Powering Through: Local Resilience in the Face of Federal Policy Whims

​Overview: As federal climate policy faces unprecedented uncertainty, state and local leaders aren't waiting on Washington. From Washington state's ambitious decarbonization goals to utility grid modernization plans, local actors are adapting their strategies in real time. This panel explores how elected officials, utilities, workforce programs, and community organizations are building resilience against both climate impacts and policy volatility.

​Why This Matters Now: The IRA's future remains uncertain, project announcements are being paused, and long-term infrastructure planning is colliding with short-term political realities. The implementation gap between climate commitments and action continues as local leaders navigate shifting political and fiscal environments.

​Discussion: We'll examine specific projects that have been accelerated, paused, or reimagined in the past 12 months. Panelists will share how they're "de-risking" their climate strategies and what conversations are happening behind closed doors about maintaining momentum despite federal uncertainty.

​Panelists 

​Akshat Rathi, Senior Reporter, Bloomberg Green 

​Marc Daudon, President, The Caspian Group

​Jameson Schwetz, Executive Director, Puget Sound Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) 

​Presented by White Star Communications and C+C.

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