Friends,
The Gordie Howe bridge in Detroit opened this weekend. Unfortunately, the ongoing US-Canada trade dispute put a damper on grand opening ceremonies. The bridge is the third crossing and second bridge (and the most significant) of the only places where you can drive south to enter Canada from the US. The CA$3.8 billion cost of construction was funded by the Canadian federal government and will be paid for by bridge tolls. President Trump heads to Michigan today for other events but not the official bridge opening events with Canada.
The oil markets continue to be challenged with the uncertainty in Iran/Ukraine and tight supplies across the globe. It appeared we had turned a corner getting back down to $70 a barrel, but that short-lived respite is now gone, and gas prices are certainly now back to hitting the pocketbooks into the peak of summer. With earnings season starting this week, it’s worth noting that the crude market is often volatile, and we’ve been down this road many times before when crude prices spike. API and US Chamber energy expert, as well as a number of good energy analysts are happy to discuss the implications.
Congress has much to do with roughly 30-something legislative days left in the session. The House is out until Aug. 31 having passed Defense legislation, a farm bill, surface transportation reauth legislation (RE-BUILD America Act), permitting reform legislation (last December’s SPEED Act) and a third budget reconciliation package to handle funding through December 4th. The Senate plans to be in session for two more weeks to catch up, but tomorrow, it honors the late Sen. Lindsay Graham with a remembrance in the Capitol Rotunda, followed by an afternoon funeral service at the National Cathedral. Later in the week, Senators are expected to consider sanctions on Russia, a major Graham initiative. Then, action moves to figuring out how to proceed with defense policy legislation and organizing its response to the House Budget plan. One important provision to watch in the defense effort is how they will treat the wind project delays from the administration and its impact on a potential permitting reform deal. As well, Senate Energy takes up legislation touted as a permitting reform bill for geothermal power on Wednesday.
Speaking of permitting reform, there are still high hopes that we may see a legislative proposal from the big four at the Senate Energy and Environment Committees in this two-week period. We hear behind the scenes, the conversation has been very positive and constructive with helpful Sen. Whitehouse and Administration interaction/engagement setting the tone.
Look for hints of progress when Sen. Alan Armstrong joins an important forum on the topic at ACCF on Wednesday. Other events include SAFE’s Center for Critical Minerals Strategy webinar tomorrow to release its newest report, which provides a comparative assessment of finance institutions in the G7 countries, the European Union, Australia and South Korea that support critical minerals development. BCSE’s webinar tomorrow will look at DOE’s new Home Energy Rebate Program Notices and today, ABA hosts a virtual discussion on building common ground on energy and climate.
Despite all the late action on the Saudi nuclear deal, ratepayer protection action and FERC Senate testimony/reliability conference, I remain in the Netherlands this week six hours ahead, but I am still happy to connect. And by the way, I did finally see some windmills. Now THAT is a windmill:
Call with questions.
Best,
Frank Maisano
(202) 828-5864
C. (202) 997-5932
FRANKLY SPOKEN
“More than anything, I wanted Sheldon to know that I’m in solidarity with him.”
Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) to POLITICO’s Josh Seigel when discussing the Trump efforts to block wind projects and impacts on permitting discussions with Sen Whitehouse and others.
ON THE PODCAST
Shah, Roberts Discuss Data Center Challenges – On this episode of Volts, cross-posted with Energy Empire, David Roberts talks with hosts Jigar Shah and Jamie Nolan and Arnab Pal of Deploy Action about why the backlash landed and what a better deal looks like. For a rounding error against what these projects cost, developers could put batteries in basements, solar on roofs, and money into local schools, and buy their way to consent. The conversation gets into the utility spending, spend-to-earn incentive, gas coded as firm against renewables, NERC’s May 4th reliability alert, and the politics of affordability heading into the midterms.
FUN OPINIONS
Armstrong Permitting Push – In an op-ed in The Washington Star, C3’s Drew Bond writes about Alan Armstrong, the former pipeline CEO now serving out a nine-month Senate appointment, and the bill he wrote to prevent lengthy delays on other projects.
FROG BLOG
Adler: GHG Rules Hinders DeReg Agenda – In a piece in Regulation, William & Mary environmental law scholar Jonathan Adler argues the effort hinders the EPA’s wider agenda on deregulation. As Ben Geman Points out, the piece isn’t the usual fare when it comes to criticism of EPA’s repeal effort.
Dave Roberts, Darren Samuelsohn on Enviro Journalism – In a post on his Love, Journalism blog , Darren Samuelsohn interviews David Roberts on what Grist offered journalists like me in the early 2000s: Freedom and Obscurity. They discuss Grist and How long it has survived and what it did for environmental journalism.
FUN FACTS
IEA: Global Renewables Catching Coal: The International Energy Agency says electricity generation from renewable sources is on track to surpass coal-fired power this year.
IN THE NEWS
Ratepayer protection Provision Pushed at WH Event – The White House held an event last week to promote President Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge, which would require data center operators to cover to the electricity costs associated with their facilities rather than passing those costs on to local communities. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce executive vice president and chief policy officer Neil Bradley:
“Today’s announcement by President Trump reflects an important principle: data center operators should pay their own way. Data centers are critical infrastructure affecting millions of jobs across the economy. As investment in these facilities accelerates, it is important to ensure costs are allocated fairly and transparently so that ratepayers are protected and communities fully benefit from growth. The Chamber looks forward to working with the Administration, governors, and industry to advance responsible development that protects ratepayers, delivers durable local tax revenue, and keeps the United States competitive in the global economy.”
More data center developers and utilities are also jumping on board with the administration’s efforts to limit higher electricity rates from the rapid build-out of artificial intelligence infrastructure. The administration said more than 200 additional utilities, data center developers, cooperatives, and states have signed on to its Ratepayer Protection Pledge, including 23 Republican Governors (missing are VT Gov. Phil Scott, NH Gove Kelly Ayotte and FL Gov DeSantis).
Saudi Nuclear Deal to Provide Westinghouse AP1000s – The US and Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark deal that will allow the Gulf kingdom to develop a civilian nuclear program. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Minister of Energy (HRH) Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed a nuclear cooperation agreement, commonly known as a 123 agreement, alongside an accompanying bilateral safeguards agreement. Together, these two agreements lay the legal foundation for a decades-long, multi-billion-dollar partnership that advances several priority economic and strategic objectives, including nuclear nonproliferation. The 123 agreement provides great access for American companies in the Saudi nuclear energy program, benefiting American industry, workers, and supply chains while helping to meet Saudi energy needs. The two agreements also advance U.S. and regional security by upholding high standards of nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation and strengthening the United States’ competitive edge in civil nuclear technology. WE can provide resources for you on the impacts from Cameco/Brookfield/Westinghouse, the US Chamber of Commerce and other key nuclear experts like Energy Innovation Reform Project head Sam Thernstrom and the Center for the National Interests’ Paul Saunders.
Yergin Heads to the Hill on LNG – the S&P Global Energy team and Dan Yergin headed to Capitol Hill last week to brief Hill staff on the groundbreaking economic benefits of US LNG as shown in the new LNG Impact study released recently by S&P Global and supported by the US Chamber of Commerce. S&P Global Energy rolled out a new comprehensive study on exports of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the potential impact of expanded pipeline capacity in the U.S. Northeast, where winter heating and growing winter power loads have led to highly seasonal demand and extreme price volatility. Daniel Yergin, Vice Chairman, S&P Global and study chair:
“The profound growth of U.S. LNG is exceeding all expectations. What has become a $44 billion annual industry in just the last decade is now poised to be the country’s second largest net export within five years. The economic gains in terms of jobs, GDP and labor income are on track to surpass all prior expectations, while the abundance of U.S. gas resources means that domestic prices remain among the lowest in the world. The economic benefits and low domestic prices, along with significant contributions to global energy security and the influence that comes from being the world’s largest supplier add up to the benefit of the United States.”
The report, Price and Economic Impacts of an Accelerating Export Industry: A U.S. LNG Impact Study, is the fourth phase of a comprehensive assessment and finds that U.S. LNG exports are on track to make the industry the nation’s second largest net export sector, all while having a negligible impact on U.S. household gas prices. To read the full findings, visit the S&P Global Energy Phase 1 and Phase 2 reports examining the overall economic benefits of U.S. LNG exports.
Offshore Wind Turbines Seeing Spike in Crab Population – Offshore wind turbines in New England are creating a home for Jonah crabs even as lobster populations decline. Historically, Jonah crabs that were caught in lobster traps were thrown back out to sea, but things started to change in the early 2010s when fishermen started targeting the species. While lobsters fetch a much higher price, local fishermen are supplementing their catch with the more abundant crabs, selling them as a cheaper alternative to lobster. Experts studying offshore wind farm impacts say they create seascapes, like artificial reefs, that are beneficial to marine life. After a turbine is installed, it eventually attracts algae, then barnacles, mussels and eventually fish, crabs and other organisms.
SPP Gets Grid Warning – On Sunday, DOE issued an emergency order to authorize grid operator Southwest Power Pool to have backup generation sources ready if necessary as hot weather threatens to overstretch power supplies. Secretary Wright issued an emergency order to stabilize the grid to mitigate the risk of blackouts across the 17-state region during hot weather conditions. The order directs SPP to dispatch specified generation units and to order their operation as needed to maintain reliability. The order also authorizes SPP to direct backup generation resources to operate as a last resort before declaring an Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) 3 or during an EEA 3. The order was issued pursuant to a request from SPP.
ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
Conference: Citizens’ Climate Lobby holds Capitol Hill Day – Citizens’ Climate Lobby holds its Summer Conference and Lobby Day, focused on clean energy action in D.C. today and tomorrow. Speakers include Jigar Shah, co-host of the “Open Circuit” podcast.
ABA Discussion focused Energy, Climate – The American Bar Association holds a virtual discussion today at 1:00 p.m. on building common ground on energy and climate. The wide-ranging discussion of bipartisan pathways for advancing energy and climate change solutions, examining topics including infrastructure development, environmental policy, public utilities, the clean firm agenda, affordability, industry regulation, corporate governance, financial incentives, cost recovery, coalition building, and community outreach. Panelists will consider how legal institutions, practitioners, and advocates can address climate and energy challenges with the guidance of the varying interests of communities across the United States.
WRI Events Look at Brazil, Bioeconomy in Africa — The World Resources Institute holds two virtual discussions tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. on 1) the Bioeconomy in Africa and 2) Brazil’s beef and soy supply chains. The Africa event will address financing community-led enterprises and Increasing Investment in nature-based economies., while the Brazil event looks at tracing responsibility through strengthening deforestation monitoring in Brazil’s soy and beef supply chains.
SAFE Report to Focus on Assessment of Finance Institutions – SAFE’s Center for Critical Minerals Strategy hosts a webinar tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. on the release of its newest report which provides a comparative assessment of the finance institutions in the G7 countries, European Union, Australia, and South Korea; identifies financing instruments, authorities, and risk appetites; and focuses on case studies of international cooperation. The webinar will feature three focus sessions with experts from the U.S. government, foreign finance institutions, and private sector leaders, including Ex-Im Bank’s Sarah Whitten, UK Export Finance Chief Strategy Officer Julia Beck, Australia Export Finance’s Dan Smart and Dr. Jan Klasen, First Vice President and Head, KfW’s Equity Investments & and European Affairs Division
DOE Summer Webinar Series Launches – DOE’s Better Buildings and Better Plants initiative presents its summer webinar series to help organizations accelerate efforts to save money, reduce waste, and enhance energy performance. The one-hour webinars provide the latest actionable insights from leading organizations and industry experts. Topics include energy-saving strategies, smart building technologies, energy storage, and industrial load flexibility. The first event is tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. featuring a summary of the recent partner presentations at May’s 2026 Better Buildings & Better Plants Summit in Arlington, VA. Other webinars include Thursday August 13th on Pool and Spa Heating, Tuesday August 18th on battery and thermal storage systems, Tuesday August 25th on preserving critical operations and facility knowledge, Tuesday September 1st on generating value from industrial waste streams and several more.
BCSE Forum Looks at Energy Rebate Program – The Business Council for Sustainable Energy holds a webinar tomorrow at Noon to look at DOE’s new Home Energy Rebate Program Notices, reshaping how states, contractors, and other stakeholders can implement and leverage the Home Owner Managing Energy Savings (HOMES), High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebates (HEEHR), and Tribal HEEHR programs. The webinar will provide timely insights into one of the most important federal rebate programs supporting home energy improvements across the country. Speakers include BCSE’s Lisa Jacobson, Maddie Koewler of the National Association of State Energy Officials, Sabine Rodgers of the US Green Building Council and more.
USEA Looks at AI Questions – The US Energy Association holds an event tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. focused on AI infrastructure, national security and economic resilience. This event explores the shifting landscape of global geopolitics and technological sovereignty, focusing on Pax Silica, the strategic framework positioning computing power, semiconductor supply chains, and critical minerals as the bedrock of 21st-century national security. Speakers include former Deputy Energy Secretary Mark Menezes delivers introduction and opening remarks and former U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan Robert Cekuta delivers keynote remarks and in addition several more.
Forum to Look at Shipbuilding Alliance – The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) Asia Program holds a forum on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. that includes a discussion on forging new industrial partnerships between Washington, Tokyo, and Seoul, and prospects for maritime technology cooperation in confronting China’s overwhelming shipbuilding capacity.
Armstrong Headlines ACCF Forum – ACCF holds a Policy Forum on Wednesday on permitting reform for energy, industry, AI and national security in Senate Dirksen B48. The forum comes at an important moment for bipartisan permitting reform and will convene senators, senior industry executives, policy experts, trade associations, and congressional stakeholders. We hope you can join us for an information and productive legislative conversation.
Senate Energy Takes Up Geothermal, Other Legislation – The Senate Energy Committee has a business meeting on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. to consider legislation on geothermal permitting and other things. See the full list of legislation here.
IN THE FUTURE
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.
DOW, Wind Delays Case Hit Courts – Aug 4th
CA Energy Conference Set – Advance Energy United holds a California-based Energy and Policy Summit on August 11th in Sacramento. In the summit’s opening fireside chat, the leaders of California’s energy agencies, California Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild and California Public Utilities Commission President John Reynolds, will cover affordability, where the state needs to focus its attention, and what challenges and decisions will be front and center for the next Administration.
Air Quality Conference Set Amid Wildfire Issues – The National Association of Clean Air Agencies (NACAA) and Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies (AAPCA) will co-host the 2026 National Air Quality Conference (NAQC) August 10th to 13th at the Hilton Omaha in Nebraska. The event brings together state, local, tribal, and federal air agencies, the private sector, and researchers to learn from each other about the state of the art where air quality reporting and forecasting, public health, and innovative outreach programs intersect.
Forum Looks at NATO, Grid innovation – On September 1st, the Security and Sustainability Forum, George Washington University’s Environmental and Energy Management Institute and the Alliance for a Sustainable Future hold a discussion on where the financial and physical sides of the grid are out of alignment, what it means for the people and businesses on the other end of the meter, and practical paths to fixing it. Peter Fox-Penner and Scott Sklar are among the speakers.
Fall Air Meetings Set for Raleigh – Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies (AAPCA) Fall Meeting is set for September 9th to 11th in Raleigh, NC. The meeting will feature presentations from state and local air quality agencies, U.S. EPA, and other air quality professionals. The agenda will cover Clean Air Act policy, legal, technical, and implementation updates, with a format similar to recent AAPCA meetings.
AGA Winter Heating Meeting Set – AGA will release its Winter Heating Outlook in the second week in September.
Clean Energy Week – Set for September 14th to 18th, National Clean Energy Week is an annual week-long celebration of clean energy innovation with conversations to help solve the world’s most pressing challenges in nuclear, solar, wind, wave, hydropower, geothermal, natural gas, biomass, carbon capture, storage and waste-to-energy technologies.
Climate NYC Week – Climate Week NYC 2026 is set for September 22nd to 24th. The event features a multitude of activities and forums address climate, decarb, innovation, clean energy and much more. ClearPath and API host their usual Monday event while Bracewell hosts two events jointly with the Business Council for Sustainable Energy and another with Gevo.
Bracewell Expert Speaks at Maritime Fuels Conference – The Argus Sustainable Marine Fuels Conference will be head in Houston, Texas on September 23rd to 25th bringing together stakeholders from across the marine fuels and bunkering value chain to address the practical realities of decarbonization in the North America market. The conference will examine viable near‑term fuel options alongside emerging supply chains, port and bunkering infrastructure readiness, the role of charterers and cargo owners, and the regulatory and policy developments shaping investment decisions. Bracewell’s Tim Urban speaks.
Critical Minerals Forum Set for CO – The 5th annual Payne Institute Critical Minerals Symposium will be held on September 24-25, 2026, at Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO. Critical minerals are now a top tier business, technological and political priority in the United States and globally. The event will focus on the complexities and opportunities related to the future of Critical Minerals than this one at Mines.