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City & State is proud to present our annual Energy Infrastructure Summit convening government leaders, industry executives, utility providers, investors, and infrastructure experts to shape the future of New York’s energy systems.
This event will address critical challenges and emerging opportunities in modernizing and expanding energy infrastructure to meet the state's climate, resilience, and economic development goals.
Join us on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
Get involved—reach out at events@cityandstateny.com to learn more.
Attend the Event
Dress Attire:
Business Casual
Parking Information:
Discounted parking is available at GGMC Parking (8 2nd PL) parking garage. Present your parking ticket at the welcome desk for discount validation
Sponsorship & Ticket Information:
For more information about sponsorships and tickets, please email Lissa Blake at lblake@cityandstateny.com
Agenda
Times are subject to change.

Rory M. Christian
Chair and CEONew York State Public Service Commission


As New York accelerates its path toward a zero-emissions future, the state’s energy infrastructure must undergo a bold transformation to meet growing demands for resilience, sustainability, and equity. This panel will explore how public and private sector leaders are rethinking the planning, investment, and implementation of energy systems to align with the state’s ambitious climate and economic goals. Panelists will share insights into key initiatives such as effect of natural gas bans, transmission expansion, grid modernization, renewable energy integration, energy storage deployment, and climate-resilient design.
As New York accelerates its path toward a zero-emissions future, the state’s energy infrastructure must undergo a bold transformation to meet growing demands for resilience, sustainability, and equity. This panel will explore how public and private sector leaders are rethinking the planning, investment, and implementation of energy systems to align with the state’s ambitious climate and economic goals. Panelists will share insights into key initiatives such as effect of natural gas bans, transmission expansion, grid modernization, renewable energy integration, energy storage deployment, and climate-resilient design.

Girish Behal (Moderator)
VP Projects & Business DevelopmentNew York Power Authority

Rich Kassel
PartnerAJW

Amanda Lefton
CommissionerNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Sally Librera
PresidentNational Grid New York

Jessica Waldorf
Chief of Staff and Director of Policy ImplementationDepartment of Public Service

TANY
TBDTANY

ConEd
TBDConEd


As New York leads the charge toward a clean energy future, the transition is not only transforming how the state generates and delivers power — it’s reshaping its economy, workforce, and communities. This panel will explore the far-reaching impacts of New York’s energy agenda on job creation, workforce development, and regional economic growth. The conversation will also address the importance of building an inclusive clean energy workforce, advancing just transition strategies, and aligning training programs with evolving industry needs.
As New York leads the charge toward a clean energy future, the transition is not only transforming how the state generates and delivers power — it’s reshaping its economy, workforce, and communities. This panel will explore the far-reaching impacts of New York’s energy agenda on job creation, workforce development, and regional economic growth. The conversation will also address the importance of building an inclusive clean energy workforce, advancing just transition strategies, and aligning training programs with evolving industry needs.

Liz Bowman
Vice President of Government Affairs & OutreachThe Williams Companies

Doug Lipari
DirectorNYC Mayor's Office of Talent and Workforce Development

Nick Lombardi
Senior Vice President, Project DevelopmentNineDot Energy

David Whipple
Senior Director, Industry DevelopmentEmpire State Development

Travis Proulx
Vice President for External AffairsFordham University

Kevin Hale
Director of Economic DevelopmentNYSERDA
New York is on the frontlines of the climate crisis, facing rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather events, and increasing pressure on its infrastructure and communities. At the same time, the state has committed to some of the most ambitious emissions reduction targets in the nation. This panel will explore how New York is confronting both immediate climate risks and long-term carbon reduction through integrated, forward-looking strategies. From decarbonizing the power sector and electrifying transportation to strengthening coastal protections and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, this session will highlight practical solutions, innovative policies, and community-driven approaches that protect both people and the planet.
New York is on the frontlines of the climate crisis, facing rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather events, and increasing pressure on its infrastructure and communities. At the same time, the state has committed to some of the most ambitious emissions reduction targets in the nation. This panel will explore how New York is confronting both immediate climate risks and long-term carbon reduction through integrated, forward-looking strategies. From decarbonizing the power sector and electrifying transportation to strengthening coastal protections and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, this session will highlight practical solutions, innovative policies, and community-driven approaches that protect both people and the planet.

Maureen Leddy
Director, Office of Climate ChangeNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Ryan Prime
Sustainability Practice LeaderVHB

Leslie Wolf
Executive Director of Capital Program PlanningNew York City Department of Transportation


As the impacts of climate change grow more severe, New York is pushing forward on multiple fronts to build a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. This panel will explore how local governments and energy sector leaders are working in tandem to modernize infrastructure, reduce emissions, and align planning with the state’s ambitious climate and equity goals. From community initiatives and local policy innovations to grid modernization, and renewable energy integration, panelists will highlight how strategic investments and cross-sector collaboration are shaping the future of energy and climate resilience across New York. Attendees will gain insights into the practical tools, partnerships, and policy frameworks driving this transformation—from the municipal level to the state’s largest infrastructure systems.
As the impacts of climate change grow more severe, New York is pushing forward on multiple fronts to build a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. This panel will explore how local governments and energy sector leaders are working in tandem to modernize infrastructure, reduce emissions, and align planning with the state’s ambitious climate and equity goals. From community initiatives and local policy innovations to grid modernization, and renewable energy integration, panelists will highlight how strategic investments and cross-sector collaboration are shaping the future of energy and climate resilience across New York. Attendees will gain insights into the practical tools, partnerships, and policy frameworks driving this transformation—from the municipal level to the state’s largest infrastructure systems.

Council Member Sandy Nurse
ChairCommittee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management

Gary Stephenson
Vice President of Power SupplyLong Island Power Authority

Senator Kevin Parker
ChairCommittee on Energy and Telecommunications

Robert Duffy
President and Chief Executive OfficerGreater Rochester Chamber of Commerce