As we have each year since COP26 in Glasgow, CCF was honored to bring a Republican congressional delegation to share the importance of American energy and climate leadership on an international stage. This year’s delegation, comprised of staff representingstrong congressional climate champions from the Conservative Climate Caucus and U.S. House committees, saw firsthand the role the United States can play in strengthening global energy security. We were also joined by a Republican-led delegation of bipartisan Members of Congress from the U.S. House Committee on Energy Commerce, spearheaded byRep. August Pfluger (R-TX). 

The United States is world leader in global emissions reduction, and that is the message we brought to Baku. By increasing domestic energy production and advancing American innovation, we can continue to build relationships with our allies, displace dirtier energy sources, reduce our reliance on foreign adversaries, and – importantly – continue to lower emissions around the world. 

Dive into our journey in Baku for COP29!

The CCF delegation was joined by industry leaders and international representatives to address one of the most important topics facing our world: how to meet growing global energy demand while reducing emissions. 

In a panel discussion, David Roth of Amazon, Lauren Calderwood of Orsted, and Thad Segal of Exxon Mobil discussed their efforts to diversify energy portfolios to include all-of-the-above energy resources, decarbonize transportation and logistics, and increase sustainability efforts around the world. Additionally, over two dozen leaders from across the U.S. energy sector – including CCF members Duke Energy and Nuclear Energy Institute – and allied nations – including Australia, Japan, Canada, and Romania – discussed the important role nuclear energy plays in shaping a carbon-free future at a roundtable hosted by CRES Forum. 

We visited the Port of Baku, an international sea trade port on the Caspian Sea that was the first in the region to be certified as an “Eco Port” by the European Sea Ports Organization. The Port is working to expand international trade routes by creating the 21^st Century Silk Road while strengthening sustainability efforts, promoting the use of clean fuels, and ensuring trade stability throughout the region. 

In the COP29 Green Zone, CCF hosted a panel discussion on emerging carbon capture technologies featuring Jeremy Harrell of ClearPath, Roger Martella of GE Vernova, and Dr. Mark Berry of Southern Company. The group discussed how different carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies are helping to decarbonize industries in the United States and around the world. 

CCF Chair Heather Reams moderated a panel discussion at the U.S. Center featuring a bipartisan group of Members from the official House delegation to COP29: Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Rep. John James (R-MI), and Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA). The panel highlighted how American innovation and investment in advanced nuclear technologies will continue to reduce emissions at home and around the world. Click HERE to watch the panel.

The CCF delegation enjoyed a tour of Baku, Azerbaijan, led by local tour guides who highlighted the history of the region and the importance of mitigating climate risks for preservation of their many rich historic sites. The tour included Highland Park, the Old City UNESCO World Heritage Site, Palace of Shirvanshahs, and the Maiden Tower. 

Nearly 100 guests joined us for CCF’s COP29 Reception and Signature Dinner, which featured remarks by CCF Chair Heather Reams. The event celebrated conservative climate leadership and the importance of Republican presence at COP29. Thank you to all of the CCF members and international partners who joined us.