SOUTHEAST & GULF REGIONAL SNAPSHOT

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER

Offshore energy remains an important resource for the Gulf Coast as the Department of the Interior continues leasing activity in the Gulf of America. With the latest lease sale completed, attention is turning to the next Five-Year Program and opportunities to expand access to offshore resources that can help meet future energy demand and strengthen U.S. energy security.

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation sold a 49% interest in the Florida Energy Pathway to NextEra Energy Resources. The natural gas transmission project is expected to add energy supply, reduce regional constraints, and improve reliability as South Florida’s energy needs increase.

Across the Southeast, policymakers and energy leaders continue to focus on meeting increasing electricity demand while protecting affordability and reliability for consumers. In Georgia, for example, major new investment and rising electricity needs are driving discussions about how the state can expand energy infrastructure without shifting additional costs onto residential customers and small businesses.

Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Utah were named among the finalists for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses program, creating opportunities for new energy development and long-term investment.

CEA’s EVP of State Affairs Kevin Doyle spoke at the Augusta-Aiken Southeast Energy Summit in September, highlighting the importance of energy security and policies that support affordable, reliable energy across the region.

CEA Vice President of State and Federal Affairs Maddie Milam and Manager Adah Marvin attended the Southern States Energy Board’s 66th Annual Meeting, which brought together governors, legislators, regulators, industry leaders, researchers, and federal partners to discuss the region’s energy future. The meeting also included a tour of CEA member Chevron’s Pascagoula Refinery.

CEA will participate in the Associated Industries of Florida Fall Political & Policy Forum in Orlando, where discussions will include the importance of an all-of-the-above energy approach for Florida consumers.

CEA member and Associated Industries of Florida President & CEO Brewster Bevis highlighted the importance of Gulf energy access and its role in strengthening Florida’s competitive position in a Tallahassee Democrat op-ed.

CEA’s Kevin Doyle wrote in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution about how Georgia can welcome major new investment while ensuring rising electricity demand does not shift costs onto residential customers and small businesses.