The results of the midterm elections are finalized and Republicans have obtained a narrow majority in the House and the Democrats have retained the Senate.
For gas and electric utilities, the election has raised more questions than they have answered. Will the House clamp down on energy initiatives championed by the White House? Will certain interests seek to increase regulation of controversial components of the energy industry?
Looking ahead, the outcome of the 2024 presidential election may greatly alter the prospect for renewables and concomitantly the rate at which utilities are being encouraged to decarbonize. If utilities that are drastically altering their generation mix proceed too rapidly, the investments could become stranded, not adequately supported by national policy. Equally, could an increase in hostility to fossil fuels undermine grid security?
Is the drive to net zero in 2050 getting bumpier or smoother because of the midterm elections and the COP27 climate summit in Egypt? What, if any, binding commitments will come out of the COP27? Will its conclusions dramatically impact the national agenda in the United States?
These critical questions and more will be addressed in this briefing, which will consist of a panel of experts taking questions from knowledgeable journalists. USEA Acting Executive Director Sheila Hollis will give opening remarks. Llewellyn King, nationally syndicated newspaper columnist and broadcaster, organized this briefing and will moderate.
Experts:
- Kevin Curtis, Executive Director, Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund
- Eric Grey, Vice President, Government Relations, Edison Electric Institute
- John Howes, Principal, Redland Energy Group
- John Kotek, Senior Vice President, Nuclear Energy Institute
- Barry Smitherman, Director, CenterPoint
Energy Reporters:
- Linda Gasparello, White House Chronicle
- Jennifer Hiller, The Wall Street Journal
- Robert Walton, Utility Dive
- Rod Kuckro, Freelance
- Matt Chester, Energy Central