July 13, 2020 (IEEFA U.S.) ‒ The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) will hold its annual conference online July 14-30, in response to travel and other restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic.
A popular convening with speakers from every continent, the conference will feature a wide cross-section of legal, policy, industry and finance experts and activists. Usually held in New York City, it will instead take place in a series of one-hour online sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1:00 pm EDT. Pre-recorded presentations will be followed by moderated live Q&A sessions with speakers and conference attendees.
Registration is free and open to the public. Program details follow:
PROGRAM
Tuesday, July 14, 1 – 2 PM ET
Financial Experts’ Projections for the U.S. Electricity Mix
Investors and credit analysts are weighing the financial risks of the energy sector as the electricity mix continues to change. What are some of the biases and blind spots in evaluating this evolving landscape?
Speakers:
Jim Hempstead, Moody’s Global Project & Infrastructure Finance Group Managing Director
Julien Dumoulin-Smith, Bank of America Securities Research Analyst
Moderator:
Liz Stanton, Applied Economics Clinic Director and Senior Economist
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Wednesday, July 15, 1:00 – 2 PM ET
Accelerating the Global Capital Shift Away from Fossil Fuels
Globally significant financial institutions are increasingly limiting their exposure to fossil fuels, particularly coal. These efforts should not simply target pure-play fossil fuel companies, but also the entire supply chain on which they rely. How best to step up the pace of the energy transition across a wider range of industries?
Speakers:
Heffa Schücking, urgewald Founder and Director
Tim Buckley, IEEFA Director Energy Finance Studies Australia/South Asia
Moderator:
Justin Guay, Sunrise Project Director for Global Climate Strategy
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Thursday, July 16, 1:00 – 2 PM ET
Prospects for the Oil and Gas Industry on a Downward Spiral
The oil and gas sector continues to struggle financially. Ongoing challenges—global oversupply and a weak macro outlook—have accelerated with the global pandemic. What are the near- and long-term implications?
Speakers:
Kathy Hipple, IEEFA Financial Analyst
Mariana Fernandez, Observatorio Petrolero Sur in Argentina Economist
Moderator:
Nick Cunningham, Independent Journalist
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Tuesday, July 21, 1:00 – 2 PM ET
Coal Mine Closures: Current Issues as the Industry Rapidly Declines
Bankruptcies—and potential company liquidations—are looming for the coal sector. For communities that depend on coal, the combination of worker layoffs and revenue losses can be devastating. Further, the weak financial condition of many coal companies is making mine cleanup more challenging than ever.
Speakers:
Shannon Anderson, Powder River Basin Resource Council Staff Attorney/Organizer
Mary Cromer, Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center Deputy Director
Moderator:
Shannon Fisk, Earthjustice Managing Attorney, Coal
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Wednesday, July 22, 1:00 – 2 PM ET
Headwinds for LNG: Cooling Markets, Warming Planet
A global gas glut, weak demand growth, and rising concerns about methane leaks were deflating the global LNG boom even before COVID-19 hit—and things have just gotten worse. Will LNG rebound, or are the headwinds too strong?
Speakers:
Bruce Robertson, IEEFA Energy Finance Analyst – Gas/LNG
Clark Williams-Derry, IEEFA Energy Finance Analyst
Moderator:
Suzanne Mattei, IEEFA Energy Policy Analyst
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Thursday, July 23, 1:00 – 2 PM ET
Petrochemicals: The Final Frontier for Fossil Fuel Survival?
Petrochemical plants and projects are being promoted as a lifeline for the struggling oil and gas industry. But there are red flags in the plastics sector both in the U.S. and globally. Investors need a rethink.
Speakers:
Tom Sanzillo, IEEFA Director of Finance
Sharon Lavigne, RISE St. James Founder and President
Moderator:
Lisa Hamilton, Georgetown Climate Center Adaptation Programs Director
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Tuesday, July 28, 1:00 – 2 PM ET
Renewables Taking Market Share from Fossil Fuels
The transition to renewables is quickly gaining speed in the United States and internationally— from wind farms in Texas to utility-scale solar in India, to offshore installations in Denmark. Utility companies the world over are turning to renewables to reduce costs and demonstrate environmental stewardship.
Speakers:
Luis Reyes, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative CEO and General Manager
Dennis Wamsted, IEEFA Analyst/Editor
Moderator:
Karl Cates, IEEFA Transition Policy Analyst
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Wednesday, July 29, 1:00 – 2 PM ET
Under Pressure: The Impetus for Over-Building Pipelines and How to Stop It
Legal and policy experts will explore issues related to pipeline projects, including: Opposition to the use of eminent domain, strategies to reform federal energy law, the intersection between environmental interests and property rights, economic forces and information wars as well New York’s recent decision to reject the Williams pipeline proposal.
Speakers:
David Bookbinder, Niskanen Chief Counsel
Alexandra Klass, University of Minnesota Law School Professor
Suzanne Mattei, IEEFA Energy Policy Analyst
Moderator:
Rebekah Sale, Property Rights and Pipeline Center Executive Director
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Thursday, July 30, 1:00 – 2 PM ET
Closing Keynote Address: Political Leadership on Global Climate Change, Divestment and the Energy Transition with William Peduto, Mayor of Pittsburgh
Mayor Peduto has called for increased investments in green energy and a move away from fossil fuel-based industries and projects. Despite mounting pressure from the fracking and plastics sectors, Peduto has opposed plans for creating a petrochemical hub in the region.
Following the address by Mayor Peduto, Pittsburgh’s Chief Resilience Officer Grant Ervin will join moderator Steven Carbó for a question and answer session with conference participants.
Speakers:
William Peduto, Mayor of Pittsburgh
Grant Ervin, Pittsburgh Resiliency Officer
Moderator:
Steven M. Carbó, Esq. Principal, Carbó Strategic Consulting LLC
All conference attendees, including media, must pre-register here.
Media contact
Vivienne Heston ([email protected]) tel: (914) 439-8921
About IEEFA
The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) examines issues related to energy markets, trends and policies. The Institute’s mission is to accelerate the transition to a diverse, sustainable and profitable energy economy.
