.”

David Axelrod, Democratic strategist who ran former President Barack Obama’s campaigns, in the same article.

 

ON THE PODCAST

Volts: How Climate Activists Can Help Get Things Built – The environmental movement tends to block things, but Volts’ David Roberts says they need to support building things today. Recently, 350.org hired Jeff Ordower, a 30-year veteran organizer with the labor and LGBTQ movements, in part to help figure these questions out. Ordower is leading a campaign focused on utilities standing in the way of clean energy. Roberts spoke to Ordower about organizing around building instead of blocking, the right way to go after utilities, the role green groups can play in connecting vulnerable communities with IRA money and what it means to focus on power.

 

FUN OPINIONS

Manchin: Both Parties Misleading on IRA – In an op-ed in Friday’s Wall Street Journal, Senate Energy Chair Joe Manchin writes both parties misrepresent the Inflation Reduction Act to Americans to score political points. Manchin: “Let me be clear: The Inflation Reduction Act isn’t a red bill or a blue bill, and it sure isn’t a green bill. It’s an American bill. It accounts for the reality that our economy and everyday Americans will rely on fossil fuels for the foreseeable future while also diversifying energy sources. The law invests in cleaner production and use of fossil fuels while also advancing energy technologies of the future. It bolsters energy security while reducing emissions, tasks that can be accomplished simultaneously if done thoughtfully. This is the United States of America; we can walk and chew gum at the same time. Despite this administration’s best efforts to botch the law’s implementation, fossil-fuel projects are getting off the ground because of the act.”

CA Bill is Major Setback for AVs – In an op-ed in the Sacramento Business Journal, SAFE director of Autonomous Vehicles writes that Gov. Newsom should veto legislation if California wants to remain a leader in development of autonomous trucks. The legislation, which sits on Gov. Newsom’s desk, would significantly hinder the deployment of autonomous heavy-duty trucks by requiring those vehicles to have human drivers behind the wheel even after passing rigorous safety testing, certification and ongoing inspections by California’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

 

FROG BLOG

Gates Interview Outlines Approach to Clean Energy – Our friend David Gelles of the New York Times did a great interview with Bill Gates at the Climate Forward forum last week.  While the speakers included Al Gore, Michael Bloomberg and many more, Gates’ approach was much less “hair-on-fire” and very interesting.  Gates focuses on value, opportunities and long-term value. The interview is worth a watch:

UK Turn Around on Climate is About Politics – In a LinkedIn post, British podcaster Michael Liebreich writes the UK’s net zero reset is not much for policy impact.  Sunak's big climate reset is all about getting re-elected, which means it's all about holding on to some of those famous Red Wall seats. And let's just say that voters there are not effete Westminster bubble types who care what European metropolitan elites think. Both in the case of EVs and heat pumps, Liebreich believes that future will be decided much more by bottom-up trends than by top-down, sweeping statements and targets.

 

FUN FACTS

Pay by Energy Sectors – Energy pays well above the average wage in the U.S. and has a top-tier safety culture with excellent training.

 

IN THE NEWS

FERC Approves LNG Projects – FERC approved four natural gas pipeline and export projects late last week. The projects include two LNG facilities in Port Arthur, Texas, and Cameron Parish, La., and Minnesota’s Northern Natural Gas pipeline expansion. The Venture Global Calcasieu Pass LNG project would export 10 million tons of LNG per year and the Port Arthur expansion includes two additional liquefaction trains capable of producing an additional 13.5 million tons annually of LNG.

API Urges Biden Admin to Support Methane Reductions, Support American Energy – In a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, API urged EPA to align its complex methane regulations that apply to U.S. natural gas and oil operations and adopt a timeline for the final methane rule that accounts for the reality of supply chain delays for critical equipment needed in thousands of facilities in producing basins across the country. In a new study, companies identified supply chain delays and challenges in procuring the methane reduction equipment needed to comply with EPA’s draft regulation on the timeline EPA proposed. The study conducted by API, the American Exploration and Production Council (AXPC), the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA), Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), and GPA Midstream finds that the current backorder times for methane reduction equipment components range from 6 months to more than two years, and implementation of the proposed methane rule is expected to increase current backorder times by an additional 6 months or more. The study identified ongoing COVID-induced supply chain delays, including labor shortages, raw material sourcing, chip/semiconductor shortage, steel tariffs, and components sourced outside the U.S. as reasons for the backorder times. Without a compliance timeline that recognizes the supply chain delays for critical equipment, operators could be forced to shut in existing production or delay new production to avoid the risk of noncompliance. This loss of production could diminish domestic energy supply, potentially leading to higher costs for consumers, weakening U.S. energy security and hampering the U.S.’s ability to support the climate and energy goals of allies abroad.

Britain Backs EV Date – Great Britain Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will push back its ban on new gasoline vehicle sales from 2030 to 2035. Speaking to reporters outside 10 Downing Street, Sunak said he is still committed to delivering on its goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, but believed the UK should do so in a “more proportionate way” that takes into account cost of living struggles.

“It cannot be right for Westminster to impose such significant costs on working people,” Sunak said today. “At least for now it should be you, the consumer, who makes that choice—not the government forcing you to do it.”

He also said he believes that due to the improvements in EV technology, the “vast majority” of UK drivers will already have switched out their gas-powered cars by 2030. During the news conference, Sunak dismissed suggestions that he is “watering down” climate targets with the announcement, telling reporters that his commitment remains on the UK’s net zero emissions target, and all other domestic and international clean energy targets.

Bloomberg Announces More Funding for Targeting Coal, NatGas – Former NYC Mayor and UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions Michael Bloomberg announced an additional $500 million commitment to expand the Beyond Carbon campaign. Beyond Carbon will turbocharge the efforts of U.S. cities, states, businesses, and more to transition away from carbon pollution. By 2030, Beyond Carbon aims to:

• Finish the job on coal. With 372 of 530 coal plants announced to retire or closed to date – more than 70% of the country’s coal fleet – this next phase will shut down every last US coal plant.
• Slash gas plant capacity in half and block all new gas plants.
• Increase U.S. clean energy four-fold. Accelerate the clean energy transition to reach the goal of 80 percent of total electricity generation.

The campaign will build on five Bloomberg Philanthropies strategies, including data and research, grassroots and litigation, policy and advocacy, clean energy deployment and coal refinancing.

 

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

Clean Energy Week – National Clean Energy week will be held this week. 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.

Holmstead, Others Discuss EPA Power Plant Rule – Today at 1:00 p.m., the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies holds a virtual discussion on EPA’s Proposed Power Plant Rule and whether it will survive in the courts.  My colleague Jeff Holmstead is a panelist.

Forum Looks at Ecuador Environment Challenges – The Inter-American Dialogue, the Atlantic Council and the Wilson Center hold a virtual discussion today at 3:00 p.m. on marine conservation and environmental protections in Ecuador. The event features a conversation with Ecuador’s President Guillermo Lasso to discuss his environmental legacy and other priorities of his administration.

Forum Looks at Caribbean Energy – The Atlantic Council holds a discussion tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. on the energy transition road map for the Caribbean. The event will feature a new Caribbean Initiative issue brief, “A Roadmap for the Caribbean’s Energy Transition,” which highlights a five-step process on how Caribbean countries can work with partner nations, the business community, multilateral development banks, and regional institutions to build competitive and resilient energy systems. Keynote remarks will be by Trinidad Energy Minister Stuart Young.

NOLA Event to Focus on Grid – Tomorrow at 1:00 p.m., Axios New Orleans reporters host an event on modernizing the power grid, featuring New Orleans City Council President JP Morrell. The conversations will focus on the need to modernize the power grid, accelerate the clean energy transition and improve energy reliability and resilience.

Forum Looks at Climate Threats in Developing Countries – At 11:00 a.m. tomorrow, the Henry L. Stimson Center holds a discussion on responding to climate threats in coastal developing countries. German Ambassador to the United States Andreas Michaelis delivers keynote remarks.  Other speakers include Christina Chan, senior adaptation adviser to Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry; Tuvalu Permanent Representative to the United Nations Tapugao Falefou; and Alice Hill, senior fellow for energy and the environment at the Council on Foreign Relations.

SAFE Grid Forum Features Hickenlooper, Latta – Tomorrow at 2:00 p.m., SAFE holds the first in a five-part series from SAFE’s Grid Security Project. Grid in Peril sets the stage for an important dialogue. The event will feature a panel of experts on the report and the risks and solutions to shore up our electric power grid for the future. Speakers include Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Rep Bob Latta (R-OH), as well as panelists SAFE Grid Security Project Executive Director Thomas Coleman, LS Power CEO Paul Segal and Center for Houston’s Future exec Brett Perlman.

CSIS Looks at Green Climate Financing – The CSIS Energy Security & Climate Change Program holds an in-person event tomorrow at 2:30 p.m.to discuss advancing climate finance.  Mafalda Duarte, Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) will make opening remarks on her priorities since becoming head of the GCF, as well as a readout of the UN General Assembly and the Climate Ambition Summit. Other speakers include WWF’s Marcene Mitchell, US AID’s Jacqueline Muna Musiitwa and IFC’s Christelle van Vuuren, who will discuss their perspectives on the connection between climate finance, international development and national and economic security.

Forum to Look at Green Buildings – Tomorrow to Friday, 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 30^th 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.

BPC to Discuss Carbon Utilization – The Bipartisan Policy Commission holds a forum and reception on Capitol Hill in the Rayburn Foyer to explore CO2 utilization pathways with policymakers, industry leaders and field experts, focusing on economic and climate opportunities while considering tradeoffs and opportunity costs.

Natural Gas Conference Set – Hart Energy LIVE's second America’s Natural Gas conference will be held on Wednesday 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.

PUNCHBOWL Hosts Chat With Sen. Warnock – Punchbowl News founder and CEO Anna Palmer will discuss modern agriculture, focusing on sustainable farming practices and innovation with Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.

Forum Looks at Antarctica – On Wednesday and Thursday, the Wilson Center’s Polar Institute begins a two-day conference on the rules-based order in Antarctica and global challenges to be addressed. Speakers and panels will explore the future of Antarctica and its treaty system in the face of global competition and attempts to undermine the rules-based order. The conference will raise awareness of core US national interests in Antarctica and highlight urgent priorities for the US to retain its leadership and build key relationships to meet urgent challenges.

House Science Looks at EPA Issues – The House Science Committee holds a hearing Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. on science and technology at the EPA, featuring Administrator Michael Regan.

House Energy Looks at Brownfields – The House Energy’s Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee holds a hearing on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. focused on ensuring the reauthorization of EPA’s Brownfields program.

CPSC to Discuss Gas Furnaces – The Consumer Product Safety Commission holds a briefing on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. for its notice of proposed rulemaking on a safety standard for residential gas furnaces and boilers.

Forum Looks at Critical Mineral Challenges – The Business Council for International Understanding holds a virtual discussion Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. on critical minerals and supply chains, carbon sequestration and public private partnership opportunities.

House Resources Looks at Park Service, Migrant Crisis — The House Natural Resources Committee holds a hearing on Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. examining the Biden Administration’s use of National Park Service lands for migrant camps.

Senate Banking Looks at Flood Insurance – The Senate Banking Subcommittee on Insurance holds a hearing on Wednesday at 10: 30 a.m. looking at the state of Flood Insurance in America.

Forum Looks at Climate in Arab World – The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace holds a virtual discussion on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. looking at climate change vulnerability in the Arab World. The event features authors of a new Carnegie compendium for a discussion of these broad challenges and how Arab governments, civil society groups, and other local actors can better address climate change through more inclusive reforms and adaptation policies.

Forum Looks at Farm Bill – The Cato Institute holds a briefing on Wednesday at Noon looking at opportunities for reform in the 2023 Farm Bill. A panel of experts will explore these Farm Bill issues and discuss common‐​sense farm policy reforms. EWG’s Scott Faber is among the speakers.

OEP Looks at Nuclear – OurEnergyPolicy holds a forum on Wednesday at Noon looking at developments in nuclear energy.  The event features a discussion about nuclear’s role in energy with a focus on the current state of nuclear technology and small modular reactors. Rep Byron Donalds keynotes.  Other speakers include DOE’s Gale Hauck, NEI’s Kathy Hartman, Breakthrough’s Charlyne Smith and UMich professor Brendan Kochunas.

Forum Looks at Grid Techs – On Wednesday at 1:00 p.m., the WATT Coalition holds a forum on unlocking the energy transition with grid-enhancing technologies. Experts from LineVision, Smart Wires, Heimdall Power and EDF Renewables will explain the federal policies, programs, and proposed incentives that support GETs deployment in the U.S.

RFF to Hold Geoengineering Forum – On Thursday and Friday, Resources for the Future (RFF) holds “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. Speakers include Harvard’s Joe Aldy, WaPo’s Shannon Osaka, NOAA’s Greg Frost and many more.

Forum to Look at Clean Cars – On Thursday at 9:00 a.m., the American Security Project holds a discussion on clean cars and national security. The event will look at the importance of increased electrification and strong standards. Former FERC Chairman Neil Chatterjee and former DoD secretary for environment and energy security Richard Kidd speak.

Senate Energy Looks at China, Critical Minerals – The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee holds a hearing on Thursday to examine opportunities to counter the People’s Republic of China’s control of critical mineral supply chains through increased mining and processing in the United States as well as international engagement and trade.

Senate Environment Looks at Plastic Recycling – The Senate Environment’s Chemical Safety, Waste Management, Environmental Justice and Regulatory Oversight Subcommittee holds a hearing on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. examining solutions to address beverage container waste. Association of Plastic Recyclers CEO Steve Alexander will testify.

House Energy Looks at Maui Fire – The House Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee holds a hearing on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. investigating the role of electric infrastructure in the Maui fire. Hawaiian Electric CEO Shelee Kimura, Hawaii Public Utilities Commission Chairman Leodoloff Asuncion and Hawai’i State Energy Office Mark Glick will testify.

House Small Biz Looks at Small Offshore Producers – The House Small Business Rural Development, Energy, and Supply Chains Subcommittee holds a hearing on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. on burdensome regulations impacts small offshore energy producers.

House Energy Panel Looks at Grid – The House Energy and Commerce Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee holds a hearing on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. examining the state of grid reliability.

ACORE Looks at Hydrogen – The American Council on Renewable Energy holds a virtual discussion on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. focused on unlocking the opportunity of low-carbon hydrogen through investment, incentives and collaboration.

EESI Looks at Clean Energy Tax Credits – The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) holds a briefing on Thursday at 2:00 p.m. on CVC Senate 208 about the status of the wide range of clean energy tax incentives enacted as part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Effective implementation of tax incentives for home energy efficiency and electrification, electric vehicles, sustainable fuels, clean and renewable energy, and energy storage—plus the game-changing “direct pay” option—will deliver many benefits to families and communities, including lowering household utility bills and expediting the transition to a decarbonized clean energy economy.

This briefing will highlight both individual- and industry-oriented tax credits, which will provide the bulk of the law’s emissions reductions. Panelists will discuss eligibility and timelines for the IRA tax incentives, implementation status, and the role Congress can play in overseeing and supporting these programs. Speakers include Sen. Ron Wyden, DOE’s Steve Capanna, Judy Sheahan of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Ben Evans of the Green Building Council, ACORE’s Daniel Wolf, Chris Bliley of Growth Energy, Roxana Bekemohammadi of the US Hydrogen Alliance, Third Way’s Alan Ahn and Jessie Stolark of the Carbon Capture Coalition.

House Resources Focuses on Energy Legislation – The House Natural Resources Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee holds a hearing on Thursday at 2:15 p.m. to address H.R. 1121 (118), the "Protecting American Energy Production Act"; and H.R. 5616 (118), the "BRIDGE Production Act of 2023."

DOE’s Turk Leads Forum on Climate – The Atlantic holds a discussion with Deputy Energy Secretary David Turk on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. during its Climate Summit. The event is part of its 2023 Atlantic Festival which runs Thursday and Friday.  There is also another event on Friday at 3:45 p.m. holds a discussion on “America’s Race to a Clean-Energy Future.”

Hill Forum Focuses On Clean Energy Jobs – The Hill holds a discussion with Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) on Thursday at 5:45 p.m. examining workforce diversity and why a more inclusive clean energy sector is good for both the planet and business. The event is sponsored by Southern Company and will feature a discussion with CEO Chris Womack.

Energy Economists Host Oil, Gas Discussion – On Friday at 10:30 a.m., the US Energy Economists will host a virtual discussion with Michael Cohen (bp) and Abhi Rajendran (Energy Intelligence).  The event features a conversation on the state of global oil and gas markets. It will discuss key market drivers with emphasis on the near-to-medium term. Speakers will also share their views on the implications for the energy transition.

Forum to Look at Methane Issues, Policy – OurEnergyPolicy and bp America are a holding a luncheon Friday 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.

 

IN THE FUTURE

National Drive Electric Week – The Electric Vehicle Association of Greater Washington DC holds EV in DC Week. 

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.

WRI Tackles GHG Findings – Next Tuesday October 3^rd at 10:30 a.m., WRI hosts a forum looking at topline findings from a market-based accounting approaches survey on GHGs. In this webinar, the GHG Protocol secretariat will review key themes that emerged in the recently concluded market-based accounting approaches survey. ​​​​Participants will have a chance to submit questions for the speakers in advance as well as during the live session. This session will be recorded for those who are unable to join the live session. The initial findings shared in this session will help inform the scoping of updates in consultation with the GHG Protocol’s technical and advisory groups.

Forum Looks at State Level Clean Energy – The Clean Energy States Alliance holds an event on Tuesday October 3^rd at 2:00 p.m. on financing clean energy at the state level. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grants certain clean energy projects supported by State Energy Financing Institutions, including those using commercially available technologies like wind and solar, access to DOE’s Loan Program Office financing.

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.

Forum Looks at Transmission – On Wednesday October 4^th at 10:00 a.m., the CSIS Energy Security and Climate Change Program holds an event on the importance of transmission infrastructure to an effective and resilient energy transition. Terna CEO Giuseppina Di Foggia will begin the event with an address. Following the discussion, two expert panels will offer senior-level perspectives from government, civil society, and the private sector on the role of transmission in the global energy transition, and opportunities and challenges in transmission planning. 

Chamber Sustainability Forum Set – On Thursday October 5^th, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will host its 2023 Sustainability and Circular Economy Summit at its headquarters in Washington, DC. This annual event convenes corporate sustainability leaders, government and policy officials, nonprofits, academics, and innovators to underscore the crucial role that businesses play in sustainability and to share best-in-class strategies and effective policies. Then, on Friday October 6^th, the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) and Digital Climate Alliance (DCA) are partnering with Chamber, Schneider Electric, and Ernst & Young to host the second annual Federal Sustainability Summit that BCSE and DCA hosted last June focused on developing strategies for the private sector to help the federal government achieve sustainability and resilience goals.

C2ES, Brattle Report Set for Release – The Renewable Thermal Collaborative (RTC) holds a briefing on the release of the Renewable Thermal Energy Storage report on Thursday October 5^th at 12:00 p.m. The event will include a presentation on the new report from RTC, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES), and Brattle Group staff as well as a live Q&A opportunity that includes thermal energy storage developers. Authored by C2ES and Brattle Group on behalf of the RTC, this new report outlines key opportunities for deploying thermal energy storage technology to accelerate decarbonization of industrial heat.

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.

EIA to Discuss IEA 2023 Findings – On October 11^th at 9:30 a.m., EIA will release and discuss the findings of the International Energy Outlook 2023 (IEO2023) at a public event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, DC. The event will feature a presentation by the EIA Administrator, Joe DeCarolis, and the EIA Assistant Administrator for Energy Analysis, Angelina LaRose. Following the presentation, the Director of the CSIS Energy Security and Climate Change Program, Dr. Joseph Majkut, will join Dr. DeCarolis for an armchair discussion on IEO2023’s highlights and key assumptions.

BPC Holds Decarb Forum on Cement, Steel – The Bipartisan Policy Committee holds a decarb forum on the hard to abate energy sectors.  More to Come…

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.