Climate Group 57d ago

This session focuses on the persistent gap between promising ideas and projects that actually scale. With an emphasis on state and local leadership, the conversation will examine how public officials, financial actors, and implementation partners are working to unlock the “missing middle” — the hard space between pilot and full deployment. From public finance and procurement to insurance reform, permitting, and institutional capacity, the discussion will highlight what it takes to move projects forward in real communities, under real constraints, and on timelines that matter. Themes: What state and local leaders are doing to maintain and accelerate clean energy Finance, permitting, and community trust from the delivery side Federal-to-state dynamics in 2026: loss, adaptation, and opportunity What the next generation of US leadership is focused on Speakers: Amanda Lefton, Commissioner, NYS DEC Katrina Kessler, Commissioner, Minnesota Pollution Control Ravi Bhalla, State Representative, New Jersey Brigid Shea, Commissioner, Travis County Texas Moderator: Saharnaz Mirzazad, Executive Director, ICLEI USA