Ep273: Post-Election Outlook for Renewables and Other Parts of the Energy Transition
Nov 15, 2024
auto_awesome
Michael Catanzaro, CEO of CGCN Group and former energy policy aide to Trump, joins David Kautter, RSM's federal tax leader, and Joe Mikrut of Capitol Tax Partners. They discuss the implications of recent elections on renewable energy policies. Key topics include the future of the Inflation Reduction Act, potential risks for tax credits like the PTC and ITC, and how shifts in corporate tax rates could affect renewable energy investments. The conversation also covers evolving energy security strategies and the role of regulations in shaping the energy landscape.
The election outcomes significantly impact renewable energy policies, particularly the complexity surrounding the Inflation Reduction Act and its potential modifications.
Congress faces a critical moment regarding funding and permitting reforms for energy projects, compounded by the looming risks of a government shutdown.
The new administration's anticipated executive orders may reshape environmental regulations and energy policies, affecting the regulatory landscape for developers.
Deep dives
Impact of Election Results on Renewable Energy Policies
The recent election outcomes have significant implications for the renewable energy sector, particularly regarding the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Panelists noted that while some Republican leaders express a desire to modify rather than eliminate the IRA, the complexity of current energy projects and credits complicates this stance. Support for key credits, like those for carbon capture and renewable technologies, remains strong among Republicans, especially in areas where these industries are growing. However, potential reductions and adjustments to eligibility and scope of existing tax incentives could be forthcoming as part of budget reconciliation efforts.
Challenges Ahead for Government Funding and Permitting Reform
As Congress reconvenes, the urgency surrounding government funding and permitting reform for energy projects is palpable, particularly in the face of the looming risk of a government shutdown. Republican leadership may push for a continuing resolution to delay significant funding decisions until they can secure a more favorable stance under their control. The potential for revisiting the Manchin-Barrasso permitting reform initiative is also under discussion, although there are concerns about the feasibility of passing such measures. This highlights the intricate balancing act facing lawmakers who want to expedite energy projects while managing party dynamics.
Future of Tax Extenders and Provisions
Prospects for tax under the new administration represent a mixed bag, with some extenders potentially making it through the lame duck session, while others face uncertainty. The extension of certain tax cuts associated with the Trump-era reforms, such as interest deductibility and bonus depreciation, remains controversial. There is optimism among panelists that disaster relief provisions and other targeted tax measures will move forward, while broader negotiations over tax cuts could complicate the landscape. Crucially, consensus on urgent tax provisions will be challenged by the need for funding offsets and the depth of existing fiscal commitments.
Anticipated Executive Actions in New Administration
The incoming administration is expected to issue several executive orders upon taking office, many of which could target existing environmental regulations and energy policies established under the previous administration. The model for these actions may draw from earlier approaches that sought to lift regulatory burdens on energy production, though the execution and implementation of these orders will take time. The administration will likely focus on areas where it can swiftly enact changes without extensive legislative backing, such as revisiting rules related to offshore wind and carbon sequestration efforts. If effectively implemented, these actions could reshape the regulatory landscape for energy development in significant ways.
Long-Term Implications for Renewable Energy Projects
Developers of renewable energy projects face a critical period as the new administration navigates its approach to current and future tax credits and regulations. With potential modifications to conditions under which tax credits are granted, developers are encouraged to begin construction promptly to secure existing benefits. However, uncertainty looms regarding how future legislative changes, particularly around phase-out rules for renewable energy credits, will affect their plans. Therefore, establishing firm financial commitments and project timelines will be essential for developers aiming to adapt to the evolving political and regulatory environment.
Five Washington insiders discuss the election results to assess what they mean for renewable energy, carbon capture, clean hydrogen, RNG and other parts of the energy transition. The five are Michael Catanzaro, CEO, CGCN Group, Richard Glick, principal, GQ New Energy Strategies, Hannah Hawkins, principal, KPMG, David Kautter, federal specialty tax leader, RSM, and Joe Mikrut, partner, Capitol Tax Partners. The moderator is Keith Martin in Washington.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode