Energy Update: Week of September 3

Friends,

Welcome Back from August – which in my opinion may have been the busiest August since 2003 – but clearly way more activity than normal.  While I am sad the traffic is back, I am glad my crew is back in school.  Hannah opened her final Wellesley field hockey season with the GW goal and an assist on Friday.  And now Adam is getting ready to dodge Hurricane Dorian down in Newport News. Olivia had already started field hockey games and school last week.  

Speaking of the Hurricane, remember the experts at MIT’s Concrete Hub who are doing a bunch of research on resilience and better ways to prepare as we move through the peak of the season.

There was also a lot happening on the RFS…  But today Senate Environment (EPW has jurisdiction over EPA’s RFS program) Chair John Barrasso said the administration “should pursue policies that help both American farmers and refinery workers. It shouldn’t favor one group over the other. By increasing the amount of ethanol blended into our fuel, we risk closing refineries and killing thousands of jobs. Across the country, refineries help grow our economy, boost energy production, and support local communities. We don’t need to punish refinery workers to help our farmers.” 

We have also seen recent letters from the North American Building Trades union, the CEOs of Refiners that have significant ethanol production and the International Boilermakers Union, which countered an onslaught of pro-ethanol letters/requests (most of them silly).  It clearly is the same challenge that we have faced for three years – how to address competing important constituencies for the President.  Now former VP and Dem frontrunner Joe Biden’s advisors told POLITICO today that Iowa isn’t as important as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan in the general election.

Even though Congress is still back in the district until next Monday, the House Rules Committee already announced it will consider amendments to three oil/gas drilling bills that the full chamber will consider when it returns.

There are a couple of good events this week.  Tomorrow at 10:00 a.m., the National Press Club hosts Newsmaker with United Mineworkers head Cecil Roberts on all things energy, climate and labor.  Then at Noon at RFF, FERC Chair Neil Chatterjee speaks on the FERC direction in the fall.  Both should be a very good event.

Others events include a C2ES-USEA forum on Thursday at 10:00 p.m. on where they will release a report on effective pathways to decarbonization and an ELI forum on bioplastics at Noon.

Finally today, I am adding another short section called “Frog Blog” (in honor of my favorite Carni game Frog Bog) featuring relevant blogs each week in important issues in the energy and environment space.  Our first features a RENEW PR interview with ACORE’s Greg Wetstone.  Send us your blog suggestions.

Call with questions,

Best,

Frank Maisano

(202) 828-5845

C. (202) 997-5932

 

FRANKLY SPOKEN

“Increasing the volumes of biofuel required above the excessive amount of gallons already mandated through the current Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) will only result in skyrocketing compliance costs, putting American jobs at risk — jobs hard working Americans, like the Boilermakers, depend on to put food on the table and take care of their families.”

Newton Jones, International President of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, IronShip Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers & Helpers in a letter Friday to President Trump regarding RFS policy.

 

ON THE PODCAST

Revkin Discusses Communicating Climate – In this edition of Columbia Energy Exchange, host Jason Bordoff is joined by one of our friends and pioneers of climate-change reporting, Andy Revkin. Andy is an award-winning science and environmental journalist and one of the most recognized and experienced environmental journalists in the United States. He was one of the first to tackle the issue of climate change in journalism with reporting dating back three decades. Andy wrote for the New York Times for more than two decades, was a Strategic Advisor for Science and Journalism at the National Geographic Society, and was a senior reporter for ProPublica. He recently joined Columbia University to launch and head a new initiative on communication and sustainability at the Earth Institute. Jason and Andy sat down to discuss how Andy became a climate-change reporter, the current state of climate reporting, what he hopes to achieve with his new initiative at the Earth Institute, and much more. Former NYT Science Writer and friend Andy Revkin was Jason Bordoff’s guest on the Columbia Energy Exchange Podcast during August to discuss the Challenges of how we communicate about climate change and climate science. 

 

FUN OPINIONS

Toledo Blade Letter – A new letter to the editor in the Toledo Blade from Michael Gudgeon, Refinery Manager of the Toledo Refining Company says President Trump must honor his promise to America’s manufacturing workers to implement a sensible Renewable Fuel Standard policy.  “The President must continue recognizing that mandating overly aggressive biofuel volumes through the federal Renewable Fuel Standard threatens Ohio consumers’ pocketbooks and refining jobs. Toledo Refining Co.’s refinery has been a regional economic engine, with more than 550 full-time employees and 500 to 1,200 contractors in well-paying union jobs. Our refinery contributes an estimated $5.2 billion to northwest Ohio’s economy annually, in addition to producing the gas and diesel fuel that powers the cars, trucks, farm machinery, and planes driving Ohio’s and Michigan’s economy.  Gudgeon adds that Under pressure from the biofuel lobby, the Environmental Protection Agency continues mandating biofuel gallons at levels above what consumers can afford, and higher than what many engines and infrastructure can handle. This policy sent the price for RFS compliance credits — called Renewable Identification Numbers, or RINs — soaring, putting refiners like Toledo at major risk.

 

FROG BLOG

ACORE’s Wetstone Weighs In on Renewables, Public Engagement – RENEWPR’s Common Sense Colloquy blog series this month features ACORE President and CEO Gregory Wetstone. In a Q&A with Agency President Ben Finzel, Wetstone shares communications insights and lessons learned over his career in Washington, D.C. “The importance of renewable energy as a national economic driver has been especially key in building bipartisan support,” he said. When asked about communications challenges ACORE faces while promoting the renewable energy industry, Wetstone shared that, while everyone is touched by electricity, “ours is a technical industry that relies on wonky policies." He continues, "our challenge is to find clear and understandable ways to communicate our priorities,” even in difficult fields like electricity policy and tax law. Wetstone remarked that ACORE works hard to forge more sweeping alliances, building coalitions to maximize its impact on joint priorities.

 

IN THE NEWS

Refiner CEOs with Significant Ethanol Holdings Weigh in on RFS – The CEOs of Valero, Marathon and Flint Hills – all refiners that produce nearly 20% of the current U.S. ethanol supply and purchase over one billion bushels of corn annually from farmers – wrote a letter to President Trump late last week discussing the market implications of the federal RFS and the real drivers of current U.S. ethanol production and consumption. Valero Energy Corp.’s Joseph Gorder, Marathon Petroleum Corp.’s Gary Heminger and Flint Hills Resources LP’s Jeff Ramsey made that appeal to Trump cited data and anecdotal evidence to argue it is “simply untrue” that ethanol demand has been undermined by EPA waivers exempting some small refineries from biofuel-blending requirements.  “We have not seen any damaging impacts” related to those exemptions “on the ground at our plants.” They also added it is wrong to “blame a phantom menace” by attributing plant closures and curtailed production on the exemptions: “The U.S. ethanol industry has faced a challenging environment in the past year from an oversupplied market, the continuing global trade disputes and the historic Midwest flooding.”

Keystone Gets Greenlight from Nebraska – The Nebraska Supreme Court upholds the planned Keystone XL pipeline route across the state.  The court on August 22^nd affirmed the route across Nebraska of the 36-inch crude oil pipeline, rejecting a lawsuit by pipeline opponents that maintained that the Nebraska Public Service Commission lacked the authority to approve an alternative route across the state. In a 59-page opinion that was nine months in the making, the court ruled that the PSC’s selection of the “mainline alternative route” was in the public interest and that the commission had the authority to choose such an alternative. The ruling, written by Supreme Court Judge Jeffrey Funke, said that the State Legislature had entrusted the commission with determining whether major oil pipeline routes are in the public interest and whether they would harm the state’s natural resources or economy.  The Chamber’s Global Energy Institute acting head Christopher Guith said the decision removes another major hurdle to construction. Guith: “Keystone XL is one of the most reviewed pieces of infrastructure in history.  As the Court noted, the Nebraska Public Service Commission carefully considered the route and found it was in the public interest.  While Keystone XL may be a poster child for the need for permitting reforms, it also remains in America’s economic and energy security interest to build it, and we look forward to the project moving forward.”

Durbin to Head Chamber GEI – Speaking of the Chamber, they announced the new head of the GEI will be former ANGA and API exec Marty Durbin.  Durbin fills the GEI leadership role vacated by longtime president and CEO Karen Alderman Harbert, who was named president and CEO of the American Gas Association in February. During the search for the new president, Christopher Guith led the division as Acting President, and his hard work and stewardship helped GEI continue to strengthen its mission of meaningful energy engagement at all levels of government.

Forrester Headed to AGA – And speaking of Harbert and AGA, the shuffle continued with our friend Sue Forrester joining Harbert at the American Gas Association as vice president of advocacy and outreach on September 16^th. Forrester was previously managing director at the Chamber's GEI, vice president for issue advocacy at the National Association of Manufacturers and held senior positions at the Associated Builders and Contractors and the RNC.

 

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

NAS Arctic Conference Set – The National Academy of Sciences holds its Arctic Futures 2050 Conference on Wednesday through Friday.

Press Club Hosts UMWA Head – The International President of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Cecil Roberts will be at the National Press Club on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. to discuss the future of the coal industry and what effect he believes proposed climate change legislation and initiatives will have on the jobs outlook for coal producing regions at a NPC Headliners Newsmaker. Roberts also is expected to discuss energy and coal issues and how they will affect the 2020 election. The UMWA has reached out to the Democratic presidential candidates with advice on initiatives that they say could help decarbonize US fossil fuel energy production while preserving jobs, and has invited each of the campaigns to visit a coal mine.  Additionally, the mine workers union president, who also serves as a vice president of the AFL-CIO, will talk about pending legislation to help troubled multiemployer pension funds. Absent congressional action, the UMWA multiemployer pension fund is expected to become insolvent by 2022-23 at the latest, the first of several major pension funds to do so.

Chatterjee to Speak at RFF – On Wednesday at Noon, Resources for the Future hosts a conversation with FERC Chair Neil Chatterjee on the state of US energy markets, energy policy, and climate change.

CNN Sets Climate Town Hall – On Wednesday in New York City, CNN will hold a town hall on the climate crisis for interested Democratic presidential candidates who meet polling thresholds, according to the network. Candidates will appear one after another during the event. 

Shale Play Conference Set for Pittsburgh – The Institute for Energy Law and the Energy & Mineral Law Foundation will hold the 10^th Law of Shale Plays Conference in Pittsburgh on Wednesday at the Westin.  The event continues to bring together clients and legal professionals servicing all components of the energy industry for outstanding continuing legal education focused on issues affecting shale plays.  Former PA Gov. Tom Corbett is the Keynote while my colleagues Kevin Ewing and Caitlin Sickles are on the agenda to look at challenges and opposition, focusing on potential strategies to tackle them. 

Chatterjee, Cruz, Graves to Headline Oil Forum – U.S. Energy Stream’s Houston Oil Forum 2019 will be held on Wednesday and Thursday  at the Petroleum Club of Houston, in Houston, Texas.  Sen Ted Cruz, FERC Chair Neil Chatterjee, Reps Garret Graves, Pete Olson and Lizzie Fletcher and many others will speak. 

Webinar to Look at RPS Trends – The Clean States Energy Alliance holds webinar on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. looking at a new Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory report on key trends in state renewables portfolio standards.  The report, "U.S. Renewables Portfolio Standards: 2019 Annual Status Report," covers recent legislative revisions, key RPS policy design features, state RPS’s compliance with interim targets, past and projected impacts on renewables development, and compliance costs.

C2ES Report Targets Pathways to Decarbonization – The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) holds the release of a new report, “Carbon Utilization: A Vital and Effective Pathway for Decarbonization,” on Thursday at 10:00 a.m.  There will also be a discussion hosted by the United States Energy Association (USEA). The report’s authors will provide an overview of its findings, highlighting the market potential and contribution of individual technologies to greenhouse gas reduction potential. C2ES President Bob Perciasepe will moderate a panel of experts featuring representatives from DOE, NAS, and industry.

ELI Forum Looks at Bioplastics – The Environmental Law Institute hosts a forum on Thursday at Noon on the challenges of plastics and potential of bioplastics.  ELI, the Plant Based Products Council, and leading experts explore the benefits and challenges of an emerging and potentially transformative technology.

Forum to Look at Climate Impacts in Megacities – Johns Hopkins University hosts a forum on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. looking at megacities in an era of climate change.  Extreme weather events are having immediate and long-lasting effects on the economic activity of megacities such as Karachi, Chennai, and Beijing. At the same time, rapid population growth, migration, and human economic activity at massive scales threatens the environmental health of megacities.  Using the lens of rapid population growth, migration, and human economic activity, this panel will explore the economic and environmental impacts of megacity development on the climate; local, national, and international dynamics associated with climate change mitigation in Karachi, Chennai, and Beijing and how can states support economic growth while also responding to the dangers of climate change. 

California Workshop to Look at CA Clean Energy Goal – The California Energy Commission, Public Utilities Corp., and Air Resources Board hold joint workshop to discuss progress toward the state’s 100% clean energy goal.

Conference Looks at Green Market Partnership – The Renewable Energy Markets conference will be held in San Diego on Thursday and Friday.  The event explores the EPA’s Green Power Partnership and various aspects of the renewable energy market.

German, US Union Leaders to Discuss TransAtlantic Issues – Union leaders from Germany and the U.S. take part in forum at Eaton DC Friday at Noon to discuss industrial transformation and a carbon-neutral economy.

 

IN THE FUTURE

POLITICO Forum Looks at Clean Energy Priorities – POLITICO hosts a deep-dive conversation on next Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. at the Marriott Courtyard on what’s ahead for clean energy in Congress and the shifting priorities that are changing how Democrats and Republicans work on this issue. Speakers include former Senate Energy and NEI official Alex Flint and Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY) and several others.

Forum to Look at Nuclear Innovation Opportunities – The Nuclear Innovation Alliance holds a briefing on Wednesday September 11^th at 2:00 p.m. on the opportunities to look for innovation in nuclear development.  The panel for this briefing includes experts from NASA, Clean Air Task Force, and Kairos Power. Remarks will include findings from the Nuclear Innovation Alliance report “In Search of a SpaceX for Nuclear Energy,” which suggests strategies for efficiently supporting demonstration projects.

Forum to Look at Carbon Renewal Discussions – Northeastern University professor Matthew Nisbet and the Institute for Carbon Removal Law & Policy hold a discussion Thursday September 12^th at 9:00 a.m. focused on a new report The Carbon Removal Debate: Asking Critical Questions about Climate Change Futures. The report works towards a common climate justice framework that can inform how various stakeholders think about, talk about, and act on this potentially transformative—but as yet still unproven—technology.

CSIS Conference to Look at Permian Basin – CSIS’s Energy & National Security Program’s Energy in America project will hold a conference on Thursday September 12^th to explore the evolution and impact of oil and gas development in the Permian Basin, and the opportunities and challenges – both economic and environmental – that lie ahead.

Forum to Look at Cyber, Energy Security in Taiwan – On Wednesday, September 12^th at 3:00 p.m., the Stimson Center’s East Asia Program is launching a new annual series, "Taiwan Security Brief." In the inaugural volume, three emerging researchers examine the impact of several nontraditional security challenges in Taiwan: online disinformation, cybersecurity in the digital economy, and energy security. How can Taiwan effectively mitigate problems in these security issues? What opportunities does Taiwan have to expand international cooperation in these areas? Join us for a panel discussion with the three authors as they discuss these three security challenges and ways forward.

Conference to Look at Climate/Enviro Justice – The 49^th annual No Planet B Legislative Conference will be held on September 12^th at 4:00 p.m. at the Washington Convention Center.  This panel will discuss the environmental and climate justice movement—what advocates are fighting for, why those objectives matter to everyone, and how all of us can come together to achieve comprehensive climate action.

WCEE to Host BP Comms Exec – The Women's Council on Energy and the Environment will host BP’s Mary Streett, Senior Vice President of U.S. Communications and External Affairs on Thursday September 12^th at 6:00 p.m. at USEA.  Streett is a trailblazer for women within the energy and government sectors. USEA Chairman and Duane Morris LLP Of Counsel Sheila Slocum Hollis will offer introductory remarks.

Webinar to Look at CCS Liability – The Global CCS Institute holds a webinar at 7:00 p.m. Thursday September 12^th to look at commercial approaches to CCS liability.  Liability has long been raised as a significant barrier to the wide scale deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS). This Webinar will draw on the key analysis and findings of our latest Thought Leadership Report that seeks to challenge these views and make the case for a more commercially-minded view of liability.

Tezak Headline Energy Economists Sept Lunch – On Friday September 13^th the National Capital Area US Energy Economists will host our friend Christine Tezak of ClearView Energy for its September lunch at Carmines.  Tezak, managing director, ClearView Energy Partners, will address the capacity market issue.  Christine’s leadership of ClearView’s electricity markets, interstate pipelines, energy infrastructure and U.S. environmental policy coverage relies on more than two decades of experience in the electric utility and natural gas pipeline sectors.

National Drive Electric Week – Washington – Starts Saturday, September 14^th at 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on the National Mall.

Forum to Look at Effectiveness of Energy Programs – The Energy Efficiency for All (EEFA) coalition and the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) invite you to a briefing with EEFA partners in Ohio, Virginia, New York and California. These state leaders will discuss how they are building successful campaigns to deliver energy/cost savings and healthy home environments for low-and-moderate-income (LMI) households. Speakers will discuss how their state coalitions are using and leveraging federal energy services, such as the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), to ensure that all LMI residents have access to housing that is healthy, safe, energy efficient and affordable.

GU, MSNBC Climate Forum Set – The Georgetown's Institute of Politics and Public Service at the McCourt School of Public Policy (GU Politics), MSNBC, Our Daily Planet, and New York Magazine are hosting several 2020 Presidential candidates for the Climate Forum 2020 on September 19^th and 20^th. The two-day forum features 2020 Presidential candidates in conversation with young voters on the issue of climate change. After 7 hours of climate on CNN this week, we’ll see if this holds water as well. 

UN Climate Summit Set for NYC – UN Secretary-General António Guterres will host the 2019 Climate Action Summit on September 23 in New York City. The Summit will showcase a leap in collective national political ambition and it will demonstrate massive movements in the real economy in support of the agenda.

RFG, Biodiesel Conference Set – The OPIS RFS2, RINs & Biodiesel Forum kicks off on September 23-25^th in Chicago. The conference will examine the legal landscape for the RFS with a panel of attorneys providing a rundown on how Washington policy may change in the upcoming election year, as well as current cases before the courts, including the oil refining industry challenge to the E15 rule.

National Clean Energy Week (NCEW) set for September – The National Clean Energy Week (NCEW) described by POLITICO as “a veritable who’s who of the Clean Energy World” will be September 23-27 and sent out speaker information ahead of its third annual celebration. ClearPath will be involved, celebrating and raising awareness for reducing emissions through clean energy technologies.

Forum to look at Climate Security – The Center for Climate and Security, in partnership with the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, holds the 2019 Climate and National Security Forum: A Climate Security Plan for America. This year’s forum will focus on the risks that climate change presents to U.S. military bases and operations, and on the launch of the Climate and Security Advisory Group’s 2020 Climate Security Plan for America, which outlines steps that would help U.S. leadership manage the impacts of climate change on national security.  The Keynote Address will be from retired U.S. Air Force General Ron Keys, who also serves as the board chair for Center for Climate and Security. 

Thorium Conference Set for Oak Ridge – The Thorium Energy Alliance will hold its 10^th annual conference at the Pollard Technology Conference Center in Oak Ridge, TN on October 1^st.  Speakers, representing academia, private sector manufacturing and federal agencies, will present brief overviews of past achievements, current projects and future paths forward within the Thorium Energy landscape. The TEAC 10 Conference will take place the day prior to the Molten Salt Reactor Workshop occuring at Oak Ridge National Labs (ORNL).

Conference to Look at Tech Change, Innovation – Greentech holds its inaugural transformative technological change conference on October 2-3 in downtown Seattle at the Bell Harbor Conference Center at Pier 66. Leaders from some of the world’s most innovative companies will engage with policymakers, lawmakers, technologists and NGO’s to explore environmental protection in an era of innovation and technological change. Our friends Lisa Jacobson of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy and C2ES head Bob Perciasepe will join former EPA head Bill Reilly and others as speakers. 

USEA to Host DOE Geothermal Official – The US Energy Assn hosts a forum on Wednesday October 2^nd at 11:30 a.m. featuring DOE’s Dr. Susan Hamm, Director of the Geothermal Technologies Office.  Hamm will discuss the findings of the Department of Energy’s report: GeoVision: Harnessing the Heat Beneath Our Feet. In addition to addressing the state of geothermal energy in the U.S., the report highlights the opportunities for geothermal to have a sizable role in meeting the nation’s 21st-century energy demands. The report provides a pathway forward for the future of geothermal and what needs to be done to increase the presence of geothermal in the energy sector.

Chamber Hosts Digital Conference – The U.S. Chamber Foundation and Tata Consultancy Services will be hosting its third Digital Empowers regional forum in Chicago, IL on October 3, in partnership with the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. This event will convene business leaders, technical experts, and on-the-ground partners that are shaping the future of innovation and social impact in Chicago. The event will also feature emerging issues like artificial intelligence and ethics, civic technology, data and blockchain, and financial literacy. 

AWEA Finance Conference Set – The AWEA Wind Energy Finance & Investment Conference is set for New York on October 10 and 11^th at the TimesCenter.  This year, the agenda includes sessions led by experts from across the sector who will be sharing their experiences, perspectives and outlook for the future of wind energy finance & investment.

AEE Holds Western States Energy Conference – The Advance Energy Economy (AEE) holds its first annual Western Regional energy policy conference in Scottsdale, Arizona on October 16^th and 17^th.  The event brings together business leaders and policymakers from across the region to identify ways to achieve this goal, state by state and through a regional grid, powered by advanced energy growth from New Mexico to Washington state. Topics will include regionalizing electricity markets in the West, utility action for an advanced energy future, Electric Vehicles (EVs) as assets for cleaning the grid, challenges and opportunities for siting renewable energy projects and grid modernization. 

ACORE Forum Set for SF – ACORE’s 2019 Renewable Energy Grid Forum will take place on October 17^th in San Francisco at the Hilton Financial District.   The event will feature a discussion on the reliability and resilience of 100% clean energy.  Event co-chair and Edison International’s Senior Vice President of Strategy & Corporate Development Drew Murphy will hold a fireside chat on the role of utilities in America's transition to renewable energy moderated by ACORE’s President and CEO Greg Wetstone.  Our friend Rob Gramlich also speaks.

Offshore Wind Conference Moves to Boston – The American Wind Energy Assn holds its annual Offshore WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition on Tuesday October 22^nd and Wednesday the 23^rd in Boston at the Park Plaza.  The event has cultivated a dedicated and thriving global community of top developers and experts, making it the largest and most successful gathering of offshore wind energy professionals in the United States.  The decision to grant small refinery hardship is a legal decision, not a political one, and we’re pleased that USDA’s influence didn’t cause EPA to depart from the rule of law. Small Refiners hurt by broken #RFS #ethanol.

ELI Annual Dinner to Honor Patagonia Leaders – The 2019 Environmental Law Institute Awards Dinner will take place on Tuesday, October 22^nd at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.  ELI will honor 2019 award winners, Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Rose Marcario, Patagonia's president and CEO.  Bracewell is a major sponsor of the event.