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Join EMA and a panel of regional policy and market experts for a timely briefing on the latest legislative developments shaping renewable energy and carbon markets across New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. From RPS program evolution to RGGI participation, this webinar will bring attendees up to speed on how Mid-Atlantic states are navigating a pivotal moment in clean energy policy — and what those changes could mean for market participants.
The discussion will span a range of pressing topics, including affordability, emerging legislation, and the evolving role of these states in regional carbon and renewable energy markets. Register today to join us.
Speakers:
Learn more about each speaker below.
This and all EMA Webinars are free for members. $99 for non-members.
Interested in becoming a member? Join here.
For questions, email info@enviromarkets.org.
Frederick D. DeSanti, Managing Director – MC2 Public Affairs LL
Mr. DeSanti began his career with PSE&G in 1972 as an engineer in the electric distribution department, and rotated to several operating positions in both electric and gas distribution throughout the state for the remainder of that decade. In 1980 he became Manager - State Governmental Affairs in Trenton, and in 1984 he was moved to commercial operations, where he headed customer service operations for the Southern New Jersey counties served by PSE&G. In1998, he was named General Manager - Corporate Issues and State Governmental Affairs, where for the past decade he worked to help formulate the public policy necessary to successfully shape the restructuring of the electric and gas industry in New Jersey.
Mr. DeSanti is a graduate of Rutgers University College of Engineering. He received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1972, and his master’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1975. In 1992 he completed the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration’s Program for Management Development in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Mr. DeSanti was elected vice president – external affairs for Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), on March 21, 2000.
In February of 2007, Mr. DeSanti retired after 36 years of service with PSE&G to become the Managing Director of MC2 Pubic Affairs L.L.C., a firm specializing in energy and public policy.
Mr. DeSanti has recently completed a six-year gubernatorial appointment to the Rutgers University Board of Governors. He now serves on the Board of Directors of Turtle and Hughes Incorporated; the Board of Trustees at Bloomfield College; the Board of the New Jersey Hemophilia Society; serves as Vice Chairman of Hudson Health Care and Hoboken University Medical Center, the Positive Impact Foundation, and the Board of New Jersey Symphony Hall. He is a former board member of the South Jersey Chamber of Commerce, the Cherry Hill Chamber of Commerce, and the Burlington County Community Action Program. In 2004, the Sons of Italy New Jersey Foundation named Mr. DeSanti Italian American of the Year. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and is a licensed professional engineer in the State of New Jersey.
John Murray, Principal Analyst, S&P Global
John Murray is a Principal Analyst within the Renewable Market team at S&P Global Commodity Insights, where he is responsible for research on North American utility-scale renewable energy markets, including policies and market outlooks. Since joining the company in 2023, John has taken on several key roles, notably leading research for North American offshore wind, as well as contributing to analysis of the region’s solar, energy storage, and wind sectors. His insights and commentary are frequently featured in prominent energy industry publications.
Ally Niphakis, Managing Director, Renewables, Xpansiv
Ally Niphakis is the Managing Director of the Renewables department at Xpansiv, where she leads the company's renewable energy credit (REC) operations and policy initiatives across multiple state markets. With over a decade of experience in the clean energy sector, Ally has been instrumental in driving program innovation and expanding market access for renewable energy participants.
In addition to her role at Xpansiv, Ally serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Chesapeake Solar and Storage Association (CHESSA), where she advocates for policies that advance solar and storage deployment across the Mid-Atlantic region. Her work bridges the technical, policy, and customer experience side of renewable energy, helping to shape a more transparent and efficient clean energy marketplace.
Justin Smith, Of Counsel, Beveridge & Diamond
Justin Smith is of counsel at Beveridge & Diamond, where his areas of expertise include energy, project development, and climate issues. Before joining Beveridge & Diamond he spent over two decades at the US Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, where he was chief of the Law and Policy Section and handled a wide range of litigation, regulatory and legislative matters. Justin has extensive litigation experience, having served as lead counsel in dozens of high-profile cases across the U.S. Supreme Court, federal appellate and district courts, and state courts. His portfolio spans constitutional law, administrative law, and cooperative federalism, as well as disputes involving climate change, pollution, and natural resources.
Jack Velasquez, Director of Environmental Markets, Marex – North America
As Director of Environmental Markets at Marex, Jack leads all North American sales, trading, and advisory efforts across Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), Carbon Allowances, and Renewable Natural Gas (RNG). With over 25 years of experience in financial services—primarily in Sales and Trading—he brings strategic insight and deep market expertise to Marex’s environmental platform.
Under Jack’s leadership, Marex was honored with Energy Risk’s 2025 Environmental Products House of the Year award, recognizing its innovation and impact in the environmental commodities space.
Jack currently serves as a board member of the Environmental Markets Association (EMA), where he has been an active member for over a decade, including five years in the chairman role. He is a passionate advocate for well-designed, tradable markets that address environmental challenges and drive meaningful climate solutions.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Beyond his professional work, Jack is deeply involved in his local community in Westchester County, NY. He serves on the Board of Trustees for Archbishop Stepinac High School, a nationally ranked institution.
