Summer Starts Busy Energy Week

Friends,

Hope you had a great Father’s Day, enjoyed the long holiday weekend and the longest daylight day of the year with the official launch of Summer yesterday. What an exciting finish to the US Open in Shinnecock Hills, NY with Wyndham Clark holding off Sam Burns, Tom Kim and Scottie Sheffler to win 2nd U.S. Open title. Wimbledon starts today with matches already underway and Serena and Venus Williams returning to the grass courts at the All England Club (they have croquet there too).

I am starting today with a new study from Charles River Associates that shows how offshore wind can help address PJM’s power demand changes. The analysis finds that offshore wind adds accredited capacity, reduces outage risk, and is especially valuable during hard-to-solve winter periods when PJM is increasingly stressed. Further, while offshore wind’s benefits are highest in Virginia, it has positive ripple effects for inland states. But offshore wind is not a standalone solution: fully addressing PJM’s emerging reliability gap will require a broader portfolio that also includes natural gas, storage, transmission, and demand-side flexibility. Offshore Wind Advocacy group Turn Forward commissioned the CRA report.

Also, this morning, API is introducing a new set of policy recommendations in response to the Iran/Strait of Hormuz crisis, most notably urging reforms to the SPR and the Jones Act. These recommendations and other related topics will be on the agenda later today, at 4:00 pm, when API holds a discussion with leading energy policy experts. API CEO Mike Sommers hosts CERAWEEK Founder and author Dan Yergin, Rapidan’s Bob McNally, CSIS energy expert Joseph Majkut and Atlantic Council energy expert Landon Derentz for the discussion.

On the Hill, the House will take up its fiscal 2027 Energy-Water spending bill, as well as Commerce, Justice and State Department funding. Action starts in the House Rules Committee tomorrow Also on Wednesday, the House E&C Energy panel holds an electricity policy markup and is expected to push the Ratepayer Protection Act forward, while the Environment panel tackles critical mineral recycling. On the Senate side, Sen. Alan Armstrong holds an event on Wednesday afternoon on Capitol Hill to discuss new reforms he is leading for energy project permitting. AGA’s Karen Harbert, ACC’s Chris John, ACORE and steel manufacturers will all attend.  There will also be DOE/Interior nomination hearings in the Senate Energy and Senate Environment committees this week.  We may also see the Senate’s version of the Farm Bill this week. 

Other important events include SEIA’s Finance event and a Reuters Energy event in NYC tomorrow and the 29th Annual Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency EXPO and Policy Forum (EXPO 2026) on Wednesday. Also Wednesday, UCAN is hosting a virtual forum focused on NRC efforts to streamline permitting while ensuring safety with Sen. Bill Hagerty, NRC Chair Ho Nieh and ClearPath CEO Jeremy Harrell. On Thursday, Electrification Coalition holds a forum discussing how municipal fleets can make the most of their EV charging and CSIS holds a discussion on data centers and the future of AI infrastructure.

Get ready for the FIFA ‘knock-out rounds” starting next Monday (June 28th), which also launches big July 4th 250 Celebrations around the country!!!

See you at API at 4pm later today Call with questions.

Best,

Frank Maisano
(202) 828-5864
C. (202) 997-5932

FRANKLY SPOKEN

“This FERC is not the old sleepy agency that it has been in the past, and we can't afford to be “We are unified in protecting the American ratepayer.”

FERC Chairman Laura Swett in an exclusive interview with Kelsey Tamborrino following the vote.

ON THE PODCAST

Bordoff Talks Iran with Former Nat’l Security Advisors – In a special edition of the Columbia Energy Exchange podcast, host Jason Bordoff speaks with Jake Sullivan, Former US National Security Advisor, and Jon Finer, Former Deputy National Security Advisor, to address questions about the US-Iran ceasefire and the intersection of national and energy security.

Fitzsimmons Talks Affordability on Political Climate – In the latest Political Climate podcast episode, hosts Julia Pyper, Neil Chatterjee and Brandon Hurlburt sit down with associate deputy secretary of Energy Alex Fitzsimmons to discuss the Trump administration's energy affordability agenda. He unpacks the strategy to stabilize, optimize and grow the energy system amid the race to add new power capacity and maintain US competitiveness.

FUN OPINIONS

Permit Durability IS Crucial for Energy Industry – In a recent Rainey Center blog post, CEO Sarah Hunt writes America needs durable energy agreements. Investors should not be forced to speculate about whether a permit issued today will remain viable after the next election cycle. Companies should not have to choose between satisfying one government entity and provoking retaliation from another. Economic growth and infrastructure development depend on something more basic than any particular technology — a functioning investment environment requires confidence that government commitments will survive changes in political temperature.

FROG BLOG

Gevo: Carbon Removal, Renewable Fuels Offer Pathway to Success – In a blog post on the BCSE website, Gevo’s Kathy Bergen discusses the intersection of rising demand for renewable fuels and for carbon removal. The opportunities to deliver value, integrity and performance by meeting the rising demand for SAF and durable carbon removal continue to drive sustainable energy supply and economic security forward. And as recent global events remind us, a diverse and growing energy supply protects us all against energy price and supply disruptions.

FUN FACTS

Jones Act Waivers Explained: The Jones Act allows the federal government to issue temporary waivers in instances like national emergencies, natural disasters or major supply disruptions (like the Strait of Hormuz). These waivers allow foreign-flagged vessels to move cargo between U.S. ports. API provided a detailed assessment of the Jones Act and waivers. 

IN THE NEWS

Study Show Offshore Wind Impacts, Benefits to PJM Grid Challenges – A new report from electricity market analysts Charles River Associates (CRA) finds that offshore wind could help address growing affordability and reliability concerns as advanced manufacturing, electrification, heavy industry and data centers place unprecedented demands on PJM’s grid. The report was commissioned by Turn Forward and released today through its Energy Research Exchange. Power demand on the nation’s largest grid system is currently growing five times faster than PJM’s historical average. Left unaddressed, experts foresee a 7.8GW shortfall by 2033— equivalent to 25% of the peak electricity needs of the State of New York. Meeting that urgent demand challenge and ensuring Americans have access to affordable and reliable power requires expanding available homegrown energy sources, including offshore wind.

“The scale of demand growth we’re seeing right now is unprecedented, and PJM’s 67 million customers deserve every tool available to maintain electric reliability and affordability,” said Turn Forward Executive Director Hillary Bright. “This report makes clear that proven, utility-scale resources like offshore wind can make a vital difference in the race to strengthen one of our nation’s most critical power systems.”
The new report outlines how utility-scale offshore wind generation can enhance PJM’s reliability. For comparison, the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project in development generates as much capacity as a large natural gas plant or small nuclear facility. Building on PJM’s current resource mix, including natural gas, nuclear, coal, renewables, and hydropower, CRA found that offshore wind can help:

Lower the risk of blackouts during periods of peak demand;

Perform strongly when the grid is most stressed, particularly during evening hours and winter months;

Enhance defense readiness by ensuring reliable power for critical military capabilities;

Secure the grid—CRA estimates that tripling current offshore wind deployment could reduce outage risk by 40 percent.

ACCF Details Effort to Improve Strategic Refining Advantage – A new report from the American Council for Capital Formation says stagnant policy is undermining the U.S.’ strategic refining advantage over China.  The report says safeguarding the refining sector is not merely an economic imperative but a strategic necessity. Failure to act decisively risks ceding control over critical fuel and petrochemical supplies to adversaries, undermining military readiness and industrial competitiveness. ACCF CEO George David Banks, a friend of the Update and former energy adviser to the first Trump administration, recommends expediting permitting reforms, reducing/streamlining burdensome refining regulations (especially among the RFS) and securing more Venezuelan supplies for Gulf Coast refineries and developing technologies to reduce refinery emissions will create a stronger sector and preserve the US strategic advantage.

Interior Buys Back Invenergy Offshore Wind Leases – The Interior Department is buying back four more offshore wind leases, all held by Invenergy, refunding the private company $765 million. Under a settlement, Invenergy will use the funds to invest in natural gas as well as geothermal projects in the western US.  One lease, worth $645M is in the New York Bight, while the smaller leases where off the Gulf of Maine and the central coast of California. Hillary Bright, executive director of Turn Forward, an offshore wind advocacy group said:

"These buyouts are not one-for-one ‘swaps’ for another kind of energy. When you eliminate future utility-scale power sources from a crowded, energy-hungry population center, you need a clear Plan B to avoid future grid stress. Replacing coastal offshore wind with geothermal or natural gas infrastructure in another region does nothing to address rising ratepayer affordability concerns, reliability challenges or potential gaps in power supply in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic."

FERC Streamlines AI Boom with Conditions – The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved a series of orders on Thursday to help US power grids remove bottlenecks that risk slowing the AI boom. The aim is to handle requests for power within 90 days, which would be a dramatic acceleration of a process that currently is taking years. The fast-tracking will come with tradeoffs for AI hyperscalers that could require them to bring their own power or curtail demand during times of high stress on the system. They will also pay costs associated with needed grid upgrades so they can receive vast quantities of electricity. 

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

London Climate Action Week – London Climate week started over the Weekend and runs through Sunday in London, England. Gevo’s Chief Carbon Officer Alex Clayton will speak at the event.

Water Association Holds Conference – The American Water Works Association holds its 2026 American Water Works Annual Conference & Exposition today to Wednesday at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center’s 3rd Floor Ballroom. Keynoter is Charles Fishman, journalist and author who is one of the most forceful and challenging public voices on water issues.

Yergin, McNally Headline API Forum Looking Forward on Energy Markets – Today at 4:00 p.m., API holds a discussion with leading energy and policy experts on the future of U.S. energy security.

Energy and policy experts will discuss how the United States can build on its energy advantage, strengthen affordability and reliability for consumers, and create a more resilient energy system in an increasingly complex global energy landscape. API CEO Mike Sommers hosts great speakers including CERAWEEK Founder and author Dan Yergin, Rapidan’s Bob McNally, CSIS energy expert Joseph Majkut and Atlantic Council energy expert Landon Derentz.

SEIA Holds Finance, Tax Seminar in NYC – Tomorrow and Wednesday, the Solar Energy Industries Association holds its annual Finance, Tax, and Buyers Seminar in New York, NY.

Reuters Global Energy Event Set for NYC – Reuters Global Energy Forum 2026 is set tomorrow and Wednesday in New York City. The event focuses on uniting for a resilient energy future. Speakers include Exelon CEO Calvin Butler.

Senate Energy Hosts Interior, Energy Nominations – The Senate Energy Committee holds a nomination hearing tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. for Kevin Lilly to become assistant Interior secretary for fish and wildlife, William Hague to become assistant secretary for insular and international affairs at Interior and Kaveh Farzad to become assistant secretary of Energy for international affairs.

S&P Forum Looks at Recalibration of Global Energy Transition – S&P Global holds a webinar on Wednesday to explore the dynamics of a changing global energy transition are influencing markets across regions, commodities, and technologies. S&P Clean Energy Pulse experts will examine Country/region transition variability, the role of spare capacity—particularly in China—in shaping short-term flexibility, strengthening outlooks for solar, storage and electrified transport, constraints emerging across biofuels, hydrogen, and supply chains and the growing tensions between affordability, energy security and long-term decarbonization.

Congressional Renewable Expo Set – The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the House and Senate Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucuses are holding the 29th Annual Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency EXPO and Policy Forum (EXPO 2026) on Wednesday. Leading experts will showcase technologies and solutions that create jobs, lower utility bills for households and businesses, build resilience, protect our national security, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Speakers include Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Rep. Sharice Davids (D-Kan.), Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II (D-Mo.), Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.) and more.

Houser Ag Looks at Farm Disaster, Conservation Programs – The House Agriculture Committee holds a hearing on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. review the implementation of farm safety net, disaster and conservation programs.

Senate Environment Hosts Interior Nom – The Senate Environment Committee holds a hearing on the nomination of Kevin Lilly to be assistant Interior secretary for fish and wildlife on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

House Environment Subpanel to Look at Critical Minerals, Recycling – The House Energy and Commerce Environment Subcommittee holds a hearing on Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. examining legislation to support domestic critical mineral recovery and recycling.

NRC Chair Headlines Nuclear Forum – United Coalition Advanced Nuclear Power (UCAN) is hosting a virtual forum on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. focused on NRC efforts to streamline permitting while ensuring safety. The virtual forum will feature opening remarks by U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (TN), followed by a moderated discussion with NRC chair Ho Nieh and Mr. ClearPath CEO Jeremy Harrell. The webinar will examine how NRC can support America’s growing energy demands by modernizing and accelerating its permitting processes while upholding the highest standards of nuclear safety. Speakers will outline current regulatory bottlenecks, opportunities for process reform, and the role of advanced reactor technologies in strengthening grid reliability and national security. The session will highlight practical pathways for reducing delays, improving predictability for developers, and ensuring that safety, innovation, and U.S. energy leadership advance together.

House Energy Panel Holds Electricity Markup – The House E&C Energy Subcommittee will move several bills focused on electricity policy on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. including the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act.  Other legislation includes:

The “Protecting Families from AI Data Center Energy Costs Act,” H.R. 6529, from Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio), which would require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to hold a conference with major stakeholders on how to protect residents from increased costs.

The “Load Forecasting Enhancement Act," H.R. 9332, from Rep. Troy Balderson (R-Ohio), which would require FERC to study electricity demand forecasting.

The “Affordable Innovation for the Grid Act,” H.R. 9339, from Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), which would direct federal authorities to study using artificial intelligence and high-performance computing to modernize the power grid.

The “Advanced Transmission Technology to Reduce Rates Act,” H.R. 9335, from Rep. Craig Goldman (R-Texas), which would direct DOE to establish a publicly available clearinghouse and provide technical assistance to promote the use of advanced grid technologies.

The “High-Capacity Grid Act," H.R. 6633, from Rep. Julie Fedorchak (R-N.D.), which would direct FERC to establish a best-available transmission conductor standard for new interstate transmission lines and rebuilds. 

Heatmap to Review Data Center Challenges – On Wednesday at 2:00 p.m., Heatmap and Orennia hold a conversation on the evolving data center landscape, including where projects are moving forward, where opposition is emerging, and how sentiment, permitting risk, and power market dynamics are influencing siting and investment decisions. The discussion will explore the latest trends in data center demand, behind-the-meter opportunities, and the signals energy stakeholders should be watching as the sector continues to evolve.

Armstrong to Discuss Permitting – Sen. Alan Armstrong holds an event on Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. on Capitol Hill to discuss new reforms for energy project permitting. AGA’s Karen Harbert, ACC’s Chris John, ACORE and Steel manufacturers will all attend. Discussions will address topics including energy and grid constraints, community and economic impacts, AI security, public-private coordination, and the broader geopolitical competition to build and secure next-generation infrastructure.

House Resources Addresses Resource Mapping – The House Resources Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee holds a hearing on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. on the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative and America's resource potential.

CSIS Look at Data Centers, AI Infrastructure – On Thursday at 10:00 a.m., CSIS holds a discussion on data centers and the future of AI infrastructure. The event will look at Federal, local and industry perspectives. The event will feature two panels bringing together federal and local government officials alongside industry leaders to examine the policy, economic, and security implications of large-scale data center expansion.

Forum Looks at Eco Book – New America holds a virtual book discussion on Thursday at 12:00 p.m., focusing on the new book "Fires in the Night: The Earth Liberation Front, the FBI and a Secret History of Eco-Sabotage."

Hudson Looks at the Arctic, Energy – On Thursday at 1:30 p.m., the Hudson Institute holds a discussion on navigating competition in the Central Arctic Ocean. the event will look at changing conditions in the Central Arctic Ocean and the implications for governance, economic development, conservation, and national security. Sen. Lisa Murkowski is among the speakers.

Forum Looks at Municipal Fleets, EV Charging – Electrification Coalition holds a forum on Thursday at 2:00 p.m. discussing how municipal fleets can make the most of their EV charging. Setting the right price for public EV charging is one of the most consequential and overlooked decisions a municipality can make. This webinar walks city planners, procurement officers, and operations managers through a pricing methodology that is designed to sustain operations budgets and foster charging utilization. We’ll review cost recovery, competitive rate analysis, and replacement savings so you can walk away with a replicable pricing guide your procurement and operations teams can implement.

RFF Critical Minerals Lab Conference Set – Resources for the Future holds its Critical Minerals Research Lab webinar on Thursday at 2:00 p.m.. This lab provided a space for interdisciplinary examination of research that touched on many issues within the study of critical minerals—including issues around mineral governance, industrial policy, community benefits, battery circularity and much more. In this year’s Critical Minerals Research Lab Conference, RFF will showcase four collaborative research projects that the students have undertaken over the course of the academic year. These projects cover a variety of policy-relevant topics, both within domestic discussions and beyond.

Fireside Chat Focuses on Climate Vulnerability – On Friday at 9:30 a.m., the Center for Global Development holds a fireside discussion with the International Rescue Committee's David Miliband to consider the implications of new research on the climate vulnerability of fragile and conflict affects states relative to other country groups and whether climate finance is reaching those most in need. The conversation will consider what these findings mean for international funding priorities in today's geopolitical landscape.

IN THE FUTURE

Forum Looks at Affordability – In the second webinar of Advance Energy United’s three-part Energy Affordability series, industry experts from Dominion Energy and GoodLeap will explore how advanced energy companies are working collaboratively with utilities to manage rising energy costs. Attendees will gain insights into how advanced energy technologies, both grid-scale and distributed, are providing the affordability solutions that customers are searching for. GoodLeap’s Courtney Welch and Dominion’s Nathan Frost speak.  

IEA Energy Efficiency Event Set for Montreal – The IEA Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency is set for Monday June 29th and Tuesday Jun 30th in Montreal. It is the leading international forum for advancing energy efficiency. Each year, it brings together ministers, CEOs, and senior leaders from government, finance, and business sectors across the globe. Canada and the IEA will co-host the 11th edition with over 600 participants for two days of high-level panels, roundtables and meetings to drive progress forward.

Forum Looks at Eurasia – The Center for the National Interest hosts a seminar on Tuesday June 30th at 9:00 a.m. looking at a path-breaking article in The National Interest by Eldaniz Gusseinov and Vlad Paddack "Geo-Connectivity and the Death of Eurasia." In moments of crisis, the connections that bind Eurasia's economies together can become the very channels through which instability spreads. Geo-connectivity maps the overlapping networks through which geopolitical shocks travel, including pipelines, ports, supply chains, financial flows, and institutional linkages.

JULY 4th – Saturday, 250th US Birthday Celebration

RFF Looks at Energy Transition in Energy Communities – Resources for the Future holds an event on Tuesday July 7th at 3:00 p.m. as part of a webinar series hosted by RFF’s Resilient Energy Economies initiative focusing on public opinion on energy transition and economic development in energy intensive communities. The event includes insights from two leading researchers’ work across 18 states, the Navajo Nation, and the Jicarilla Apache Nation.

BCSE Talks Data Center Growth – On Wednesday July 15th at 9:00 a.m., the Business Council for Sustainable Energy's American Energy Abundance Alliance, Fordwell Strategies and Tuli Public Affairs hold an interactive discussion examining the scale and pace of data center growth and the significant energy needs accompanying that expansion. This event will bring together leaders from across the energy sector and the data center industry, to focus on how partnerships can help meet rising demand while advancing reliability, affordability, and sustainability goals.

FERC Technical Conference Set – FERC holds its technical conference focused on actionable reforms to PJM’s stakeholder process and governance will be held on July 23rd.  The conference will look to identify and evaluate reforms to improve PJM’s ability to address operational and market needs in a timely and efficient manner.

CEN Sets Energy Summit for Boston – Conservative Energy Network at the third annual National Conservative Energy Summit on August 3rd to 5th in Boston, MA. This event gathers local, state, and federal policymakers, industry leaders, and grassroots advocates from across the country to explore the future of energy policy in America.