Thank you for joining us for the second session in our ongoing webinar series on the evolving energy landscape under the new administration. This discussion centered on the shifting regulatory and policy environment, areas of destabilization and risk, and opportunities for stabilization and strategic alignment. Below, we summarize the key takeaways and potential implications for your business and the broader energy sector. This webinar was not recorded, but you can view the first session, linked below.

Key Executive Actions & Policy Shifts

The new administration has acted swiftly in reshaping the federal energy landscape. Key executive orders include:

• Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord and other UN climate agreements.
• Pause on IRA and IIJA funding—a move that has led to legal challenges and uncertainty in ongoing projects.
• National Energy Emergency Declaration, expediting firm power and energy infrastructure projects.
• Halt on Offshore Wind Leasing, pausing federal permitting and loans for renewable projects.
• Prioritization of Traditional Energy Development, with a focus on fossil fuel production, particularly in Alaska.

Additionally, several executive orders from the previous administration that supported climate action, equity, and federal investment in clean energy have been rescinded.

Areas of Destabilization

The shifts in federal policy have introduced significant uncertainty in several key areas:

• Federal Funding & Clean Energy Markets
  • Freeze on IRA and IIJA funding, affecting state energy offices, grassroots organizations, and renewable energy projects.
  • Potential repeal of renewable energy tax credits and federal incentives.
  • Stop-work orders on established programs such as ENERGY STAR.
• Regulatory Fragmentation & Business Risks
  • Transition toward state-led energy policies, requiring businesses to navigate a more complex and fragmented regulatory landscape.
  • Increased investment risk for long-term energy infrastructure projects.
• Grid Resilience & National Security
  • Federal withdrawal from climate data and emergency planning could impact utilities’ ability to prepare for extreme weather events.
  • Changes to federal agencies may weaken cybersecurity protections for energy infrastructure.
• Customer Affordability & Social Impacts
  • Defunding of social safety nets (e.g., Medicaid, Social Security) could strain affordability programs for vulnerable energy consumers.
  • Potential rollbacks in policies aimed at energy equity and environmental justice.

Areas of Stability & Opportunity

Despite the challenges, several areas remain relatively stable and present opportunities for strategic adaptation:

• Energy Efficiency
  • Historically bipartisan and likely to remain a core strategy for cost-effective energy management.
  • Likely shift from regulatory mandates to market-driven solutions and incentives.
• Diversified Funding Portfolios
  • A move toward private-sector financing, regional partnerships, and alternative funding mechanisms to sustain clean energy investments.
  • Potential for growth in public-private initiatives supporting both clean and traditional energy projects.
• Critical Infrastructure Investments
  • Enhanced focus on cybersecurity and grid resilience as part of national security efforts.
  • Increased investment in physical protection and modernization of energy infrastructure.
• State & Regional Coordination
  • States, particularly those with progressive energy policies (e.g., California, New York), are taking the lead in maintaining momentum for clean energy.
  • Growing regional collaboration and multi-state initiatives to provide regulatory consistency and protect market stability.
• Strategic Partnerships & Communication
  • Strengthening alliances among utilities, private-sector innovators, and regional coalitions.
  • Proactive communication and advocacy efforts will be essential to navigating policy changes and securing funding.

Next Steps & Recommendations

Given the evolving landscape, we recommend that stakeholders:

• Monitor Federal & State Policy Shifts—Engage in regular policy tracking and scenario planning to anticipate changes.
• Strengthen Regional & Private-Sector Partnerships—Communicate and collaborate with other utilities, state agencies, and private investors to build financial and operational resilience.
• Invest in Infrastructure Resilience—Prioritize cybersecurity and grid modernization projects that align with federal security initiatives.
• Diversify Funding & Advocacy Strategies—Explore alternative financing mechanisms and actively participate in industry associations to shape policy discussions.

We will continue to monitor these developments and provide updates. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to discuss how these insights apply specifically to your business.

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Watch Our February Webinar

Did you miss our discussion with Van Ness Feldman? Here’s a quick recap of the key takeaways from our discussion with their legal experts regarding recent executive orders and energy policy shifts.

The new administration has issued a record number of executive actions, prioritizing deregulation, domestic energy production, and shifting away from climate-driven policies. Key executive orders include:

• Rolling back environmental regulations
• Freezing Federal clean energy funding
• Accelerating fossil fuel projects
• Restricting wind energy.

These actions have led to legal challenges and uncertainty in the energy sector, with potential impacts on utilities, permitting, and state-federal conflicts. Industry stakeholders must adapt messaging, engage with policymakers, and stay informed as policies continue to evolve.

A special thank you to our panelists from Van Ness Feldman—Shelley Fidler, Joseph Nelson, and Lucas Agnew—for sharing their expertise and insights.