Tomorrow’s Energy System Agenda
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Tomorrow’s Energy System will discuss the hurdles preventing us from transitioning to a zero-carbon energy future and ways to overcome them. Join the Green Energy Institute at Lewis & Clark Law School as we convene elected officials, renewable energy industry leaders, policy and advocacy experts, and regulators to explore solutions from a political, business, and policy perspective. Speakers will touch on opportunities at the federal, regional, and local levels, as we explore innovative changes in technology and economics that may transform the way we generate, transmit, and use energy.
9:30AM - Welcome from Lewis & Clark College President Wim Wiewel
9:35AM - 1.5 Degrees or Bust: The West’s Climate Progress?
In October 2018, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a blockbuster report that makes it clear that global temperature increases must not exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius. To reach that goal, emissions must drop by 45% by 2030. The West is not on target to meet these targets. This session will highlight why and how Oregon could play a leading role in decarbonization and energy innovation. Presented by GEI founder and director, Melissa Powers.
9:45AM - Federal and State Roles in the Western Clean Energy Transition
For most of 2018, clean energy advocates were focused on the midterm elections. Now that they’re over, what can we expect from the U.S. Congress and Trump Administration in terms of climate and energy policy? This moderated discussion with a U.S. representative and senator will explore whether the new Congress can achieve any progress on climate and energy policy. It will also discuss Trump Administration efforts to repeal Obama-era regulations. Finally, the discussion will examine whether west coast political leaders, businesses, and organizations can make progress on climate and energy policy despite national politics. Speakers: U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer, former U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, Dave Robertson, Vice President of Public Policy, Portland General Electric (moderator)
10:45AM - State Energy Policy Innovation in the Pacific States
2019 could be a big year for energy policy development and implementation along the West Coast. Oregon lawmakers seem to be poised to adopt the Clean Energy Jobs Bill, Governor Kate Brown’s budget calls for the creation of the new Oregon Climate Authority, environmental advocates are pushing for regulation of diesel engines, Oregon’s land use agency has proposed banning solar development on agricultural lands, and the Oregon Public Utility Commission is undertaking assessments of transmission and renewable development policies. California’s new governor has promised continued progress on decarbonization, following California’s landmark 2018 passage of a 100% renewable electricity mandate. California is also fighting Trump Administration attempts to prohibit the state from regulating greenhouse gas emissions from vehicle and other mobile sources. Devastating wildfires in 2018 highlighted the need for a quicker decarbonization strategy, while also leading PG&E, a major investor in energy efficiency and vehicle electrification, to announce its plans to file for bankruptcy as it faces liability for contributing to the fires. These developments could have profound effects on investment and policy design throughout the West. In Washington, the defeat of a ballot initiative aimed at creating a carbon tax has raised questions about which policies states should pursue as they seek to decarbonize. Despite the defeat, however, Governor Jay Inslee released in December 2018 a suite of clean energy bills that would prioritize transportation electrification, 100% renewable electricity, efficient buildings, low carbon fuels, and phasing out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), highly potent greenhouse gases. This panel will feature state energy policy leaders discussing the opportunities and challenges as they seek to decarbonize and innovate. Speakers: Lauren McCloy, Senior Policy Advisor to WA Governor Jay Inslee; Janine Benner, Director, Oregon Department of Energy; Michael Picker, President of the California Public Utilities Commission; Scott Bolton, Pacific Power (moderator)
11:35AM- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission: Past and Present
Since the election of Donald Trump, four new commissioners have been appointed to FERC. How, if at all, has FERC policy changed with the new commissioners? This session will include a moderated discussion with at least one current and one past commissioner. Topics will include grid regionalization efforts, FERC’s orders related to demand response and storage, the fate of coal and nuclear power, FERC’s relationship with Bonneville Power Administration, and whether FERC expects to play an increased role in western energy markets. Speakers: Elizabeth Salerno, Economic Advisor for Commissioner Glick at Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), former FERC Commissioner Suedeen Kelly; Nidhi Thakar, Chief of Strategy and External Affairs for CPUC President Picker (moderator)
12:45PM - Lunchtime presentation from Oregon Governor Kate Brown and Chris Brown, President, Vestas America
1:30PM- Local 100% Renewable Commitments: Realizing the Ambition
Cities account for nearly 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and they could play an essential role in counteracting federal administration efforts to rollback Obama Administration climate change rules. The City of Portland and Multnomah County were pioneers in local climate action planning, and they broke new ground when they committed to obtaining 100% of their energy from renewable resources by 2050. Recently, Portland was selected as one of 20 cities to participate in Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Climate Challenge. This panel will explore the opportunities and challenges associated with local climate action and 100% renewable energy targets. It will begin with an assessment of local climate action thus far and potential ways to accelerate progress. A moderated discussion will follow with local experts and government officials regarding future actions and how to identify and overcome potential barriers. Speakers: Mike Steinhoff, ICLEI USA (presentation), Ryan Cook, Cadmus Group (presentation), Deborah Kafoury, Multnomah Co Chair, Jo Ann Hardesty, Portland City Council, Amelia Schlusser, Green Energy Institute (moderator)
2:50PM- Technical Advances, Market Dynamics, and the Policy Framework
Technological and market breakthroughs in the clean energy sector have exceeded expectations by leaps and bounds. Wind and solar have reached grid parity with fossil resources, and storage technologies have become efficient and affordable in record time. Electric vehicles, smart meters, and other components of a zero-carbon energy system are also poised for rapid deployment. But the policy framework has not kept pace. This session will highlight the technical progress and explore, through a moderated discussion, how policy can and should change to enable clean energy technologies to break through while maintaining an equitable and affordable energy system. Speakers: Tom Starrs, Vice President, Market Strategy and Policy, SunPower (presentation and moderator); Elliot Mainzer, Administrator, Bonneville Power Administration; Manal Yamout, Senior Vice President of Policy, Advanced Microgrid Solutions; Macdara Nash, Head of Commercial Development, National Grid; Anna Chittum, Business Development Segment Manager, NW Natural
