Friends,
What a long, great weekend. While the temperature was too hot, the fireworks (especially in DC) were pretty spectacular. Wimbledon hits its stride this week as both men’s and women’s head to the quarterfinals (four American women are still playing in England while only Taylor Fritz remains on the Men’s side). And the FIFA World Cup was hot too with testy matches that saw France, Norway, England and Morrocco advance to the quarterfinals. The US got good news when a borderline VAR red card on its top scorer Folarin Balogun was suspended (with major media sources citing Trump engagement to get the card overturned). As a long-time veteran official, I think sometimes questionable/close calls bite you and I don’t like seeing the punishment overturned, but the US will benefit in its match against Belgium with Balogun’s return. Game time 8:00 p.m. TONIGHT from Seattle.
Speaking of the FIFA World Cup, check out Energy Central Editor Molly Glick’s analysis of the most hyped-up teams and how EC paired them with spiritually equivalent energy sources:
You might not have noticed, but we just passed the one-year anniversary of the OBBBA and there has been good and bad. Expect White House officials and cabinet officials continue to highlight the legislation this week while opponents will likely do the same. President Trump heads to NATO in Ankara, Turkey tomorrow and Wednesday. Congress remains out this week with still a lot to do after a number of political disputes stopped action last week on NDAA and several key spending bills, including energy funding. They return to action on July 13th.
Not much in terms of events this week other than an important FERC Technical Conference (my friend Julie Mason always laughs when I use FERC and important in the same sentence) on increasing market and planning efficiency through improved software for utilities and developers. CSIS holds its 16th annual South China Sea Conference tomorrow and the Defense Strategies Institute holds its Defense Department Energy & Power Summit on Wednesday and Thursday focused on unleashing American energy dominance to advance warfighter readiness
The 113th edition of the Tour de France launched on Saturday with an opening stage in Barcelona and runs through July 26th. The first mountain stage in the Pyrenees takes place Thursday. Call with questions.
Best,
Frank Maisano
(202) 828-5864
C. (202) 997-5932
FRANKLY SPOKEN
“The clean energy industry in the U.S. is … certainly doing worse than it would have, but it is still doing quite well, particularly in the case of the clean power sector. Everyone in the industry will tell you the fastest way to get power onto the grid right now is with renewables and batteries.”
Nick Nigro, founder of research and advisory firm Atlas Public Policy to Axios Energy
ON THE PODCAST
Nuclear’s Future with NRC Chair – In his Three Questions podcast for the National Interest, Paul Saunders interviews NRC Chair Ho K. Nieh on the future of nuclear and NRC’s efforts to get it moving. The engaging conversation addresses what has been accomplished and what remains to do, how to balance the NRC’s mandated responsibilities to facilitate efficient licensing and to ensure safety, and the NRC’s global role, including cooperation with nuclear regulatory bodies in other countries.
Cameco’s Isaac Talks Large-Scale Nuclear with S&P Global Podcast – In this edition of the S&P Global’s Energy Evolution podcast, host Dan Testa interviews Grant Isaac, president and COO of Cameco Corp., a uranium mining and production company that is co-owner of Westinghouse Electric. Isaac says the global nuclear industry is making significant improvements in cost and execution when it comes to building new projects and refurbishing existing reactors – and that the pieces are lining up in the US for utilities to invest in new, large nuclear reactors using Westinghouse’s AP1000 design.
FUN OPINIONS
Climate and Trucks Mixed – In an op-ed in the Washington Examiner, climate activists Will Hackman writes that the world is due for climate activism 2.0: meet people where they are. Americans have different lifestyles, values, occupations, and economic realities. Climate advocacy should spend less time judging personal decisions and more time building support for the policies, investments, technologies, and infrastructure capable of reducing emissions at scale. My truck illustrates the point.
FROG BLOG
America 250, Build for the Future – In a post on X and other social outlets, API’s Mike Sommers writes as America celebrates its 250th anniversary, it’s worth remembering that every defining chapter in our history has been written by generations willing to build for the future. He adds the choice before us is clear. We can protect and build on the energy advantage generations of Americans worked to create, or we can allow it to erode through delay, complacency and bad policy.
Clean Energy Will Remain Strong – In a blog post for the Council on Foreign Relations, researcher David Hart writes the Trump law could actually do more to advance clean energy progress on a global scale than the law it supplanted. Hart says while eliminating wind and solar tax credits slowed some development, they are mature energy technologies and expanding their market in the United States has virtually no effect on their costs in the rest of the world, especially in emerging markets, where the vast majority of future emissions will come from. As a result, these tax credits would have hardly moved the world’s climate needle. By contrast, more rapid uptake in the United States of less mature clean energy technologies, like enhanced geothermal power, advanced nuclear power, and long-duration energy storage, could move that global needle much further.
FUN FACTS
US Production levels Increasing: EIA said US total oil production — and crude output — rose to a record high in April. The monthly data pegs US total oil output at 21.836m b/d in April (up 565,000 b/d from the initial estimate for the month based on weekly data). On an annual basis, US total oil production is up >1m b/d.
IN THE NEWS
DOE Limits Rule For Energy Efficiency Standards – the July 4th holiday, DOE issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to permanently end home appliance and equipment mandates. The proposal will update the Department’s Process Rule used to establish energy conservation standards for household appliances and equipment, including air conditioning units, gas stoves, washing and drying machines, water heaters, refrigerators, and other products Americans rely on every day.
Assistant Secretary of Energy (EERE) Audrey Robertson:
“This proposal is about the future. It will ensure that new regulations promote affordability, preserve consumer choice, and meet the highest standards for transparency and due diligence.”
DOE’s Process Rule governs how the agency creates, updates, and implements energy efficiency standards for household appliances and commercial equipment. It outlines procedural requirements, analytical methodologies, and policy guidelines. The DOE proposed changes to the Process Rule aimed at ending mandates on household appliances like air conditioners, gas stoves, and refrigerators to preserve consumer choice and lower costs. The agency’s regulatory approach prioritizes deregulation and updates to its internal rulemaking methodologies.
For further details, read the full text of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. Comments will be accepted for 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
DOE also issued a Request for Information seeking public input on the methodologies used in developing energy conservation standards for covered products and equipment. Comments will be accepted for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
AGA’s Karen Harbert:
“Customers deserve the right to choose the appliances that work best for them and their families. We are pleased to see DOE taking action that will safeguard families and businesses from being locked into decisions that aren’t right for them and could quickly increase costs without any meaningful energy savings.”
AHRI’s Stephen Yurek on the process rule NOPR:
“AHRI strongly supports DOE’s review of the Process Rule, and we appreciate the chance to provide comments. As we noted in our comments on the Process Rule Request for Information. We largely support returning to the 2020 Process Rule and look forward to reviewing the proposed rule with our member companies and submitting additional comments within the time frame provided.”
EIA Traces 250 Years of US Energy Use – As the US celebrates its 250th anniversary, an Energy Information Administration review shows that national energy consumption has evolved from reliance on wood in the 18th and 19th centuries to a modern mix of petroleum, natural gas, nuclear power and renewables. Total US energy consumption rose 2% last year to 96 quadrillion British thermal units, still below the 2007 record of 99 quads, with fossil fuels accounting for 82% of demand. Looking ahead to the next 250 years, the American Petroleum Institute said offshore oil and gas production will remain central to US energy security, supporting about 250,000 jobs and providing long-lived supplies that complement shale output.
US Doesn’t Renew USMCA Trade Deal – The US has opted not to renew the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement for a long-term extension, instead shifting to annual reviews of the trade pact. The USMCA remains in force for up to a decade, but ongoing yearly negotiations could introduce persistent uncertainty for North American businesses. The move marks a significant departure from the scheduled 16-year extension that was possible in 2026 and opens the door to continual debates over critical trade rules among the three countries. My colleague Josh Zive is an excellent resource on the topic if you need an expert.
ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
Forum Looks at Venezuela Earthquake Recovery – The Atlantic Council holds a virtual discussion today at 2:00 p.m. on recovery and reconstruction in post-earthquake Venezuela. The event is certain to discussion oil and gas issues.
CSIS Holds China Conference – Tomorrow, the Center for Strategic and International Studies holds its 16th annual South China Sea Conference. This full-day conference will focus on recent developments in disputed waters and the importance of the 10-year anniversary of the landmark South China Sea arbitration. Panels will address the state of play, legal developments and dispute management, evolving alliance networks, and the role of global stakeholders. Speakers include Rep. Eugene Vindman, (D-Va.), and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre.
FERC Conference Looks at Improving Market Efficiency – FERC holds a conference tomorrow and Wednesday on increasing market and planning efficiency through improved software.
RFF Looks at Energy Transition in Energy Communities – Resources for the Future holds an event on tomorrow 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.
Defense Energy Forum Set – The Defense Strategies Institute holds its Defense Department Energy & Power Summit on Wednesday and Thursday focused on unleashing American energy dominance to advance warfighter readiness. Speakers include former Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary for Environment and Energy Resilience Richard Kidd, Deputy Assistant Energy Secretary for Nuclear Reactors Rian Bahran, Nancy Balkus, deputy assistant Air Force secretary for infrastructure, energy and environment and Jim Hartle, associate deputy assistant Air Force secretary for operational energy, safety and occupational health. NRC Commissioner Matt Marzano also speaks.
Forum Looks at Nuclear Risks – The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace holds its New Voices Conference on Wednesday focusing on future nuclear dangers.
Forum Looks at SE Asia Water Issues – The Henry L. Stimson Center holds a virtual discussion on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m., on water in the Mekong Wet Season 2026.
IN THE FUTURE
Chamber Chem Solutions Forum Set – On Tuesday July 14th, the U.S. Chamber holds its Chemistry Solutions Forum. This event will feature expert voices from Congress, the Administration, and industry to discuss the most important issues and innovation within the chemical value chain. Rep. Gary Palmer is a keynote speaker.
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.
Hydrogen Forum Focuses on Maritime Fuels – FCHEA continues its Circuits webinar series highlighting the emerging issues and innovations shaping the hydrogen industry on Wednesday July 15th at Noon to explore the various pathways hydrogen and fuel cells are being integrated into maritime applications. Speakers will provide an overview of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) decarbonization targets, and the technical and infrastructure advancements and challenges associated with deployment. The conversation will also highlight real-world demonstrations and the importance of partnerships between industry, governments, and other stakeholders in accelerating adoption. Bracewell’s Tim Urban moderates a panel of experts.
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.