The 9th annual National Clean Energy Week featured a discussion about what’s on the horizon when it comes to energy policy.  

Moderated by Marty Hall, senior policy fellow at CRES Forum, the panel featured perspectives from an array of industry leaders, including Beth Viola of Holland and Knight, Joe Britton, president of Pioneer Public Affairs and Kelly Donelly with Lot16.  

Marty opened the panel by asking them for brief introductions and to talk a little bit about what they’re currently working on. 

Beth let folks know she chairs Holland and Knight’s Energy and Natural Resources industry group.  

Kelly Donnelly with Lot 16, explained her role as EVP and General Counsel, and prior positions in the Senate, including Environment and Public Works and Energy and Natural Resources Committees, chief counsel for then-Chairman Lisa Murkowski. 

Joe explained that similar to Kelly, he spent most of my adult life in the Senate. His firm, Pioneer Public Affairs, focuses on climate, clean energy work and startups. 

Changes in Energy Policy and Their Impacts 

After some brief introductions, Marty opened the panel by asking how Joe talked about changes in energy, the challenges we’re facing, and how it’s impacting policy priorities. 

Joe dived right in and explained how three decades of flat growth are now replaced with unprecedented demand growth. This includes 80% of new demand from data centers, 10% EVs and 10% advanced manufacturing. He notes that only some projects are dispatchable; gas turbines, nuclear, and coal have limited availability. He named concerns with permitting delays, the Department of Justice being unwilling to defend permits and uncertainty in grants and loans. 

However, he stated that despite challenges, demand exists and must be met. 

Another Reconciliation Bill? 

The next topic posed to the panelists dove into the possibility of another reconciliation bill and their thoughts on the issue. 

Viola stated she thought it’s unlikely to see a reconciliation bill in 2025, but it could be possible first half of next year depending on IIJA (Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act) expiration and macroeconomic shocks. Clean energy tax incentives could be targeted for offsets in future legislation. Overall, there are more risks than opportunities. 

She also noted clients prioritize certainty, clarity and cash—another reconciliation bill would increase challenges for clients.  

Energy and Climate Conversation Changes 

Viola turned the conversation to Marty and asked how he saw the conservation changing around energy and climate.  

Marty said each new administration changes optimism and pessimism among stakeholders. And, there is a shift from focusing on money and resources to removing obstacles (permitting, regulatory reform). Urgency is now on enabling energy deployment rather than just spending. 

They both agreed: Opportunity exists to get permitting reform done and actually build infrastructure. The United States should focus is on removing obstacles, aligning with American manufacturing, AI, domestic resources and growing energy demand. 

Permitting Reform Status 

Next, the participants took on permitting reform and its status in Congress.  

Kelly Donnelly chimed in saying it’s been “permitting week” every week in Washington, but that reconciliation cannot currently be used for permitting reform due to the Byrd Rule and its budgetary nexus. 

She stated the “House is slow” and because of so many committees involved, the process will be time consuming. 

Marty noted past modest changes via transportation bills and then shifts in discussion to Joe for the Democratic perspective. 

Joe explained that permitting is a serious issue. He stated it takes 17–18 years to complete transmission lines; but, he also thinks Democrats understand the urgency and there is a rush for critical minerals given their growing consensus on safe extraction. 

He put the impetus on the White House to give a clear signal to Congress.  

Judicial Review & Republican Priorities 

Finally, each panelist gave their thoughts on ongoing Republican priorities. 

Joe stated that permitting reform could ride on Defense Authorization bills or similar.
Political and administrative support is crucial and rate increases and pricing may drive urgency. 

Marty brought affordability and sensitivity to price increases into the picture and Kelly Donnelly
reminded the audience how difficult legislating is with midterms ahead and that reconciliation complicates timing.