EMA's 29th Annual Meeting
Agenda
Mon, Sept. 29, 2025
5:00pm - 7:30 p.m. Registration Desk Check-In | Foyer, Level 2
6:00pm - 7:30 p.m. Welcome Reception | Grand Ballroom Foyer, Level 2
Tues, Sept. 30, 2025
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Registration & Check In | Foyer, Level 2
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Networking Breakfast | Skyline Suites, West Tower, Level 2
9:00 - 9:10 a.m. Opening Remarks | Grand Ballroom, West Tower, Level 2
- Jack Velasquez, Director of Environmental Markets, Marex Spectron
9:10 - 9:40 a.m. Opening Keynote Address: Third Rails and the Green Agenda | Grand Ballroom, West Tower, Level 2
Many of the challenging issues facing power systems today stem from policy-driven changes under the Green Agenda umbrella. The policy foundations underlying these initiatives range from murky to misguided, with implications that will reverberate far into the future. Despite repeated delays while climate problems intensify, governments continue making aspirational promises they cannot and will not keep. Current approaches focus on the wrong solutions while increasing mitigation costs, creating a dangerous gap between rhetoric and reality that threatens to trigger a policy backlash against the assumed universal participation essential for effective climate action.
Serious climate policy requires carbon pricing that incorporates the true Social Cost of Carbon, coupled with strategic innovation support focused on Research, Development, and Demonstration phases rather than premature deployment of immature technologies. Since adaptation to climate impacts is now unavoidable, we must also develop comprehensive research programs and policy frameworks for geoengineering technologies—not as preferred solutions, but as necessary contingencies should they be needed. This keynote examines these uncomfortable truths about green energy policy and offers a framework for more effective, politically sustainable approaches to climate action in the power sector.
- William W. Hogan, Raymond Plank Professor of Global Energy Policy (Emeritus), John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
9:40 - 10:20 a.m. Panel Discussion: Legislative Update - PJM and Market Impacts for Compliance RECs | Grand Ballroom, West Tower, Level 2
Navigate the evolving regulatory landscape affecting compliance renewable energy certificates RECs in the PJM region. This expert panel examines recent legislative and regulatory developments and their cascading effects on REC markets, pricing dynamics, and compliance strategies. Our panelists will decode complex policy changes and provide actionable insights for energy managers, compliance officers, and procurement professionals operating in PJM territories. Gain clarity on how these shifts impact your organization's renewable energy strategy and compliance obligations.
Key Discussion Points:
- Recent legislative changes affecting PJM compliance REC markets and pricing mechanisms
- State-level policy impacts on multi-state compliance strategies and procurement decisions
- Market volatility drivers and risk management approaches for compliance portfolios
- Future regulatory trends and their potential implications for long-term contracting strategies
Speakers:
- Moderator: Jack Velasquez, Director of Environmental Markets, Marex Spectron
- Andrew Kinross, Director, Power Advisory
- Shane Mulqueen, Mid-Marketing & Environmental Commodities Manager, REV Renewables
- Gates Sanford, Head of Trading, 3Degrees
10:20 -10:50 a.m. Networking Break: Sponsored by Tradition Energy | Grand Ballroom Foyer, West Tower, Level 2
10:50 - 11:30 a.m. Panel Discussion: Federal Climate Policy in Flux: Decoding the New Regulatory Reality | Grand Ballroom, West tower, Level 2
Join our expert panel for a critical analysis of the rapidly evolving federal environmental policy landscape. Following recent executive orders and the signing of the Big Beautiful Bill that have reshaped climate priorities, this session will examine the legislative and regulatory ripple effects across Washington. Whether you're tracking regulatory risk, planning corporate strategy, or simply trying to understand where federal climate policy is headed, this discussion will provide the insights you need to navigate an uncertain policy environment.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Frank Maisano, Founding Partner, Policy Resolution Group, Bracewell
- Susan Lafferty, Energy and Environmental Attorney, Holland & Knight LLP
- Caitlin Marquis, Managing Director, Advanced Energy United
- Jonathan Schrag, Deputy Chief of Climate and Director of Investment for Decarbonization and Resilience, Office of Governor Maura T. Healey Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Office of Governor Maura T. Healey Commonwealth of Massachusetts
(5 min break)
11:35 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Panel Discussion: Rewiring the Playbook for the Corporate Voluntary REC Market | Grand Ballroom, West Tower, Level 2
The market for corporate voluntary RECs has scaled substantially over the past several years. Over the coming years, the market will evolve to be more impactful and complex, with both buyer preferences and accounting changes requiring RECs with more specific attributes around technology, geography and temporality. It will also face new challenges, from tighter supply, stricter accounting requirements and federal policy headwinds.
This powerhouse panel brings together industry leaders to decode how the old playbook for REC procurement is being rewritten in real-time.
The panel will specifically discuss:
- State of Play: Current trends in the corporate voluntary REC market
- Quality Play: Evolving demand for premium RECs with strict additionality, temporal matching, and locational requirements
- Policy Power Play: How the new policy and program landscape is reshaping market dynamics and corporate strategies
- Upset Play: Supply constraints, pricing volatility, and regulatory shocks creating headwinds for the voluntary market
Speakers:
- Moderator: Russell Dyk, ACT USA, Head of Sales
- Benjamin Gerber, President & CEO, CleanCounts
- Stephen McComb, Managing Director, IncubEx
- Jeff Seidel, Sr. Director Environmental Trading, Vistra Energy
12:15 - 1:15 p.m. Networking Lunch: Sponsored by IncubEx & Nodal Exchange | Skyline Suites, West Tower, Level 2
1:15 - 1:50 p.m. Panel Discussion: Coast to Coast 1 - Clean Credits, Dirty Politics: Federal vs. RGGI Markets on the East Coast | Grand Ballroom, West Tower, Level 2
The East Coast's trailblazing cap-and-trade program faces its biggest test yet. As federal policy shifts threaten to reshape the carbon pricing landscape, industry veterans will dissect RGGI's resilience and reveal what's next for America's most established carbon market.
Get the inside track on market volatility, regulatory curveballs, and the high-stakes dance between state ambition and federal reality. Essential intelligence for anyone trading, complying, or competing in the Northeast's multi-billion-dollar carbon economy.
What's at stake and what we'll discuss:
- Market Pulse: Live analysis of RGGI price swings and federal policy shockwaves
- Regulatory Warfare: How new rules are reshaping East Coast trading strategies overnight
- Federal vs. State Showdown: When Washington and state capitals collide on climate policy
- Survival Tactics: Banking and compliance playbooks for multi-jurisdiction operators
- Crystal Ball: Will RGGI expand, federal programs emerge, or both implode?
Speakers:
- Moderator: Reid Zafrin, Head of Renewable Credits, Traxys North America LLC
- Justin Johnson, Partner, MMR, LLC
- David Lademan, Global Team Lead, S&P Global
- Dan McGraw
1:50 - 2:25 p.m. Panel Discussion: Coast to Coast 2 - California Dreams vs. Federal Reality: The West Coast Carbon Empire Strikes Back | Grand Ballroom, West Tower, Level 2
California's cap-and-trade juggernaut isn't just setting Western carbon prices—it's rewriting the playbook for national climate policy. As federal initiatives clash with the Golden State's carbon empire, industry insiders will decode the power struggle reshaping America's carbon future.
From Silicon Valley boardrooms to Washington war rooms, discover how California's multi-billion-dollar carbon market is forcing federal policymakers to play catch-up—or fight back. Critical intelligence for anyone betting big on Western carbon markets.
Battle lines drawn for discussion:
- Market Mayhem: California carbon prices vs. federal policy chaos—who blinks first?
- Regulatory Rumble: How Sacramento's rule changes are blindsiding West Coast traders
- Empire vs. Empire: When California's carbon kingdom collides with federal ambitions
- Strategic Survival: Multi-jurisdiction playbooks for the compliance battlefield
- The Endgame: Will California link up, feds catch up, or both blow up?
Speakers:
- Moderator: Caroline Gentry, Director, Environmental Markets, Nodal Exchange
- Jennifer McIsaac, Chief Market Intelligence Officer, ClearBlue Markets
- Clayton Munnings, Chairman of the Board, Elevate Climate
- Chris Teryazos, President/PM, Aetos Capital
(5 min break)
2:30 - 3:00 p.m. Panel Discussion: Fueling New Routes: Navigating RTC, RNG, and the Renewable Fuels Landscape | Grand Ballroom, West Tower, Level 2
Bringing together industry experts to explore the evolving renewable fuels ecosystem and its critical role in decarbonizing transportation and energy sectors, panelists will examine the current market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and emerging opportunities within renewable transportation credits (RTC), renewable natural gas (RNG), and other alternative fuel pathways. The discussion will provide insights into how stakeholders are navigating compliance requirements, market volatility, and technological innovations to build sustainable fuel supply chains.
Key topics include:
- Current market trends and pricing dynamics for RTCs, RNG, and other renewable fuel credits
- Regulatory landscape updates and compliance strategies across federal and state programs
- Future outlook for alternative fuel adoption and market expansion strategies
Speakers:
- Moderator: Jack Levin, Environmental Commodities Broker, Marex
- Michael Ball, Air Daily Editor, Argus Media
- Kirsten Higgins, Vice President Renewable Natural Gas, Anew
- Sam Lehr, Executive Vice President of Policy, Molecule Group
3:00 - 3:15 p.m. Networking Break: Sponsored by Tradition Energy | Grand Ballroom Foyer, West Tower, Level 2
3:15 - 3:55 p.m. Panel Discussion: NEPOOL in Transition: Prices, Policy, and the Future of Supply | Grand Ballroom, West Tower, Level 2
Class I REC prices remain near the compliance cap, reflecting supply delays and rising costs across the region. Trading activity has thinned, raising questions about liquidity. At the same time, demand is growing while state policies face new political and economic pressures.
This panel will examine the dynamics shaping NEPOOL’s renewable markets—pricing trends, supply challenges, and policy durability—while considering the role of emerging technologies and shifting market design. With major projects encountering headwinds and new demand drivers on the horizon, the outlook for New England’s clean energy future is far from settled.
Key discussion points include:
- Current market dynamics and pricing trends in the NEPOOL REC market
- State renewable portfolio standard updates and demand impacts
- Projects on the Ropes – Delays, tariffs, and financing squeeze new supply
- Future market outlook and potential for a shift in policy for market design
Speakers:
- Moderator: George Tung, Manager, Renewables, ACT Commodities
- Bob Grace, President, Sustainable Energy Advantage
- Patrick Luckow, Director - Gas, Power & Climate Solutions, S&P Global
- Dave Mann, Manager, Environmental Markets at TFS Energy
3:55 - 4:30 p.m. Panel Discussion: Powering the Digital Route - Data Centers and Renewable Generator Partnerships | Grand Ballroom, West Tower, Level 2
Exploring the critical relationship between the rapidly expanding data center industry and clean energy generators as digital infrastructure demands soar and sustainability commitments intensify, industry experts will examine innovative partnership models, procurement strategies, and technical solutions that are reshaping how data centers secure clean energy at scale. The discussion will address both the opportunities and challenges in meeting the massive energy requirements of AI, cloud computing, and digital services while achieving ambitious carbon reduction goals.
Key discussion points include:
- Power purchase agreement structures and innovative contracting models for data center loads
- Grid integration challenges and solutions for large-scale clean energy partnerships
- Geographic considerations, regulatory challenges, and site selection strategies for co-located clean projects
- Technology trends driving data center energy efficiency and clean energy adoption
- Regulatory and policy frameworks supporting data center decarbonization initiatives
Speakers:
- Moderator: Mittal Monani, Chief Energy Transition Officer, Cascade Trading
- Brian Megali, Director Clean Energy Policy, Constellation
- Max Shapiro, Manager - Americas Markets & Accounts, DCByte
4:30 - 5:00 p.m. Fireside Chat: Gamifying Futures | Grand Ballroom, West Tower, Level 2
Steve McComb will sit down for a fireside chat with Rob Schwartz, Partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius and former General Counsel of the CFTC. They will unpack how the past year has reshaped the CFTC, the rise of event-driven exchanges, and what that means for the future of futures markets. They’ll also discuss the CFTC’s evolved stance on environmental markets after withdrawing voluntary-carbon guidance and look ahead to policy and rulemaking under chair-elect Brian Quintenz and a refreshed commission.
- Steve McComb, Managing Director, IncubEx, Inc.
- Rob Schwartz, Partner, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius
5:00 p.m. Closing Remarks | Grand Ballroom, West Tower, Level 2
- Jack Velasquez, Director of Environmental Markets, Marex Spectron
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5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Reception: Sponsored by Constellation | Skyline Suites, West Tower, Level 2
Unwind and connect with fellow attendees at this vibrant evening reception. This reception sponsored by Constellation will feature delicious bites and refreshments. Come ready to network and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere as we celebrate another successful day of the conference!
7:00 - 10:00 p.m. Exchange/Broker Dinner | Chart House, 60 Long Wharf, Boston, MA
Join us for our annual Exchange/Broker's Dinner, an exclusive networking event bringing together industry leaders and professionals for an evening of exceptional dining and valuable connections. Secure your seat by completing this form.
Weds, Oct. 1, 2025
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Networking Breakfast | Grand Ballroom Foyer, West Tower, Level 2
9:00 a.m. Welcome Back | Grand Ballroom, West Tower, Level 2
- Jack Velasquez, Director of Environmental Markets, Marex Spectron
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. EcoCharge Hour: Emerging Renewable Technologies | Grand Ballroom, West Tower, Level 2
Through three dynamic TED-style presentations, our expert speakers will deliver focused 15-minute insights on cutting-edge developments, market mechanisms, and investment trends driving renewable energy expansion beyond traditional applications.
The session concludes with an interactive Q&A, allowing attendees to engage directly with our panel of industry leaders and explore how emerging renewable innovations could impact their organizations and investment strategies.
Format:
- 9:00 - 9:15 a.m. Talk 1: Scaling with Geothermal Networks, presented by Eric Bosworth, Principal Consultant, Thermal Energy Insights
- 9:15 - 9:30 a.m. Talk 2: The Future of Nuclear, presented by Dan Kalafatas, Chairman, 3 Degrees
- 9:30 - 9:45 a.m. Talk 3: The Story Inside Power Grid Data, presented by Connor Waldoch, Head of Strategy and Founder, Grid Status
- 9:45 - 10:00 a.m. Talk 4: Offshore Wind Works - Case Studies, presented by Stephanie Francoeur, SVP, Communications & External Affairs, Oceantic Network
10:00 - 10:15 a.m. Networking Break: Sponsored by Tradition Energy | Grand Ballroom Foyer, West Tower, Level 2
10:15 - 11:00 a.m. Panel Discussion: Storing Value - Unlocking Verra-fied Carbon Abatement | Grand Ballroom, West Tower, Level 2
Verra’s groundbreaking framework for battery storage carbon credits will create new opportunities for energy storage developers, utilities, and carbon market participants to monetize grid services that enable renewable integration. Industry experts will discuss how battery storage can maximize its carbon abatement potential while providing reliability to the grid, and be awarded tradable and verified carbon credits for doing so. The conversation will address implementation strategies, measurement and verification requirements, and the commercial opportunities this new framework creates for storage project economics.
Key Topics include:
- Overview of Verra's battery storage methodology and timeline updates on GHG protocol and implications for Verra
- Carbon Arbitrage: strategic implications for compensating energy storage for carbon abatement
- Market opportunities and pricing considerations: corporate offtakes and how locational marginal emissions accounting helps consumers maximize the impact of clean energy procurements
Speakers:
- Moderator: Jacob Mansfield, CEO & Co-Founder, Tierra Climate
- Casey Kopp, Head of Asset Backed Trading, ENGIE North America
- Mike Mattera, Director of Corporate Sustainability & ESG Officer, Akamai Technologies
- Adam Reeve, SVP, Customer Experience, REsurety, Inc.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Panel Discussion: Tax Attribute Financing - Navigating the Credit Marketplace | Grand Ballroom, West Tower, Level 2
This panel will examine the evolving landscape of tax credit financing and monetization strategies in the renewable energy and clean technology sectors. Industry experts will discuss how developers, investors, and financial institutions are navigating the complexities of tax equity markets, transferable credits, and emerging financing structures under current federal incentives. The discussion will address key challenges in deal structuring, risk allocation, and market liquidity while exploring opportunities for optimizing project economics through strategic tax attribute management.
Key discussion points include:
- Current market dynamics and pricing trends for production tax credits (PTCs), investment tax credits (ITCs), and transferable credits
- Innovative financing structures and deal terms emerging in the tax equity marketplace
- Risk management strategies for developers and investors in credit monetization transactions
- Regulatory updates and compliance considerations affecting tax attribute valuation and transfers
Speakers:
- Moderator: Dan Kalafatas, Chairman, 3Degrees
- Julian Erfurth, Head of Business Development, Marex
- Trevor Salzmann, Senior Vice President, Tax Solutions, Giraffe Financial
12:00 p.m. Conference Adjourns
1:00 - 2:20 p.m. Exclusive Duck Boat Tour (max 35 people): Sponsored by Xpansiv| Boards from Museum of Science (5 min walk).
Continue networking aboard our exclusive Boston Duck Tour! Departing at 1:00 PM ET on Weds, Oct. 1, from the Museum of Science, enjoy 1 hour and 20 minutes of sightseeing and professional connections on Boston's streets and waterways. Limited to 35 attendees—the perfect intimate setting to conclude our conference with memorable conversations against Boston's stunning backdrop! Tickets are free - add yours to your registration today!
See you there!
September 29 - October 1, 2024