Nov 17 Bracewell PRG Energy Update: Landman, COP 30, Congress Back to Action
Energy Update - November 17, 2025
Friends,
Well, I hope you watched the 2nd season premiere of Landman last night on Paramount+ (way better than watching a woeful Eagles-Lions game). In an exciting, fun policy-Hollywood crossover, Axios reports this morning that API has a seven-figure ad campaign featuring real landmen during Paramount+ and CBS broadcasts. "'Landman' reflects a pivot point of how the industry is viewed and the necessity of how it's seen by the American people," API President Mike Sommers told Axios.
Last week, Congress finally re-opened the government after 43 days and Election Day (as many of us predicted), heading off mounting travel woes as we slide into next week’s Thanksgiving week. Yes, can you believe it is already Thanksgiving?
We also heard we would see the Administration’s five-year oil and gas development plan, the Congressionally-mandated requirement which sets the leasing agenda, but it did not emerge. Perhaps we will see more this week (maybe Wednesday we hear). It will be a busy week with Congress in full action mode just before Thanksgiving. After its nearly six-week hiatus, the House has a packed agenda, with energy issues playing a major role. The action includes three disapproval measures of Biden BLM rules for leasing restrictions in ANWR, NPR-A and Wyoming, as well as two energy bills would ease import/export restrictions on LNG and authorize a DOE study outlining the current state of US refineries. The Senate returns tomorrow to move to final approval on the nomination of Ho Nieh to the NRC. Also, House Energy will finally start to tackle EPCA reform in a markup on Wednesday. Most experts agree that now is the time for Congress to update and revise EPCA to better reflect a 21st Century marketplace.
It is also the second week of the UN climate change meetings in Brazil. Summary of first week events “In the News” below. Over the weekend, the BCSE and the Alliance to Save Energy delivered a letter signed by 180 U.S. businesses committing to achieving a global goal to double the rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030.
Tomorrow, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is scheduled to make his first trip to Washington since 2018 and the President is treating it like a State Visit with a black-tie dinner on Wednesday. Watch out for significant discussions of AI, energy investments, nuclear cooperation and closer defense ties. In addition to the new oil and gas 5-year plan (perhaps Wednesday) , we may see new EPA WOTUS rule as soon as today and several more of the long-awaited energy executive orders on Friday
Finally, lots of great Fall-Sport NCAA tournaments underway for Soccer, Field Hockey, Volleyball and lower division Football. Mount Union gets the top NCAA DIII football seed, while NCAA DI field hockey features a clash of National Champs in the semifinal on Friday when UNC and Northwestern connect. (shame of the Committee for getting them on the same side of the bracket). Also of note, Middlebury – winner of 7 straight DIII FH championships – will NOT make it 8 after being bounced out by its perennial second fiddle Johns Hopkins over the weekend. The NCAA DI Soccer selection show is a 1:00 p.m. today with games starting on Thursday. And in Volleyball, powerhouse Nebraska – undefeated and consensus #1 – heads for a clash with last year’s champ Penn St (who they blanked once already this year) in the last week of the Big Ten season over the Thanksgiving. DIII Volleyball Selection show also today with East Texas Baptist holding the top ranking at 30-0. Finally, we will preview the big Thanksgiving football rivalry weekend next Monday, including The Game.
Keeping eyes peeled for 5-year O&G plan and monitoring Brazil action, so call with questions.
Best,
Frank Maisano
(202) 828-5864
C. (202) 997-5932
FRANKLY SPOKEN
“None of these pathways will unfold exactly as written. Yet given the pace of technological innovation, the possibility of social and political tipping points, and the shifting geopolitics of energy, the greater mistake would be to assume that tomorrow will look much like today.
Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University Founding Director Jason Bordoff in his column in Foreign Policy discussing the impacts of IEA’s World Energy Outlook.
ON THE PODCAST
Outgoing NE ISO Head Talks Reliability, Future Energy Needs – In this week’s episode of Energy Solutions, EPSA’s Todd Snitchler sits down with Gordon van Welie, outgoing President and CEO of ISO New England, to discuss his 25 years of leadership through winter challenges, market reforms, and record demand growth. From severe cold snaps to AI-driven load growth, van Welie shares how competitive markets and power providers can continue to deliver reliability if policymakers, regulators and grid operators foster the right conditions (and even a little more Offshore Wind. He explains what New England’s experience can teach the rest of the nation about balancing innovation, investment, and collaboration in a rapidly changing grid.
FUN OPINIONS
Energy Infrastructure Must Address Affordability – In an op-ed in Public Utilities Fortnightly, AGA’s Dan Lapato writes the next decade in energy will be defined by a historic infrastructure buildout that must be accomplished efficiently, affordably, and without undue delay to meet the needs of our economy and the expectations of American consumers. He adds we must accomplish this rapid buildout without placing an undue burden on American families.
FROG BLOG
Chamber: Roadmap Supports Electricity Demand Growth – In a US Chamber blog post, energy expert Heath Knakmuhs says the need for reliable and affordable electricity has never been more critical. Meeting this demand requires a thoughtful, balanced approach that ensures reliability and affordability while ensuring responsible environmental stewardship. To address these challenges, the Chamber developed a set of Principles Supporting Electricity Demand and Economic Growth that offer 20 guidelines that will help us meet this moment of unprecedented electricity demand without sacrificing our economic, innovation, and national security goals.
FUN FACTS
IEA Hit by Energy Realities: The Internation Energy Agency released its World Energy Outlook and after years of Republican complaints, it says global oil and gas demand is projected to keep rising through 2050 under nations' current policies despite growth in renewables and electric cars. The big picture: "There is less momentum than before behind national and international efforts to reduce emissions, yet climate risks are rising," it states. This chart shows that "current policies scenario" that IEA revived for the first time since 2019.
IN THE NEWS
IEA Boosts NatGas in Latest World Energy Outlook – After years of political pressure from Republicans in the US Congress, the IEA predicted that global oil and gas demand will likely grow until 2050 in its World Energy Outlook, departing from previous expectations of a speedy transition to cleaner fuels following U.S. criticism about its climate focus. The IEA has been under pressure from the U.S. for its shift in recent years toward a larger focus on clean energy policies as President Donald Trump called on American companies to expand oil and gas production. During the Biden administration, it predicted that global oil demand would peak this decade and said there should be an end to investment in new oil, gas and coal projects if the world wanted to reach net
Report: Increase in NatGas Recovery – Speaking of NatGas, the upcoming the 5-year plan and the World Energy Outlook, AGA’s Potential Gas Committee rolled out its 60th Anniversary report on natural gas resources in the US recently showing a 16% increase in technically recoverable domestic natural gas resources from the previous biannual report, the largest reported value in its history. The increase shows an industry primed to fuel the economy of the future with abundant domestic supplies to meet growing demand for energy. The PGC report is a good resource on recoverable natural gas supplies relevant to both IEA’s WEO and new 5-year plan for oil and gas development.
180 Major US Businesses Commit to Energy Efficiency Gains – The Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) and the Alliance to Save Energy delivered a letter signed by 180 U.S. businesses to the COP 30 Presidency of Brazil to affirm their commitment to deploy demand-side solutions in the United States and to partner with governments toward achieving the global goal to double the rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030. Businesses supporting the letter represent manufacturers of insulation, heating and cooling, refrigeration, lighting, and digitalization technologies; energy service companies, finance providers, project developers, and consultancies; renewable energy, energy storage, and energy end-users; chemicals; building materials suppliers and construction firms; and more. Key signatories include Ameresco, Siemens USA, Trane Technologies, Schneider Electric, Emerson, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Signify NA Corporation, and the United States Council for International Business.
350 Dials Back – In a sign that some environmental activist groups may be under pressure, POLITICO reports today that 350.org will “temporarily suspend programming” in the U.S. and other countries amid funding woes. The move comes as environmental groups have struggled to find their footing and raise money under President Donald Trump. The letter to outside organizations from Executive Director Anne Jellema said 350.org had suffered a 25% drop in income for its 2025 and 2026 fiscal years, compelling it to halt operations. The group will keep three U.S. staff members in hopes of reviving operations in the future.
“In making these very tough choices, we considered a range of factors, including the political context, the relative need for 350’s work based on the strength of other actors in the ecosystem, the presence or absence of an enabling environment for civil society, and the ability to resource the work needed,” the letter said.
NY Delays Electric Mandate – With the approaching Jan. 1st 2026 date for implementation of New York’s All-Electric Buildings Act, the state agreed to delay implementation. The NY Secretary of State Walter Mosley agreed to a stipulation delaying the act, which bans the use of gas-powered stoves, furnaces, propane and other fossil fuel hookups in most new residential and commercial buildings. The new law was enacted in the 2023-24 New York State Budget to effectuate the state’s emission reduction goals in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The delay is a response to concerns over energy affordability and regulatory uncertainty, and it is intended to allow the state time to defend the law against potential legal challenges
API Launches Landman Campaign to Support Industry Workers – As mentioned above, the return of the Paramount+ hit series Landman, started yesterday and API has launched a new national strategic campaign that taps into a growing cultural shift toward energy realism. The campaign spotlights real landmen and energy workers whose expertise, safety leadership, and innovation keep America’s economy strong and communities thriving. The launch comes as new public opinion research shows bipartisan support for increased U.S. oil and natural gas production and growing voter opposition to bans and mandates that could threaten energy reliability and affordability. Behind every barrel of oil and every cubic foot of natural gas are highly trained professionals whose work keeps our economy strong and our country secure. The campaign highlights the skill and professionalism of modern energy workers, reflecting industry practices rooted in rigorous API standards that protect workers, communities, and the environment. It’s a reminder of the professionals driving innovation, and a tribute to the people shaping America’s energy future.
ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
COP 30 Meeting – Week two of the 30th UN climate conference will take place in Belém, Brazil this week. In week one, the forum struck a tone of urgency and implementation, underscored by UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ often-repeated warnings that missing the 1.5 °C target is a “moral failure.” Energy, finance, and industrial transformation also advanced, including the expansion of a “Belém 4X Pledge” for clean fuels. Meanwhile, tensions bubbled in protester land for the first time in several years. Protesters chanted “Our forests are not for sale,” clashing with security and voicing frustration over exclusion from talks. On the streets, thousands participated in a “Great People’s March,” with demonstrations demanding climate justice and stronger protections for the Amazon.
CEN Forum to Address Community Engagement – Today at Noon, the Conservative Energy Network holds an interactive webinar on community engagement for advancing clean energy initiatives. The event will explore how to effectively build trust, foster collaboration, and mobilize local voices in support of energy innovation. This session will highlight proven strategies for community outreach, storytelling, and coalition-building. Attendees will gain practical tools to: Engage key stakeholders and community members in meaningful ways, navigate local concerns and build public support for energy projects, strengthen partnerships with grassroots organizations and local leaders, and communicate clean energy benefits through values-based messaging.
ConservAmerica to Honor Sens. McCormick, Sheehy – This evening at 6:00 p.m. at the Capitol Hill Club, the ConservAmerica will hold its annual Roosvelt Conservation Caucus Reception. This year, the event honors Conservation Champions Sens. Dave McCormick and Tim Sheehy, as well as Reps. Celeste Maloy and Jen Kiggans.
USEA Looks at CCS – The US Energy Association holds a virtual discussion tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. on Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) questions. This session will explain what makes a CO2 pipeline unique, how it’s designed for safety, and why simple “pipeline conversions” aren’t always feasible. It will also look at how regulations and safety protocols are helping communities prepare as more projects come online. The discussion will also touch on eminent domain, the use of existing rights-of-way, and how developers are navigating regional concerns, particularly in the Midwest.
Forum Looks at Women Enviro Leaders – The George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs holds a discussion tomorrow at Noon on the power and peril of women environmental defenders. The Latin American and Caribbean Studies Initiative (LACS) holds the talk with Dr. Renata Avelar Giannini, exploring how climate change, conflict, and gender intersect in the Amazon. This event highlights the crucial yet often unseen role of women environmental defenders—leaders whose protection of forests coexists with exposure to violence and inequality.
BCSE Looks at Energy Transition – The Business Council for Sustainable Energy holds a briefing tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. on state of play of the U.S. energy transition. Senior executives from BCSE’s delegation will speak on their company’s commitments to climate action and the progress of investment and technology deployment that is advancing the energy transition.
House Energy Looks at AI – The House Energy Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee holds a hearing tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. on examining the risks and benefits of AI Chatbots.
Heatmap Event looks at Clean Energy Manufacturing – Tomorrow at 5:00 p.m., Heatmap News will host a forum at Arlo to look at onshoring the electric revolution. Top lawmakers and business leaders as we explore the federal push to onshore manufacturing and the supply chain — and what it means for industry. Speakers include Sen. Catherine Cortez-Mastio and many more.
Senate Energy Looks at BLM Activities – The Senate Energy Committee holds a hearing on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. on the BLM’s Land Use Planning Process Under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act).
House Energy Marks Up EPCA Modernization – On Wednesday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy will markup EPCA legislation. Most experts agree that now is the time for Congress to update and revise EPCA to better reflect a 21st Century marketplace. Of course, AHRI, the trade association for the HVACR industry has been working closely on this issue and has been pushing for language that would change the compliance date to be the date of manufacture, reducing confusion and easing the burden on manufacturers and distributors.
Senate Environment Hits PFAS Issues – The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee holds a hearing on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. the future of PFAS cleanup and disposal policy.
House China Committee Tackles Global Mineral Issues – The House Select China Committee holds a hearing on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. looking at predatory pricing and how the Chinese Communist Party manipulates global mineral prices to maintain its dominance.
Forum to Explore Saudi Energy Cooperation – With Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visiting Washington, the Middle East Institute is hosting a high-level panel discussion on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. examining how Washington and Riyadh can adapt their longstanding partnership to a rapidly changing world. As the US and Saudi Arabia redefine their strategic priorities, new areas of cooperation are emerging — from artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure to critical minerals, biotechnology, and the space economy. The event will explore how both countries can build a forward-looking architecture for collaboration, transition from legacy frameworks to techno-industrial cooperation, and navigate the emerging techno-economic order.
USEA Looks at Utility Issues for 2026 – The US Energy Association holds a virtual press briefing on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. looking at utilities in 2026 and the perfect storm gathering. Supply demands on the system could be beyond its predicted capacity to deliver. The event looks at multiple challenges to the system signal an end to the relatively quiet times the industry has enjoyed for five decades of slow growth. NERC CEO Jim Robb headlines the panel. WSJ’s Jen Hiller and WaPo’s Evan Halper are among the reporter panelists.
GW Holds Forum on Climate Change – The George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs holds a discussion on Wednesday at Noon on climate change and health in humanitarian emergencies. This seminar will explore how climate change is intensifying health challenges in complex humanitarian emergencies. Panelists will examine how rising temperatures, drought, flooding, and sea level rise are affecting displaced populations and host communities.
BPC Looks at Natural Gas – The Bipartisan Policy Center holds a discussion on Wednesday at 4:15 p.m. on the future of natural gas. The event will look at innovation in a changing energy landscape. The event will explore the future of natural gas in a conversation with EQT CEO Toby Z. Rice, a leading U.S. natural gas producer. The conversation will be followed by a panel discussion on the role natural gas can play in delivering reliability, affordability, security, and decarbonization, featuring industry, utility, and environmental perspectives. Panel speakers include NRDC’s Ralph Cavanagh, Rice and BPC’s Xan Fishman.
CSIS Hosts Space Conference – The CSIS Aerospace Security Project and the Hudson Institute are hosting Delivering Space Capabilities for Warfighting Advantage on Thursday. This half-day summit will bring together senior leaders, practitioners, and experts to examine the changing needs of military space operations and how to deliver space capabilities that provide a warfighting advantage. The Summit will frame space acquisition challenges in the context of joint operational needs, discuss broader defense acquisition reform efforts, draw on best practices from other domains and organizations, and explore ways to improve the delivery of space capabilities that enhance operational effectiveness for U.S. and allied forces. The summit aims to generate concrete ideas for improving authorities, policies, processes, organizational constructs, funding mechanisms, and personnel management to strengthen the nation’s ability to deliver space capabilities.
FERC November Open Meeting – FEERC holds its November Open Meeting on Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
McKibben, FP Talks Climate Change, Clean Energy – On Thursday at 11:30 a.m., Foreign Policy holds a virtual discussion on whether clean energy fix the climate crisis. The conversation features Bill McKibben for a wide-ranging conversation amid the final days of the COP30 summit.
Forum to Look at Combating China EVs Lead – On Thursday at noon, the Electrification Coalition will host a critical U.S. veteran-led discussion on America's industrial competitiveness and national security in the face of China's growing dominance in critical minerals and advanced manufacturing. This webinar, hosted by our Veterans for EVs initiative, will examine how Chinese control over lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements creates vulnerabilities for both our defense capabilities and our competitiveness in the global civilian automotive market. The panel of veteran experts will explore the intersection of national security and industrial strategy, discussing how American manufacturing leadership in key sectors—including electric vehicles, defense technologies, and advanced energy technologies—is essential for maintaining our competitive edge and protecting our national interests.
RFF Biofuels Forum Series Continues on Lifecycle Issues – On Friday at 1:00 p.m., Resources for the Future holds a virtual discussion on lifecycle assessment (LCA) models used in existing policies to incentivize biofuel production. The discussion will look at major areas of debate in the emissions accounting space and what LCA assumptions—including the treatment of indirect land use change—matter.
IN THE FUTURE
THANKSGIVING – Thursday November 27th
NatGas Forum is Set – The North American Gas Forum will be held on December 1st to 3rd in Washington, D.C.. to look at issues driving strategy and investment across the U.S. energy landscape. As policy shifts and infrastructure demands intensify, these sessions will set the tone for pragmatic, solutions-driven dialogue. Speakers include Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, AGA CEO Karen Harbert, ACP head Jason Grumet, AXPC head Anne Bradbury and a bunch of industry experts (including our friend Khary Cauthen of Cheniere).
Gevo CEO, Senators, Reps to Address Energy, AI Forum – U.S. Energy Stream holds the 6th Energy Innovation & AI Forum 2025 on December 3rd and 4th at the Cosmos Club. Forum has been established as the premier bipartisan, off-the-record platform in Washington, DC, convening U.S. Senators, Members of Congress, and top executives from the energy, finance, manufacturing, and technology. During the Forum, we dive deep into the strategies, policies, and breakthroughs that strengthen the energy security and economic growth for the United States and our allies. Gevo CEO Pat Gruber, Sens. Pete Ricketts and Tim Sheehy (R-NE) and a bunch of House members will speak.
C3 Holds Energy Leadership Forum – On Monday December 15th at the Spy Museum, C3 hosts the American Leadership in Energy Innovation Summit where the event will explore the policies needed to ensure families and businesses have access to affordable, reliable power and how the United States can achieve energy dominance.