NCEW Look Ahead: Friday September, 25

Good morning,

It is the final day of National Clean Energy Week, and what a week it has been! From the Policy Makers Symposium HQ we’ve celebrated the opening of a new cleantech incubator, welcomed Volkswagen’s brand new all-electric SUV into the world, delved into how companies like McDonald's and Cargill are making a difference in energy use and production, and heard from politicians and government officials of every political stripe and persuasion with one unified overarching message: Clean energy really does help build a stronger America.

Our final day promises to close out the week in style, so be sure to stay tuned in!

This morning we’ll hear from two more Members of Congress, Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL) and David McKinley (R-WV) at 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM, respectively. We’ll also feature panels focused on the future: discussing America’s changing energy landscape, looking at our political future – and what that might mean for clean energy, and finally, what the next generation of clean energy and climate engagement looks like, as former Senator Kelly Ayotte joins us once again to moderate a panel of Gen Z’ers.

We would like to thank all of our participants: the policymakers, government leaders, industry experts, and nonprofit advocates who made this National Clean Energy Week the best one yet. We are incredibly appreciative of our many sponsors, and our Steering Committee, who make National Clean Energy Week come alive every week of the year. And most of all, we thank you – the members of this incredible community helping to raise the profile of clean energy industries and add your voice to the policy making discussion. With your dedication, we know America’s energy future will be stronger than ever.

9:00 - 9:30 AM ET
Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL), Member, House Ways and Means Committee

10:00 - 11:00 AM ET
Markets Over Mandates: the Future of Electricity Competition
Energy competition has been shown to be an economic driver in some states like Texas. Recent studies have demonstrated the vast potential to lower costs for ratepayers, increase technological innovation, and improve utility service for consumers through competition. A spotlight has been put on the issue on the heels of recent utility corruption scandals in Ohio and Illinois. Join us for a conversation to learn more about the importance of energy competition and hear from experts on the frontlines fighting to level the playing field and open market access for renewable technologies.

Bryn Baker | Director of Policy Innovation, Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance
Devin Hartman | Director, Energy and Environmental Policy, R Street Institute
Adrian Moore | Vice President of Policy, Reason Foundation
MODERATOR: Mark Pischea | President & CEO, Conservative Energy Network

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM ET
Rep. David McKinley (R-WV), Member, House Energy and Commerce Committee

12:00 - 1:00 PM ET
Designing Reliability: From Macro Solutions to Microgrids
The panel will delve into macro- and micro- visions of increasing America’s energy resilience. National macro-grids are a focus of renewed attention as states aim to achieve aggressive clean energy targets and modernize with smart grid technologies. So, too, are community microgrids, supported primarily by renewable energy sources for their vast potential to bolster the resilience and reliability of a central grid by serving as backup when there are power outages. Panelists will discuss the importance of redundancy in the grid, and how in this case, a “think global, act local” approach actually can solve multiple challenges at the same time.

Tim Hade | Co-Founder & COO, Scale Microgrid Solutions
Tom Smith | Managing Director, HFT Power Solutions
Andy Vesey | Former CEO, PG&E
MODERATOR: Allie Detrio, Chief Strategist, Reimagine Power

2:00 - 3:00 PM ET
Clean Energy and the November Election
Recent polls indicate a growing public interest in clean energy, and that most Americans feel the government should do more to address climate change. The panel will discuss evolving public attitudes towards clean energy and climate issues in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, and upcoming elections.

Rick Santorum | Former U.S. Senator, Advisor, Conservative Climate Change (C3) Solutions
Mary Landrieu | Former U.S. Senator
Moderator: Abby Smith | Energy Reporter, Washington Examiner

3:15 - 4:30 PM ET
Gen Z, Climate and the GOP
Join young conservative leaders for a conversation on the growing importance of climate action among conservative youths, their vision for the development of renewable energy in the construction of a more sustainable future, and why the GOP should make climate action a higher priority.

Nate Hochman | Student, Colorado College
Benji Backer | President & Founder, American Conservation Coalition
Ben Rajadurai | Executive Director, College Republican National Committee
Morgan Zegers | Founder & CEO, Young Americans Against Socialism
Special remarks and moderator: Kelly Ayotte | Former U.S. Senator and Senior Advisor to Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions