It was 49 years ago today, October 19, 1977 that legendary rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd played their last show with Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines and Cassie Gaines. The following day, October 20, the band took off in its chartered plane for Baton Rouge when the aircraft ran out of fuel and crashed near Gillsburg, Mississippi, sadly altering rock ‘n roll history. Perhaps Ben Geman will lead off Axios Energy tomorrow with some Skynyrd to mark the tragic moment.
MLB’s World Series is half set after the Milwaukee Brewers swept the back-back defending World Series Champion LA Dodgers. They await the winner of Cleveland and Tampa Bay. {Game 6 tonight in Tampa with the Rays leading Cleveland 3-2) Of course Cleveland hasn’t been able to make the Worls Series since Rick “Wild Thing” Vaughn was on the mound for them.
The WNBA Finals are underway. Over the weekend, the Golden State Valkyries took Game 1 over the Atlanta Dream, 68-64. Game 2 tonight. The NBA regular season launches tomorrow with a tripleheader including LeBron James’ debut in Philadelphia.
While Congress is out on the campaign trail with two weeks to go, many industry, manufacturing and labor groups continue to push for comprehensive, bipartisan permitting reform legislation when Congress returns on November 9th for a post-election session. Some, while supportive, are working on constructive changes. Last week, we saw a letter from about 70 groups led by NAM. This week, I expect to see individual letters from API and the US. Chamber.
Speaking of the Chamber, ICYMI, they released a major new economic analysis of the data center build out that finds data centers generate billions in local tax revenue, support high-wage jobs, and drive long-term investment in communities across the country.
Tomorrow a new report will be released by the CSIS Energy Security and Climate Change Program and the CSIS Intelligence, National Security, and Technology Program examines how offshore wind turbines, substations, subsea cables, and communications systems could help strengthen maritime domain awareness. Also, tomorrow afternoon and evening, ELI holds its annual dinner and launches it with a forum at 3:30 with its Firestone Policy Forum on the intersection of science, philanthropy and business. On Thursday, ACORE holds its 2026 Grid Forum and FERC holds its Reliability Technical Conference to discuss policy issues related to the reliability and security of the Bulk-Power System.
Mark your calendars for the award-winning Bracewell post-election webinar analysis on Wednesday November 4th at 10:00 a.m. ET. REGISTER HERE. Call with questions.
Best,
Frank Maisano
(202) 828-5864
C. (202) 997-5932
FRANKLY SPOKEN
“I think it’s well past 50% that it gets signed into law. President [Donald] Trump will sign, knowing that they’ve worked it hard. Knowing that both sides have worked hard on it — I think he will. And I believe the Republican delegation will be able to explain to him how important and how good this is.”
Former Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia in a recent interview with POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborinno.
ON THE PODCAST
DOE EDF Expert talks Nuclear Expansion – In this C.O.B. Tuesday Special Edition, hosts speak with Julie Kozeracki, Acting Chief Investment Officer at DOE’s Office of Energy Dominance Financing (EDF). The conversation is a wide-ranging look at the effort to accelerate nuclear power deployment in the U.S. Julie previously served as a Senior Advisor to the office under the Biden Administration and as a Principal with Boston Consulting Group. EDF has over $250 billion in loan authority available to help deploy high-impact energy infrastructure projects. We were thrilled to hear Julie’s latest insights on EDF’s activities, recent announcements, and the opportunities and challenges ahead for nuclear development in the U.S. In the conversation, Julie discusses the renewed push to accelerate nuclear power in the U.S. and the increasingly important role of EDF.
EPSA Head Talks Power, PJM, Costs – In an interview on the POLITICO Energy podcast, Electric Power Supply Association CEO Todd Snitchler says he’s concerned about the dozens of gigawatts in PJM — the nation’s largest grid operator — that still are not online despite having gone through a formal approval process. The conversation addresses grid reliability, reserve margins and much more.
FUN OPINIONS
WashExaminer Ed Board: Pass Permitting Reform – In an editorial in the Washington Examiner, editors write the bipartisan permitting reform deal announced hours before the Senate adjourned last month could be the most historic and consequential legislative accomplishment of Donald Trump’s presidency. If both chambers are able to push this legislation through, they will do far more than keep Washington running. They will make it easier for people to build homes, factories, power plants, and transmission lines that create jobs and lower costs. That is an accomplishment worth putting partisan differences aside to deliver.
WaPo Ed Board: Offshore Wind Filing Hurts Permitting Effort – In an editorial, the Washington Post writes the Trump administration is so intent on halting offshore wind that the White House seems willing to jeopardize what could be one of President Donald Trump’s signature achievements for the economy. The only way to meet ballooning energy demand is to make it easier for every industry to build. Let technologies compete on how efficiently and affordably they deliver energy, not on whether their boosters hold political power. Investors price political risk into their decisions. When permits become contingent on presidential preferences, financing gets more expensive and consumers end up paying higher prices. The Senate deal would help create the certainty necessary to ensure long-term investment. It would be a shame for the economy if the legislation falls apart because of partisan squabbling.
FROG BLOG
OPAL: RNG Can Help the Diesel Price Challenge – In an opinion piece in 535.news, OPAL Fuels CEO Adam Camora writes natural gas is, was, and always will be cheaper than oil and diesel. Natural and renewable natural gas cost approximately $2 per gallon as a delivered transportation fuel domestically with limited volatility expected for the foreseeable future given our strategic reserves of more than 100 years, existing pipeline distribution systems, and advances in lifting and production costs. These fuel cost savings will have a deflationary impact across our economy and benefit consumer prices for all Americans.
FUN FACTS
Oil Production Growing: EIA projects record U.S. oil production in 2026, driven by growth in the Permian Basin and new offshore projects in the Gulf. Continued investment helps strengthen U.S. energy security and meet demand at home and abroad.
IN THE NEWS
Chamber Releases New Data Center Projects Economic Analysis – A new report from the US Chamber of Commerce finds data centers generate billions in local tax revenue, support high-wage jobs, and drive long-term investment in communities across the country. Key findings include:
- A single mid-sized data center generates nearly $700 million in state GDP and supports more than 5,200 jobs per year during a two-year construction phase.
- A typical 50-megawatt data center supports 740 jobs per year statewide throughout its 20-year operational life. It keeps 750 additional workers engaged in the state labor force and generates $125 million in state personal income annually.
- The industry also provides paying wages that average $119,000 above the national average.
- A mid-sized facility in Dallas County, Texas could generate $174 million in local tax revenue over five years, with comparable gains projected in Prince William County, Virginia ($114 million), Fulton County, Georgia ($111 million), and Franklin County, Ohio ($96 million).
- See a fact sheet on the study here.
Utilities Pushing for Forest Legislation – Utilities pushing Congress to pass the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act and want it done in the lame duck Congressional session. The Edison Electric Institute, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and American Public Power Association also signed on to the letter, which was directed to Republican and Democratic leaders in the House and Senate.
“Advancing this legislation will also provide greater certainty for electric utilities and their federal partners as they plan and invest in long-term wildfire mitigation and resilience efforts,” the letter says.
EU methane Rule Delay to May 2029 – The European Commission has formally proposed a one-year delay to methane reporting requirements for imported oil and natural gas, following pressure from France and the US. Under the proposal, importers would have until May 31, 2029, to demonstrate that their oil, gas and coal shipments in 2028 met methane monitoring and reporting standards comparable to the EU’s. The changes still need approval from EU governments and the European Parliament, with some countries and officials pushing for a three-year delay.
IEA Cuts Oil Demand, Diesel Problem Persisting – The International Energy Agency expects global oil demand to decline by 2.6 million barrels per day to 102.4 million bpd this year, before recovering by 2 million bpd in 2027. Supply is forecast to drop by 5.8 million bpd to 100.7 million bpd in 2026, then rebound by 7.7 million bpd next year, though renewed Middle East attacks threaten that recovery. Diesel remains the biggest pressure point, with exports down about 700,000 bpd year over year in September and depleted inventories unlikely to begin a sustained recovery before the second half of 2027.
Rig Count Rises for Multiple Weeks – Baker Hughes North America rotary rig count says North America added 11 rigs week on week. The total U.S. rig count increased by five rigs week on week and the total Canada rig count added six rigs during the same period, pushing the total North America rig count up to 825, comprising 603 rigs from the U.S. and 222 rigs from Canada. The total U.S. rig count of 603 comprised 590 land rigs, 12 offshore rigs, and one inland water rig, according to the count, which revealed that the total U.S. rig count is made up of 462 oil rigs, 132 gas rigs, and nine miscellaneous rigs. The total U.S. rig count also comprised 543 horizontal rigs, 44 directional rigs, and 16 vertical rigs, the count showed. Week on week, the U.S. land rig count rose by four, its offshore rig count rose by two, and its inland water rig count dropped by one, Baker Hughes highlighted. The U.S. oil rig count rose by six week-on-week, its gas rig count dropped by one, and its miscellaneous rig count remained flat during the same period, the count showed. The U.S. horizontal rig count rose by three week on week, its directional rig count rose by two, and its vertical rig count rose by one during the same period, the count revealed.
Clean Energy Index 2026 Global Battery Map – Global energy storage markets are surging, fueled by rapidly growing demand for utility-scale and distributed storage, plummeting costs, and expanding grid integration. BloombergNEF (BNEF) reports the average battery pack price fell 45% to a new record low of $70/kWh between 2024 and 2025. Global energy storage additions, not including pumped hydro, reached a record 112 GW in 2025—up 48% from 2024 and surpassing 100 GW of annual deployments for the first time, according to their research. BNEF estimates another 158 GW to be added in 2026, with annual installations projected to reach more than 300 GW by 2036. The annual Clean Edge Battery Storage Market Map highlights a selection of established and emerging companies across the evolving storage ecosystem. This year’s map spans developers, integrators, and system providers; lithium-ion battery, component, and materials manufacturers; lithium suppliers and recyclers; and a growing range of alternative storage technologies, including flow, sodium-ion, zinc-based, solid-state, thermal, and other long-duration solutions. The map also includes leading NGOs, trade groups, and industry alliances helping to shape the sector. The list is intended as a high-level survey rather than an exhaustive accounting of the market. (Note: for early-stage companies to be included, we look for at least $10 million in private financing or public funding.)
Vote Climate U.S. PAC released its 2026 National Climate Change Voter’s Guide, giving voters across the country the information about candidate’s position on climate action. The groups also includes reproductive freedom in their approach. The Voter’s Guide is the only resource that evaluates both incumbents and challengers for Governor, U.S. House and U.S. Senate on climate change, with additional coverage of statehouse incumbents, all in one convenient, user-friendly website.
Explore the Vote Climate 2026 Voter’s Guides:
- 2026 Congressional Voter’s Guide — U.S. House and U.S. Senate candidates
- 2026 Gubernatorial Voter’s Guide — Candidates for Governor
ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
Canada Forum Looks at Electricity, Energy Transition – Electricity Transformation Canada is set for today to Wednesday at the Enercare Centre in Toronto to focus on powering the energy and electricity transition. Jigar Shah is among the speakers.
IL Renewable Conference Set – The Illinois Renewable Energy Conference will be held today and tomorrow in Normal, IL. The event is a high-level, industry-focused forum to shape the state’s clean energy future.
CCS Report Released – Tomorrow at 10:00 a.m., the Global CCS Institute will launch its Global Status of CCS 2026 Report, Sustaining Global Progress, with two live webinars bringing together Institute experts and industry leaders to explore the latest developments in carbon capture and storage (CCS). The events will discuss the report’s key findings, insights from industry leaders and the conversation on the future of CCS deployment worldwide.
CSIS Looks at National Security Benefits of Offshore Wind – The Center for Strategic and International Studies holds a discussion tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. on “Capturing National Security Benefits from Offshore Wind.” Allegra Dawes, Adjunct Fellow (Non-resident), Energy Security and Climate Change Program, will present the report’s key findings and recommendations, including opportunities to integrate national security considerations into project planning, establish frameworks for sharing data, and support investment in dual-use technologies. Following the presentation, Clayton Swope, Deputy Director of the Aerospace Security Project and Senior Fellow in the Defense and Security Department, will moderate a panel discussion with Allegra Dawes; Doug Wolfe, Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Mighty Waves Energy; and Sam Salustro, Senior Vice President, Market & Policy Strategy, Oceantic Network. The conversation will explore how offshore energy infrastructure and emerging technologies can be used to detect and respond to maritime threats, as well as the regulatory, financial, and operational questions that must be addressed.
GW Book Focuses on Climate, Economics – The George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs holds a book discussion on climate change, behavior and economics. Author and associate professor Steven Suranovic discusses his book “Climate Change, Behaviour and Economics.”
ELI Annual Dinner Set – The Environmental Law Institute’s 2026 Environmental Award Dinner will be held tomorrow at the Ritz. The event launches with a forum at 3:30 p.m. with its Firestone Policy Forum on the intersection of science, philanthropy and business. The 2026 honorary is Julie Packard, an internationally recognized leader in ocean conservation and a leading voice for science-based policy reform. The ELI Environmental Award Dinner is an opportunity for environmental professionals to coordinate and support environmental research, education and training programs. Bracewell sponsors a table and will be there. The event launches with a forum at 3:30 with its Firestone Policy Forum on the intersection of science, philanthropy and business.
NYU Group Looks at Social Cost of Pollution – Tomorrow at 3:00 p.m., the NYU Law School’s Institute for Policy Integrity holds a webinar looking at estimating the social cost of air pollution. IPI has launched a new calculator that uses EPA-produced data on health effects and the monetized damages of these effects to help fill this void. During this webinar, we will offer a tutorial and example uses cases for the calculator, discuss the ramifications of EPA’s decision to omit PM and ozone estimates from its analyses, and respond to audience questions.
White House Science Advisor to Discuss Future Science Goals – AEI holds a forum tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. featuring a conversation with Michael Kratsios, presidential science advisor and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Kratsios offers a blueprint for reform to stimulate scientific and technological progress.
Biogas Conference Targets Business Agenda – The American Biogas Council holds its BUSINESS OF BIOGAS conference in St. Louis tomorrow to Thursday to exchange ideas and explore the strategies critical to advancing the biogas industry.
Renewable Summit Set – The Renewable Thermal Collaborative Summit 2026 will be held on Wednesday to Friday at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View looking at the renewable thermal energy landscape. The RTC Summit focuses on strategies to decarbonize thermal energy use and shape the future of a sustainable energy economy.
FERC to Hold Conference on Bulk Power – On Wednesday, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission holds its Reliability Technical Conference to discuss policy issues related to the reliability and security of the Bulk-Power System.
Forum Looks at Diesel Impacts, Foreign Policy – On Thursday morning at 8:00 a.m., the American Foreign Policy Council holds a virtual discussion on the Russian diesel and fuel security. The event will focus on a perspective from Central Asia and the Caucasus. This webinar is a basic explainer on diesel itself, and on the stories underneath those headlines that are getting much less attention (and probably deserve more).
ACORE Grid Forum Set – On Thursday, ACORE holds its 2026 Grid Forum. The Forum discusses finance, technology and utility leaders shaping transmission and energy policy. Speakers include investors structuring the deals, developers solving the interconnection bottlenecks and industry leaders navigating the realities of buildout at scale.
Forum Looks at Airline Emissions – The NYU’s Institute for Policy Studies holds a virtual discussion Thursday at 7:00 p.m. on tracking flights and counting carbon. NYU’s IRI built the Private Jet Emissions Tracker (PJET) to help anyone track flights and their carbon pollution. This webinar will focus on PJET, and how the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) is using this tool.
Forum Looks at Corporate Decarbonization – Georgetown University’s Business of Sustainability Institute holds its 2026 Leadership & Innovation Summit on Friday focusing on Corporate Decarbonization. This year’s summit examines corporate decarbonization and how companies are turning climate commitments into business strategy. With chief sustainability officers and chief executives at the center of the conversation, sessions will address emissions reduction across operations, supply chains, finance, and governance.
Forum Looks at California DERs – On Friday at 4:00 p.m., Advanced Energy United holds a forum exploring the details of the bill, what comes next and how California can continue to remove barriers to market-based participation so these resources can help bolster the grid long-term.
IN THE FUTURE
Webinar to Look at EV Status – On Wednesday October 28th at 3:00 p.m., the Electrification Coalition holds the next installment of its quarterly webinar series hosted in collaboration with Cox Automotive. Coalition Executive Director Ben Prochazka, Cox Automotive Director of Industry Insights Stephanie Valdez Streaty, and Chargeonomics CEO Loren McDonald will discuss the latest EV market data, trends, and what they mean for the industry.
ADIPEC Energy Conference Set for UAE – The global energy industry will come together at ADIPEC in Sbu Dhabi from November 2nd to November 5th in an effort to strengthen energy security, unlock investment opportunities and advance the technologies, infrastructure and partnerships shaping the future of energy. At a time of evolving global priorities, ADIPEC will bring together the scale, influence and collective expertise needed to advance meaningful dialogue, strengthen industry collaboration and create the conditions for lasting progress.
ELECTION DAY – November 3rd
Bracewell Post Election Analysis Webinar Set – Bracewell will host is regular post-election webinar analysis on Wednesday November 4th at 10:00 a.m. Invites start to go out this week so mark your calendar.
EESI Looks at COP31 Agenda – On Thursday November 5th, the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) holds a briefing about what Congress can expect during the upcoming United Nations climate negotiations in Antalya, Türkiye (COP31). The briefing will highlight key issues on the negotiating agenda, including fossil fuel phase-out, climate adaptation metrics, and international finance goals. Panelists will describe the role of the joint Türkiye-Australia COP31 Presidency; unpack the Presidency’s priorities, including waste management and electrification; and highlight expected U.S. state and local government and private-sector engagement. It will also preview possible outcomes from COP31 and what they would mean for U.S. climate policy.
Congress to Return – Monday, November 9th
B20 Summit Set – On November 9th to 11th, the US Chamber of Commerce hosts global business leaders at Washington D.C.’s Wharf District for its B20 USA Summit. The B20 USA Campus will feature the big conversations, networking, and unprecedented access to the most influential names in business—taking delegates beyond the headlines to tackle today’s challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities.
COP 31 Set for Türkiye – The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP 31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change will be held in Antalya, Türkiye UN COP31 on Monday November 9th to 20th. BCSE will lead a coalition of U.S. businesses and energy trade organizations to the COP, as will the US Chamber of Commerce.
USEA to Hold ENERGYTECH Forum – On November 18th, USEA will bring together key stakeholders for EnergyTech Connect 2026 to tackle the critical infrastructure challenges of next-generation computing. The program will explore grid capacity, permitting and regulatory hurdles, system reliability, and the rapidly growing energy needs of advanced computing and data centers. Join us to gain insights from industry leaders and help shape the future of energy infrastructure.
RE+ Set for Las Vegas – RE+ 26, North America’s largest clean energy event, will be held on November 16th to 19th at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The event will spotlight clean energy’s critical role in meeting the rapidly rising demand for power across the U.S. and around the world. Developed by the nation’s leading clean energy organizations, the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), RE+ reflects an ongoing entrepreneurial approach to renewing best practices across the clean energy landscape as the marketplace evolves.