The annual Rethink Methane Symposium will bring the bioenergy, solar, wind, hydrogen, fuel cell, and natural gas industries together for an important conversation on the role renewable gas can play in helping California achieve its air quality and climate objectives, sustainably manage its organic waste, and responsibly accelerate market development for renewable power. Policymakers can gain a better understanding of their role by participating in the event and expert-led panel discussions.
Panel: RNG Regulation, Policy & Programs – What’s on Deck for the 2019 Legislative Year?
California policymakers have passed groundbreaking legislation that bolsters RNG as a means to achieve the state’s methane emission reduction goals.
In recent years, California policymakers have passed groundbreaking legislation that, among other progressive policies, bolsters the production and use of renewable natural gas (RNG) as a means to achieve the state’s methane emission reduction goals and decarbonize the natural gas pipeline system. During this Rethink Methane panel, leaders from the utility sector and the legislature will share insight into major renewable gas issues that may be addressed in 2019, including:
- Whether an RNG procurement requirement for gas utilities will be developed (SB 1440)
- Strategies the CPUC can use to mitigate pipeline interconnection costs (AB 3187)
- Pathways to encourage the development of RNG production facilities to support California’s fast-approaching organic waste diversion and methane reduction mandates (AB 1826)
Speakers include:
- Moderator: Jena Price, Legislative Affairs Manager, California League of Conservation Voters
- Cliff Rechtschaffen, Commissioner, CPUC
- Kip Lipper, Chief Policy Advisor on Energy and Environment, Office of Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins
- Tim Carmichael, State Agency Relations Manager, Sempra Energy Utilities
- Sam Wade, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Coalition of Renewable Natural Gas
Panel: Beyond Transportation – How to Incentivize RNG for Residential and Business Customers
It is important to find ways to encourage the use of renewable gas in businesses and homes.
Much of the discussion about renewable gases, particularly methane and hydrogen, has been focused on using these clean, low carbon fuels in transportation. It is equally important, however, to find ways to encourage the use of renewable gas in businesses and homes. This panel will:
- Review the important role that utility procurement programs can play in expanding the market for renewable gas
- Explore the need for certification and tracking protocols/entities to support residential and commercial market development
- Offer insight from experts with substantial experience in developing the programs, policies, and tariffs that provide the foundation for an emerging renewable thermal decarbonization option
Speakers include:
- Moderator: Tanya Peacock, Public Policy & Planning Manager, Southern California Gas Company
- Ken Nelson, President, Blue Delta
- Nick Mark, Manager, Conservation & Renewable Energy Policy, CenterPoint Energy
- Rachael Terada, Director, Technical Projects, Center for Resource Solutions
Panel: Strategies to Encourage Private Investment in RNG Projects
One of the largest barriers to the development of a successful renewable gas production project is often the inability to secure affordable financing.
Investment firms that have limited experience with renewable energy projects can be uncomfortable with the uncertainty of future revenue streams and surrounding future credit values. As a result, developers continue to face challenges accessing capital, either equity or debt. This Rethink Methane panel will spotlight:
- Strategies developers can use to overcome these financing barriers
- Current efforts to monetize future revenue streams
- How policymakers can bolster California’s prosperous renewable gas industry
Speakers include:
- Moderator: Mittel Monani, Senior Trader – Emissions, Direct Energy
- Aaron Ratner, Managing Director, Ultra Capital
- Mary Solecki, Partner, AJW
Panel: Latest Moo-vement on Dairy Digester Development
Learn why California’s dairy digester grants rank among the most effective of the state’s climate action programs.
Discover why California’s dairy digester should continue to receive significant funding. Plus, get an update on efforts to operationalize the pilot incentive program spearheaded by the Dairy GHG Reduction Working Group.
Speakers include:
- Moderator: Michael Boccadoro, President, West Coast Advisors
- Floyd Vergara, Chief of Industrial Strategies Division, California Air Resources Board
- Sheraz Gill, Deputy Executive Officer, San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District
Rethink Methane will take place in Sacramento, California from February 26-27, 2019. For more information, visit the event website.
