Happy Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day. I spent the weekend in Boston and Providence (at BC and Brown) and it was clear how the holiday is celebrated as a reflection of Italian heritage throughout New England. It was also great to take in Boston’s signature rowing event, the Head of the Charles Regatta. Finally, Happy Canadian Thanksgiving which was also celebrated this weekend.
Late last week, the President announced an agreement to lift sanctions on Russian diesel, calling into question the Graham Sanction Bill recently signed into law. Two issues: 1) While the US diesel price is certainly high, the US does not have a diesel supply problem; and 2) Russia has limited additional diesel to offer with almost 40% of its refining capacity idle. President Trump also announced Sunday that Russia and Ukraine agreed to an “energy ceasefire” but that faces increasing skepticism, particularly specially after Russia struck a Ukrainian power plant.
The President heads to Youngstown, Ohio today for a rally with Sen. John Husted and then to Alaska to campaign for Sen. Dan Sullivan, who continues to be in a close race with former Rep. Mary Peltola. Major energy issues are sure to be on the agenda, especially in The Last Frontier.
Our friend Josh Seigel reports in Punchbowl this morning that Senate Energy ranking member Martin Heinrich is holding events in New Mexico with local union leaders, manufacturing workers and clean energy representatives to sell the bipartisan permitting reform bill. Below, I have two great podcasts from USEA and Volts, an editorial on permitting from Washington Post and blogs from the Chamber and AGA. I would also highly recommend tracking the 535.news site for a bunch of great interviews and content on the permitting discussion.
Events this week include a US Energy Assn forum on the role coal may play in keeping the grid reliable featuring EPRI, the Business Council for Sustainable Energy holding its 2026 annual meeting on Wednesday and Thursday and ACCF’s Energy & Economic Security Summit in New Orleans on Thursday and Friday featuring headliner Sen. Bill Cassidy, former Rep. Garret Graves and FERC Commissioner David LaCerte.
Finally, I discussed the diesel/gas price question, permitting reform and other issues with Julie Mason on her Sirius XM P.O.T.U.S. Show on late Friday. Check out the segment HERE.
22 Days to go… Mark your calendars for the award-winning Bracewell post-election webinar analysis on Wednesday November 4th at 10:00 a.m. ET. Call with questions.
Best,
Frank Maisano
(202) 828-5864
C. (202) 997-5932
FRANKLY SPOKEN
“Current offshore wind facilities are held to rigorous maritime-safety standards. A tragic accident in challenging weather should not be used to fabricate a case full of conjecture against the offshore wind industry when the available evidence does not establish that turbines caused the sinking or prevented the successful rescue of the lone survivor.”
Former USS Cole Commander Kirk Lippold USN (Ret.) in a letter to the Washington Times responding to a story about the Mistress, a fishing vessel that wrecked in foul weather in January 2019 close to the Block Island wind farm
ON THE PODCAST
Grid Strategies Expert Talks Permitting on USEA Podcast – In this week’s episode of USEA’s Power Sector podcast, Gretchen Kershaw, power system expert at Grid Strategies, discusses key features, the politics and what’s next for the just announced Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act.
Senate Staff Veteran Talks Permitting Reform – In this week’s Volts episode, host Dave Robert interviews Daniel Palken of Arnold Ventures, a veteran of Senate permitting fights, to walk through what’s in the legislation. They cover the blockbuster transmission reforms, the rule making data centers pay more than their share of grid costs, the wins for geothermal, and the fossil carve-outs. They also get into NEPA reforms that render the act toothless, limits on state water permits, and the permit-certainty sections that have lawyers worried about “forever permits.” And finally: whether it restrains Trump, why Democrats shouldn’t wait for a better deal, what the modeling says about emissions impacts, and Daniel’s odds of passage.
FUN OPINIONS
WaPo Ed Board: Pass Permitting Reform – In an editorial in the Washington Post, the editorial writers say Democrats would be wise to ignore the naysayers and take the permitting win. They add the package is enormous in scope and full of good ideas to boost every variety of energy development. That’s crucial, given the soaring demand for new electricity to power the artificial intelligence boom. It’s also necessary to power all the projects that environmentalists say they support to combat climate change, such as shifting toward electric vehicles and electrifying home heating. Lawmakers may not like everything in the bill, but waiting for the perfect permitting reform package is a recipe for inaction and economic stagnation.
CA Energy Costs are High: How They Could Be Lower – In an opinion in the California Post, Caleb Jasso, a Senior Policy Advisor at the Institute for Energy Research, writes California’s high energy prices are the direct consequence of a misguided policy that pushes renewables ahead of fossil fuels. An “all of the above” approach that combined fossil fuels with renewables would naturally lower prices, prevent rate spikes, and ensure reliability. Such a balance is sorely needed. Californians regularly pay unnecessarily high electricity rates. The solution is simple: let the market provide all kinds of energy and stop the renewable mandates and subsidies that drive costs higher.
FROG BLOG
Chamber: Permitting Reform Time Is Now – In a blog on the US Chamber site, Global Energy Institute President Marty Durbin writes enacting permitting reform means clear government deadlines, transparent processes, and no longer letting red tape postpone projects for years, or even decades, without good reason. Strong environmental protections and community input remain in place; endless delays do not. Passing permitting reform means the projects your community needs can finally get built, putting people to work, lowering costs, and making everyday life a little easier for millions of Americans who have already waited long enough.
AGA Urges Support for Permit Reforms – In a blog post, AGA head Karen Harbert writes meeting that demand will require continued investment in the infrastructure that delivers reliable and affordable energy to homes, businesses and communities. Delivering on that commitment requires planning, investment and hard work year-round, efforts that too often have been slowed by outdated government policies that create unnecessary delays, uncertainty and added costs. We were encouraged to see the U.S. Senate take action this week on the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, advancing much-needed permitting reform one step closer to reality. Streamlining an overly complex permitting process will help accelerate the development of critical energy infrastructure, supporting our nation’s growing energy needs while maintaining the life essential energy Americans depend on.
FUN FACTS
Jones Act Waiver Shipments Dropping: Foreign-flagged vessels made over 280 voyages carrying energy supplies to domestic ports under the blanket Jones Act exemptions from mid-March to mid-August, according to data from the US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration. Since August 17, when the revised waiver went into effect, just nine energy cargoes have been transported on foreign-flagged ships.
IN THE NEWS
Russian Diesel Deal Impact is Questioned – Late Friday, President Trump announced an agreement with to make Russian diesel available to the US and global markets. The announcement comes just three weeks after President Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act into law, which imposes tariffs of up to 100% on certain countries importing Russian energy. As part of the agreement, Russia would immediately supply more than 2.2M bbl, followed by another 3.7M bbl in November and 7.5M bbl soon after. While the US diesel price is certainly high, we do not have a diesel supply problem. US diesel prices have risen because of international demand and reduced diesel exports from Russia and the Middle East caused by the Ukraine War and the mechanics of the Straits of Hormuz. Industry and market experts say Russia has limited additional diesel to offer with almost 40% of its refining capacity idle amid repeated Ukrainian attacks, If Russia had more diesel available it would likely go to its largest customers – Brazil and Turkey – who have already seen their shipments fall way off. In other words, Russia doesn’t really have much to offer and if they did, it should probably go somewhere else that is short supply. Avery Ash, CEO of SAFE, an energy security and national security think tank, said:
“While high diesel prices are negatively impacting families and businesses, sanctions relief on Russia’s oil sector and importing Russian diesel are not the answer. This situation underscores how oil dependence compromises our national security and foreign policy options—short term solutions to high fuel prices are few and far between, leaving us with caught between accepting higher prices for farmers or truckers, or allowing petrodollars flow to our adversaries.”
Clean Energy PAC Targets Other Races – Invest in Tomorrow PAC announced last week that it is spending $15 million to defeat Republicans in seven U.S. House races. The list includes incumbent Reps. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, and Victoria Spartz of Indiana, along with four challengers: Mike Beltran of Florida, Anthony Constantino of New York, Brandon Herrera of Texas, and David Flippo of Nevada. All the incumbents voted last year to end Biden-era renewable energy tax credits. To date, candidates they have targeted during the primaries were vulnerable for other reasons, making it difficult to show real politically decisive impacts in those races, Including Rep. Chip Roy’s effort to be Texas AG, TN Rep. Andy Ogle (who had many other problems) and Rhode Island Democratic Gov. Dan McKee who faced a local bridge scandal.
Gevo Completes ClimeFi Carbon Removal Transaction to Advance Growing Carbon Business – Gevo rolled out the successful sale and delivery of 10,000 carbon dioxide removal credits through ClimeFi to a corporate buyer as part of its carbon management strategy. The transaction demonstrates growing demand for durable carbon removals generated at Gevo North Dakota, where biogenic carbon dioxide from ethanol production is captured and permanently stored through geologic sequestration. Since carbon capture operations began at the facility, it has generated more than 700,000 tons of carbon dioxide removal. ClimeFi serves as a partner for corporate buyers in building and managing carbon removal portfolios. Through this transaction, ClimeFi sourced and facilitated the transfer of Gevo’s carbon removal credits to support the buyer’s carbon management strategy.
ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
Battery Show Set for Detroit – Informa’s Battery Show North America 2026 will be held in Detroit at Huntington Place (or Cobo Hall as it is known to us from the region) tomorrow to Thursday. The event includes speakers spanning advanced battery design, manufacturing, energy storage, safety, recycling, market strategy and more — plus exclusive keynotes from leading OEMs and industry innovators.
Africa Conference Set – The Institute for Security Studies holds its Africa Futures Conference 2026, tomorrow and Wednesday. The event features a panel on mobility and climate issues and provides an understanding of the trends shaping Africa’s trajectory, exploring the futures that different choices could create and shaping the decisions that build a more inclusive, sustainable future.
WRI Looks at Climate Foods – The World Resources Institute holds a virtual discussion tomorrow at 10:30 a.m., on strengthening the role of blue foods (aquatic animals, plants and algae harvested or farmed for human consumption) in national climate planning and action. The event will look at a new WRI study that examines the inclusion of blue foods in 2025 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) across 86 island and coastal countries. It finds growing recognition of fisheries and aquaculture, but significant gaps remain. This webinar looks at this research and explores opportunities to advance blue foods in national climate planning and action.
USEA Looks at Powering AI – Tomorrow at 1:00 p.m., the US Energy Assn will hold a forum on the role coal can power play in keeping the grid reliable. The discussion look at how AI, data centers, electrification, and reshoring domestic manufacturing are driving rapid growth in electricity demand—and what that means for grid reliability. EPRI’s Michael Caravaggio is among the speakers.
BCSE Annual Meeting Set – The Business Council for Sustainable Energy holds its 2026 annual meeting on Wednesday and Thursday. Much of the meeting is members only. It will also feature a keynote by new SEIA CEO Tim Pawlenty. On Wednesday, BCSE holds a forward-looking discussion on state-level energy policy developments and emerging approaches to grid utilization, load management and system optimization. The event will feature an overview presentation by guest speaker Noah Goldmann, Director of Strategic Initiatives of the Utilize Coalition, and will provide Council members with the opportunity to explore how states can use policy, planning, regulatory frameworks and new metrics to get greater value from existing and new infrastructure.
Forum Looks at Global Trading System – The American-German Institute holds a virtual discussion on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. on climate, economic security and the Global Trading System. The keynote speaker is European Commission’s Denis Redonnet, Deputy Director-General and Chief Trade Enforcement Officer at the Directorate General for Trade and Economic Security.
Book Looks at Environmental Risks – The George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs holds a book discussion on Wednesday at 11:45 a.m. mapping urban environmental risks using open-source GIS (Geographic Information System). The book launch features David Rain, associate professor of geography and international affairs and Department of Geography and Environment chair. Rain’s book serves as a practical guide to understanding and responding to environmental risks in cities using open-source GIS and freely available spatial data.
Military Experts Headlines Atlantic Council Energy, Defense Summit – The Atlantic Council holds its 2026 Energy & Defense Summit on Wednesday afternoon, convening senior leaders from the military, government, policy and industry. The summit will cover a range of new and pressing challenges such as meeting the future energy demand of warfighting systems, powering a new era of defense industrialization, developing investment strategies for NATO members to meet defense and resilience spending targets, and securing the resilience of critical infrastructure on military installations.
Forum to Discuss Nuclear Energy – On Thursday morning, the Energy Policy Research Foundation (EPRINC) and the Institute for Energy Research (IER) are holding a roundtable on accelerating US-Allied nuclear energy cooperation,” in Washington, DC. Hosted by the workshop will discuss practical opportunities to accelerate nuclear energy deployment and strengthen cooperation between the United States and its allies.
ACCF Picks Up Cassidy Energy Conference Mantle – The American Council for Capital Formation holds its Third Annual Energy & Economic Security Summit in New Orleans on Thursday and Friday. The event convenes leaders from across industry, government, and the investment community under the theme “Build Power Compete.” The summit will explore the practical requirements for delivering major projects, powering manufacturing and the digital economy, securing strategic supply chains, and translating Louisiana’s capabilities into lasting American economic strength. Senator Bill Cassidy will return as a headliner for the event and former Rep. Garret Graves will MC the event. FERC Commissioner David LaCerte will also be speaking.
Event Addresses Nature-Based Infrastructure – The International Institute for Sustainable Development holds a virtual discussion on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. looking at systemic challenges facing nature-based infrastructure. This webinar launches a new report from the Nature-Based Infrastructure Global Resource Centre synthesizing evidence from 45 assessments across 29 countries, showing that nature-based infrastructure (NBI) consistently delivers strong financial returns alongside broader social and environmental benefits.
ELI Looks at Haz Substances – The Environmental Law Institute holds a virtual briefing on Thursday at 12:00 p.m., on “PFOA (Perfluoroctanoic acid) and PFOS (Perfluoroctaine sulfonate) and its hazardous substance designation.
Waltz, Members, Chamber Head Look at American Influence – The Meridian International Center holds its 15th Annual Meridian Summit on Friday morning focused on shaping American influence. Speakers include Rep. April McClain Delaney, (D-Md.) US Chamber President Suzanne Clark, Assistant Commerce Secretary for Global Markets David Fogel, IDF CEO Ben Black, Maryland Commerce Department Secretary Harry Coker, UN Rep Mike Waltz and Rep. Ami Bera, (D-Calif.), who will be in a discussion on critical minerals.
ELI Looks at SCOTUS Agenda – The Environmental Law Institute holds a virtual discussion on Friday at 12:00 p.m. on annual Supreme Court review and preview, focusing on decisions with significant implications for environmental law. Panelists will offer an overview of key rulings and major takeaways from the Court’s last term, focusing on decisions with significant implications for environmental law. They then will turn to Suncor and other cases that have been granted review or are likely to be considered by the justices in the upcoming term.
IN THE FUTURE
Canada Forum Looks at Electricity, Energy Transition – Electricity Transformation Canada is set for October 19th to 21st at the Enercare Centre in Toronto to focus on powering the energy and electricity transition. Jigar Shah is among the speakers.
ELI Annual Dinner Set – The Environmental Law Institute’s 2026 Environmental Award Dinner will be held Tuesday, October 20th at the Ritz. 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.
Biogas Conference Targets Business Agenda – On October 20th to 22nd, the American Biogas Council holds its BUSINESS OF BIOGAS conference in St. Louis 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 October 21st to 23rd 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.
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.
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.