PennFuture's Energy Dialogue 2026
Growing a Sustainable Energy Economy in Pennsylvania
Thursday, June 4, 2026
The Hershey Country Club, Hershey, PA
PennFuture’s Energy Dialogue 2026: Growing a Sustainable Energy Economy in Pennsylvania is a one-day event uniting 150 state and local policymakers, energy leaders, labor representatives, environmental and community advocates, and media professionals. The event aims to change the energy narrative in Pennsylvania from outdated fossil fuel dependence to forward-thinking solutions that lower costs, create family-sustaining union jobs, and strengthen communities through renewable energy and efficiency.
Audience:
- State and local policymakers
- Media and editorial leaders
- Energy industry stakeholders
- Union and workforce representatives
- Environmental and community advocates
Description:
Pennsylvania’s energy system is under pressure. Electricity costs are rising, data centers are booming, and families are footing the bill — all while politicians cling to the tired slogan, “All of the Above Energy.” It sounds practical, but in reality, it’s a policy shield that protects fossil fuels and delays the clean energy progress our Commonwealth desperately needs. The PennFuture Energy Dialogue is our answer to that stagnation. This inaugural event will bring together leaders, experts, and advocates to chart a new course — one that’s reliable, affordable, and clean. Together, we’ll define what Pennsylvania’s energy future should look like and how we can once again become not just an energy powerhouse, but a manufacturing hub that uplifts every community.
Keynote Speaker:
David Roberts
writer and owner of Volts.wtf podcast and newsletter
David Roberts is a leading journalist and commentator on electrification, renewable energy, climate politics, and clean technology innovation. He is the founder and host of the influential Volts podcast/newsletter, where he interviews policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and advocates who are shaping the energy transition. Roberts also serves as editor-at-large for Canary Media, a nonprofit newsroom covering the transition to clean energy and solutions to the climate crisis.
Prior to founding Volts, he was a staff writer for Vox, a news and culture publication from 2015 to 2020. He also wrote for Grist, a publication focused on environmental news.
Rollout of The PennFuture Playbook: Building Our Energy Future
The Energy Dialogue will spotlight PennFuture’s new report spearheaded by PennFuture’s Policy Manager for Sustainable Economics, Donna Kohut, which will lay out the vision for a Commonwealth fueled by clean energy and an economy strengthened with sustainable business. We can strengthen the state's economy and protect our community health, and Powering Pennsylvania provides a roadmap for how to achieve a cleaner, more prosperous future for all.